Dallas Mavericks Expected to Dismiss GM Nico Harrison Amid Turbulent Season

The Dallas Mavericks are on the verge of a major front-office shakeup. Multiple reports indicate that general manager Nico Harrison’s tenure is nearing its end, with his firing expected to be made official as early as Tuesday morning. According to NBA insiders Marc Stein and Shams Charania, ownership has already scheduled a meeting to finalize the decision at 10 a.m. Central Time.

The move comes amid mounting pressure from both fans and within the organization after a disappointing 3–8 start to the season. The Mavericks, who once appeared to be a stable contender in the Western Conference, now find themselves struggling to find consistency on and off the court.

Harrison, who has served as GM for just over four seasons, entered the role in 2021 with a reputation for sharp business acumen and strong player relationships. However, his leadership has increasingly come under scrutiny — particularly following last season’s blockbuster trade that sent franchise star Luka Dončić to the Los Angeles Lakers.

That deal, once seen as a bold attempt to reshape the team’s identity, has since been described by owner Patrick Dumont as a “mistake.” Dumont reportedly acknowledged the misstep in a courtside exchange with a fan Monday night, underscoring the deep dissatisfaction around the organization’s direction.

1. Fallout from the Luka Dončić Trade

Few decisions in recent NBA memory have drawn as much shock and criticism as the Mavericks’ trade of Luka Dončić to Los Angeles nearly a year ago. At the time, Harrison defended the move as part of a longer-term vision for Dallas’ roster balance and locker room chemistry. But the fallout was swift and severe. Fans revolted, questioning how the front office could part ways with a generational talent who had carried the franchise since his rookie season. Team performance since the trade has only added to the frustration — with Dallas missing the playoffs last year and stumbling again out of the gate this season. Owner Patrick Dumont’s recent comments acknowledging the trade as a blunder effectively sealed Harrison’s fate. Public accountability from ownership, combined with visible unrest in the fanbase, created an environment where change at the top seemed unavoidable. While the organization initially stood by Harrison through the backlash, the growing disconnect between the front office and fans has become too large to ignore. Monday night’s home game, which saw chants of “Fire Nico” echo through the arena, underscored the erosion of trust between leadership and the Mavericks’ loyal supporters.

2. Leadership Fatigue and Internal Tension

Reports have suggested that the frustration surrounding the Mavericks’ struggles extends far beyond the stands. According to Marc Stein, the negative atmosphere around the franchise has been “wearing on and troubling ownership,” with Dumont increasingly convinced that a leadership change could help reset the team’s culture. Harrison’s critics within the organization point not only to questionable roster moves but also to a lack of clear strategic direction. After the Dončić trade, Dallas failed to develop a consistent identity, cycling through short-term solutions without finding a cohesive path forward. The internal tension has also affected team morale, sources say. Players have privately expressed uncertainty about the team’s goals, while coaches have struggled to adapt to a roster in transition. The result has been a disjointed start to the season that has only amplified the sense of instability. For Dumont, the decision to move on from Harrison appears to be as much about optics and energy as it is about results. A midseason front-office reset, though risky, offers a chance to reconnect with fans and reestablish a sense of accountability within the franchise.

3. Looking Ahead: Rebuilding Trust and Direction

As Dallas prepares to part ways with Harrison, the focus now shifts to what comes next. The search for a new general manager will likely prioritize stability, communication, and the ability to rebuild both roster cohesion and public confidence. With no clear successor named, the Mavericks face an uncertain immediate future. Assistant executives and advisors are expected to handle interim duties while ownership evaluates long-term candidates. The timing of the move also adds urgency to the team’s on-court situation. Sitting near the bottom of the Western Conference standings, Dallas will attempt to turn its season around beginning with Wednesday’s matchup against the Phoenix Suns. Despite the turmoil, the Mavericks remain hopeful that a leadership change can spark a much-needed shift in energy — one that restores faith among players, fans, and stakeholders alike.