Dallas Mavericks Announce Departure of General Manager Nico Harrison as Franchise Seeks New Leadership Direction.

Dallas, TX – The Dallas Mavericks officially announced Tuesday the termination of General Manager Nico Harrison, concluding his tenure amidst a challenging start to the NBA season and escalating fan discontent. The decision follows a dismal 3-8 opening record, a period marked by a series of high-stakes roster moves and a palpable sense of frustration from the fanbase, frequently vocalized through "fire Nico" chants echoing at American Airlines Center. For many, the move appeared inevitable, particularly in the wake of significant, and in hindsight, questionable, strategic decisions such as the hypothetical trade of superstar Luka Dončić, a move that, within this speculative narrative, proved to be a critical miscalculation.

The firing is expected to provide a measure of immediate relief to a fanbase that had grown increasingly disillusioned. However, this transient calm is anticipated to be swiftly replaced by a new layer of anxiety concerning the franchise’s direction. The general manager position in Dallas presents a complex blend of significant upside potential and considerable downside risk. While the presence of a generational talent like Cooper Flagg offers a foundational glimmer of hope for the future, the Mavericks face a daunting challenge: the absence of control over their first-round draft picks from 2027 through 2030. This scenario ushers in one of the most pivotal and precarious stretches in the franchise’s history, demanding astute leadership and swift strategic execution.

In the immediate aftermath of Harrison’s departure, Assistant General Managers Michael Finley and Matt Riccardi have been appointed as co-interim general managers to collaboratively oversee basketball operations. The Mavericks organization confirmed that a comprehensive search for a permanent replacement will commence without delay, emphasizing the critical nature of the upcoming appointment.

The individual ultimately tasked with succeeding Harrison will confront an urgent mandate to safeguard the franchise’s future assets, most notably Cooper Flagg. This imperative will likely necessitate decisive and potentially unpopular moves, including the probable trade of veteran forward Anthony Davis, and potentially several other key veterans. These transactions are expected to materialize quickly, driven by the pressing need for a high 2026 draft pick, a commodity of unparalleled importance for the Mavericks given the substantial outflow of future draft capital.

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Beyond the immediate basketball exigencies, the new general manager must possess qualities extending beyond mere strategic acumen. The franchise is in dire need of an effective ambassador capable of bridging the divide between the organization and its increasingly restive fanbase. This role demands an individual adept at mending fractured relationships and articulating a clear, compelling vision for the future. Consequently, candidates with established track records of success or those possessing significant credibility within the Mavericks organization are likely to feature prominently on any preliminary list. The challenge for Dallas is twofold: not only to resume winning games but also to re-engage and win back the trust of fans who may have already become disengaged.

While a definitive list of candidates remains speculative at this early stage, several names emerge as logical considerations, either due to existing ties to the Mavericks or through robust professional reputations that would enable them to navigate such a demanding mid-season transition. The following individuals represent the early watch list as the Dallas Mavericks embark on a critical leadership change.

Mark Cuban
While Mark Cuban is unlikely to assume the day-to-day responsibilities of a general manager, a clear distinction must be made regarding his potential involvement. Cuban, a figure synonymous with the Mavericks for a quarter-century, has never formally held the GM title nor directly managed all its operational functions. His schedule and broader business commitments preclude him from the exhaustive scouting and player evaluation inherent to the role. However, his historical influence on basketball operations is undeniable.

Cuban successfully oversaw the Mavericks’ most triumphant period, culminating in the 2011 NBA championship. Following the sale of a majority stake in the team to Patrick Dumont and Miriam Adelson, initial reports suggested Cuban would retain significant control over basketball decisions. This arrangement, however, did not fully materialize, with Harrison reportedly sidelining Cuban from his previous level of influence. With Harrison’s departure, Cuban, who still retains a 27% stake in the franchise, possesses a depth of subject-matter expertise currently unmatched by the new majority ownership. The question remains whether Cuban would re-engage in a more prominent, albeit structured, basketball operations role, especially after his previous experience. Any such arrangement would likely require explicit agreements regarding his purview, focusing on big-picture strategic decisions while empowering internal candidates for daily management. Regardless, Cuban’s proven track record of success positions him as a more qualified figure to guide the basketball operations than the current majority owners.

Michael Finley
Michael Finley, currently serving as a co-interim general manager, possesses significant internal credibility within the Mavericks organization. As detailed in Tim MacMahon’s book "Wonder Boy," Finley was a key member of the five-person committee assembled by Cuban in 2021 to identify new leadership, a process that ultimately led to the appointments of Nico Harrison and head coach Jason Kidd. Of the committee members, which included Dirk Nowitzki, Keith Grant, Casey Smith, and Don Kalkstein, Finley maintains the most prominent and active role within the franchise today.

A respected former All-Star for the Mavericks, Finley’s long-standing association with the team, coupled with his executive experience, makes him a compelling candidate. His deep understanding of the organizational culture and his standing as a beloved former player could resonate positively with a demanding fanbase, provided past minor incidents, such as the "beer incident" with Luka Dončić, are viewed as resolved by the more conspiratorial elements of the fanbase. Finley’s potential role could be elevated further if Cuban were to return to a more prominent, oversight capacity, with Finley managing day-to-day operations. He has previously been considered for general manager positions, making him a strong internal contender for the permanent role.

Matt Riccardi
Matt Riccardi, the other co-interim general manager alongside Finley, lacks Finley’s playing pedigree but has steadily risen as an influential figure within the Mavericks’ front office. His importance extends beyond basketball decision-making, encompassing a crucial role in external communication and public relations. Following Harrison’s widely criticized press conference last April, Riccardi effectively stepped into the role of an unofficial spokesperson for the organization.

Riccardi represented the team at the lottery drawing where they secured Cooper Flagg and subsequently made numerous podcast and on-camera appearances throughout the offseason to discuss team strategy and outlook. This level of public engagement is uncommon for executives not holding the general manager title, particularly in an organization grappling with significant messaging challenges in the wake of the Dončić trade. This demonstrated trust from ownership, particularly in critical public-facing moments, suggests he is a viable candidate for the full-time general manager position, addressing a crucial need for transparent and effective communication.

Dennis Lindsey
Dennis Lindsey’s brief tenure with the Mavericks in 2024 sparked considerable discussion regarding the team’s trajectory. Haralabos Voulgaris, the former professional gambler and alleged shadow GM of the Mavericks, publicly hinted that Lindsey, the former general manager of the Utah Jazz, contributed significantly to the Mavericks’ perceived success during a period when they transitioned "from the lottery to the Finals" (within the article’s speculative narrative).

Lindsey, known for constructing the successful Donovan Mitchell-Rudy Gobert Jazz teams that achieved substantial regular-season success, was subsequently hired away by the Detroit Pistons in July 2024. His departure from Dallas was reportedly followed by a downturn in the Mavericks’ fortunes, leading some to speculate about a causal link. If Lindsey cultivated goodwill with Mavericks ownership during his time with the team, his proven experience in building competitive rosters positions him as a strong external candidate for consideration.

Bob Myers
Bob Myers is a perennial fixture in high-profile general manager searches, a testament to his unparalleled track record. If Myers were to express interest in returning to a general manager role, he would undoubtedly be a top target for any franchise. Currently, Myers serves as the President of Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment, overseeing a portfolio that includes the Philadelphia 76ers, New Jersey Devils, and Washington Commanders. This role, focused on broader oversight rather than day-to-day team management, is generally perceived as less demanding.

The Mavericks, according to reports from Tim Cato, did reach out to Myers over the summer. Beyond his prowess as a talent evaluator, demonstrated by his instrumental role in building the Golden State Warriors dynasty (which secured multiple championships), Myers is widely respected for his exceptional leadership and people management skills. His ability to maintain cohesion within a championship-level organization for nearly a decade would be invaluable for the Mavericks, particularly given the reported organizational shifts under Harrison. Myers’ presence would likely rally staff and garner immediate fan support. However, his current contractual obligations and, more importantly, his personal desire to return to the intense demands of a general manager position remain unclear. Until there is concrete indication of his interest, his candidacy, while highly desirable, remains speculative.

Masai Ujiri
Should the Mavericks pursue a "big-game" executive but find Myers unavailable, the pool of available, championship-winning general managers shrinks considerably. Masai Ujiri, the architect of the Toronto Raptors’ 2019 NBA championship (notably through the acquisition of Kawhi Leonard), stands out. Five years ago, Ujiri would have been a slam-dunk hire, with numerous teams actively attempting to poach him during the Raptors’ peak.

However, the Raptors have not advanced beyond the first round of the playoffs since 2020, and the current roster, largely constructed by Ujiri, is widely perceived as lacking clear direction. Critics point to the later Raptors teams sharing some of the same roster imbalances that plagued the Harrison-era Mavericks: an overreliance on big, athletic defenders at the expense of consistent shooting and playmaking. Ujiri would need to provide a compelling explanation for his recent roster decisions in Toronto. Nevertheless, his championship pedigree and reputation for bold moves ensure he will be a prominent name in future general manager discussions should he express interest.

David Griffin
David Griffin represents another championship-winning general manager available on the market. His tenure with the New Orleans Pelicans, following his departure from the Cavaliers where he built a championship roster around LeBron James, was met with mixed results. However, considering the subsequent struggles in New Orleans after his firing, there is a legitimate question about the extent of his culpability for the Pelicans’ fortunes.

Griffin demonstrated strong drafting capabilities in New Orleans, notably selecting players like Trey Murphy III and Herb Jones outside the lottery. While some moves, such as the hypothetical Dejounte Murray trade, could be viewed as misses, his overall track record, especially in Cleveland, positions him for future general manager consideration. An additional benefit of a potential Griffin hire is his media-friendly persona. Having started his NBA career in the Phoenix Suns’ public relations department and later engaging in television work, Griffin possesses a unique ability to articulate his vision and decisions to an agitated fanbase, a critical asset that was noticeably lacking during Harrison’s tenure.