The Dallas Mavericks are reportedly preparing to fire general manager Nico Harrison following a tumultuous start to the 2025 NBA season and continued fallout from the controversial trade of superstar Luka Doncic to the Lakers.
Harrison Under Fire After Doncic Trade
Nico Harrison, 52, has been under intense scrutiny ever since the February blockbuster trade that sent Doncic, along with Maxi Kleber and Markieff Morris, to Los Angeles in exchange for Anthony Davis, Max Christie, and a 2029 first-round pick.
The move, aimed at building a more defensively-minded roster, drew immediate backlash from fans and shocked Doncic himself.
Harrison defended the trade at the time, telling ESPN:
“I believe that defense wins championships. I believe that getting an All-Defensive center and an All-NBA player with a defensive mindset gives us a better chance.
We’re built to win now and in the future.”
Poor Season Start Adds Pressure
The Mavericks’ struggles on the court only intensified criticism of Harrison.
Dallas has stumbled to an 8-3 record in its first 11 games of the season, leaving fans frustrated and management under pressure to make a change.
Interim Leadership to Step In
ESPN reports that assistant GMs Michael Finley and Matt Riccardi will take over as interim leaders of basketball operations once Harrison departs, which is expected to happen on Tuesday.
This move comes less than five months after Harrison oversaw the selection of former Duke star Cooper Flagg with the first overall pick of the 2025 NBA Draft.
Owner Admits Mistake
In the wake of ongoing controversy, Mavericks owner Patrick Dumont recently acknowledged responsibility for the Doncic trade, admitting it was a mistake during a fan interaction.
Harrison, however, has maintained that he should not be judged solely on recent results or injuries, telling ESPN earlier this year:
“I think I’ve done a really good job here and I don’t think I can be judged by the injuries this year… The leadership we have is really elite, and you’ll see next year, when our team comes back, we’re going to be competing for a championship.”
Looking Ahead
With Harrison reportedly out the door, Dallas now faces a critical juncture.
Interim leadership will need to steady the ship while fans and analysts watch closely to see how the Mavericks attempt to rebound after a season-opening slump and a blockbuster trade that continues to reverberate through the organization.
The coming weeks will be crucial for Dallas as it tries to balance rebuilding, maintaining competitiveness, and restoring confidence among fans eager to see the team contend at the highest level once again.