Kawhi Leonard has a strong relationship with new GM Nico Harrison

Playing with Luka Doncic is definitely a motivating factor in why Kawhi Leonard could consider joining the Dallas Mavericks, but another big reason is because of newly appointed general manager, Nico Harrison. 

Long-time front-office executive Donnie Nelson joined the Mavericks organization in 1998 and had been with them through the 2020-21 season, until he and the Mavs decided to part ways this offseason. In his place, Dallas hired long-time Nike executive Nico Harrison to become the team’s new general manager. 

Harrison has been Nike’s vice president of North American Basketball Operations since May 2015 and began working with Nike in 2002 in their marketing department. For years, Nico Harrison has built very strong connections with some of the league’s biggest stars as a result of the NBA’s working relationship with Nike. 

Now as the general manager of the Dallas Mavericks, Harrison not only brings plenty of knowledge with him about the up and coming talents in the Nike AAU circuits/collegiate hoops, but he has strong ties with superstars around the league, including Kawhi Leonard. 

Before signing a new apparel deal with New Balance, Kawhi Leonard spent years with Nike, which resulted in him working with Nico Harrison on various projects. This relationship between Kawhi and Harrison is definitely something to keep an eye on and could have been one of the main reasons for the Mavericks hiring him in the first place. 

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Mark Cuban, the Dallas Mavericks’ owner, wants to win and contend for championships and while Luka Doncic certainly gives them a good chance to do so, they still need another superstar talent. Kawhi Leonard is the guy they want and his prior relationship with their new GM definitely gives the Mavericks a “leg up” on the rest of their competition.