Dallas General Manager Nico Harrison addressed a select few from the media and the Luka Doncic-Anthony Davis trade was huge topic of discussion.
Harrison confirmed that despite the backlash and the fact that the Lakers punched a ticket straight to the postseason and the Mavs will battle it out in the play-in, he has no regrets.
Theres no regrets on the trade, said Harrison. Part of my job is to do the best thing for the Mavericks, not only today, but also in the future, and some of the decisions Im going to make are going to be unpopular. Thats my job, and I have to stand by it.
The GM was asked for his thoughts on pretty much the entire Dallas fanbase calling for him to be fired.
Well, the beauty of Dallas is it is a passionate fan base, he said. For us to reach our goals, we need that fan base. And to be honest with you, every trade Ive made since Ive been here has not been regarded as a good trade, and so sometimes it takes time. When I traded for Kyrie, it was met with a lot of skepticism and it was graded as a terrible trade and you didnt see it right away, but eventually everyone agreed that that was a great trade. When I traded for [Gafford] and [Washington] again, it was like, Oh, he gave up way too much. These guys arent going to help us. Now that trade, you saw the evidence a lot sooner. So I think a lot of times trades take a little bit of time.
But our philosophy, like I said, going forward is defense wins championships and were built on defense. And this trade cements us for that.
He was also asked about how the logic of a time frame that ends as the team enters a stretch when it doesnt control its first-round picks is in the franchises long-term best interests.
We believe in the move we made, Harrison responded. You obviously dont, and thats fine. Youre entitled to your opinions, but were excited. I think once we win, then that will change your mind.
With three years left on his contract the GM says he sees himself finishing it out.
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