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[Saba Sports News] Dallas Mavericks GM Nico Harrison shed some light on Jason Kidd’s level of involvement—or lack thereof—in the shocking trade that sent Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers.
Speaking at a press conference less than 24 hours after the blockbuster deal was finalized, Harrison revealed that he initiated trade discussions with Lakers GM Rob Pelinka in early January. However, he and Pelinka kept the talks extremely private, not even informing Kidd.
“We kept it between us,” Harrison said, via ESPN’s Tim MacMahon. “We had to keep it tight. J-Kidd didn’t know about it, but J-Kidd and I are aligned. We talk about archetypes and the culture we want to create. So I know the type of players he likes without actually talking to him.”
While it’s one thing for a GM to acquire a complementary role player without consulting the head coach, trading away a top-five NBA star in his prime without prior discussion is another level entirely.
Still, Kidd appeared to accept the team’s new direction. He admitted he wasn’t informed about the deal until the “11th hour” and called it “a little shocking.” However, the veteran coach remained optimistic about moving forward without Doncic.