Anthony Davis on Dallas Mavericks fans: 'I want to give them life back'

DALLAS - The Dallas Mavericks general manager did not attend the news conference to introduce new players Anthony Davis, Max Christie and Caleb Martin on Friday.

Davis and Christie were acquired in the highly-criticized trade for Luka Dončić.

Harrison has not answered questions in Dallas since the deal that sent Luka to the Lakers.

Christie has already played in two games for the Mavericks, while Davis says he will play in Saturday's game against the Houston Rockets.

When Davis was asked about heartbroken Mavs fans he said, "I want to give them life back."

News conference updates

Timeline:

1:49 p.m.: Anthony Davis says he would tell a heartbroken Mavs that he will leave it all on the floor every night and will work to help bring a championship to the city.

1:44 p.m.: FOX 4's Sam Gannon asks about the tone that championship winners like Davis, Klay Thompson and Kyrie Irving can bring. Davis says they can help others who have not been there about what it takes.

1:43 p.m.: Davis says he first met Nico Harrison in high school at Nike camps. He says having people that he knows, like Harrison and head coach Jason Kidd, will help his transition.

1:38 p.m.: Davis talks about his new prank show which will air after the All-Star Game. "I love pranking people," he said.

1:35 p.m.: "I'm excited for the challenge," Davis says about winning over Mavs fans. 

1:28 p.m.: Davis says he "didn't believe it" when he heard about the trade. He says it finally sunk in when he was on a plane to Dallas.

1:27 p.m.: Davis says he is a "defensive-minded guy" and repeated Nico Harrison's quote that defense wins championships.

1:26 p.m.: Caleb Martin says his hip injury is progressive and that he hopes to return "quickly."

1:24 p.m.: Davis says he was "shocked" by the news of the trade, but that he can't stay in that state for long. He says he believes he can add to the defense.

1:23 p.m.: Davis says he understands how important Luka was to the Mavericks fanbase and that he is not surprised by the city's reaction. Davis says all he can control is playing winning basketball.

1:23 p.m.: Davis says he will play his first game for the Mavericks tomorrow.

1:21 p.m.: Anthony Davis says "the vibes are high" with the team.

1:20 p.m.: Caleb Martin says he thinks he belongs in Dallas.

1:17 p.m.: Mavs play-byplay announcer Mark Followill is announcing the new members of the Mavs.

Luka Dončić trade

• Dallas Mavericks receive: Anthony Davis, Max Christie, 2029 LA Lakers first-round pick
• Los Angeles Lakers receive: Luka Dončić, Maxi Kleber, Markieff Morris
• Utah Jazz receive: Jalen Hood-Schifino, 2025 LA Clippers second-round pick, 2025 Dallas Mavericks second-round pick

Davis has not played since the trade with an ab injury.

Max Christie has played in two games for the Mavericks, including Thursday night's win over the Boston Celtics.

Mavs GM Nico Harrison on Dončić Trade

This will be Nico Harrison's second news conference since the trade.

With Mavs head coach Jason Kidd by his side, Harrison opened up a news conference on Sunday by saying he understands the magnitude of the trade, but believes the trade sets up the culture he wants to see in the Mavericks.

"We've had a vision and a culture that we've wanted to create since we've been here and the players that we're bringing in we believe exemplify that," Harrison said. "We think defense wins championships, and we're bringing in one of the best two-way players in the league."

Harrison did stop short of saying that Luka did not fit the culture the Mavericks are trying to build.

Many have speculated that Dončić may have asked to be traded or told the Mavericks that he would not accept a contract extension when his current deal expires in a year and a half. Harrison said there had been no "verbal" indication that Dončić did not plan to take the extension.

Harrison also said he only spoke to the Lakers about a possible deal. 

The Mavericks GM says when he first presented the idea to Mavs Governor Patrick Dumont he laughed at him, but that he trusted Harrison to pull the trigger on the deal.

Luka Dončić reacts to trade

What they're saying:

Luka Doncic reacted to the trade at a news conference in Los Angeles earlier this week.

Dončić says he was as surprised as anyone when he found out that he had been dealt.

"I was almost asleep when I got a call. I had to check to see if it was April 1st. I didn't really believe it at first. It was a big shock," Dončić said.

The 25-year-old Slovenian superstar says that getting the news was hard on him.

"The first day was really hard. I felt like this last 48 hours was one month," he said. "Today was much better. I'm just very happy to be here for this opportunity."

When reflecting on his time in Dallas, Luka said he had amazing moments in Dallas with his teammates, coaches and fans.

"They always supported me, and it was an amazing journey," he said.

Dončić said he planned to stay in Dallas for his entire career.

"I think loyalty is a big word for me, and I was trying to stay by that," he said.

Luka was asked how he feels about the Mavericks' decision to trade him and general manager Nico Harrison.

"That's their decision, so I have no comment on that. They made a decision, I don't know why, but that's their decision. I can do nothing about that," Dončić said.

When asked if anyone in his camp had indicated to the Mavericks that he would not have been willing to sign a supermax contract, Luka shook his head.

"Absolutely not," he said.

Caleb Martin trade

The Mavericks also acquired Caleb Martin at the trade deadline.

Dallas sent Quentin Grimes and a 2025 second round pick to Philly in return for Martin.

Philly agreed to send back a 2030 second round pick as a part of the deal after Martin's physical.

The 29-year-old forward has not played since Jan. 10 with a hip sprain.

Dallas MavericksSports