If you’re still trying to wrap your head around the Luka Doncic trade, you’re not alone.

Mavs GM Nico Harrison remains steadfast that trading Luka Doncic was the right move

After dealing their Slovenian-born superstar to the Los Angeles Lakers back in February, the Mavs have seemingly tanked both their short-term and long-term future — and the 45-point performance in his emotional return to Dallas appeared to be the final nail in the coffin in many fans’ eyes.

Mavericks GM Nico Harrison is standing firm that the team made the right decision though, doubling down that “defense wins championships” and saying he has no regrets.

“There’s no regrets on the trade,” Harrison said during his first media availability since the deal went down. “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 I’m going to make are going to be unpopular.

That’s my job, and I have to stand by it.”

Harrison also addressed the viral chants calling for his job at every Mavs home game, but he isn’t letting it bother him (at least outwardly).

“Well, the beauty of Dallas is it is a passionate fan base,” he explained. “For us to reach our goals, we need that fan base. And to be honest with you, every trade I’ve made since I’ve been here has not been regarded as a good trade, and so sometimes it takes time.”

Dallas Mavericks GM Nico Harrison.

MINNEAPOLIS, MN – MAY 30: Nico Harrison of the Dallas Mavericks holds the Oscar Robertson Western Conference Finals Championship trophy after the game against the Minnesota Timberwolves during Game 5 of the Western Conference Finals during the 2024 NBA Playoffs on May 30, 2024 at Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
(Photo by David Sherman/NBAE via Getty Images)

David Sherman/Getty Images

“… But our philosophy, like I said, going forward is defense wins championships and we’re built on defense,” Nico maintained. “And this trade cements us for that.”

It’s not too much of a surprise that Harrison is sticking to his guns (because he has to). However, when you hold a press conference with hand-selected media members and no microphones or cameras — that kind of tells you all you need to know, right?

Nico Harrison now stands alone, Dallas Mavericks GM trades Luka Doncic to Los Angeles Lakers - Mavs Moneyball