Dallas Mavericks Governor Patrick Dumont internally made his feelings on Nico Harrison clear as the team continues to face fan backlash over the Luka Doncic trade.
Nico Harrison remains Public Enemy No. 1 for Dallas Mavericks fans, as supporters have not forgiven him for trading Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers in February.
The good fortune that helped the Mavericks acquire Cooper Flagg in this summer’s draft lottery also saved their legacy, but fans still aren’t ready to forgive Harrison.
And any goodwill generated by the Mavericks landing the flag quickly dissipated after the team started the season 0-2.
The situation got so bad that Mavericks fans started chanting “Fire Nico!” This was the rallying cry that GM was counting on to have his support. But Harrison can take comfort in knowing the Mavericks’ key players are still behind him.
According to Mark Stein, Nico Harrison has had the support of the most important person in keeping his job: Mavericks governor Patrick Dumont.
Dumont approved a trade plan for Harrison in February, even though the Slovenian superstar led Doncic to the NBA Finals the previous season.
“Despite widespread fan disappointment following the signing of Doncic, new Mavericks owner Patrick Dumont has stood by Harrison in the face of all the controversy.
“One source told The Stein Line that Dumont’s support for GM stems in large part from the fact that Dumont was the one who ultimately approved Harrison’s little-known plan to trade Doncic.”
Dumont claimed Doncic was traded for defense, echoing a sentiment shared by Nico Harrison when the trade first fell through.
Dumont, who took over when the Adelson family bought the Mavericks, has taken a more hands-on approach to managing the team.
With Doncic joining the Lakers, Dumont’s legacy as governor will be greenlighting one of the most controversial trades in NBA history.
This is why the Dallas Mavericks need Cooper Flagg to meet or exceed expectations as the face of the franchise.