The Dallas Mavericks’ Regret: The Trade That Could Have Been, and the Betrayal by GM Nico Harrison
In the ever-changing world of the NBA, few things are as volatile and full of potential regret as a trade. Teams often make decisions based on short-term goals, aiming to make a quick splash, strengthen their roster, or meet a perceived need. However, the Dallas Mavericks’ front office is living a particular regret that, with each passing season, continues to sting: the failed acquisition of Anthony Davis. This story is not just about a missed opportunity, but also about how the Mavericks’ GM, Nico Harrison, may have made a critical error by betraying their franchise cornerstone, Luka Dončić, in favor of a strategy that didn’t materialize.
The Build-Up: Luka Dončić’s Rise and Dallas’ Title Hopes
The Dallas Mavericks had everything they could have asked for in the summer of 2021. A budding superstar in Luka Dončić, a transcendent talent who was already being heralded as one of the league’s brightest stars, and a strong supporting cast in the form of players like Kristaps Porzingis. The Mavericks were viewed as a team on the brink of becoming legitimate contenders. All that was needed was one more superstar to pair with Luka, a player capable of lifting the Mavericks to the upper echelons of the NBA’s elite.
At this time, Anthony Davis had just delivered an NBA championship to the Los Angeles Lakers in 2020, and while there were inevitable concerns about his injury history, his immense talent and defensive prowess made him one of the best players in the league. The Lakers’ acquisition of Davis had provided them with the perfect complement to LeBron James, and together, they formed a duo that could carry the team to multiple championships.
But for Dallas, the idea of pairing Luka with a player like Davis was a tantalizing dream. Luka, a player with a unique ability to create offense from all over the floor, and Davis, a dominant two-way force who could impact the game both offensively and defensively. The combination of these two would have made the Mavericks an unstoppable force in the West. The entire NBA world was abuzz with speculation: would Dallas make a move for Davis?
The Trade Rumors: A Window of Opportunity
As the 2021-2022 season unfolded, the Lakers struggled with injuries, and the team’s overall chemistry appeared fractured. LeBron James, though still an elite player, was in the twilight years of his career, while Davis was battling his own injury woes. It was clear that the Lakers’ current roster wasn’t built for sustained success, and speculation began to grow that they could explore trading Davis to bolster their future.
For Dallas, the opportunity was clear. With Luka leading the charge, pairing him with Davis could propel the Mavericks to the top of the Western Conference. Reports began to surface that Dallas was exploring trade options for Davis, with some insiders suggesting that a deal involving Kristaps Porzingis, draft picks, and other assets could be on the table.
Yet, in a baffling series of decisions, the Mavericks’ front office, led by GM Nico Harrison, failed to pull the trigger. Despite the glaring need for a second star to help Luka, the Mavericks instead opted for a different path, keeping Porzingis and continuing to work with the existing roster.
The Betrayal: Nico Harrison’s Failure to Act
The decision by GM Nico Harrison to not pull the trigger on a trade for Davis now seems like a colossal mistake. Many within the Mavericks’ organization, as well as the fanbase, are questioning the rationale behind Harrison’s hesitation. Was it a matter of loyalty to Porzingis? Did the Mavericks’ front office overestimate the impact of their existing roster? Or was it simply poor judgment?
Whatever the reason, the decision to not go after Davis has left a bitter taste in the mouths of many. With Luka Dončić continuing to develop into one of the NBA’s brightest stars, there is no doubt that the Mavericks need help. They need another player who can take the pressure off of Luka and help shoulder the scoring load, especially in the playoffs. The acquisition of Anthony Davis would have done just that.
The notion that Davis could have complemented Luka, particularly given the Mavericks’ struggles in recent years to find that elusive second star, is a tough pill to swallow. The pairing of these two would have made the Mavericks an instant contender in the West, with the ability to compete with the likes of the Golden State Warriors, the Phoenix Suns, and, of course, the Lakers themselves.
Instead, the Mavericks chose to stand pat, keeping the status quo and betting that their existing pieces would improve. But the results have not been kind. Dallas has struggled in the postseason, unable to make significant strides in the playoffs despite Luka’s Herculean efforts.
The Fallout: Luka Dončić’s Frustration
Luka Dončić is not one to publicly express his frustration often, but there have been hints that he’s becoming increasingly disillusioned with the direction the Mavericks have taken. His immense talent deserves to be paired with a roster capable of making deep playoff runs, yet the franchise has failed to surround him with the necessary pieces.
In interviews and public statements, it’s clear that Luka wants to win, and he wants to win now. While he is undoubtedly loyal to the Mavericks, there have been increasing murmurs about his future with the team. There is always the looming fear that, if Dallas continues to fail to build a contender around him, Luka might look to the future and explore opportunities elsewhere, much like some of the league’s other superstars have done in the past.
This potential for future discontent was something that Dallas could have avoided had they pulled the trigger on a deal for Anthony Davis. By acquiring Davis, the Mavericks would have made a bold statement to Luka: we’re serious about winning now. We’re giving you the help you need to get to the promised land.
Instead, Luka has been left to carry a team that still doesn’t have the necessary pieces to compete for an NBA title. And while Harrison may have had reasons for his inaction, the reality is that his failure to make the right moves has placed Dallas in a precarious position moving forward.
The Path Ahead: Can Dallas Recover from This Mistake?
As it stands, the Mavericks are faced with a crucial crossroads. They have Luka Dončić, a generational talent, but the pressure is mounting to build a contender around him. The acquisition of Anthony Davis would have been a game-changer for Dallas, but that window has since closed. Now, the Mavericks must find a way to move forward.
GM Nico Harrison has to take a hard look at the team’s future and recognize that the window with Luka is quickly narrowing. If Dallas does not make a significant move in the near future, there is a very real possibility that Luka’s patience will run out, and the Mavericks will find themselves on the outside looking in as their superstar moves elsewhere.
There is still hope for the Mavericks, but the road to redemption will not be easy. Dallas must learn from the mistake of not pursuing Davis, and work tirelessly to put together a roster that can compete with the best in the NBA. If they don’t, the regret of this missed opportunity will haunt them for years to come.
