Nico Harrison at press conference. (© 2025 Courtesy of Dalls Mavericks)
SYRACUSE, N.Y. (NCC News) – Nine months after orchestrating one of the most shocking trades in NBA history, Dallas Mavericks general manager Nico Harrison has been fired, according to multiple reports.
Harrison’s dismissal comes as the Mavericks stumble to a 3-8 start to the 2025-26 season, sitting near the bottom of the Western Conference standings. The firing follows Monday night’s home loss to the Milwaukee Bucks, when frustrated fans chanted “Fire Nico” as the team blew a 13-point lead.
Harrison, 52, had served as the Mavericks’ GM and president of basketball operations since 2021, leading the team to a conference finals appearance in 2022, and an NBA Finals run in 2024. However, his tenure unraveled after the blockbuster trade that sent superstar Luke Dončić to the Los Angeles Lakers for Anthony Davis last season.
Harrison defended the move at the time, citing concerns about Dončić’s and long-term commitment. Davis on the other hand, missed significant time with injuries, Kyrie Irving tore his ACL in March, and Dallas ended their year 39-43, ultimately missing the playoffs after a play-in elimination.
Although the Mavericks landed the No. 1 pick and selected highly touted rookie Cooper Flagg, early struggles have continued, and injuries to Davis and Irving have affected the team.
According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, Michael Finley and Matt Riccardi will take over basketball operations on an interim basis.
Harrison’s exit marks the first major front-office shakeup under new majority owners Miriam Adelson and Patrick Dumont, who took control from longtime owner Mark Cuban last season.
The Mavericks now face an uncertain future without the star who defined their franchise and the general manager who made the deal to move him.