UPDATE: The Dallas Mavericks have officially fired General Manager Nico Harrison following a disappointing 3-8 start to the 2025-26 NBA season. This move comes just nine months after Harrison’s controversial trade of superstar Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers, a decision that sparked widespread outrage among fans.
During a scheduled meeting on Tuesday morning, team governor Patrick Dumont confirmed the firing, putting an end to speculation about changes in the front office. In a letter addressed to fans, Dumont emphasized the team’s commitment to restoring success and stated, “When the results don’t meet expectations, it’s my responsibility to act.”
The Mavericks are currently on a five-game losing streak and sit at the bottom of the Western Conference standings, ranked 14th out of 15 teams. Dumont’s letter expressed empathy for the fans, acknowledging their right to demand a commitment to winning. “Our goal is to return winning basketball to Dallas and win championships,” he stated, vowing to invest in the team’s future.
Harrison had served as GM and president of basketball operations for four seasons, leading the Mavericks to two Western Conference Finals and an NBA Finals appearance. However, the fallout from the Doncic trade, which involved sending the young star to the Lakers in exchange for Anthony Davis, Max Christie, and a 2029 first-round draft pick, left fans feeling discontented. Protests and chants of “Fire Nico” echoed through the arena in the months that followed.
The backlash intensified after Harrison, during an April press conference, admitted he underestimated the fan’s affection for Doncic. Despite hopes that the addition of Davis would elevate the team’s performance alongside stars like Kyrie Irving and Klay Thompson, injuries plagued the roster, leading to a lackluster season start.
As the Mavericks look ahead, executives Michael Finley and Matt Riccardi will serve as interim leaders while a search for a permanent GM begins. With the next game scheduled against the Phoenix Suns on Wednesday, the franchise faces a critical juncture to turn the season around.
Fans are eagerly awaiting how this shake-up will impact the team, hoping for a swift return to competitive basketball. The Mavericks have a storied history, and the urgency for change has never been more palpable.
Stay tuned for further updates as this story develops.
