Dallas Mavericks General Manager Nico Harrison surprised many during a media session on April 21, 2025, by admitting that he underestimated Dallas fans’ deep connection with Luka Doncic.
Nico Harrison’s comments followed the controversial February trade that sent five-time NBA All-Star Anthony Davis to the Los Angeles Lakers.
Nico Harrison on Luka Doncic:
“I did know Luka was important to the fan base. I didn’t know quite to this level.”
pic.twitter.com/eUC26Gpr09
— SleeperHoops (@Sleeper_Hoops) April 21, 2025“I knew Luka was important, but not to that level,” Harrison said, reflecting on the fan backlash. He explained the trade aimed to build a championship-calibre team with Kyrie Irving, Klay Thompson, PJ Washington, Anthony Davis, and Derek Lively. However, injuries derailed the plan: Davis was sidelined in his Mavs debut, and Irving suffered a season-ending ACL tear weeks later.
Read: Luka Doncic Pens Emotional Thank You Letter to Dallas After Trade to Lakers
The Mavericks’ record was 26-23 with Luka Dončić on the court and 13-20 without him, which led to their missing the playoffs. Frustrated fans expressed their displeasure on X, with some calling for General Manager Harrison’s dismissal.
In response to the setbacks, Harrison defended his tenure, citing injuries as a significant factor, and expressed confidence for the future, stating, “Next year, we’ll compete for a championship.”
