Dallas Mavericks general manager Nico Harrison has faced intense criticism since trading Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers in February. Despite the backlash, minority owner Mark Cuban has voiced his continued support for Harrison during a discussion on SiriusXM NBA Radio.
Cuban recounted his own controversial decision to let Steve Nash leave for the Phoenix Suns back in 2004, a move that he acknowledged led to significant criticism and disappointment among fans. Nash went on to achieve tremendous success, winning two MVP awards, which only intensified the backlash against Cuban. He highlighted that not every trade will be met with agreement from fans, underscoring the complexities involved in managing an NBA team, especially in light of the recent changes in the collective bargaining agreement (CBA).
Cuban pointed out that constructing and maintaining a competitive team has become increasingly challenging under the new CBA. He noted Oklahoma City’s strategic decisions, emphasizing the importance of locking players into contracts before projected cap increases. Harrison has similarly secured contracts for key players, leaving the team poised for potential future success.
While Cuban affirmed his confidence in Harrison’s management skills, he expressed regret over the trade of Doncic, particularly regarding the return the Mavericks received, which included Anthony Davis, Max Christie, and a future first-round pick. Despite Cuban’s belief that the team should have received more, he remains optimistic about the direction in which Harrison is leading the Mavericks, especially after recent contract extensions for Kyrie Irving and Daniel Gafford.
This uncertainty surrounding the Doncic trade and its ramifications might continue to weigh heavily on fans’ minds, but Cuban’s insights suggest that the Mavericks are actively working to build a strong foundation for future success. With a focused approach to team development, there remains hope that the Mavericks can emerge as serious contenders in the coming years.