The Dallas Mavericks have made a significant front-office change, announcing the firing of general manager Nico Harrison on Tuesday amid growing dissatisfaction among fans and a challenging start to the current NBA season. Harrison’s departure marks the end of a tumultuous era for the franchise, which has been grappling with the fallout from controversial roster moves and underwhelming team performance.
Nico Harrison, 52, had served as the Mavericks’ general manager since June 2021. During his four-plus seasons in charge, he compiled a record of 182 wins and 157 losses. Under his leadership, the team experienced moments of success, most notably making an impressive run to the NBA Finals in the 2023-2024 season. However, the high point was followed by a steep decline after a blockbuster trade that continues to haunt the franchise and its fanbase.
Last season, Harrison orchestrated a stunning and widely debated trade that sent the Mavericks’ superstar Luka Dončić to the Los Angeles Lakers. In exchange, Dallas acquired veteran star Anthony Davis. While the trade was intended to bolster the team’s championship aspirations, it backfired in many eyes, leaving Mavericks supporters frustrated and vocal in their displeasure. Since Dončić’s departure, chants of “Fire Nico!” have become a regular feature at Mavericks home games, underscoring the fans’ growing impatience and dissatisfaction.
Following the trade, the Mavericks struggled significantly on the court. After reaching the NBA Finals the previous season, Dallas fell out of playoff contention the following year, barely qualifying for the Play-In Tournament and getting eliminated early. This made them the first team since the 2019-2020 season to miss the playoffs immediately after making a Finals appearance—a stark turnaround that has intensified scrutiny on the organization’s leadership.
Despite the team’s struggles, the Mavericks received an unexpected boost when they improbably won the NBA Draft Lottery, securing the No. 1 overall pick in the draft. The team used this pick to select Cooper Flagg, a highly touted former Duke star whose potential has generated considerable excitement among fans and analysts alike. Flagg, paired with Anthony Davis in the frontcourt, was seen as a promising foundation for rebuilding the team’s competitiveness.
However, the current season has not gone as smoothly as hoped. The Mavericks have struggled to find consistency, posting a disappointing 3-8 record. Their position near the bottom of the Western Conference standings, just ahead of the New Orleans Pelicans, has done little to quell fan unrest. Recent games have illustrated the team’s ongoing challenges; notably, they squandered a double-digit lead against the Milwaukee Bucks, ultimately losing 116-114. This loss only amplified the “Fire Nico!” chants from the crowd, reflecting the mounting frustration within the Mavericks’ fan base.
In the aftermath of the loss to Milwaukee, questions arose about whether the hostile chants and off-court distractions were affecting the team’s morale and on-court performance. Head coach Jason Kidd addressed these concerns by characterizing the chants as “noise” and emphasizing the players’ focus on continuing to compete. Kidd suggested that while the calls for Harrison’s firing are loud and persistent, the players strive to maintain their professionalism and dedication throughout games.
Mavericks guard Brandon Williams also weighed in, describing the chants as “unfortunate” but acknowledging that the team must learn to play through such adversities. His comments highlighted the difficult environment the players face amid the ongoing controversy surrounding the front office.
In light of Harrison’s firing, the Mavericks have appointed Michael Finley and Matt Riccardi as co-general managers on an interim basis while the organization conducts a search for a permanent replacement. Mavericks governor Patrick Dumont issued a statement emphasizing that the decision reflects the team’s “continued commitment to building a championship-caliber organization,” one that prioritizes delivering results for players, partners, and fans alike.
The first game under the new interim general management leadership will be against the Phoenix Suns, who currently hold a 6-5 record. This matchup, scheduled for Wednesday night at 8:30 p.m. ET, will be an early test as the Mavericks attempt to stabilize their season and regain momentum.
The firing of Nico Harrison marks a pivotal moment for the Dallas Mavericks franchise. His tenure, once marked by promise and a Finals appearance, ultimately unraveled following the controversial trade of their franchise player and subsequent decline in team performance. As the Mavericks look ahead, the organization faces the challenge of rebuilding trust with their fanbase and chart