Stephen A Smith didn’t hold back in his latest rant targeting Dallas Mavericks general manager Nico Harrison . The ESPN analyst slammed Harrison’s recent closed-door meeting with reporters, where the GM defended trading Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers for Anthony Davis.
Stephen A Smith calls Dallas Mavericks ownership "stupid" for handling of Luka Doncic trade
During a fiery segment on NBA Countdown, Stephen A Smith tore into the Dallas Mavericks’ front office for their handling of the blockbuster trade. He specifically criticized the decision to hold a private meeting without cameras, calling it a misstep that only made the organization look worse.
"You can do what you want as an owner. You can also be called stupid for doing it, and that’s exactly what I’m calling Dallas Mavericks ownership," Smith said.
He questioned the logic behind trading a 25-year-old superstar like Luka Doncic for Davis, who is six years older, without securing additional assets in return. Stephen A Smith compared the deal to the New York Knicks’ recent trade for Mikal Bridges, where Brooklyn received five first-round picks.
Stephen A Smith questions lack of assets in Doncic-Davis trade
The ESPN host didn’t mince words when pointing out the perceived imbalance in the trade. He argued that the Mavericks failed to demand fair value for Doncic, one of the league’s most dominant players.
"It’s bad enough you let go of a superstar that’s six years younger than the guy you got in return," Smith said. "It’s bad enough that you didn’t get any other assets along with him. You didn’t get enough. When the Knicks looked at Mikal Bridges, and everybody looked at that trade, they gave up five first-round picks. But the Lakers didn’t have to do a quarter of that to get Luka Doncic?" (H/t: Sporting News)
Nico Harrison stands by decision, cites defensive improvements
Despite the backlash, Nico Harrison has remained firm in his stance. He stated he had "no regrets" about the trade, emphasizing that adding defensive pieces was a priority. The move brought in Davis, a proven defensive anchor, but critics argue the cost was too high.
Smith isn’t alone in his criticism. The trade continues to be debated as one of the most lopsided in recent NBA history. Whether Nico Harrison’s strategy pays off long-term remains to be seen.
Dallas Mavericks face Sacramento Kings in crucial play-in game
The Mavericks will look to shift focus back to the court as they take on the Sacramento Kings in the play-in tournament Wednesday night at 10:00 p.m. The outcome could determine whether the trade scrutiny intensifies or fades—at least temporarily.
Also read: Anthony Edwards embraces underdog role ahead of Lakers-Timberwolves playoff series - "Everyone wants Los Angeles to win!"
For now, the debate over Luka Doncic’s departure isn’t going anywhere, especially with voices like Stephen A Smith keeping the conversation alive.
Stephen A Smith calls Dallas Mavericks ownership "stupid" for handling of Luka Doncic trade
During a fiery segment on NBA Countdown, Stephen A Smith tore into the Dallas Mavericks’ front office for their handling of the blockbuster trade. He specifically criticized the decision to hold a private meeting without cameras, calling it a misstep that only made the organization look worse.
"You can do what you want as an owner. You can also be called stupid for doing it, and that’s exactly what I’m calling Dallas Mavericks ownership," Smith said.
.@stephenasmith weighs in on Nico Harrison's media appearance Tuesday. pic.twitter.com/8djwMoAkDj
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) April 16, 2025
He questioned the logic behind trading a 25-year-old superstar like Luka Doncic for Davis, who is six years older, without securing additional assets in return. Stephen A Smith compared the deal to the New York Knicks’ recent trade for Mikal Bridges, where Brooklyn received five first-round picks.
Stephen A Smith questions lack of assets in Doncic-Davis trade
The ESPN host didn’t mince words when pointing out the perceived imbalance in the trade. He argued that the Mavericks failed to demand fair value for Doncic, one of the league’s most dominant players.
"It’s bad enough you let go of a superstar that’s six years younger than the guy you got in return," Smith said. "It’s bad enough that you didn’t get any other assets along with him. You didn’t get enough. When the Knicks looked at Mikal Bridges, and everybody looked at that trade, they gave up five first-round picks. But the Lakers didn’t have to do a quarter of that to get Luka Doncic?" (H/t: Sporting News)
Nico Harrison stands by decision, cites defensive improvements
Despite the backlash, Nico Harrison has remained firm in his stance. He stated he had "no regrets" about the trade, emphasizing that adding defensive pieces was a priority. The move brought in Davis, a proven defensive anchor, but critics argue the cost was too high.
Smith isn’t alone in his criticism. The trade continues to be debated as one of the most lopsided in recent NBA history. Whether Nico Harrison’s strategy pays off long-term remains to be seen.
Dallas Mavericks face Sacramento Kings in crucial play-in game
The Mavericks will look to shift focus back to the court as they take on the Sacramento Kings in the play-in tournament Wednesday night at 10:00 p.m. The outcome could determine whether the trade scrutiny intensifies or fades—at least temporarily.
Also read: Anthony Edwards embraces underdog role ahead of Lakers-Timberwolves playoff series - "Everyone wants Los Angeles to win!"
For now, the debate over Luka Doncic’s departure isn’t going anywhere, especially with voices like Stephen A Smith keeping the conversation alive.
You may also like
Heavy rain-induced disasters kill 52 in Rwanda since April
Tiffany Pollard blasts 'rotten' Daley Thompson in latest Celebrity Big Brother clash
Hezbollah leader rejects disarmament demands, labels them 'gift' to Israel
JoJo Siwa and Chris Hughes share 'kiss' after Celebrity Big Brother friendship
Haunting new Netflix serial killer documentary already has fans 'traumatised'
