ESPN reporter hints at drama between ‘turned off' Dirk Nowitzki, Mavericks in Luka Doncic fallout
Dirk Nowitzki; Nico Harrison; Luka Doncic
The fallout from Mavericks GM Nico Harrison's decision to trade away superstar Luka Doncic has created a rift with franchise legend Dirk Nowitzki, according to ESPN's Tim MacMahon.
During an appearance on ESPN's 'The Hoop Collective' podcast on Wednesday, MacMahon explained that Nowitzki, as well as Mavericks minority owner Mark Cuban, are distancing themselves from the organization following Harrison's comments at the invite-only media roundtable held Tuesday in Dallas .
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'First of all, Dirk is completely turned off by this franchise,' MacMahon, who attended the press conference, said. '… I asked, 'Hey, why not seek Dirk's input? Why not seek [Mark] Cuban's input?
Dirk Nowitzki attends day four of the 2025 Dallas Open at The Ford Center at The Star on February 6, 2025 in Frisco, Texas. Getty Images
'He basically said, 'If they're not in the building, they don't know what's going on.'
'Stay tuned for the reason Dirk's not in the building and the reason Cuban's not in the building. Because Nico made sure he got his butt kicked out of basketball operations once that trade went through.'
Cuban sold a majority stake in the Mavericks in Nov. 2023.
Last June, MacMahon reported that Cuban no longer had control of basketball operations and that his role was diminished.
Luka Doncic #77 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts after a basket during the third quarter against the Houston Rockets at Crypto.com Arena on April 11, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. Getty Images
Cuban, who has a close relationship with Doncic and Nowitzki, is a regular at Mavericks games.
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Nowitzki recently attended the Mavericks-Lakers game — Doncic's first game in Dallas since the trade — on April 9. The Lakers beat the Mavericks 112-97.
Disgruntled Mavericks fans have publicly expressed their disappointment in Harrison's decision to trade away All-NBA guard Doncic to the Lakers for Anthony Davis in February.
It came just one season after Doncic led the Mavericks to the NBA Finals and was playing at a MVP level.
Nico Harrison, center rear, the Dallas Mavericks general manager watches the team play against the Toronto Raptors in the second half of a game in Dallas, Friday, April 11, 2025. AP
A sign on a truck near American Airlines Center said to fire general manager Nico Harrison or sell the team before a game against the Los Angeles Lakers in Dallas, Wednesday, April 9, 2025. AP
Following the blockbuster, which Doncic and Davis said they were blindsided by, Mavericks fans booed Harrison at games and petitioned for him to be fired.
'This thing is dark in Dallas and it's only going to get worse,' MacMahon said.
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During Tuesday's press conference, Harrison reiterated his stance that defense wins championships and said he has no regrets about the Doncic trade.
'My obligation is to the Dallas Mavericks, it's what's the best interest of the Dallas Mavericks, and that's the most important thing,' Harrison said. 'Some of those decisions are going to be unpopular maybe to Dirk and maybe to the fans, but my obligation is to the Dallas Mavericks.'
Taking to X, Cuban defended Nowitzki and the Mavericks' fan base ahead of the team's NBA play-in tournament game against the Kings on Wednesday.
Mavericks minority owner Mark Cuban looks on during the second half against the Toronto Raptors at the American Airlines Center on April 11, 2025. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
'Dirk is the Dallas Mavericks,' Cuban wrote. 'Then, now and forever. No one should ever forget that. That statue will be here forever. Loyalty never fades away.
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'… I am a Mavs fan. I will always love and cheer for everyone who puts on our uniform. Tomorrow night and how ever many games we have left this season and in every future season, whether I'm in the stands, in front of the TV, or following every play online, my heart and soul is committed to rooting for the Mavs to win.
'That will never change. I know fans are upset. But don't be upset at the players. Support them. Root for them. Rally behind them.'
Mavericks legend Dirk Nowitzki of Germany holds a key to the city after receiving it from Dallas Mayor Mike Rawlings at halftime during a game against the Nets at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas, in November 21, 2018. EPA
The Mavericks will play the Grizzlies in Memphis on Friday for a spot in the playoffs after Dallas beat the Kings, 120-106.
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