Nico Harrison faced selected media for the first time since his press conference following the Luka Doncic trade on Tuesday. The general manager defended his decision and also took swipes at Dirk Nowitzki.
“I serve the Dallas Mavericks and do what’s in the best interest of the franchise,” Harrison clarified. The GM had invited to a question and answer session in which only selected media representatives were allowed to participate. Another condition was that there should be no audio or video of the conversation.
Harrison once again defended the trade and emphasized that he would always act in the interests of the franchise: “That’s my main job. Some decisions may not be popular with Dirk [Nowitzki] or the fans, but I make those decisions for the Dallas Mavericks.”
In a podcast with his sister, Nowitzki expressed his lack of understanding for the trade, but also stated that he has not really been involved for two years. Officially, Nowitzki continues to act as an advisor to the franchise. However, his opinion was not sought in the Doncic trade, as Harrison also confirmed: “I can’t consult with people who aren’t there. They don’t understand what happens on this team day to day.”
The same applies to former owner Mark Cuban, who has also been critical on several occasions and is now reacting to Harrison’s statements. “Dirk is Dallas, he is the franchise. Then, now and forever. Nobody should forget that,” Cuban wrote on X. “His statue will stand here forever. Loyalty doesn’t just disappear.”
The timing of Harrison’s comments is also surprising. On Wednesday night, the Mavericks will be fighting for their last playoff chance in the play-ins against the Sacramento Kings. It is possible that the season will already be over by then and Harrison will have to face the media again in his exit interview.
