Dallas Mavericks general manager Nico Harrison admitted he misjudged the extent of Luka Dončić’s popularity with the team’s fanbase before executing the high-profile trade that sent the star to the Los Angeles Lakers earlier this year. The trade, which shocked many, has sparked significant backlash from Mavericks fans, with calls for Harrison to be fired in the months following the move. Despite the ongoing outrage, Harrison stands by the decision, believing it was a necessary step in building a championship-contending team in Dallas.
“I knew Luka was important to the fanbase,” Harrison said. “I just didn’t fully understand the depth of that connection.” Harrison anticipated some level of criticism after the trade but thought the initial backlash would subside as the new roster began to gel. He believed that if Anthony Davis, the marquee player acquired in the trade, had been able to play alongside teammates like Kyrie Irving, Klay Thompson, PJ Washington, and Dereck Lively II, the team would have been in a strong position to compete. Unfortunately, injuries have hindered the ability to field this dream lineup, with Davis and Irving sharing fewer than three quarters together on the court due to various setbacks.
“We really feel like we have a championship-caliber team, and if those guys had been able to play together at full strength, we would have been winning at a high level,” Harrison explained. “That success would have quieted some of the outrage, but it just hasn’t worked out that way, and so the criticism has persisted.”
As the team looks ahead, Harrison is optimistic about the future. He highlighted the upcoming NBA draft, where the Mavericks are set to pick 11th, and expressed confidence that they would secure a strong player to complement their existing roster. Although free agency could bring further changes, Harrison remains committed to the idea that the Mavs already have a team capable of contending for the championship once they get healthy.
“Really, it’s about getting healthy. We believe the team we have can compete at the highest level,” Harrison continued. “We fully expect Kyrie to be back next season once he recovers from his injury, and when that happens, we’ll be right back in the hunt for a title.”
One of Harrison’s primary justifications for the trade was his firm belief that “defense wins championships,” a sentiment he repeated during various interviews. Dončić has faced criticism for his defensive efforts, despite leading the Mavericks to the NBA Finals the previous season. In response to Harrison’s comments, Dončić described them as “sad,” indicating a clear rift between the two. Harrison, however, maintained that he had never spoken ill of Dončić and expressed a desire to move on from the controversy.
“I feel the same way Luka does,” Harrison said. “But I’ve never said anything negative about him. I’m focused on the team we have now, and I’m ready to move forward.”
The Mavericks’ decision to trade Dončić, one of the most talented players in the league, remains a contentious one. While Harrison’s confidence in the long-term vision for the team is evident, it’s clear that the path ahead will be shaped by the team’s ability to stay healthy and perform at a high level. With an eye on the future, Harrison remains steadfast in his belief that the Mavericks can once again contend for an NBA championship.
