On a recent episode of ALL THE SMOKE, host Matt Barnes sits with Gilbert Arenas and breaks down the Dallas Mavericks’ shocking midseason shake-up, including the blockbuster trade of Luka Dončić to the Los Angeles Lakers and the firing of GM Nico Harrison. The conversation examined the chaos in Dallas, questioning whether Harrison became a scapegoat for deeper organizational issues and how ownership decisions have shaped the franchise’s current trajectory.
Just 18 months removed from an NBA Finals appearance, the Mavericks now sit at a 3-8 start, missing two key players and struggling to regain stability. The Addison family’s purchase of the team from Mark Cuban in December 2023 triggered a power struggle over control of basketball operations, culminating in the trade that sent Dončić to Los Angeles for Anthony Davis, Max Christie, and a 2029 first-round pick. Earlier trade discussions reportedly included offers to Minnesota for Anthony Edwards and San Antonio for Victor Wembanyama before the Lakers deal materialized.
Harrison, who had helped build a competitive roster through strategic acquisitions, received public blame for the trade, though sources suggest the decision originated at the ownership level. Meanwhile, Anthony Davis has struggled with injuries, appearing in only 32 percent of possible games since joining Dallas, and the team has posted a 16-28 record following the trade. The addition of top draft pick Cooper Flagg provides a potential path forward, though the front office’s ability to develop young talent remains under scrutiny.
Financial motivations appear to have influenced the decision as much as basketball strategy. The Mavericks were sold for $3.5 billion and now hold a $5 billion valuation. Superstar acquisitions, like Dončić joining the Lakers, directly increase franchise value, highlighting the tension between business priorities and on-court performance.
Meanwhile, the Lakers have flourished with Dončić at the helm, posting an 8-3 record without LeBron James in the lineup. Dončić and Austin Reaves have propelled the team to a top-three Western Conference position, underscoring the immediate impact of the trade.
Looking ahead, Dallas faces a complex rebuild. With limited trade assets and no first-round picks from 2027 to 2030, the franchise must balance the development of Flagg, the health of Davis and Kyrie Irving, and strategic roster decisions. Head coach Jason Kidd has begun experimenting with Flagg at point guard to accelerate his growth in the absence of veteran stability.The episode of ALL THE SMOKE highlighted the Mavericks’ challenges as a case study in how ownership, front office dynamics, and financial incentives can collide with basketball decision-making. Matt Barnes and Gilbert Arenas provided insight into the ripple effects of one of the NBA’s most stunning trades, showing how even superstar moves can trigger uncertainty and debate at every level of a franchise.
