Public Enemy #1

Do you hear the noise of a celebration coming from the metroplex? That’s the sound of a party that Jerry Jones is having because he’s no longer the most hated General Manager in Dallas! That title now belongs to former Nike executive Nico Harrison, who pulled off the shocking trade that many are calling the worst in the history of the NBA. Luka Doncic is now a Laker, and Nico takes full credit (or blame). Nico was the only one in the Mavericks organization who knew what was happening until new team owner gave his approval just before the deal was finalized. Head Coach Jason Kidd was apparently just as surprised as you and I were to hear about it.

It certainly came as a shock to Luka, who reportedly just bought a house in Dallas last week for 15 million dollars. It also has severe financial consequences for him. Under the league’s financial structure, he would be eligible to sign a 5 year 345 million dollar “Supermax” contract after this season as a Maverick. By switching to another team the maximum drops by over 100 million, and he will have to pay California state income tax which wasn’t applicable in Texas. You think he might be a little upset?

I’m not quite ready to fully discuss the merits of the trade and other repercussions still to come, but I do want to comment on the manner that it took place. Nico said that he and Laker GM Rob Pelinka have been discussing the possibility for a while. They agreed that it would be best to keep it completely confidential, and Nico said that he did not need to talk to any other teams, because he has total confidence and trust in his close friend Rob. So my message for Nico Harrison is this: Friends don’t take advantage of friends! And you might want to expand your circle of friends to include GM’s in other NBA cities. If you decide to trade a generational talent, it doesn’t hurt to see what price others would be willing to pay!

That’s one man’s opinion - what’s yours?