Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr addressed the backlash Dallas Mavericks general manager Nico Harrison received after trading Luka Doncic. The blockbuster trade, which sent Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers on February 2, sparked outrage among Mavericks fans, with some even issuing death threats toward Harrison.
Kerr, speaking after a recent game, expressed sympathy for Harrison and the emotional nature of the situation. “I have been following stuff with the fans, death threats for Nico. It’s brutal. It’s really sad,” Kerr said.
The Warriors coach acknowledged the passion of NBA fans but condemned the extreme reactions to the trade. “If you’re a Mavs fan and you’re heartbroken, that is really difficult to handle. So that’s kind of what I’m most interested in—just seeing that and seeing Nico go through stuff he shouldn’t have to go through,” he added.
Dallas shocked the league by trading Doncic, along with Maxi Kleber and Markieff Morris, to Los Angeles in exchange for Anthony Davis, Max Christie, and a 2029 first-round pick. As part of the deal, the Mavericks also sent Jalen Hood-Schifino and a 2025 second-round pick to Utah, which received another second-rounder from Dallas.
The move was widely considered one of the most significant in NBA history, as it marked the first time two reigning All-NBA players were traded for each other midseason. However, many Mavericks fans were outraged at the front office’s decision to part ways with Doncic.
Harrison defended the trade, citing the team’s need for defensive improvement. “I believe that defense wins championships,” the Mavericks GM stated after the deal. However, Doncic was reportedly blindsided by the trade and was not informed until it was finalized.
Former NBA player Chandler Parsons revealed that Doncic had purchased a $15 million house in Dallas just a week before being moved. The abrupt nature of the trade only fueled the anger of Mavericks fans, leading to the intense backlash toward Harrison.
Kerr, while refraining from commenting on the specifics of the trade itself, noted that such reactions highlight the emotional investment of fans. “This is a very emotional business, and it’s what drives the business. The fans obviously love this stuff,” he said.
Despite the controversy, the trade has had an immediate impact on both teams. Doncic, now playing alongside LeBron James, has elevated the Lakers’ championship aspirations. Meanwhile, the Mavericks, led by Davis and Kyrie Irving, have focused on reshaping their identity around defense.
Harrison has continued to defend the move, reiterating that the long-term goal is to build a title-contending team. However, the pressure remains high as Dallas navigates the post-Doncic era.
As the season progresses, both the Lakers and Mavericks will be under heavy scrutiny following one of the most shocking trades in NBA history. With emotions still running high, the focus will now shift to how each team performs in the aftermath of the deal.
