Nico Harrison’s tenure with the Dallas Mavericks came to an abrupt end, and he didn’t shy away from making it known. Shortly after his dismissal on Tuesday, Harrison updated his Instagram bio to candidly state: “Unemployed.”
Appointed as the Mavericks’ general manager in 2021, Harrison had a significant impact by leading the team to the NBA Finals in 2024. However, his decision to trade star player Luka Dončić to the Los Angeles Lakers in a surprising midnight deal last February drew immense criticism from fans and analysts alike.
Despite winning the draft lottery and securing Duke’s prodigy, Cooper Flagg, with the first overall pick, the Mavericks have stumbled to a disappointing 3-8 start this season. Among these losses was a particularly disheartening game against the Milwaukee Bucks, where they squandered a 13-point lead on Monday night.
The controversial trade led to widespread chants of “Fire Nico!” at the American Airlines Center, a sentiment that persisted into the current season. According to ESPN, team governor Patrick Dumont, reflecting on the unpopular decision to trade Dončić, decided it was time for a change and relieved Harrison of his duties on Tuesday.
Chants of “Fire Nico!” became ubiquitous at American Airlines Center in Dallas after the trade, and remnants of that carried over into this season.
Team governor Patrick Dumont eventually regretted helping green-light the trade of Doncic and fired Harrison on Tuesday, ESPN reported.
Assistant GMs Michael Finley and Matt Riccardi will now run the Mavericks’ basketball operations in the interim.
In an open letter to the Dallas fanbase, Dumont explained that the franchise is disappointed with the sluggish beginning of the season, and it was time to let Harrison go.
He explained that the team figured the future was “bright” after the 2024 Finals appearance, but expectations have not been met.
“No one associated with the Mavericks organization is happy with the start of what we all believed would be a promising season,” Dumont wrote. “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. I’ve made the decision to part ways with General Manager Nico Harrison.
“Though the majority of the 2025-26 season remains to be played, and I know our players are deeply committed to a winning culture, the decision was critical to moving our franchise forward in a positive direction. … Our goal is to return to winning basketball in Dallas and win championships. Our family is committed to that mission and to continuing to invest in Dallas and the Mavericks’ future.”
