UNIVERSITY PARK — Dallas Mavericks general manager Nico Harrison has had a chaotic February.
After making a blockbuster trade that sent Mavericks star guard Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers on Feb. 1, Harrison has been the subject of plenty of ire from Dallas fans.
Harrison has made limited public appearances since the move was made, but took a trip just north of the American Airlines Center to take in SMU men’s basketball’s matchup against the Pitt Panthers, Tuesday night.
Harrison has previously made trips to The Hilltop, particularly during the 2024-2025 season with the Mustangs now led by coach Andy Enfield and off to an 18-5 start.
SMU fans on social media were quick to express some displeasure at Harrison appearing at Moody Coliseum after making the controversial trade.
Before the game began, Harrison was taking pictures with various SMU fans and greeting former colleagues, like ex-Maverick guard Theo Pinson — who is on the call for the game on ACC Network.
Midway through the first half of the game, members of the SMU student section began chanting “Fire Nico.”
The trade shook not just the NBA but also the Dallas sports community at large.
SMU football coach Rhett Lashlee even voiced his confusion at the monumental trade that sent 10-time NBA All-Star Anthony Davis to the Mavericks.
“I’m a ball coach & in the sports world, so I really try not to be critical of other coaches/sports leaders, for obvious reasons … but after almost 24 hours trying to figure out the reason to trade away a generational player," Lashlee said in a post on the social media platform X. “I’ve still got nothing. Feels WAY overthought. I sure hope it works out for everyone, but sure hate it for our city to lose such an icon who embraced Dallas.”
SMU’s athletic program has worked to connect further with the city of Dallas over the past few years as they’ve risen back to the power conference ranks in the ACC.
Dallas Mavericks players like Dereck Lively have also been in attendance for SMU basketball games this season.