The Dallas Mavericks fired general manager Nico Harrison on Tuesday, nine months after trading Luka Dončić to the Los Angeles Lakers. The move follows a 3-8 start to the 2025-26 season and persistent fan protests. Assistant GMs Michael Finley and Matt Riccardi will serve as co-interim leaders.
Nico Harrison's tenure with the Dallas Mavericks ended Tuesday when owner Patrick Dumont announced his firing in a letter to fans. Harrison, hired in June 2021 from Nike, oversaw the team's run to the 2024 NBA Finals but drew widespread criticism for trading franchise star Luka Dončić on February 2, 2025, to the Lakers for Anthony Davis, Max Christie, and a 2029 first-round pick.
The trade, which Harrison justified by emphasizing defense with the quote, 'defense wins championships,' shocked the NBA and alienated fans. Protests erupted outside American Airlines Center, 'Fire Nico' chants filled arenas, and the team's 24-year sellout streak ended on November 5, 2025, against the Wizards. Season-ticket holders canceled plans, and some fans switched allegiance to the Lakers.
Despite winning the 2025 NBA Draft Lottery with a 1.8% chance and selecting Cooper Flagg No. 1 overall, the Mavericks struggled. Flagg, a 6-9 forward, has been forced to play point guard due to injuries, including Kyrie Irving's ACL tear and Davis's calf strain that sidelined him for six games. Dallas ranks third in defense but has the fifth-worst record at 3-8.
Earlier moves defined Harrison's legacy, including trading Kristaps Porziņģis to the Wizards in 2022 for Spencer Dinwiddie and Davis Bertans, letting Jalen Brunson walk to the Knicks in free agency, and trading Quentin Grimes to the 76ers for Caleb Martin. Dumont's letter acknowledged fan frustration: 'I understand the profound impact these difficult last several months have had.' The team plans a comprehensive search for a permanent replacement while committing to rebuild around Flagg.
