Mavs GM Harrison: We underestimated Luka's popularity

Dallas Mavericks general manager Nico Harrison admitted he didn't fully grasp Luka Doncic's deep connection to the team's fan base until after trading the five-time All-Star.

"I did know Luka was important to the fan base. I didn't know quite to this level," Harrison told reporters Monday, including Mavericks insider Tim Cato.

The Mavs dealt Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers on Feb. 2 in a blockbuster three-team trade that brought five-time NBA All-Defensive selection Anthony Davis to Dallas.

Harrison has faced heavy criticism from Mavericks supporters and many NBA fans since the trade. However, the executive reiterated Monday that he made the deal with defense in mind, a point he first emphasized when justifying the move.

"We really feel that defense is our calling card," Harrison said, according to The Smoking Cuban's Noah Weber.

Harrison also addressed recent quotes from Doncic, who said it was "just sad the way (Harrison's) talking right now" in the wake of the transaction. But Harrison insisted he's "never spoken ill" of Doncic and wants to move on, per Weber.

Reports following the trade claimed that Harrison had "constant conditioning concerns" about Doncic, along with worries over a "lack of discipline regarding his diet." Harrison said last week that he has "no regrets on the trade."

"I think I've done a really good job here. We've had a lot of injuries," Harrison said Monday, per HoopsHype. "You'll see next year we'll be competing for a championship."

The Mavericks finished the season with a 39-43 record and missed the playoffs after losing the play-in finale against the Memphis Grizzlies. Dallas went 13-20 after acquiring Davis, but posted a 6-3 record with him in the lineup. Davis strained his left adductor in his Mavs debut on Feb. 8 and missed the next 18 games.