Nico Harrison is reportedly close to being fired after the Luka Doncic trade collapse and a 3–8 start. Dallas now faces major questions about its future.
Dallas Mavericks Expected to Part Ways With GM Nico Harrison After Luka Doncic Trade Fallout
The tension brewing in Dallas for months is finally coming to a head. After waves of fan frustration and a turbulent stretch on and off the court, Dallas Mavericks general manager Nico Harrison is reportedly on the verge of being fired, according to NBA insider Marc Stein. His exit is described as “imminent,” and could happen as early as today, ending a four-plus-year run marked by bold decisions, risky bets, and one franchise-altering trade that still haunts the organization.
If Harrison is indeed dismissed, it will close the chapter on one of the most controversial front-office tenures in recent league history — highlighted by the shocking trade that sent Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers at last season’s deadline.
A Trade That Defined a Tenure — and Possibly Ended It
The decision that has hovered over Harrison’s tenure like a storm cloud was the blockbuster swap that sent the Mavericks’ superstar and face of the franchise, Luka Doncic, to Los Angeles. At the time, the deal stunned the basketball world, igniting immediate backlash from fans and analysts alike.
Harrison defended the move by citing concerns over Doncic’s conditioning and long-term commitment, claiming the organization feared his weight management issues could hinder his durability. But regardless of the reasoning, trading a generational talent at age 26 was always going to be a gamble with extreme consequences — and the fallout has been swift and harsh.
Even Mark Cuban, who sold majority ownership but remained involved as a minority stakeholder, said he had no idea the deal was happening until it was over. That revelation created a new wave of criticism, leaving the franchise looking divided and directionless.
The trade itself proved disastrous almost immediately. Dallas spiraled through the remainder of the season, injuries piled up, chemistry collapsed, and the team ultimately missed the playoffs after losing in the final play-in game. Harrison admitted during a rare post-trade media appearance that he knew his job security hinged on whether the trade worked. As he put it:
“The future to me is three, four years from now… ten years from now, they’ll probably bury me and Jason Kidd by then — or we’ll bury ourselves.”
It turned out to be prophetic.
Key Injuries Compounded the Crisis
While the Doncic trade drew most of the attention, injuries played a massive role in Dallas’ downward slide.
Anthony Davis, the centerpiece acquired from the Lakers, strained his adductor in his first game as a Maverick, sidelining him six weeks. The team barely had time to adjust before disaster struck again — Kyrie Irving tore his ACL in early March, ending his season and leaving Davis to carry the roster alone once he returned.
With both stars out, Dallas stumbled to a 39–43 finish.
This season hasn’t brought better news. Davis suffered a calf injury early in the 2025–26 campaign. Irving is still rehabbing his torn ACL. And while No. 1 overall pick Cooper Flagg is a cornerstone for the future, he’s navigating the steep learning curve typical for rookies. The Mavericks opened the season 3–8, and optimism is wearing thin.
Front Office Shake-Up: Interim Leaders Step In
With Harrison’s firing expected any moment, ESPN’s Shams Charania reports that Michael Finley and Matt Riccardi will take over basketball operations on an interim basis. Both are widely respected within the organization, but neither steps into an easy job.
The Mavericks face massive questions:
- Can Cooper Flagg develop into a franchise anchor?
- Can Irving stay healthy and return to elite form?
- Is Davis’ body durable enough to build around?
- How long will the new ownership group tolerate losing seasons?
This transition period is pivotal, and Dallas needs clear direction as quickly as possible.
New Ownership, New Standards, New Pressure
The timing of Harrison’s expected firing also signals something bigger: new ownership is making its presence felt. Billionaire Miriam Adelson and Patrick Dumont now control the franchise, and they’re not sitting idle while the team struggles.
Firing Harrison now is a bold move — and one that sends a message. The new leadership is willing to make hard decisions, even if they upset parts of the fan base or disrupt continuity.
But it also highlights Dallas’ internal uncertainty.
The team’s long-term vision is unclear. The roster is aging and injury-prone. The last two seasons have been disrupted by instability. And despite winning the 2025 NBA Draft Lottery, Dallas still feels several steps away from contention.
A Fan Base That Wants Answers
Mavericks fans haven’t been quiet. “Fire Nico!” chants have echoed around social media and occasionally in arenas. Harrison became the lightning rod for their frustration — not just because of the Doncic trade, but because he rarely addressed the media afterward. His silence only fueled speculation and resentment.
Now, the front office shake-up will satisfy the loudest critics, but it doesn’t automatically solve the deeper issues. Dallas still needs a long-term plan, a healthy roster, and a clear identity.
What Comes Next for Dallas?
The Mavericks are at a crossroads. With uncertainty everywhere — from coaching to personnel to front-office leadership — the next hire will be one of the most important in franchise history. The right general manager could reshape the roster, stabilize the culture, and help Cooper Flagg grow into the star Dallas hopes he’ll become.
The wrong hire could set the franchise years back.
One thing is clear: the Nico Harrison era is coming to an abrupt and defining end, and the Mavericks must now chart a path out of the chaos.
