Credit: Daniel Kopatsch/Justin Ford/Keith Birmingham/MediaNews Group/Pasadena Star-News via Getty Images

Dirk Nowitzki has advice for Nico Harrison and Dallas Mavericks how to move on from Luka Doncic trade

Originally posted on NBA Analysis Network
By Luca Rosano | Last updated Sep 9, 2025 7:00 PM ET

The Dallas Mavericks trading Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers for Anthony Davis is regarded as one of the biggest trades in NBA history.

The NBA world was sent into a frenzy after the Luka Doncic trade, as the 26-year-old superstar was fresh off leading the Mavericks to the 2024 NBA Finals.

Since then, Mavericks general manager Nico Harrison and the entire franchise have suffered major backlash for making such a move.

Fans, media members, current and former players all weighed in on the blockbuster trade, including Mavericks Hall-of-Famer Dirk Nowitzki.

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Dirk Nowitzki says the Luka Doncic trade ‘is what it is’

Former Dallas Mavericks superstar Dirk Nowitzki spent 21 years with the team, his entire NBA career.

Nowitzki and Doncic shared a strong friendship during his last NBA season in 2018-2019.

Even Nowitzki was stunned by the Doncic trade when it first went down.

However, Nowitzki seems to be at peace with the trade now. He spoke to The Dallas Morning News, and weighed in on the deal once again.

“The trade is what it is. It happens.

“You want to show that you have the Mavs, the organization and the fans in your mind and at heart and you want to put the best product out there that you believe is going to win and compete for years to come.”

Photo by Daniel Kopatsch/Getty Images

Dallas Mavericks have a new young phenom in Cooper Flagg

As the Mavericks continue to navigate life without Doncic, they have a new young budding star to help build excitement.

Cooper Flagg was the No. 1 pick of the 2025 NBA Draft who fell right into the Mavericks’ lap after they won the NBA Lottery.

After the Mavericks made the selection, Nowitzki reached out to Flagg, welcoming the 18-year-old to the organization.

Despite Doncic’s departure, the Mavericks are still loaded with talent and can make some serious noise in the West this season with Flagg now in the mix.

This article first appeared on NBA Analysis Network and was syndicated with permission.

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