Mavericks GM Nico Harrison reveals if he has contacted Luka Doncic after the trade

The Dallas Mavericks have struggled to stay in the NBA playoff race this season, facing challenges with Luka Doncic sidelined since late December due to a calf injury. In response, the team made a major move, acquiring Anthony Davis in a blockbuster trade for Doncic. Now, Mavericks general manager Nico Harrison has confirmed whether he has spoken with Luka Doncic following the trade.

“My guess is he probably doesn’t want to talk to me,” stated Nico Harrison on The News. Adding to the drama, Luka Doncic posted a screenshot on his official Instagram account showing multiple missed calls from Harrison, suggesting he deliberately avoided answering.

What stood out in the screenshot Doncic uploaded was a third call logged with ‘Big 23,’ which is presumed to be LeBron James. As the Lakers’ leader, James likely reached out to welcome Doncic to the team.

Luka Doncic seemingly did not take kindly to being blindsided by the trade, as he was neither consulted nor informed beforehand. Even Dallas Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd admitted in a press conference that he was unaware of the move. Meanwhile, Nico Harrison defended the decision, insisting that Dallas is now better positioned to compete for a championship with Anthony Davis.

Luka Doncic #77 of the Dallas Mavericks shoots the ball during the second quarter against the Boston Celtics in Game Four of the 2024 NBA Finals at American Airlines Center on June 14, 2024 in Dallas, Texas.

“But I do believe that we positioned ourselves to win now and also win in the future and that’s ultimately the goal and why we’re here. It’s one of those things where it’s my job to make the tough decisions that put our goals first and foremost,” stated Harrison on The News.

see also

Luka Doncic bids emotional farewell to Mavericks with heartfelt message

Harrison stressed that his role with the Mavericks is to make tough decisions to achieve the team’s goals. However, the move has sparked debate, as Dallas parted ways with its franchise star in pursuit of success, something many still struggle to understand.

Mavericks GM Nico Harrison explains why the team is now best positioned to win

Although the Mavericks’ trade was met with skepticism from many NBA pundits and fans, Nico Harrison insists the team is now better positioned to win. With the addition of Anthony Davis and Max Christie, he believes Dallas have strengthened its defense, giving them a better chance to compete at the highest level.

“We really feel that defense wins championships, and we think the players that we’re bringing in add to the culture, which is important to what J-Kidd and I have been building here from day one…And then obviously, when you get an all NBA player who’s also a first team All-Defensive player (Anthony Davis), we think that’s gonna help us where we need it the most, on the defensive end,” stated Nico Harrison on The News.

For Nico Harrison, Anthony Davis can not only be an excellent element offensively but also defensively as Davis is known for his versatility. His words do not seek to affirm that Doncic was a problem but that with his absence they were able to cover the defensive part that they needed so much.