The Dallas Mavericks’ stunning trade of franchise star Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers continues to send shockwaves through the NBA, but GM Nico Harrison is standing firm. In a media session on Tuesday, Harrison reiterated his belief in the team’s new direction, emphasizing that “defense wins championships” — a mantra he used to justify swapping a 26-year-old MVP candidate for 32-year-old Anthony Davis.
“There’s no regrets on the trade,” Harrison said. “Part of my job is to do the best thing for the Mavericks… and some of the decisions I’m going to make are going to be unpopular.”
Doncic’s exit — just months after leading Dallas to the NBA Finals — sparked fan protests, viral chants to “Fire Nico!” and criticism from former Mavericks like Dirk Nowitzki and even minority owner Mark Cuban. But Harrison dismissed the backlash, pointing to past trades, such as acquiring Kyrie Irving and Daniel Gafford, that were initially doubted but eventually praised.
“Every trade I’ve made since I’ve been here has not been regarded as a good trade… but trades take a little bit of time,” Harrison argued.
Harrison’s bold move came despite the Mavericks’ recent Finals run and Doncic’s public desire to sign a supermax extension. The trade, conducted in secrecy, netted Dallas Anthony Davis, Max Christie, and a 2029 first-round pick. It has since been revealed that Doncic was not informed ahead of time — a decision made to avoid influence from the star or his agent, Bill Duffy.
“We wanted a two-way player to lead our team,” Harrison said. “That was Anthony Davis.”
The vision? A team built on defense, versatility, and depth. But the results haven’t followed — at least not yet. Dallas limped into the Play-In Tournament with a 39-43 record, hampered by injuries to Davis and Irving, who played just one game together before both were sidelined.
Doncic’s return to Dallas on April 9 was emotional — he dropped 45 points in a Lakers win, received standing ovations, and fought back tears during a tribute video. Meanwhile, fans continued chanting for Harrison’s firing throughout the night.
Despite the unrest, team CEO Rick Welts says about 75–80% of season-ticket holders have renewed, insisting the passion of the fan base can be harnessed into future support — if the Mavs win.
“We hear them,” Welts said. “And it’s on us to win back that trust.”
With Doncic lighting up Los Angeles and the Mavs in flux, the pressure on Harrison has never been higher. He says the blueprint is clear. Now, all that’s left is to prove it works.
