Dallas Mavericks General Manager Nico Harrison has once again found himself at the center of controversy following his recent remarks about the Luka Doncic trade and his decision-making process.
During a private press conference, Harrison stated that he doesn’t mind if his decisions are unpopular among Mavericks legend Dirk Nowitzki and the team’s passionate fanbase. His comments have drawn sharp criticism and prompted a powerful response from minority owner Mark Cuban, who took to social media to defend Nowitzki’s legacy and rally support for the team.
Harrison, who has faced intense scrutiny since trading Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers, reiterated his belief that the move was in the best interest of the Mavericks.
“My obligation is to the Dallas Mavericks,” Harrison said. “It’s what’s in the best interest of the Dallas Mavericks, and that’s the most important thing. Some of those decisions are going to be unpopular, maybe to Dirk and maybe to the fans, but my obligation is to the Dallas Mavericks.”
Harrison’s comments came in response to questions about Nowitzki’s public disapproval of the trade. The Mavericks icon, who serves as a special advisor to the team, had previously expressed his disappointment with the decision, citing Doncic’s loyalty and commitment to the franchise.
Cuban, who sold his majority stake in the Mavericks but remains a minority owner, responded swiftly to Harrison’s remarks with a heartfelt message on social media.
“Dirk is the Dallas Mavericks. Then, now, and forever. No one should ever forget that,” Cuban wrote. “That statue will be here forever. Loyalty never fades away.”
Cuban went on to urge fans to support the current roster, despite their frustrations with the front office.
“Tomorrow night, 15 guys will put on a Mavericks uniform. They will do everything they can to win. For themselves, each other, and THE FANS. Our squad has busted their ass to fight through incredible adversity. They have my respect and support, and they should have everyone’s.”
Harrison’s comments and Cuban’s response have further fueled the ongoing debate surrounding the Mavericks’ direction under new ownership. Many fans have voiced their dissatisfaction with the trade and the perceived lack of loyalty to Doncic, who had expressed his willingness to sign a supermax extension with the team. Chants of “Fire Nico” have become a common occurrence at Mavericks games, reflecting the deep divide between the front office and the fanbase.
Cuban’s message, while heartfelt, has not been enough to quell the anger of many Mavericks supporters. Some fans have criticized the organization for betraying the loyalty that Doncic and Nowitzki embodied, while others have called for greater transparency and accountability from the front office.
The Mavericks face a pivotal moment as they prepare for their play-in matchup against the Sacramento Kings. With the team’s playoff hopes hanging in the balance, the spotlight remains firmly on Harrison and the decisions that have shaped the franchise’s future. As Cuban’s message emphasized, the focus now shifts to the players on the court, who will look to overcome adversity and reignite the passion of Mavericks fans.
