Who is Nico Harrison? Dallas Mavericks GM relationship with Anthony Davis revealed
Dallas Mavericks' General Manager, Nico Harrison, reveals the reasoning behind trading his franchise player, Luka Magic.
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Anthony Davis's tight bond with Mavs' GM Nico Harrison
Nico Harrison was a high-profile executive at Nike before transitioning to the role of General Manager of Dallas Mavericks in 2021. He is the man credited with the force behind the latest Lakers-Mavericks blockbuster trade that blindsided the whole NBA community. As per new reports by the reputed NBA Insider, Chris Haynes, Harrison was the one who initiated the trade negotiations with the Lakers front office.
Haynes further revealed that according to his sources, Harrison and Anthony Davis share a history and a “very tight” bond. Harrison was the VP of Nike’s North America basketball operations and was crucial in brining AD on board way back in 2012, just before he was drafted into the NBA.
AD [Anthony Davis] and Nico, the general manager for the Dallas Mavericks, they are very tight. Matter of fact, Nico was AD’s Nike rep [representative], he’s the one that helped sign AD to Nike…. So, there’s a connection there. I was told that AD was initially shocked but as of right now…. I’m told he is feeling good about the situation.
Chris Haynes disclosed
Sources: On Mavericks initiating talks with Lakers and why a Luka Doncic, Anthony Davis trade was pulled off. #haynesbriefs pic.twitter.com/k07Dhd2bvu
— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) February 2, 2025
After his college career ended, Harrison joined Nike as a regional field representative for the NBA in 2002 and worked his way up to the position of Vice President of North America division. During his two-decade-long tenure with Nike, he helped and worked closely with numerous stars like Kobe Bryant, Dirk Nowitzki, and LeBron James. However, he is also solely blamed for Nike losing Stephen Curry to Under Armour due to weak presentation and negligible interest by then-sports marketing director Nico Harrison.
According to the latest developments, Davis was initially in disbelief when the bombshell trade news was released. However, he soon turned a new page and is optimistic about his future moving forward, realizing his good rapport with the Mavs’ GM and what the organization has to offer him.
The trade deal was finalized due to the Lakers’ search for LeBron James‘ replacement in the near future and the Mavericks’ need for frontcourt help to add more defensive strength to their core. For now, fans are excited to see Luka Doncic in purple and gold, while AD prepares for his emergency landing in Dallas.
Mavs GM Nico Harrison divulges his motivation for the Luka Doncic-Anthony Davis trade
In what is being described as the most unanticipated and startling trade move in modern NBA history, insider Shams Charania broke the news of the Lakers-Mavericks trade deal involving Anthony Davis and Luka Magic. With AD moving to Dallas and Luka Magic heading to Hollywood, Mavs’ GM Nico Harrison articulated his rationale behind trading his franchise player to ESPN.
“I believe that defense wins championships,” Mavs GM Nico Harrison told ESPN regarding his motivation to trade Luka Doncic for Anthony Davis. “I believe that getting an All-Defensive center and an All-NBA player with a defensive mindset gives us a better chance. We’re built to… https://t.co/iPfQvA4str
— Tim MacMahon (@espn_macmahon) February 2, 2025
I believe that defense wins championships. I believe that getting an All-Defensive center and an All-NBA player with a defensive mindset gives us a better chance. We’re built to win now and, in the future.
Nico Harrison on acquiring AD
Following the trade agreement, Mavericks will receive AD, Max Christie along with a 2029 first-round pick from Los Angeles, whereas Lakers will acquire Luka Doncic, Maxi Kleber and Markieff Morris. It also includes Utha Jazz, who will receive 2 two-round picks from Mavs and Clippers along with Jalen Hood-Schifino.
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