Mavericks Begin Front-Office Reset as Metta World Peace Voices Interest in GM Role

The Dallas Mavericks’ turbulent year continued this week with the firing of general manager Nico Harrison, a move that reignited debate surrounding the franchise’s long-term direction. Harrison’s departure comes just nine months after he executed one of the most polarizing trades in recent NBA history—sending Luka Dončić to the Los Angeles Lakers in exchange for Anthony Davis. With Davis now sidelined by injury, the ramifications of that deal continue to loom over the organization.

Dallas’ front-office reset immediately sparked questions about whether the next regime will pursue a complete rebuild. The team’s unexpected jump to the No. 1 pick last summer allowed them to select phenom forward Cooper Flagg, a rare bright spot in an otherwise chaotic year. Whether the Mavericks attempt to fast-track contention or commit to a patience-driven youth movement remains central to the franchise’s future.

Into that uncertainty stepped one of the NBA’s more colorful figures: former All-Star and 2010 champion Metta World Peace. While largely removed from front-office circles, World Peace recently used a media appearance to express interest in taking over basketball operations in Dallas. His comments added a unique wrinkle to an already unpredictable GM search.

As the Mavericks evaluate candidates and assess their trajectory, the team continues to struggle on the court, leaving the organization at a crossroads with decisions that could shape its path for years to come.

1. A Controversial Trade and a Front Office Reset

Harrison’s firing comes with significant context, most notably the blockbuster deal that sent Dončić—a former face of the franchise and perennial MVP contender—to Los Angeles. The acquisition of Anthony Davis was meant to offer a fresh foundation, but Davis’ injury struggles have prevented the Mavericks from capitalizing on the move. The trade’s fallout has only intensified scrutiny on the front office. Without Dončić, the Mavericks lost their most consistent offensive anchor, while Davis’ availability remains uncertain. That imbalance has contributed to Dallas’ rocky 4–10 start and left many questioning the timing and rationale behind last spring’s decision. Internally, the team faced pressure to pivot quickly. Davis and Kyrie Irving still provide star-level production when healthy, but the roster surrounding them has lacked cohesion and depth. With results slipping and long-term planning unclear, leadership opted to make a change. Harrison’s exit reflects both dissatisfaction with recent performance and a desire to reset the direction of the franchise. Whoever steps in next will inherit a complicated roster, an uncertain timeline, and a fan base seeking clarity.

2. Metta World Peace Makes His Pitch

Amid discussions about the next general manager, Metta World Peace surprised many by publicly lobbying for the position. In a recent TMZ interview, the former Lakers forward described himself as ready to take control of basketball operations, framing leadership as a challenge he believes he is well equipped to handle. World Peace’s résumé, however, is unconventional for a GM candidate. While he enjoyed a long NBA career, earned All-Defensive honors, and hit one of the defining shots of the 2010 Finals, he has not held a formal front-office role. His post-playing ventures have included coaching, entrepreneurship, and media work, but none directly tied to NBA personnel management. Still, his interest underscores how visible and intriguing the Dallas vacancy has become. A major-market franchise with significant star power—and significant uncertainty—offers an appealing opportunity for a wide range of candidates. Whether the Mavericks seriously consider World Peace or simply acknowledge his ambition, his bid reflects the broader conversation taking place: the organization’s next leader must carry both vision and decisiveness to navigate a challenging landscape.

3. Difficult Decisions Ahead for a Team Slipping in the West

The new general manager will face an immediate strategic fork in the road. Dallas must determine whether a healthy Davis-Irving pairing can still anchor a contender, or if the wiser move is to embrace a rebuild centered around Flagg, whose early potential has already drawn considerable league-wide interest. At 4–10, the Mavericks have put themselves behind the curve in a Western Conference dominated by deep, talented teams. Even with full health, matching the consistency of the Oklahoma City Thunder, Houston Rockets, or Denver Nuggets would require significant growth and roster upgrades. The alternative—a reset aimed at maximizing long-term value—comes with its own risks. Trading veteran stars could accelerate a rebuild, but missteps could leave the franchise stranded between eras. Flagg’s development timeline, Davis’ health, and Irving’s commitment all factor into what is shaping up to be a pivotal organizational decision. Meanwhile, the Mavericks still must compete on the court. Their next challenge comes Monday night against the Minnesota Timberwolves, as they attempt to stabilize an increasingly difficult start to the season.