In just his second media session since his controversial Luka Dončić trade, Dallas Mavericks general manager Nico Harrison referenced franchise legend Dirk Nowitzki’s discontent. Harrison’s apparent indifference left Mavericks fans fuming, with some calling for him to stay out of the public spotlight.
Dallas Fans Blast Nico Harrison for Unprompted Jab at Dirk Nowitzki
Harrison shocked the NBA world by shipping Dončić, Dallas’ franchise cornerstone, to the Los Angeles Lakers in a three-team trade on Feb. 1. The trade deadline deal netted the Mavericks superstar big man Anthony Davis, third-year wing Max Christie, and a 2029 first-round draft pick. Nevertheless, Dončić being a half-decade younger than Davis and his status as arguably a top-three player made the move difficult for many to comprehend.
Following the trade, Harrison further irked Dallas’ fan base by noting that “defense wins championships.” Meanwhile, reports emerged that the organization had concerns about Dončić’s conditioning and long-term outlook.
The injury-plagued, Dončić-less Mavericks went on to finish the 2024-25 regular season 10th in the Western Conference (39-43), well short of expectations. On Tuesday, April 15, Harrison addressed the media for just the second time since dealing the five-time All-Star, with no cameras present.
During the press conference, he reiterated that he is looking out for Dallas’ well-being. While doing so, he seemingly cited Nowitzki’s comments about Dončić’s departure being “totally unexpected” and “a tough situation” for him.
“My obligation is to the Dallas Mavericks. It’s what’s the best interest of the Dallas Mavericks, and that’s the most important thing,” Harrison said. “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.”
Nico: "My obligation is to the Dallas Mavericks, it's what's 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."
— tim cato (@tim_cato) April 15, 2025
Fans on X promptly came to Nowitzki’s defense, with several asserting that the Hall of Famer should be untouchable.
“Keep his name out your mouth @NicoHarrisonGM Dallas doesn’t want to be associated with you,” said one user.
“Dirk is practically the Patron Saint of Mavs basketball, this org is so dead to me,” wrote another fan.
Dirk is practically the Patron Saint of Mavs basketball, this org is so dead to me.
— raywin (@raywinTX) April 15, 2025
Meanwhile, others called for Harrison to stop adding insult to injury to the Mavericks’ disheartened fan base.
“As bad at Nico is at negotiating trades, hes even worse at PR,” one fan said.
“Nico should not be allowed to speak in public. These were hand picked reporters and he made it worse, again,” wrote another user.
Nico should not be allowed to speak in public. These were hand picked reporters and he made it worse, again.
— Mike Runner (@MikeRunner14) April 16, 2025
A few fans also speculated that Harrison’s remarks were part of Dallas’ ownership’s plan to alienate its fan base so it can relocate the team. “Did he take a shot a Dirk. Man, this has to be intentional, they want the divorce,” said one fan.
“You guys need to run this down, they’re fixing to move that team out of Dallas,” speculated one more fan.
You guys need to run this down, they're fixing to move that team out of Dallas
— sheerah.co (@sheerah_co) April 15, 2025
Mavericks minority owner Mark Cuban also took to X to react to Harrison’s quote, underscoring Nowitzki’s reverence in Dallas.
“Dirk is the Dallas Mavericks,” Cuban said. “Then, now and forever. No one should ever forget that.”
Dirk is the Dallas Mavericks. Then, now and forever. No one should ever forget that.
That statue will be here forever.
Loyalty never fades away.
Tomorrow night 15 guys will put on a Mavericks uniform. They will do everything they can to win. For themselves, each other… https://t.co/JKCxPEMxSh
— Mark Cuban (@mcuban) April 15, 2025
Nevertheless, Harrison appears to be focused on his own agenda as the Mavericks gear up for Wednesday’s play-in matchup against the ninth-seeded Sacramento Kings (40-42).