Luka Dončić’s long-awaited response to the firing of former Dallas Mavericks general manager Nico Harrison was raw, emotional, and revealing — a glimpse into the heartbreak still lingering months after the shocking trade that sent him to the Los Angeles Lakers.
Harrison, who engineered the most stunning midseason deal in modern NBA history by trading Dončić to the Lakers last February, was dismissed this week following Dallas’ disastrous 3-8 start and public outcry from the fanbase.
For Dončić, the move reopened old wounds.
Dončić Shares Emotional Reaction: ‘Dallas Will Always Be Home’
Speaking after the Lakers’ loss to the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder, Dončić opened up about his complicated feelings toward the city that drafted him, embraced him, and abruptly dealt him away.
“The city of Dallas, the fans, the players — they’ll always have a special place in my heart,” Dončić said. “I thought I was going to stay there forever, but I didn’t.”
Dončić, now 26, said he is trying to move forward with the Lakers after signing a three-year, $161 million extension this offseason.
“Right now, I’m focused on the Lakers and trying to move on,” he said. “But obviously, there will always be a part of me there.”
When pressed on whether he would consider returning to Dallas later in his career, Dončić shut the door:
“Right now, I’m just focused on the Lakers. No further comments.”
Fallout From the Trade: Conditioning Rumors and Public Criticism
Getty (L-R) Former president of basketball operations and general manager Nico Harrison of the Dallas Mavericks, Mavericks player Dereck Lively II, head coach Jason Kidd of the Mavericks and former franchise star Luka Doncic.
Dončić’s trade came just eight months after leading Dallas to the 2024 NBA Finals — a move widely viewed as cold and abrupt.
Harrison defended the deal as a “tough decision” made to prioritize defense and long-term durability over Dončić’s ball-dominant style.
In the days after his exit, several reports surfaced portraying Dončić in a negative light.
ESPN’s Tim MacMahon reported that Dončić’s conditioning — particularly pushing close to 270 pounds — played a role in Dallas’ decision. He also highlighted injuries and lifestyle concerns that contributed to the front office’s unease.
Dončić remained silent. But his father, Saša Dončić, did not.
Dončić’s Father Calls Out Mavericks: ‘This Hurts Me Personally’
In comments that quickly went viral, Saša blasted the Mavericks for what he described as a lack of honesty and respect.
“This secrecy — or even hypocrisy — hurts me personally,” Saša said in an interview with Arena Sport Slovenija after the trade. “Luka did not deserve this. He sacrificed enormously and respected the city. He helped children. He respected Dallas.”
Harrison later told The Dallas Morning News that Dončić never returned his calls after being traded.
“My guess is he probably doesn’t want to talk to me,” Harrison admitted.
Harrison’s Firing Seen as an Admission of a Franchise-Altering Mistake
Harrison’s dismissal came after months of “Fire Nico” chants echoing through American Airlines Center and deteriorating trust with the fanbase.
Although the firing closes one chapter, it cannot reverse the trade that upended the Mavericks’ trajectory.
The centerpiece of the return package, Anthony Davis, has missed more games than he has played in Dallas, continuing a pattern of injuries dating back to his Lakers tenure.
Meanwhile, Dončić is off to a historic start in Los Angeles, averaging 34.1 points, 9.1 rebounds and 8.9 assists, keeping the Lakers near the top of the Western Conference even without LeBron James.
A Painful End, an Uncertain Future
For Dallas, Harrison’s departure signals accountability — but not healing.
For Dončić, the emotional scars remain.
He left the podium on Wednesday with a message that may haunt the Mavericks for years:
“I thought I was going to stay there forever.”
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