DALLAS — The Mavericks Double Down on Blockbuster Luka Dončić Trade
The Dallas Mavericks are standing firm in their decision to trade franchise cornerstone Luka Dončić to the Los Angeles Lakers—an explosive move that continues to ripple through the NBA and the city of Dallas.
On Tuesday morning, Mavericks General Manager Nico Harrison and CEO Rick Welts held a closed-door media session at American Airlines Center with roughly 15 to 16 reporters. Attendees included representatives from every local TV station, The Dallas Morning News, the Associated Press, and ESPN’s Tim MacMahon, who has long covered the team. No cameras or recording devices were allowed.
This was Harrison’s first public availability since the trade was finalized on February 2, and he was immediately pressed on whether, given the chance, he would make the same decision again.
“No Regrets,” Says Harrison
“There are no regrets on the trade,” Harrison stated. “Part of my job is doing what’s best for the Mavericks—not just today, but in the future. Some of those decisions won’t be popular, and I accept that. Every trade I’ve made has faced heavy scrutiny. I believe, in time, I’ll regain the trust of this community. Some of these moves are going to pay off.”
A Fan Base in Shock
When asked about the fan reaction to Dončić’s departure—a player widely beloved across the Metroplex—Harrison acknowledged the weight of that responsibility.
“My job is to put a championship-caliber team on the court. At the end of the day, we’re going to be judged by wins and losses,” he said.
Addressing Luka’s Conditioning and Work Ethic
FOX 4 also questioned Harrison about the swirling reports concerning Dončić’s conditioning and work ethic—rumors that had gained traction following the trade.
“Luka is an unbelievably talented player, and we’ve all seen what he can do even when he’s not in peak condition. That’s not the issue,” Harrison explained. “When you make a trade of this magnitude, it’s about the full picture. We analyzed everything and felt that this was the right decision for the long-term success of our team. At the end of the day, defense wins championships.”
Looking Ahead: Harrison’s Future with the Mavericks
Harrison also addressed speculation about his own long-term future with the organization.
“I’ve got three years left on my contract, and I plan to see that through,” he said. “This is our home. My family is here, my kids are finishing school here—this is where we live.”
Timing Raises Eyebrows
The decision to hold the press conference just one day before the Mavericks face the Sacramento Kings in the NBA Play-In Tournament caught many by surprise. Typically, major organizational decisions are addressed during postseason press conferences, but the team opted to address the trade now—possibly reopening emotional wounds for fans still reeling from Dončić’s departure.
Whether this gamble pays off will be determined not by press conferences, but by performance. For now, the Mavericks are making one thing clear: the course is set, and there’s no looking back.
