Nico Harrison Isn’t the Only Issue In Dallas Mavericks Land

Former General Manager Nico Harrison was officially fired on Tuesday following a lowly 3-8 start to the 2025-26 NBA season. However, Harrison, 52, isn’t the only issue in Dallas Mavericks land. Here’s why.

Nico Harrison Isn’t the Only Problem

Tuesday’s inevitable firing of Harrison marked a potential start of a new culture in the Dallas Mavericks organization, which can make or break the Mavericks’ fanbase. Mavericks Governor Patrick Dumont announced on Tuesday that the organization relieved the 52-year-old of his duties as general manager and president of basketball operations, effective immediately.

In a subsequent move, Dallas appointed 15-season NBA veteran, Michael Finley, and Plano, Texas native, Matt Riccardi, as co-interim general managers who will oversee basketball operations. The team will conduct a comprehensive search for a permanent replacement.

“This decision reflects our continued commitment to building a championship-caliber organization, one that delivers for our players, our partners, and most importantly, our fans,” Dumont said.

I haven’t believed anything Dumont has said so far, but I believe the firing of Harriso can jumpstart a new era. However, there’s a catch or two. Read on.

Nico Harrison’s Outlook

Harrison, who hired Jason Kidd as head coach in 2021, is out of a job after becoming a two-word chant of “Fire Nico!” in the stands. However, Harrison likely won’t be unemployed for long.

There’s a possibility the Luka Doncic trade was set up in an attempt to send him to Los Angeles, where he has ties after working with NBA stars like the late Kobe Bryant, and reuniting with longtime friend, Los Angeles Lakers General Manager Rob Pelinka.

An old video recently resurfaced of Pelinka, 55, thanking him and the Mavericks for giving him Doncic. The video led some fans to believe that the 55-year-old was a chief engineer of the Doncic trade.

Harrison was appointed as the general manager and president of basketball operations for the Mavericks in 2021. During his first three seasons, Dallas reached the Western Conference Finals in 2022 and 2024, as well as one NBA Finals in 2024.

Final Thoughts

Harrison’s firing drew mixed reactions in the NBA world. ESPN star Stephen A. Smith blasted the former professional basketball player, along with Anthony Davis and the Mavericks’ ownership.

Smith, 58, has a good point. The Mavericks’ ownership was mostly responsible for this disaster. The team not only has to create a championship roster but also restore trust with the fanbase. These are both difficult tasks.

Meanwhile, Golden State Warriors star Draymond Green said on his podcast, The Draymond Green Show, that the Mavericks “never got to see the team that Nico Harrison built at full-strength.”

Green’s statement is an unpopular opinion, but he has a good point. Some fans and media members will criticize others when things go wrong — even though it’s incorrect to do so. Harrison still built a Mavericks team that can be competitive when healthy. After all, some individuals used to criticize Doncic for poor play and being injury-prone, but now want the 26-year-old to come back after seeing his start with the Lakers.