“I love this city, but it’s time to move on,” Luka Dončić‘s words broke hearts. Fans’ frustration over Nico Harrison, the man behind the trade that saw the Slovenian star join the Lakers, is obvious. This may have escalated due to seemingly problematic past instances involving Harrison coming to light. Many have raised doubts about whether Harrison’s treatment of a former Mavericks employee was justifiable. A former Mavericks player raised concerns after Dirk Nowitzki’s seemingly distant demeanor.

The Mavericks legend wasn’t fond of the sudden decision that shook up the franchise and even the league. However, this reportedly goes further back than many might think. As per sources who spoke to ESPN’s Tim MacMahon, it started way back in 2023, when Harrison fired Casey Smith, who had worked as a health trainer since 2004. He was close with both Nowitzki and Dončić.

The worst part is, Smith was back in his hometown, caring for his ill mother, and all of this happened over a Zoom call. Chandler Parsons, on the Run It Back show, didn’t mince his words when he addressed, “And the way he did it, like Casey Smith is home with his dying mother and you fire the guy over Zoom like that. That is just bad business. That is Bush league like that. That is inexcusable to me as a new GM that’s trying to make decisions and fit in. That’s not right.” “Someone with the respect and the clout that Casey Smith has. So reading that, it’s hard to get Niko’s back because now I have a problem with him,” Parsons said. 

The reason was reportedly that Smith was being “negative.” It’s claimed that Nowitzki, who was very close to and involved in the franchise’s inner workings, began distancing himself after that. In his defense, Harrison claimed he wasn’t even mentioned when the team went to the Finals in 2023. However, Smith is dragged into the conversation after the trade.

Harrison also claimed he didn’t understand the fan base’s love for Dončić. The Slovenian star was visibly teary-eyed during the tribute.

Luka Doncic turned emotional after fans’ enthusiastic chants 

The connection between Dončić and the Mavericks fans was deeper than Harrison thought. After Nowitzki, the Slovenian star was expected to carry the Mavericks’ legacy. However, the trade happened. Upon his arrival at the American Airlines Center for a game, the Mavericks paid a heartwarming tribute to the star.

They had prepared a video compiling all the highlights from the seven years Dončić spent with the Dallas Mavericks. The Slovenian star turned emotional as he wiped his tears away. In those seven years, Dončić achieved several feats, including the Rookie of the Year honor and 5 All-Star selections, but he also made memories. This was also his home! 

It’s understandable why Mavericks legend Nowitzki was upset over the events. While it might have been tough for Dončić, he delivered his best performance against his former team, scoring 45 points to lead the Lakers to victory. 

“It brought tears to my eyes. I came (to Dallas) as a young kid. … They made me feel like home. Just a lot of great memories. I’m so happy. I love these fans, I love this city, but it’s time to move on,” he said. This blockbuster trade has certainly benefited the Lakers, but for Harrison, it seems old, buried stories are being dug back up. What is your take?