Nico Harrison once said the Mavericks were a Klay away. Then he traded their best player - The Athletic

The Mavericks' Disastrous Season

The Dallas Mavericks experienced a dramatic downfall in the 2024-2025 NBA season. General Manager Nico Harrison's assertion last July that the team was only a Klay Thompson away from a championship was starkly contradicted by his decision to trade Luka Dončić to the Los Angeles Lakers.

The Dončić Trade and its Aftermath

The trade, which involved acquiring Anthony Davis, Max Christie, and a first-round pick, proved highly controversial. Fan reaction was overwhelmingly negative, marked by ejections, "Fire Nico!" chants, and widespread disappointment. Luka Dončić himself expressed sadness over the trade.

Key Points:

• Dončić's departure significantly weakened the team.
• Davis' injury history hampered the Mavericks' performance.
• The team's performance suffered, missing the playoffs after a Finals appearance the previous season.
• The trade's impact tarnished the team's relationship with fans and worsened the team's short- and long-term outlook.

A Season of Setbacks

The season was marred by injuries to key players, including Davis and Irving, further exacerbating the team's struggles. The Mavericks' elimination in the Western Conference Play-In Tournament highlighted the team's weaknesses.

Harrison's Justification

Harrison defended his decision, stating that acquiring Davis provided the team with the defensive prowess needed to win a championship. However, Davis' injury-prone nature directly contradicted this strategy. The team's poor season underscored the failure of this approach.

A Disappointing Outcome

The Mavericks' season ended in disappointment, with the team missing the playoffs after a Finals appearance the previous year. Harrison's initial assessment of the team's needs and his subsequent trade decision are heavily criticized by fans and analysts alike.