Mavericks governor Patrick Dumont forced Nico Harrison to appear for round table interview amid “frustration”: Report
Over the past three months, the Dallas Mavericks have been arguably the most talked-about team in the NBA. Following their historic blockbuster trade, it appears that tensions could be rising at the top of the organization.
In February, Mavs general manager Nico Harrison executed a trade that left the entire basketball world stunned. He dealt superstar guard Luka Doncic to the LA Lakers in exchange for All-Star big man Anthony Davis.
This move shocked basketball fans and analysts for a variety of reasons. For starters, the Mavericks were fresh off reaching the NBA Finals. On top of that, Doncic is an All-NBA-level talent who is just getting ready to enter his prime. Trading away a talent of this caliber is the type of move that sets a franchise back decades.
Amid the massive backlash from this trade, Harrison seems to find himself in hot water. Recent reports suggest that high-ranking officials in the organization are displeased with how things unfolded.
Dallas Mavericks owner frustrated with Nico Harrison following Luka Doncic trade
Last week, Harrison addressed a small group of the Dallas media for the first time since trading the star guard. According to recent developments, it appears the decision to do so came from unhappy ownership.
On Monday morning, Mavericks insider Tim Cato broke down the latest regarding Harrison and the team after they failed to reach the postseason. Among the things brought up was his closed-door availability last week. Cato cited that Mavs owner Patrick Dumont pressured Harrison to address the media due to the overwhelming backlash that has ensued since the trade.
"Most notably, team and league sources say, Dumont has had frustration with Harrison not warning him — or, perhaps even more damningly, being unaware — of the fandom’s outrage following the trade. Those same sources say it had some influence over Dumont’s decision to make Harrison appear for last week’s closed media event, which Harrison did not want to,” Cato reported.
Seeing that Doncic was expected to be a pillar of the franchise for decades, similar to Dirk Nowitzki, fan unhappiness was expected following such a move. It also doesn't help that both teams trended in different directions following the league-shifting trade.
Now with the Lakers, Doncic is on the No. 3 seed in the West and looking to contend for a title alongside LeBron James. Meanwhile, the Mavericks missed the playoffs entirely after finishing in 10th place in the Western Conference.
Based on the reported frustration from ownership, it appears Harrison is under more pressure to provide results and prove he made the right decision.