NBA

​Mavericks GM Nico Harrison Stands Firm on Luka Dončić Trade: ‘No Regrets’ Amid Fan Backlash

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By
Colin Lynch
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Colin Lynch Sports Editor

Colin Lynch covers the NFL, MLB and WNBA for Heavy.com, with a focus on the New England Patriots. His sports coverage has been featured on The Sports Daily and Basketball Insiders, as well as FanSided's Chowder & Champions. A New Hampshire native and former D1 baseball player at St. John's University, Colin was drafted by the San Diego Padres in 2008 and enjoyed a four-year professional baseball career.

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Published15 Apr 2025

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​Mavericks GM Nico Harrison Stands Firm on Luka Dončić Trade: 'No Regrets' Amid Fan Backlash

Dallas Mavericks GM Nico Harrison has been in hot water ever since he traded the Mavericks’ superstar to the Lakers. 

In a private roundtable discussion with Dallas media, Dallas Mavericks General Manager Nico Harrison addressed the controversial trade that sent franchise star Luka Dončić to the Los Angeles Lakers. Despite significant fan outrage and the team’s subsequent struggles, Harrison maintained his stance: “There’s no regrets on the trade,” he stated, emphasizing his commitment to the team’s long-term vision.

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A Bold Move for Defense

The trade, finalized on February 2, saw Dončić, along with Maxi Kleber and Markieff Morris, sent to the Lakers in exchange for Anthony Davis, Max Christie, and a 2029 first-round pick. Harrison cited a strategic shift towards a defense-oriented team as the primary motivation. “When you look at this trade, we targeted AD. With our philosophy of defense wins championships, we wanted a two-way player to lead our team, and that was Anthony Davis,” Harrison explained.​

Fan Discontent and Organizational Challenges

The decision was met with immediate backlash from the Mavericks’ fanbase. Chants of “Fire Nico” echoed in the American Airlines Center, and protests erupted outside the arena. The team’s performance post-trade did little to quell the unrest, as injuries to key players, including Davis and Kyrie Irving, led to a 39-43 record and a 10th-place finish in the Western Conference. Harrison acknowledged the fans’ passion, stating, “The beauty of Dallas is it is a passionate fanbase. For us to reach our goals, we need that fanbase.”​

Despite the tumultuous season, Harrison remains optimistic about the team’s future. He believes that once the roster is fully healthy, the Mavericks will showcase one of the strongest frontlines in the NBA. “Our philosophy going forward is defense wins championships, and we’re built on defense. This trade cements us for that,” he asserted.

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As the Mavericks prepare for their play-in game against the Sacramento Kings, the organization faces the challenge of rebuilding trust with its fanbase and proving the long-term value of its bold decisions.​