Luka Doncic trade: Mavs GM Nico Harrison explains rationale behind deal
DALLAS - Dallas Mavericks general manager Nico Harrison held his first news conference since the news broke that Luka Dončić would be traded to the Los Angeles Lakers.
The trade sends Dončić, Maxi Kleber and Markieff Morris to the Los Angeles Lakers. The Mavericks will receive Anthony Davis, Max Christie and a 2029 first round pick from the Lakers.
Harrison said he believes the deal will set Dallas up to win now and in the future. To frustrated Mavs fans, he said that he believes winning will help relieve some of that frustration.
Nico Harrison on Dončić Deal
What they're saying:
With Mavs head coach Jason Kidd by his side, Nico Harrison opened up his news conference 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.
Featured
Luka Doncic traded: Reactions to blockbuster deal
Mavs legend Dirk Nowitzki, Cowboys star Micah Parsons and Mavs fan Patrick Mahomes were among those to weigh in on the Dallas Mavericks' decision to trade Luka Dončić.
"I'm the one making the decision," Harrison said. "Time will tell if I'm right."
At this time there is no timetable for when Davis and Christie will make their first appearance with the Mavericks.
Harrison did say that the abdominal injury that Davis is dealing with is believed to be minor.
Jason Kidd on Dončić Deal
What they're saying:
Dallas Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd was not consulted on the deal for Dončić. Kidd said he learned about the deal shortly before it went public, and he was "shocked."
Still, the coach says that he and Harrison are aligned on the deal.
"I've been in this league a long, long time. So I've seen a lot. I've been involved in trades by the Mavericks. It's part of the business. It is a little shocking, but we have to push forward as a team and as an organization," said Kidd.
Kidd talked to the team earlier in the day, including star Kyrie Irving.
"I think he's shocked," Kidd said of Kyrie. "He probably saw things differently.
The coach wished Doncic, Kleber and Morris luck with the Lakers.
Kidd said he had not had an opportunity to talk to Dončić, but that he did reach out to the superstar.

CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - JANUARY 27: Anthony Davis #3 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts following a play during the second half of the game against the Charlotte Hornets at Spectrum Center on January 27, 2025 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by
Kidd, who coached Davis during the Lakers' championship season in 2020, says that he fits well with players like Dereck Lively II, Daniel Gafford and PJ Washington.
The Source: Information in this article comes from the Dallas Mavericks and a news conference held by Mavs GM Nico Harrison and head coach Jason Kidd ahead of Sunday's game against the Cleveland Cavaliers.