Dallas Mavericks general manager Nico Harrison is facing heightened security measures for Saturday's home game following the controversial trade of Luka Dončić. The deal, which sent shockwaves through the NBA, has sparked outrage among Mavs fans, some of whom have expressed their displeasure through protests and, disturbingly, death threats against Harrison.

The backlash stems from the Mavericks' decision to trade their 25-year-old superstar, who led the league in scoring last season and propelled the team to the NBA Finals. While some fans held peaceful demonstrations, others crossed the line with threats and racial slurs directed at Harrison.

According to ESPN, these threats have prompted increased security for Harrison at the upcoming game. Reporter Tim McMahon revealed the unsettling details, stating that Harrison will not be in his usual seat to mitigate security risks.

McMahon acknowledged the fans' right to be upset but emphasized that the threats are unacceptable. "Obviously, the fans' anger, they have every right to feel like they got a generational superstar ripped away from them, but certainly, lines have been crossed."

Harrison defended the trade, citing the need to improve the team's defense and preempt the potential for Dončić to leave in free agency next year. He explained the team's rationale, stating, "We really feel like we got ahead of what was going to be a tumultuous summer...and so we really felt like we got out in front of that."

The trade involved the Mavericks acquiring Anthony Davis, Max Christie, and a future first-round pick from the Los Angeles Lakers in exchange for Dončić, Maxi Kleber, and Markieff Morris. The Utah Jazz also participated in the deal, receiving Jalen Hood-Schifino and two second-round picks.

The Mavericks lost their first game without Dončić by a significant margin, though both Kyrie Irving and Anthony Davis were sidelined. The team will face the Houston Rockets in their first home game since the trade.