Mavericks general manager Nico Harrison defended his decision to trade Luka Doncic, emphasizing his belief in "defense wins championships." Harrison, along with CEO Rick Welts, addressed the media to discuss the trade, in which the 26-year-old Doncic was exchanged for 32-year-old Anthony Davis. Despite backlash from fans, Harrison expressed no regrets, stating his commitment to making decisions in the best interest of the team's future.
Harrison highlighted the passionate fan base in Dallas and acknowledged the skepticism surrounding past trades that eventually proved successful. He emphasized the team's focus on defense and how the recent trade aligns with their championship aspirations. The move comes after Doncic led the Mavericks to the NBA Finals, with Harrison aiming to build a contender around the team's defensive strategy.