Dallas, Nov. 11, 2025 — General manager Nico Harrison was removed from his post Tuesday morning after a face-to-face meeting with team governor Patrick Dumont, the Dallas Mavericks confirmed. The decision comes nine months after Harrison authorized the stunning trade that shipped Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers.
Why the move happened now
Dumont’s confidence in Harrison eroded as losses mounted and home crowds at American Airlines Center regularly chanted “Fire Nico.” A source told ESPN the governor saw no benefit in waiting, especially after personally siding with medical staff last weekend to keep Anthony Davis out while he nursed a left calf strain. Dallas sits 3-8, ahead of only the New Orleans Pelicans in the Western Conference.
An offense searching for answers
The Mavericks rank near the bottom of the league in offensive efficiency, averaging just 104.2 points per 100 possessions. They are last in made three-pointers (9.6) and three-point accuracy (29.5 percent) and sit 27th in assists (27.7). Attempts to solve the point-guard void have included starting No. 1 overall pick Cooper Flagg in an unfamiliar lead role and brief experiments with D’Angelo Russell and Brandon Williams.
Locker-room mood darkens
Players have acknowledged that boos and anti-Harrison chants at home games have turned the arena atmosphere toxic. Center Daniel Gafford said after Monday’s loss to Milwaukee that winning back fans “is going to be a long season.” Dallas is 2-5 at home.
The Anthony Davis dilemma
Davis, acquired from the Lakers in the Doncic deal along with Max Christie and a 2029 first-round pick, has appeared in only 14 regular-season games for Dallas and is currently out with a calf injury. Multiple league executives believe Dallas must at least explore trading the 32-year-old big man in order to build around Flagg, though Davis’ injury history clouds his market value.
Interim leadership and possible hires
Assistant general managers Michael Finley and Matt Riccardi will oversee basketball operations on an interim basis. Minority owner Mark Cuban is lobbying for former Utah and current Detroit executive Dennis Lindsey to take charge permanently, according to sources. Dumont’s stance on that proposal remains unclear.
Head coach Jason Kidd, who received a multi-year extension during the preseason, stays in place after Dallas denied him permission to interview with the New York Knicks last summer.
The franchise now faces critical decisions on Davis’ future, roster construction around Flagg and the long-term structure of its front office as it attempts to recover from the fallout of losing Doncic, who is averaging 37.1 points, 9.4 rebounds and 9.1 assists for the 8-3 Lakers.
Source: ESPN
