Here’s how Nico Harrison could mend relationship with Mavericks fans, according to this NBA champion
The damage that Dallas Mavericks general manager Nico Harrison has done with the fans may not be totally irreparable, but this is what it’ll take.
For the Dallas Mavericks fans, there may be nothing that general manager Nico Harrison can do to make up for trading away their beloved Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers, and for the frustratingly low return it’s provided, no less. After Doncic made his first return to American Airlines Center on Wednesday night and the fans made it clear where their loyalty lies, it seems like the only way the franchise might earn back their love and trust is if Harrison is fired or Luka magically appears back on the team.
Luka Dončić finishes with 45 points, 8 rebounds, 6 assists and 4 steals in his return to Dallas.
— Nick Harris (@NickHarrisFWST) April 10, 2025
After he checks out for the final time, the crowd erupts into its loudest “Fire Nico” chant of the night as GM Nico Harrison watches from the tunnel.
Lakers win 112-97. pic.twitter.com/7qgWnYqTza
But one NBA champion has a thought for how Harrison might at least start to gain their trust back that does not include either of those options.
Former NBA champ gives advice to Nico Harrison
In exchange for selling his soul to the devil, Harrison gave the Mavericks Anthony Davis (and a few measly draft picks), under the apparent belief that AD would win them a championship. We all know how that went. Technically, the Mavs are in contention, but they’ll have to make it through the Play-In Tournament, which they were locked into thanks to Luka’s new team in LA.
Former NBA player Kendrick Perkins, who won the championship with the Boston Celtics in 2008, has some advice for Harrison on how he might start to repair the damage he caused.
Luka Doncic’s Dallas return comes amidst unsettling news for Mavericks
“There’s a way for Dallas to make this right,” Perkins said on ESPN. “People feel like they didn’t get enough with Davis and that it might’ve been better to have Austin Reaves. But once the season ends, the Mavericks should go after Kevin Durant.“
"That's how you make it right if you're Nico Harrison ... go get KD to pair alongside Kyrie and AD." 😳 @espn_macmahon and @KendrickPerkins on the Mavs' future after Luka Doncic 👀 pic.twitter.com/DRXwdvhfIu
— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) April 10, 2025
On the same night that Luka made his emotional return to Dallas and stomped all over his former team to the tune of “Fire Nico” chants, the Phoenix Suns were eliminated from playoff contention. The Suns have had a difficult season and Durant has struggled to find his place in Phoenix. And the Suns may not be able to keep him around anyway due to complications with his contract.
"I don't know how I did it. Because when I was watching that video, I was like, 'There's no way I'm playing this game.'"
— ESPN (@espn) April 10, 2025
Luka Doncic after dropping 45 PTS in his emotional return to Dallas with the Lakers ❤️ pic.twitter.com/dJb1GFCT0n
Mark Cuban responds to Mavericks fans’ ‘Fire Nico’ chants
“If you’re Nico Harrison… Go get [Kevin Durant] to pair alongside [Kyrie Irving and Anthony Davis]," Perkins said.
A Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving reunion could prove intriguing enough for fans to tune back in. And if it’s successful, they might even start to trust Harrison again. Forgive? Never. But remain a loyal fan? I think that’s the best Harrison can hope for at this point.
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