It Only Took 1 Day Into 2026 for Nico Harrison’s Trade Blunder to Haunt Mavericks

The calendar flipped to 2026, and on the very first day—January 1—the Dallas Mavericks suffered a stinging reminder of one of the most controversial decisions in recent NBA history: former general manager Nico Harrison‘s trade of Luka Dončić to the Los Angeles Lakers. In a 123-108 home loss to the Philadelphia 76ers, former Maverick Quentin Grimes—traded away in a separate Harrison-era deal—delivered a standout performance with 19 points, seven rebounds, and three blocks, including an 11-point fourth quarter that helped seal the victory for Philly. Meanwhile, the Mavericks’ return piece from the Dončić blockbuster, Anthony Davis, managed just 13 points and eight rebounds in limited impact upon his return from injury. The defeat dropped Dallas to 12-23, extending a four-game losing streak and amplifying fan frustration over Harrison’s legacy.

Game Recap: 76ers Dominate Mavericks in New Year’s Day Rout

At American Airlines Center, the Philadelphia 76ers (18-14) controlled much of the contest against a struggling Mavericks squad. Tyrese Maxey led the way with a near triple-double: 34 points, 10 assists, and eight rebounds. Joel Embiid added 22 points efficiently, while rookie VJ Edgecombe contributed solidly in support.

For Dallas, Max Christie paced the team with 18 points, rookie sensation Cooper Flagg added 12, and Klay Thompson chipped in modestly off the bench. But the story was Grimes, the 25-year-old wing acquired by Philly in a prior trade. His fourth-quarter explosion—highlighted by perfect three-point shooting and defensive plays—evoked “what if” sighs from Mavericks fans. A steal-and-dunk ignited his surge, and his three blocks underscored the two-way potential Dallas surrendered.

Anthony Davis, back after missing games with an adductor issue, looked rusty with 13 points and eight boards. The Mavericks led early but faltered in the second quarter, trailing by halftime and never recovering. Philly’s balanced attack and superior execution exposed Dallas’ ongoing issues: poor offense (worst in the league at times post-Dončić), inconsistent defense, and injury woes.

This marked Dallas’ sixth loss in seven games, cementing their spot near the Western Conference basement. For the 76ers, it was a strong road win to build momentum.

Nico Harrison’s Shadow: The Dončić Trade and Its Lingering Pain

Nico Harrison’s tenure ended in November 2025 when he was fired amid fallout from the February 2025 blockbuster sending Dončić to the Lakers for Davis, Max Christie, and minimal assets. Harrison’s rationale—”defense wins championships”—has aged poorly as Dončić thrives in LA, averaging over 33 points per game and elevating the Lakers to contention alongside LeBron James.

On January 2, 2026 (the day after the loss), Dončić dropped 34 points in a Lakers win over Memphis, further twisting the knife. Mavericks fans, already chanting “Fire Nico” before his dismissal, now endure nightly reminders of the franchise-altering misstep.

The Grimes trade compounds the regret. Acquired by Dallas earlier, Grimes was shipped to Philly for Caleb Martin—a deal criticized for undervaluing Grimes’ upside. Now a key contributor for a playoff team, Grimes’ performance against his former club highlighted Harrison’s pattern of questionable asset management.

Interim GMs Michael Finley and Matt Riccardi inherit a roster depleted of draft capital (only the 2026 pick controlled outright until 2031) and burdened by veteran contracts. Flagg, the No. 1 pick, shows promise but can’t single-handedly lift a flawed supporting cast.

The Dončić Trade: A Timeline of Controversy

Harrison’s bold move shocked the league:

• February 2025: Dončić traded to Lakers. Immediate backlash; fans protest, “Fire Nico” chants begin.
• Post-Trade Rationale: Harrison emphasizes defense, citing Davis’ rim protection over Dončić’s offensive dominance.
• 2025 Offseason: Mavericks win lottery for Flagg—seen as a “get out of jail free” card, temporarily saving Harrison.
• Early 2025-26: Injuries to Davis and Kyrie Irving (ACL tear) derail season. Poor start leads to Harrison’s firing in November.
• Ongoing Fallout: Dončić flourishes in LA (MVP candidate); Davis inconsistent due to health; Mavericks struggle.

Critics, including Bill Simmons, speculate Harrison doubted Dončić’s defensive ceiling long-term. Yet, the Lakers’ success with Dončić exposes the gamble’s failure.

Grimes’ Revenge: Another Harrison Misstep Exposed

The Grimes-Martin swap, executed shortly after the Dončić deal, drew scrutiny for trading youth for a declining veteran. Martin has underperformed, becoming “dead money,” while Grimes—still just 25—emerges as a three-level scorer and defender in Philly.

His January 1 outburst: 19 points (efficient shooting), 7 rebounds, 3 blocks. Fans on social media lamented: “This is what we gave up?” Combined with Christie’s solid but unspectacular play (part of the Dončić return), it underscores Harrison’s flawed vision.

Mavericks’ Current Struggles: Beyond One Game

At 12-23, Dallas faces mounting challenges:

• Injuries: Irving out long-term; Davis frequently sidelined.
• Offense: Among league’s worst without Dončić’s creation.
• Defense: Not the elite unit Harrison envisioned.
• Youth Movement: Flagg shines (around 19 PPG), but needs better support.
• Trade Rumors: Davis shopped (talks with Warriors stalled); Thompson’s decline prompts deadline discussions.

Coach Jason Kidd praises professionalism but acknowledges frustration. Fans feel “disrespected,” with attendance dipping.

Lakers Thriving: Salt in the Wound

Meanwhile, Dončić’s Lakers (21-11 entering January) contend in the West. His January 2 performance—34 points vs. Memphis—coincided with Dallas’ loss, amplifying comparisons.

Dončić’s stats: League-leading scoring, near triple-doubles nightly. Paired with James, he’s elevated LA’s offense dramatically.

Looking Ahead: Can Dallas Recover?

With the trade deadline approaching (February 5, 2026), the interim front office eyes moves: Trading Davis for youth/picks? Moving veterans like Thompson or Gafford?

Flagg’s development offers hope—a potential cornerstone. But rebuilding without prime assets tests patience.

Harrison’s blunders—epitomized by the Dončić trade and amplified by Grimes’ haunting performance—cast a long shadow. One day into 2026, the pain feels fresh.

As fans endure another tough season, the question lingers: How long until the Mavericks escape Harrison’s ghost?