It has been 283 days since the trade that shocked not only the basketball world but the entire world. Now, Nico Harrison has been fired.

For many Mavericks fans, this feels like a dream come true. But I have to ask, was this the right move, or was it premature?

One of the biggest reasons people are questioning this decision is the incredible start Luka Dončić has had this season. He is averaging 37.1 points, 9.4 rebounds, and 9.1 assists. That is almost a 38-point triple-double. You read that right.

Not only is Luka playing at an MVP level, but he is also clearly motivated by something extra. After the team traded him, he came back with a vengeance. Firing Nico Harrison might just be the front office’s way of calming Luka down; a peace offering.

Another major factor is Anthony Davis. When he first arrived in Dallas, his first half against the Rockets reminded everyone just how skilled and dominant he can be. If that version of AD had stayed consistent, and if Cooper Flagg and Kyrie Irving were both healthy, Nico might still have a job.

Unfortunately, the second half of that same game showed the other side of AD. He went down again and missed most of the season. Reports said he came into the season out of shape after recovering from retina surgery. Add in Kyrie’s injuries, and the Mavericks were left with a disaster on their hands.

At 3 and 8, the Mavericks sit near the bottom of the Western Conference. This is a shocking result for a team that many thought would be a contender this year.

A lot of the criticism has been directed toward rookie Cooper Flagg, who has not lived up to the high expectations placed on him. But he is young, and there is still time for him to adjust. Instead of blaming the rookie, the front office might have decided that firing Nico was an easier way to show accountability.

So, was firing him the right move? Was it because of the team’s poor record while the stars were injured? Because Flagg has not performed as expected? Or because the Mavericks simply needed someone to blame?

I do not think he should have been fired for any of those reasons.

He should have been fired the day he traded Luka. And the same goes for everyone who signed off on that deal.