According to NBA reporter Marc Stein on Sunday, the Mavericks' new owner Patrick Dumont's trust in general manager Nico Harrison has not been shaken by the public opinion storm.

Since taking over as general manager and president of basketball operations for the Mavericks in June 2021, the 52-year-old Harrison has led the team to two conference finals and to the NBA Finals in 2024. However, he was also the main person responsible for trading Mavericks core star Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers in exchange for Anthony Davis and Max Christie last season.

Harrison's move sparked a backlash among fans given Dončić's importance to the Mavericks. Dončić, the third overall pick in the 2018 draft, has blossomed into one of the NBA's most influential players. In his six seasons with the Mavericks, he averaged 28.6 points, 8.7 rebounds, 8.3 assists, and 1.2 steals in 422 regular-season games, earning him five All-Star selections and five All-NBA selections.

In the playoffs, Doncic played a total of 50 games, averaging 30.9 points, 9.4 rebounds, 8.0 assists and 1.7 steals per game. He led the Mavericks to the NBA Finals in 2024, which is also the best playoff record in his career so far.

Because of this, Harrison has been at the center of public opinion ever since Dončić's departure. As the Mavericks suffered two consecutive losses to start the season, fans' doubts about Harrison intensified. When the Mavericks lost to the Wizards 117-107, there were even repeated cries of "Fire Nico!"

According to ESPN's Tim McMahon, the Mavericks have yet to initiate contract extension talks with Harrison. Harrison's current contract runs through 2026, which could be interpreted as Dumont holding back on the future of both teams.

However, Marc Stein offered a different perspective. He said Dumont remained fully supportive of Harrison and remained unfazed by outside opinion, largely because he was the one who ultimately approved the deal.

Despite constant criticism, Harrison's decision-making allowed the Mavericks to secure the No. 1 pick and select Cooper Flagg. Anthony Davis, one of the bargaining chips in the trade, also provided immediate combat effectiveness for the Mavericks.