What Was Nico Harrison Thinking? The Luka Doncic Trade Rumor That Could’ve Redefined NBA History Before He Made 98 Games of 35-5-5 Look Routine
In an era dominated by highlight reels and superteam speculation, few storylines have been more mind-boggling — or potentially franchise-altering — than the quiet murmur that Dallas Mavericks GM Nico Harrison once entertained the idea of trading Luka Dončić.
Yes, that Luka Dončić.
The same Luka Dončić who now leads the NBA’s all-time list for most games with 35+ points, 5+ rebounds, and 5+ assists in his first seven seasons — with a jaw-dropping 98 games, ahead of legends like Michael Jordan (92), LeBron James (86), and Larry Bird (62). This is no longer the stuff of future potential. Luka is rewriting record books — and he’s not even 27.
So why, at any point, would Harrison or the Mavericks front office even consider letting him go?
A Franchise Cornerstone
From the moment Dončić stepped onto an NBA court, he exuded rare poise, basketball IQ, and generational skill. By year two, he was already a walking triple-double threat. By year three, he was carrying the Mavericks on deep playoff runs — solo missions with minimal help. And now, he’s putting up Jordan-esque numbers with flair, range, and relentless efficiency.
Still, rumblings out of Dallas — although never confirmed officially — suggested that during internal discussions following a series of playoff disappointments and chemistry concerns, the Mavericks may have weighed the possibility of hitting the reset button. Luka’s passion, sometimes mistaken for volatility, sparked rumors of dissatisfaction with coaching and roster construction. The whispers got loud enough to question whether Dallas truly understood what they had.
Turns out, they had a once-in-a-generation player. One that other GMs would mortgage their future to get.
Luka in Laker Gold? The Internet Reacts
Adding fuel to the speculative fire, the image of Luka Dončić wearing a Lakers jersey (as shown in a now-viral graphic) shocked the NBA universe. While clearly edited, the visual provoked one question that’s impossible to unsee:
What if?
What if Nico Harrison had pulled the trigger on a deal that sent Luka to another franchise — like the Lakers, or Knicks, or even Miami? What would the league look like today? Would the Mavericks be a bottom-feeding team drowning in draft picks, or would they have kickstarted a new dynasty elsewhere?
One thing’s for sure: the decision not to trade Dončić may be the smartest non-move in recent memory.
Numbers Don’t Lie — And Neither Does History
Let’s get real. Luka Dončić is not just putting up inflated stats on a rebuilding team. He’s dominating on the biggest stages, making history alongside names like Jordan and LeBron. The 35-5-5 stat line is a benchmark of elite versatility, and Luka is doing it more often and earlier than anyone — ever.
And yet, he’s still criticized for not having a title… for now.
But Jordan didn’t win his first ring until year 7. Neither did LeBron. Dynasty-building is a marathon, not a sprint — and Luka’s just getting started.
The Final Word
Trading Luka Dončić — even in hypothetical circles — should be considered basketball blasphemy at this point.
So if you’re Nico Harrison reading this: thanks for coming to your senses. Because right now, the Mavericks have something most franchises spend decades chasing — a legitimate icon. The only thing left is giving him the help he needs to finish what he started.
Because if 98 games of 35-5-5 is what he’s done
already… imagine what’s coming next.
