Nine months after executing the disastrous trade that sent Luka Dončić to the Lakers in exchange for Anthony Davis, Max Christie and a first-round pick, the Mavericks fired general manager Nico Harrison on Tuesday.
Though the primary reason the trade was a massive failure was because the Mavericks sent their beloved superstar to the Lakers in the middle of his prime, it also didn’t help that the main component of their return was an oft-injured older player in Davis. While Davis has been a perennial All-Star and great player for much of his career, since arriving in Dallas last February, he has unfortunately been limited to just 14 games while dealing with an adductor injury last season and a calf injury currently.
Davis has not played since Oct. 29, and has averaged 20.8 points, 10.2 rebounds and 2.2 assists per game this season when available.
Before getting fired Tuesday, Harrison reportedly urged for Davis to return from his calf strain and play, according to TheAthletic. Sources also reportedly told The Athletic that Davis himself has also tried convincing the team to let him play. The team’s medical staff did not give in and have not let Davis return as they find it could potentially lead to him tearing his Achilles—which happened to Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton during the NBA Finals.
Since that report came out, ESPN’s Tim MacMahon reported Wednesday that Mavericks governor Patrick Dumont is requesting medical data that will indicate Davis is not at risk to aggravate his calf strain before he is permitted to play again.
Per MacMahon, Davis was initially aiming to return for last Saturday’s game against the Wizards, but there was a disagreement between his personal medical staff and Mavericks director of health and performance Johann Bilsborough. Dumont took the side of Bilsborough, looking to play it safe with Davis as he eyes his return.
Davis is slated to miss his seventh straight game as the Mavericks take on the Suns on Wednesday.
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