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Writer: Ethan Hou

On November 11, the Dallas Mavericks fired general manager and president of basketball operations Nico Harrison, ending his highly controversial four-year tenure. 

Harrison’s tenure was full of highs and lows, including a trip to the NBA Finals, two Western Conference Finals appearances, and two seasons without playoff basketball. But he will long be remembered for one daring move: trading away franchise cornerstone Luka Doncic last February in exchange for Anthony Davis, Max Christie, and draft picks. While some fans and analysts initially admired the tactical vision behind the move – an attempt to strengthen the defensive roster – the overwhelming majority saw the trade as a shocking, disastrous error that would set back championship hopes for over a decade. Trading away the 25-year-old All-NBA, perennial MVP candidate stripped the roster of its primary offensive creator and leader. To make matters worse, 31-year-old Anthony Davis, the centrepiece of the return package, had proven to be extremely injury-prone, playing only 65% of games over the previous four seasons. In an attempt to justify the blockbuster deal, Harrison repeatedly told reporters “defence wins championships,” believing his new additions would place them into a“win-now” position.

The struggles the Mavericks experienced throughout the following months failed to vindicate Harrison’s vision. The team finished the season placing 10th and was dismantled by the Grizzlies in the play-in tournament. Anthony Davis had already experienced injury setbacks, and fans loudly chanted “Fire Nico” at nearly every home game. Doncic thrived in the meantime, averaging 28 points, 8 rebounds, and 8 assists per game, leading the Lakers to 3rd place in the West.

With Harrison relieved from his duties, assistant general managers Michael Finley and Matt Riccardi are expected to act as interims until a competent replacement is found.

Works Cited

MacMahon, Tim, and Shams Charania. “Mavericks Fire GM Nico Harrison amid Continued Fan Angst.” ESPN, 11 Nov. 2025, http://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/46928742/sources-mavericks-expected-fire-general-manager-nico-harrison.