The Dallas Mavericks’ front office finds itself at a crossroads following the seismic trade that sent Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers, a move that instantly sparked fan outrage and “Fire Nico!” chants at American Airlines Center.
As the dust settles and reality sets in, general manager Nico Harrison faces mounting pressure to salvage both his reputation and the franchise’s competitive future.
ESPN analyst Kendrick Perkins didn’t mince words when discussing Harrison’s potential redemption arc.
“You know how they can make this right? Soon as the season is over, you go out and you go get Kevin Durant. That’s how you make it right. You have the pieces. You have some money to make a trade happen. That’s how you make it right if you’re Nico Harrison and the front office of the Mavs organization. Go get KD to pair alongside Kyrie [Irving] and AD (Anthony Davis),” Perkins said on “NBA Today,” via Legion Hoops.
“That’s how you make it right if you’re Nico Harrison… go get [Kevin Durant] to pair alongside Kyrie and [Anthony Davis].”
— Kendrick Perkins
(via @ESPNNBA)pic.twitter.com/V3wykzZgHm
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) April 10, 2025
The suggestion of forming a team centered around Durant, Irving and Davis certainly raises eyebrows while questions about Harrison’s job security continue to linger around the franchise.
Despite public backlash, owner Patrick Dumont has consistently supported the general manager throughout the turbulent period.
Reports suggest Dumont has confidence in Harrison even after the controversial trade.
The owner’s continued trust suggests that Harrison likely remains in solid standing.
The scenario where Dumont would approve Harrison’s controversial trade proposal only to dismiss him months later seems unlikely and counterproductive.
The Mavericks appear focused on moving forward rather than conceding to public pressure.
The more pressing concern remains building a competitive team around their current stars rather than dwelling on what might have been with Doncic.
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