Luka Doncic trade haunts Nico Harrison

Apr 24, 2025 12:57 AM

The Dallas Mavericks’ controversial decision to trade away superstar Luka Doncic has become a defining moment for general manager Nico Harrison – a move that many around the league believe could permanently tarnish his career.

Despite widespread backlash from fans and skepticism within the NBA, Harrison continues to lead the Mavericks’ front office, though the pressure on his position has grown significantly.

Chants of “Fire Nico” became a regular sound at Mavericks’ home games in the wake of the deal. However, Harrison has thus far retained the support of team governor Patrick Dumont. Still, that support may not be absolute.

According to ESPN’s Tim MacMahon, Dumont is now open to bringing in an experienced executive to work alongside Harrison, suggesting that internal changes may be on the horizon.

“I was talking to somebody who’s in an ownership group of another Western Conference team recently, and they basically said, ‘I hate to say it, but this is going to be his legacy. This trade’s his legacy. Like he’s never going to work in the NBA again,’” MacMahon said on The Right Time with Bomani Jones.

He went on to explain that many within league circles believe firing Harrison is the only way to begin repairing the fractured relationship with the Mavericks’ fan base.

“And there are people around the league who are just like, ‘You have to fire him. That’s the only way to begin the healing process with the Mavericks’ fan base,’” MacMahon added.

While Dumont isn’t yet ready to take that step, MacMahon said the tone around the organization has shifted.

“Now, the ‘In Nico We Trust’ era has ended. He wants him to bring in an experienced exec. I think he’s realized he’s got to have some checks and balances that weren’t in place,” he said.

Dumont, who is in his first full year as an NBA governor, is reportedly learning fast about the realities of running a franchise, particularly one that once had a generational talent in Doncic.

“I think this has been a very educational experience for Patrick Dumont… Also, the realization [that] in this world [the] management’s not the stars. The stars are the guys on the floor. That’s what this whole league revolves around… The superstars are the guys who drive business in this league, not the bosses.”

Perhaps the most damaging aspect of the Doncic trade is not just its basketball implications, but its business consequences.

MacMahon emphasized that the loss could be catastrophic from a financial perspective, estimating the Mavericks may lose as much as $1 billion in potential revenue.

According to him, the trade was driven in part by Harrison convincing Dumont that signing Doncic to a five-year, $345 million supermax contract would be a risky financial commitment.

“This was a disastrous business decision,” said MacMahon.

As the fallout continues, questions persist about the future of the Mavericks’ leadership – and whether the franchise can recover from one of the most consequential decisions in recent NBA history.