Dallas Mavericks GM Nico Harrison Is Reportedly Getting Death Threats After Shocking Decision to Trade Luka Dončić

Mar. 15, 2025

Mavericks GM Nico Harrison.Photo:Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty

Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty

Dallas Mavericks general manager Nico Harrison has reportedly been receiving death threats ahead of the NBA team’s first home game sincetrading star point guard Luka Dončić.“This is a heartbroken franchise, and there have been some very unfortunate developments regarding that anger,” ESPN reporter Tim MacMahon said whileappearing on the networkon Friday, Feb. 7.“Nico Harrison has been subjected to death threats. There have been racial epitaphs included in some of those,” he continued before adding, “There will be protests outside the arena, that is planned. Security will certainly be beefed up. Nico Harrison is not going to be in his normal seat in the stands. There’s no reason to subject him to that kind of security risk.”PEOPLE reached out to the Dallas Mavericks PR team for further details on Saturday, Feb. 8, but did not immediately receive a response.On Saturday, Feb. 8, protesters gathered outside the American Airlines Center in Dallas, where the Mavericks were facing off againstthe Houston Rockets, to voice their disapproval over the controversial decision to trade Dončić, 25.The shocking trade was first announced on Feb. 1, with news that Dončić would be traded to theLos Angeles Lakersin a three-man package — which included sending centerAnthony Davisto Dallas.“I believe that defense wins championships,” Harrison toldESPNon Feb. 1 while discussing the decision. He added: “I believe that getting an All-Defensive center and an All-NBA player with a defensive mindset gives us a better chance. We’re built to win now and in the future.“Luka Dončić (left) playing at the American Airlines Center in Dallas on Dec. 25, 2024.Ron Jenkins/GettyMany Dallas fans were quick to voice their disapproval of the trade, with oneX userwriting, “Nico just made one of the worst trades of all time. You do not trade a perennial MVP candidate in their mid 20s under any circumstances. It’s nonsensical and there’s absolutely no justification for what happened. They just went to the FINALS!!!!”Never miss a story — sign up forPEOPLE’s free daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer​​, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.However, others don’t believe it’s fair for Harrison to shoulder the entirety of the outrage for the decision.While speaking onThe Hoop Collective Podcaston Feb. 7, MacMahon said he does not believe Harrison was the sole decision maker behind the trade."[Fans] are so mad at the Mavericks, and frankly at Nico specifically. I don’t believe Nico acted alone. I do not believe that. But he’s the one who’s taking the heat,” he added.

Dallas Mavericks general manager Nico Harrison has reportedly been receiving death threats ahead of the NBA team’s first home game sincetrading star point guard Luka Dončić.

“This is a heartbroken franchise, and there have been some very unfortunate developments regarding that anger,” ESPN reporter Tim MacMahon said whileappearing on the networkon Friday, Feb. 7.

“Nico Harrison has been subjected to death threats. There have been racial epitaphs included in some of those,” he continued before adding, “There will be protests outside the arena, that is planned. Security will certainly be beefed up. Nico Harrison is not going to be in his normal seat in the stands. There’s no reason to subject him to that kind of security risk.”

PEOPLE reached out to the Dallas Mavericks PR team for further details on Saturday, Feb. 8, but did not immediately receive a response.

On Saturday, Feb. 8, protesters gathered outside the American Airlines Center in Dallas, where the Mavericks were facing off againstthe Houston Rockets, to voice their disapproval over the controversial decision to trade Dončić, 25.

The shocking trade was first announced on Feb. 1, with news that Dončić would be traded to theLos Angeles Lakersin a three-man package — which included sending centerAnthony Davisto Dallas.

“I believe that defense wins championships,” Harrison toldESPNon Feb. 1 while discussing the decision. He added: “I believe that getting an All-Defensive center and an All-NBA player with a defensive mindset gives us a better chance. We’re built to win now and in the future.”

Luka Dončić (left) playing at the American Airlines Center in Dallas on Dec. 25, 2024.Ron Jenkins/Getty

Ron Jenkins/Getty

Many Dallas fans were quick to voice their disapproval of the trade, with oneX userwriting, “Nico just made one of the worst trades of all time. You do not trade a perennial MVP candidate in their mid 20s under any circumstances. It’s nonsensical and there’s absolutely no justification for what happened. They just went to the FINALS!!!!”

Never miss a story — sign up forPEOPLE’s free daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer​​, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

However, others don’t believe it’s fair for Harrison to shoulder the entirety of the outrage for the decision.

While speaking onThe Hoop Collective Podcaston Feb. 7, MacMahon said he does not believe Harrison was the sole decision maker behind the trade.

“[Fans] are so mad at the Mavericks, and frankly at Nico specifically. I don’t believe Nico acted alone. I do not believe that. But he’s the one who’s taking the heat,” he added.

source: people.com