Since making the trade, a lot of speculation has arisen about the possible reason why Dallas Mavericks general manager Nico Harrison shipped Luka Dončić to the Los Angeles Lakers. While there have been some reports of conditioning and defense being a cause of concern, less savory opinions also exist out there.
However, with a security threat against the Mavs front office making the rounds, Harrison decided to skip the introductory press conference for Anthony Davis. Unfortunately, fans were frothing at the bits, aghast at the no-show from their GM.
Nico Harrison Might Be the Most Wanted Man in Dallas
Right after the trade, the common sentiment around the fanbase was betrayal. Dončić had embraced the city of Dallas since coming into the league in 2018, and the fans had reciprocated. A week before the trade, the Slovenian even reportedly bought a $15 million mansion in the city.
However, it was all for naught as one of the most shocking trades in NBA history saw a five-time first-team All-NBA selection (fifth-most among all active players), who led the team to two Western Conference Finals runs in three seasons, including a trip to the NBA Finals, get traded at just 25 years old.
When Harrison didn’t show up to confront the media and answer some of the burning questions on fans’ minds, though, a different word took shape: coward. Social media was ablaze with Mavs fans claiming that their general manager was scared to show face.
Nico Harrison such a coward for not being at the press conference
— Jazz 🩷 (@jazz626_) February 7, 2025
“Nico Harrison such a coward for not being at the press conference” and “Nico Harrison was too much of a coward to show up to the press conference?!?” was the tip of the iceberg for a man who has quickly become Public Enemy No. 1 in Dallas.
Nico Harrison was too much of a coward to show up to the press conference?!?
— Luka DonCliff (@JumpOff4Cliff) February 7, 2025
However, the situation might be a bit more grave. Tim MacMahon, who has been reporting the Dončić saga every step of the way, gave the latest update on Harrison and the security risks he’s currently facing.
.@espn_macmahon on tonight's Mavs game in Dallas:
"Nico Harrison has been subjected to death threats, security is going to be beefed up. There will be protests outside. Lines have been crossed" pic.twitter.com/rEyBoNIbAu
— Oh No He Didn't (@ohnohedidnt24) February 7, 2025
“This is a heartbroken fanbase and there have been some very unfortunate developments regarding that anger,” MacMahon said. “Nico Harrison has been subjected to death threats, security is going to be beefed up. There will be protests outside the arena.”
He even confirmed that Harrison wouldn’t be at his usual spot in the stands due to concerns, which the league itself had to mention during Dallas’ road victory over the Boston Celtics.
But the fanbase remained unmoved. To them, the only possible resolution to the situation was the removal of Harrison as the current general manager of the team. “No show Nico #MFFL #M77L our family has shown some serious impact #FireNicoHarrison @dallasmavs @TheDallasNation”
No show Nico 😂🙂 #MFFL #M77L our family has shown some serious impact #FireNicoHarrison @dallasmavs @TheDallasNation 😤🤞 https://t.co/idCmfH6Pqr
— G 😁 (@gdakid7) February 7, 2025
One Mavs fan was relatively considerate, explaining why Harrison’s absence was such a slight both to fans and to the decision he made. “What I don’t like about this whole thing and about Nico being completely absent is that he’s not gonna speak to the media at all probably.
“He spoke right before that weird [Cleveland Cavaliers] game with Jason Kidd. That was on the road. He should have to speak to the home media. He should have to speak to the people that are going to be there and answer their questions because fans still have more questions and fans are not settled.”
Nico Harrison was noticeably absent from the Mavs Introductory Presser today 👀
Which is fine… BUT… pic.twitter.com/lGhZwMR8HF
— Nick Angstadt (@NickVanExit) February 7, 2025
The relative silence from Harrison after making a move that drastically altered the future of the franchise for the next decade has been highly shocking. While he has given a few comments, a clear picture isn’t present for fans still wondering.
Whether it be the reason for the trade, the minuscule return package, or the non-discussion with other teams apart from the Lakers, theories continue to swirl around the organization and the fans.
Until Harrison shows up and answers those questions, the uneasiness around the franchise, which Davis had to acknowledge in the same press conference, isn’t going away.
