The Dallas Mavericks made a decisive move on Tuesday, terminating general manager Nico Harrison after a controversial tenure that culminated in what many consider the most criticized trade in NBA history.
The Final Straw: Trading a Superstar
Harrison's dismissal came just over nine months after he orchestrated the stunning trade that sent Slovenian superstar Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers for veteran big man Anthony Davis. The decision immediately placed Harrison's job security in jeopardy, with the situation worsening as the Mavericks stumbled to a 3-9 start this season amid injuries to both Davis and fellow star Kyrie Irving.
Who Was Nico Harrison?
Before his time in Dallas, the 52-year-old Seattle native built a formidable reputation during his 19 years at Nike, eventually rising to Vice President of North American Basketball Operations. His career there involved close relationships with NBA legends, most notably the late Kobe Bryant, with whom he traveled extensively alongside Rob Pelinka, now the Lakers' general manager.
Harrison's transition to the Mavericks' front office in 2021 initially showed promise. Under his leadership, the team ended a long playoff drought, making a surprising run to the Western Conference Final in 2022 and advancing to the NBA Finals in 2024.
A Legacy of Hits and Misses
Harrison's tenure included several successful moves that bolstered the roster. The hiring of head coach Jason Kidd proved effective, and trades for players like Dereck Lively II, P.J. Washington, and Daniel Gafford were widely praised. His regime also oversaw the franchise's fortunate victory in the 2025 NBA Draft Lottery, securing the right to select highly-touted prospect Cooper Flagg.
However, significant missteps marred his record. The failure to retain Jalen Brunson, who has since become an All-NBA performer with the New York Knicks, was a substantial blow. Additional questionable decisions included trading Kristaps Porzingis for minimal return and dismissing longtime trainer Casey Smith, a move that reportedly alienated franchise icon Dirk Nowitzki and disappointed Doncic.
The Trade That Ended It All
Despite Doncic's historic production—including a Rookie of the Year award, a scoring title, and five All-NBA First Team selections by age 25—Harrison decided to trade the generational talent. The return package of Anthony Davis, guard Max Christie, and a single 2029 first-round pick was universally panned by analysts and fans alike.
Critics argued that Harrison failed to create a competitive bidding war, negotiating exclusively with his former associate Pelinka rather than soliciting offers from other teams. The deal devastated the Mavericks' fanbase, with some supporters holding a mock funeral for Doncic's tenure in Dallas, and reportedly caught the team's new ownership group off-guard.
What's Next for the Mavericks?
The acquisition of draft rights to Cooper Flagg provides a crucial building block for the franchise's future. However, the team now faces significant challenges with an aging, injury-prone roster and limited future draft capital. Many analysts suggest the Mavericks should consider trading Anthony Davis and potentially Kyrie Irving to accelerate a rebuilding process focused on developing Flagg alongside new talent from the promising 2026 draft class.
