Anthony Davis calls Mavericks’ firing of Nico Harrison ‘tough,’ shrugs off trade rumors

There are few positions in the NBA more awkward than the one Anthony Davis currently occupies for the Dallas Mavericks.

This time last year, the big man was LeBron James’ co-star on the Los Angeles Lakers and likely ready to ride out the remainder of his career in Southern California. Now, he’s a symbol of the worst trade in the history of the NBA and facing a potential trade/salary dump as the Mavericks cut their losses.

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Davis never asked to be in this position and remains a good basketball player when healthy. Still, what are you supposed to say when the guy who staked his credibility on you being a championship-level player is fired less than a year later?

We found out Wednesday when Davis spoke to the media for the first time since Dallas unceremoniously fired general manager Nico Harrison. His reaction, via Mike Curtis of the Dallas Morning News:

“It was surprising more than anything. Nico’s my guy. He played a huge part in getting me here and wanting me to fulfill his vision, in a sense, that he saw. It was definitely tough. Me and him had a conversation. Me and [Mavericks governor Patrick Dumont] had a conversation. It’s the business of basketball, you know what I’m saying. I hate those conversations.

Davis hasn’t played since Oct. 29 due to a calf injury, which is part of the reason why the Mavericks are 5-14 and second-to-last in the Western Conference. His return has loomed for weeks and he’s currently listed as questionable for Dallas’ game against, funnily enough, the Lakers on Friday.

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Trade rumors have swirled around Davis in the meantime, as the Mavericks have been reported to be focusing on 2025 first overall pick Cooper Flagg as their long-term centerpiece. With Flagg only 18 years old and having plenty of development ahead of him, that would suggest the 32-year-old Davis can be better used elsewhere.

However, Mavericks minority owner Mark Cuban, who once again has the ear of Dumont, shot down the idea recently.

Asked about the trade rumors Wednesday, Davis shrugged them off as something he can’t control:

“I have no control of that … Man, look. Y’all make it like we’re going to war or something. This is basketball. It comes with it. I think everybody in their careers has been involved in trade talks or been traded. That doesn’t affect me. I’ve been in trade talks for a while. My job is to do what I do when I’m on the floor, play basketball and try to lead this team. Whatever comes out of that, comes out of that.”

We’ll see how long that uncertainty lasts with the NBA trade deadline scheduled for Feb. 6. It was reported earlier Wednesday that Davis will be seeking a contract extension if he indeed gets traded.