Luka Dealt to Lakers: Nico Harrison is a Basketball Terrorist

[cow]

The kicker to me is that they had really built the perfect team around Luka - if they just would have waited for him to come back from injury...

To build that team around Luka, they had to leverage their future.  That's fine as that is what you should do with a superstar and if that superstar eventually wants out, you can refill your cupboard by trading him.  Nico failed to do that and Luka didn't even want out.  Nico's "hold my beer, Jerry" moment in a nutshell.

[F Gump]

They have already lost. I said it the day he was traded that if Luka injured himself day 1 and never played again, the Mavs still lost because at the moment they traded him away they could have got much more than they did. .

That's very true. The abomination of Nico's negotiation results is now permanently etched in the NBA landscape as part of the Mavs identity as an organization. There is no debate whatsoever as to whether he made a good trade value-wise, because it was horrendous. That's real and massive damage to the franchise. So bad, in fact, that Nico should never be allowed to negotiate again. Clueless.

But that's not the only W/L issue at play over the trade. 

There's also the question of whether or not Luka should have been traded at all, at any price. And it's THAT question that is still up in the air, and will ultimately be decided by who wins titles and who does not. That question drives so much of the residual anger, because Luka has always teased with the promise that he's good enough to one day lead his team to many titles, just as soon as he refines his game a bit more. We want that payoff! On the way to those titles, he has put on great shows in various games, and the team has exceeded expectations in the playoffs. But now Nico is saying that what we have is all there will be, just some shows and a player whose trajectory is not as high as we have expected.

So that "what happens later" question is the one that will determine whether Nico (alone) saw the future accurately, and will shape the primary historical narrative about this trade in NBA history.

[F Gump]

The kicker to me is that they had really built the perfect team around Luka - if they just would have waited for him to come back from injury...

I agree. I would not have traded Luka.

But I also recognize that WITHOUT Luka (ie, with him sitting on the sidelines due to conditioning and health issues, of his own doing they say) it's not ever going to be the perfect team we think it is. We got a good dose of that in the 2 months prior to the trade, and it wasn't that special. Rightly or wrongly, the Mavs FO contention is that those 2 months are way likely to be characteristic of where that "perfect" team on paper was headed.

Nevertheless I would not have traded Luka. I would have rode it out, and hoped he would one day wake up and get diligent about the prep to be better. If he didn't, I'd still sell tickets and jerseys and hope that fans would still flock to games. But to be fair, it's not my half-a-billion either. That's a lot of coin and commitment to a player you think doesn't give a crap about what has been shown over the years to be necessary to play years at that high level for a season plus the long playoffs. We'll see.

[hakeemfaan]

That's very true. The abomination of Nico's negotiation results is now permanently etched in the NBA landscape as part of the Mavs identity as an organization. There is no debate whatsoever as to whether he made a good trade value-wise, because it was horrendous. That's real and massive damage to the franchise. So bad, in fact, that Nico should never be allowed to negotiate again. Clueless.

But that's not the only W/L issue at play over the trade. 

There's also the question of whether or not Luka should have been traded at all, at any price. And it's THAT question that is still up in the air, and will ultimately be decided by who wins titles and who does not. That question drives so much of the residual anger, because Luka has always teased with the promise that he's good enough to one day lead his team to many titles, just as soon as he refines his game a bit more. We want that payoff! On the way to those titles, he has put on great shows in various games, and the team has exceeded expectations in the playoffs. But now Nico is saying that what we have is all there will be, just some shows and a player whose trajectory is not as high as we have expected.

So that "what happens later" question is the one that will determine whether Nico (alone) saw the future accurately, and will shape the primary historical narrative about this trade in NBA history.

If you read my full post I address both. 

I don’t think even titles matter for most franchises other than getting a banner and having some crowing rights. The NBA is not the NFL where you will have many generations of a family having loyalty to a franchise even if they suck. Take the Bears for eg. 

In the NBA it is all about the box office draw type of player.  If your franchise has that player then you milk him till you can’t milk it anymore. Don’t worry about the cap or flexibility. That box office draw will pay most of it if you can market products and deals around him smartly. More important your franchise stays relevant for that window. 

That’s why I mentioned AI and Luka vs a Duncan.  Duncan won titles and is one of the greatest to play but he was never a box office draw where even fans in other cities were waiting and making their once or twice in a season plans to go watch him.  Also as mentioned the Mavs have now lost the next generation of their fans who again I don’t believe care that much about titles. Having Luka here gave them joy and bragging rights.  That’s why I also mentioned the current Cavs and Thunder. They are legit contenders but other than their hometowns no one is really waiting for a Cavs vs Thunder Finals.   

Also I think you are a bit too hard on Luka.  Luka has been super productive and led the team to a WCF and a Finals. He could have played better in the Finals but he still was better than everyone else on the team including Kyrie     It’s not like AD with the pelicans where he had limited playoff success.  Sure he could have been in better shape and sure that’s a concern when giving him a supermax but the guy has always been super productive.   The other day when Naji put up a stat line as one of the only 4 Mavs to do it and then you see Luka on the list but Luka had done it 41 times. We take his insane productivity for granted when we only point out his flaws. Grimes said Luka was a gym rat. So it’s not like he didn’t work on his game.   The issue seems to be diet and conditioning off the court.  

H

[mvossman]

That's very true. The abomination of Nico's negotiation results is now permanently etched in the NBA landscape as part of the Mavs identity as an organization. There is no debate whatsoever as to whether he made a good trade value-wise, because it was horrendous. That's real and massive damage to the franchise. So bad, in fact, that Nico should never be allowed to negotiate again. Clueless.

But that's not the only W/L issue at play over the trade. 

There's also the question of whether or not Luka should have been traded at all, at any price. And it's THAT question that is still up in the air, and will ultimately be decided by who wins titles and who does not. That question drives so much of the residual anger, because Luka has always teased with the promise that he's good enough to one day lead his team to many titles, just as soon as he refines his game a bit more. We want that payoff! On the way to those titles, he has put on great shows in various games, and the team has exceeded expectations in the playoffs. But now Nico is saying that what we have is all there will be, just some shows and a player whose trajectory is not as high as we have expected.

So that "what happens later" question is the one that will determine whether Nico (alone) saw the future accurately, and will shape the primary historical narrative about this trade in NBA history.

I agree with a lot of this but I don't feel like Luka must win a title or Nico was justified in trading him.  In my mind the only thing that would warrant that decision is if Luka goes on a downward trajectory prematurely due to his lack of "work ethic".  I suppose the Mavs winning a title would warrant it too, but its hard to even imagine that scenario (both because of the decision and the poor execution).

[ThisIStheYear]

These days even football is highly dependent on a generational QB. So in that sense both sports are the same. 

The thing that Cuban realized after 2011 is that the Mavs are just another franchise.  They could very well be playing in Idaho. Other than the local fan base no one cares about them. Jerruh and his progeny can screw it up for another two decades. The Cowboys will still be a legendary franchise and you can go to some remote part of the world and you will find someone who has heard of the Dallas Cowboys.  That’s the part Nico and Dumont have not realized yet.  This franchise can fall off the relevancy map in a nanosecond and just having a really solid, maybe even contending, team is not going to get that relevancy. How many casual fans care about the Cavs or OKC?  It is what it is. The moment Dumont makes peace with that he won’t make a blunder like this one ever again where he lets a generational star slip out just because he feels that player might never get him a title.

I don’t know. It’s important, but Hurts is merely a borderline all star in NBA terms and Purdy is a quality role player, and they’ve QB’ed relevant teams. Dak is a slightly above average starter, and he’s even good enough with the right supporting cast to win big. But agree that the Cowboys don’t have to win that much to stay relevant. One thing for sure, I never thought I’d be counting on the Cowboys for a professional sports fix. Thought it would be the other way around, with the Mavs compensating for a bad football team. Probably, my sports fandom is gong to be wholly reliant on Sark and the Horns for quite some time with a little bit of rooting for Luka to vindicate himself thrown in.

[omahen]

Reaves is useless with Luka& LeBron, they will trade him for sure.

Reaves is very, very good. He gives me a lot of Brunson vibe. Plays with a huge chip on his shoulder and is improving every season. In games where LeBron (before Luka trade) was out, he was playing at arguably all star level. Game last night against Denver is another example. While it is true he can be expendable with Luka and LeBron, it is reasonable to expect LeBron will not be around forever. The key question is, if Reaves can be a long-term running star-mate for Luka that will be needed after LeBron eventually (probably, unless he is a robot) declines or retires. This is the key question going forward. If Luka and Reaves are the star duo, you build everything else around them. If Reaves is not that, you need to attract another star and he might be expendable. 

If Reaves is only considered to be good, but not elite offensive force, while being limited on defense, he will unfortunately have only limited value. His best position would be as second or third best player on a team where the star is also a good defender. While he is a good scorer, he is not really that great of a facilitator. Tyler Herro is a great comparison - Miami was dangling him in trades for years, but no team really valued his scoring ability too highly.

Reaves would look great next to a player like Giannis, for example. Of course Milwaukee has Lillard and nothing interesting to offer. I could also see him as a great fit on Toronto, as he is likely better than Quickley. He would be a great CJ McCollum replacement on Pels (Herb Jones and assets would be the target), but that team desperately needs more defense. 

Orlando would probably need a player like him and they are desperate for shooting. But, I would not be really enthusiastic about anything they have to offer. Suggs is an interesting player, although overpriced with his new contract - his declinging deal does have some value. Reaves, Vincent and Maxi for Suggs could be an interesting concept. Orlando needs more offense and has plenty of defense to cover for Reaves limitations. Suggs is an elite point of attack defender Lakers need. 

Reaves could actually also be interesting for Mavs. Mavs do have a center (either Lively or Gafford) that Lakers need. Although, I would assume this option would be included in the Luka deal, if there was any real interest on both sides.

[mvossman]

Reaves could actually also be interesting for Mavs. Mavs do have a center (either Lively or Gafford) that Lakers need. Although, I would assume this option would be included in the Luka deal, if there was any real interest on both sides.

Mavs interest in Reaves may have jumped several notches after the Kyrie injury.  Hard to see Nico trade with LA again, but I guess there is no point in worrying about optics when they are already so bad.

[F Gump]

I don’t think even titles matter for most franchises other than getting a banner and having some crowing rights.

May be true about "most franchises" but in the NBA narrative, NBA history and glory is indeed about titles won. Luka will either win multiple titles, or he will be forever seen as a ball-dominating high-scoring ticket-selling guy who wasn't good enough to win titles. Nothing more than the next James Harden, so to speak.

It also needs to be mentioned that a 5-man team typically can do things a 1-man 1-way stat machine cannot. And the stats have to be sacrificed to a great degree, in order to feed the rest of the team so that big winning is possible. Even Jordan in his early years, doing things no one could match, wasn't good enough to win big until he learned to play within team.

[khaled1987]

These days even football is highly dependent on a generational QB. So in that sense both sports are the same. 

The thing that Cuban realized after 2011 is that the Mavs are just another franchise.  

You know, with Luka the Mavs were gaining a worldwide exposure. They were almost officially the "international franchise " and he was really popular among young generations. I saw 14 and q5 years old kids following the Mavs here in Egypt, a country where Handball and Squash are way more popular than basketball, yet Luka had his fans here. 

The guy had Real Madrid doing pr job for him ffs

[WildArkieBoy]

It also needs to be mentioned that a 5-man team typically can do things a 1-man 1-way stat machine cannot. And the stats have to be sacrificed to a great degree, in order to feed the rest of the team so that big winning is possible. Even Jordan in his early years, doing things no one could match, wasn't good enough to win big until he learned to play within team.

Luka grasps that concept.  Three nights ago, with the entire Laker frontline out with injuries, Luka went for 45 points.  Last night against the Sons, with a couple players back, Luka started off feeding center Jaxson Hayes the lobs he used to give to the Mavs two young centers.  Hayes ended up with 19, Luka a modest 33, but the ball whipped around the court giving players unaccustomed shot opportunites.  After the game, Hayes stated the obvious: "We have the best point guard in the NBA."

wab

ps: Sure, Luka wanted to stay in Dallas and eventually have a statue next to Dirk's, but he'll soon realize he's much better off in LA where he's appreciated and loved, not just by the fans, but by the organization.  Personally, while I enjoyed my 25+ years following the Mavs, every statement I read from split-tooth Dumont makes me feel dumber and I'll never forget the hateful scowl Nico shot from the bench in the general direction of the international superstar he felt unworthy of the franchise.  I guess that makes me a free agent.

[HoosierDaddyKid]

They had time, no need to rush anche Mark Williams was a huge risk... But probably Luka ask for a C and Pelinka ( excited about Harrison's gift) traded for him.

Reaves is useless with Luka& LeBron, they will trade him for sure.
Knecht is basically a shooter with cheap contract so he is ok.
DFS is limited but perfect along Luka&LeBron.

I don't see how in the hell, you can form your mouth to say Reeves is useless.  You must have said this for shock value. He's a player a number of teams would welcome with open arms. He's shown massive upside especially being an undrafted player.

[cow]

I don't see how in the hell, you can form your mouth to say Reeves is useless.  You must have said this for shock value.  He's a player a number of teams would welcome with open arms. He's shown massive upside especially being an undrafted player.

Reeves and Knecht along with LA's additional FRP should have been part of the Luka trade even if they didn't end up in Dallas as they could have easily returned picks. You'd also weaken the Lakers future which is always a bonus when they owe you futures.

[Hooper21]

May be true about "most franchises" but in the NBA narrative, NBA history and glory is indeed about titles won. Luka will either win multiple titles, or he will be forever seen as a ball-dominating high-scoring ticket-selling guy who wasn't good enough to win titles. Nothing more than the next James Harden, so to speak.

It also needs to be mentioned that a 5-man team typically can do things a 1-man 1-way stat machine cannot. And the stats have to be sacrificed to a great degree, in order to feed the rest of the team so that big winning is possible. Even Jordan in his early years, doing things no one could match, wasn't good enough to win big until he learned to play within team.

The teams he had to play with was big, too.  Add Pippen, a second star, plus guys like Grant, Cartwright, Rodman, Kerr, Paxton, Armstrong, Hodges, Kukoc, etc.  They were good players that had a role that fit with Jordan and they played it to a tee.  Before , they were a lot like the Mavs, had some good players that were ill-fitting with the superstar.  Once the right players were in place, the team looked a lot better.  Mention Luc Longley and how many people are going to say 'who' vs. 3x Bulls' championship center?

[cow]

Bill Wennington and Randy Brown for the win.

[JamesConway912]

Dirk went on a podcast with his sister and talked about the Mavs trading away Luka:

- found out when his phone „blew up“ and went on twitter to confirm it
- was „shocked“ and „nobody saw it coming“ that the Mavs would ever trade Luka
- Very surprised by the move, which came „out of nothing“
- canceled his meal plans and just „sat in his room for an hour reading twitter“ trying to confirm it
- calls it „wahnsinn“ which translates to madness/craziness
- was asked about the trade everywhere he went over the next few weeks
- calls it „wahnsinn“ a few more times
- „biggest trade the Nba has ever seen trading away an ALL nba player before his prime“

Asked about the background of the trade by his sister

- „I haven’t been as involved with the Mavs the last two years“ and that he „doesn’t know as much about what’s happening there“ given that he’s not there „every day“ anymore 
- brings up the upcoming supermax contract which he thinks was the reasoning the Mavs stated for trading him
- doesn’t think Luka was traded by the Mavs because of his performances in games but if anything it allegedly was about his preparation and longterm concerns given the extension 
- reached out to Luka who answered after a day and who was „emotional“
- said that he told Luka that he wants to stay in touch given their friendship and his mentorship
- very „bizarre“ seeing Luka play for the Lakers, calls it a „tough situation“ which will take time for everybody involved and the fans to calm down
- then they talk about the injuries this season 

On Cuban and his role

- doesn’t think he has „much influence“ anymore and brings up some details about Cuban selling the team
- referred to Cuban’s interview after the trade where he stated that he didn’t know anything about the trade and that Dirk believes Cuban on that 
- thinks it was basically all „Nico and the new owner without involving anyone else“
- calls it a the result of a development that has went on over the last year and „now we’ve seen what came out of it“ (in regards of Cuban’s lack of involvement)

Asked about if he thinks Luka stays with the Lakers:

- explains about the supermax deal and that Luka has lost it 
- calls Luka someone „who isn’t in it for the money“ and thinks that Luka will stay there given the Lakers being a household name and that things are looking well for him now that he’s been playing again for a while and performed well
- calls the Lakers a „top organization“
- then some talk about his new role being an analyst in the upcoming season

[SleepingHero]

Dirk went on a podcast with his sister and talked about the Mavs trading away Luka:

- found out when his phone „blew up“ and went on twitter to confirm it
- was „shocked“ and „nobody saw it coming“ that the Mavs would ever trade Luka
- Very surprised by the move, which came „out of nothing“
- canceled his meal plans and just „sat in his room for an hour reading twitter“ trying to confirm it
- calls it „wahnsinn“ which translates to madness/craziness
- was asked about the trade everywhere he went over the next few weeks
- calls it „wahnsinn“ a few more times
- „biggest trade the Nba has ever seen trading away an ALL nba player before his prime“

Asked about the background of the trade by his sister

- „I haven’t been as involved with the Mavs the last two years“ and that he „doesn’t know as much about what’s happening there“ given that he’s not there „every day“ anymore 
- brings up the upcoming supermax contract which he thinks was the reasoning the Mavs stated for trading him
- doesn’t think Luka was traded by the Mavs because of his performances in games but if anything it allegedly was about his preparation and longterm concerns given the extension 
- reached out to Luka who answered after a day and who was „emotional“
- said that he told Luka that he wants to stay in touch given their friendship and his mentorship
- very „bizarre“ seeing Luka play for the Lakers, calls it a „tough situation“ which will take time for everybody involved and the fans to calm down
- then they talk about the injuries this season 

On Cuban and his role

- doesn’t think he has „much influence“ anymore and brings up some details about Cuban selling the team
- referred to Cuban’s interview after the trade where he stated that he didn’t know anything about the trade and that Dirk believes Cuban on that 
- thinks it was basically all „Nico and the new owner without involving anyone else“
- calls it a the result of a development that has went on over the last year and „now we’ve seen what came out of it“ (in regards of Cuban’s lack of involvement)

Asked about if he thinks Luka stays with the Lakers:

- explains about the supermax deal and that Luka has lost it 
- calls Luka someone „who isn’t in it for the money“ and thinks that Luka will stay there given the Lakers being a household name and that things are looking well for him now that he’s been playing again for a while and performed well
- calls the Lakers a „top organization“
- then some talk about his new role being an analyst in the upcoming season

A lot of those things are really telling. Dirk never rocks the boat and always has measured responses. He rarely, if ever, comments on drama stuff. The fact he has so much to say about this tells me he is pissed.

[cow]

A lot of those things are really telling. Dirk never rocks the boat and always has measured responses. He rarely, if ever, comments on drama stuff. The fact he has so much to say about this tells me he is pissed.

Friendship trumps all.  Not that we needed more evidence, but Dirk is a real one.

[nicholasthefan]

Reading the excerpts of Dirk’s interview renewed my doubts about being a fan again. It just feels like we’ve been cheated on in a relationship and we want to leave but don’t really know how.

[ThisIStheYear]

So Nico has an IQ of what, 70? He’s the biggest idiot to ever run an NBA team. Grimes with 46 and 13 tonight. Nico traded him and a 2nd round pick for nothing. Grimes looks like a border line all star caliber player going into next year. I’ve never seen a GM get clowned by two peers so badly in the span of a few days. What a joke. Please leave the state and never come back.