Since the Dallas Mavericks made the astounding decision to trade Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers this February, Mavericks general manager Nico Harrison has become a figure of fury for the Dallas fanbase.
Fresh off a run to the NBA Finals, Harrison decided to send a young, franchise superstar in Doncic to the Lakers for Anthony Davis, Max Christie, and a first-round pick, a move that has angered and hurt numerous Mavericks fans that considered Doncic a beloved centerpiece of their city and team.
Even after Doncic hung up 45 points on the Mavericks as fans at the American Airlines Center chanted "fire Nico" last week, Harrison maintains that he has "no regrets" over trading Doncic.
In a private press conference on Tuesday, Harrison responded to the criticism he has received from fans over the Doncic trade—as well as several other trades he has made.
"Well, the beauty of Dallas is it is a passionate fan base," Harrison said, via Tim MacMahon of ESPN. "For us to reach our goals, we need that fan base. And to be honest with you, every trade I've made since I've been here has not been regarded as a good trade, and so sometimes it takes time. When I traded for Kyrie, it was met with a lot of skepticism and it was graded as a terrible trade and you didn't see it right away, but eventually everyone agreed that that was a great trade. When I traded for [Gafford] and [Washington] again, it was like, 'Oh, he gave up way too much. These guys aren't going to help us.' Now that trade, you saw the evidence a lot sooner. So I think a lot of times trades take a little bit of time."
Harrison believes that he will change people's minds about the trade once they start winning. He traded for Davis in large part because he thinks "defense wins championships," and that they are better suited to win after making the Doncic trade, though injuries held them back this part year.
"We believe in the move we made," Harrison said. "You obviously don't, and that's fine. You're entitled to your opinions, but we're excited. ... I think once we win, then that will change your mind."
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This article was originally published on www.si.com as Mavericks GM Nico Harrison Responds to Criticism From Fanbase Over Luka Doncic Trade.
