The Dallas Mavericks have fired general manager Nico Harrison, less than a year after the stunning trade of Luka Dončić to the Los Angeles Lakers — a move that sent shockwaves through the NBA and ultimately sealed his fate in Dallas.
ESPN’s Shams Charania was first to break the news, writing on X “BREAKING: The Dallas Mavericks and owner Patrick Dumont are expected to fire general manager Nico Harrison at a 10 am central time meeting on Tuesday, sources tell me and Tim MacMahon.”
Team owner Patrick Dumont announced the firing on Tuesday, calling it necessary to “move the franchise forward.” In a letter to fans, he wrote, “No one associated with the Mavericks organization is happy with the start of what we all believed would be a promising season. You have high expectations for the Mavericks, and I share them with you. When the results don’t meet expectations, it’s my responsibility to act.” Assistant general managers Michael Finley and Matt Riccardi will serve as co-interim GMs while the team begins “a comprehensive search” for a permanent replacement.
Harrison, 52, joined Dallas in 2021 after a long career at Nike but no prior NBA front-office experience. His tenure included major roster and staff overhauls — trading Kristaps Porziņģis, losing Jalen Brunson in free agency, firing long-time medical and training staff, and reshaping the organization’s culture.
Harrison helped lead the Mavericks to the 2024 NBA Finals before making one of the most criticized trades in franchise history when in February 2025, he dealt Dončić — a five-time All-Star and All-NBA First Team selection — to the Lakers for Anthony Davis, Max Christie, and a future first-round pick. He told ESPN at the time: “I believe that defense wins championships. 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.”
The move immediately backfired when Davis was injured shortly after the trade, Kyrie Irving suffered a season-ending ACL tear, and Dallas fell out of playoff contention. Meanwhile, Dončić thrived in Los Angeles, averaging 37.1 points, 9.4 rebounds, and 9.1 assists while leading the Lakers to one of the league’s best records.
“Fire Nico” chants became common at home games amongst die-hard Mavericks fans, in addition to public protests outside the arena. Harrison’s strained relationship with the fanbase and media worsened after a closed press conference in which he doubled down on his defensive philosophy and dismissed criticism, calling the fallout overblown.
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