The Dallas Mavericks, on November 11th, finally fired general manager Nico Harrison. He was solely responsible for the ill-fated trade that sent Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers. Since then, the Mavericks have been one of the worst teams in the NBA, and the Lakers have thrived.
Even with Harrison gone, the trade and its aftermath are still very much affecting Dallas. Anthony Davis, now a shell of himself, remains on the team. Kyrie Irving is still injured, and the Mavericks might still misuse rookie Cooper Flagg.
For the next front office regime, picking up the pieces is priority number one. There’s a clear path to make the most of their assets.
GettyDALLAS, TEXAS – OCTOBER 26: Cooper Flagg #32 of the Dallas Mavericks celebrates a score with Anthony Davis #3 during the second half against the Toronto Raptors at American Airlines Center on October 26, 2025 in Dallas, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
Dallas Mavericks Must Bench Anthony Davis
Davis has missed the last six games with a calf strain. When he’s healthy, he’s one of the best two-way players in the entire league. However, his frequent injuries make him unreliable as a centerpiece.
As the Mavericks enter a rebuild around Flagg and Dereck Lively II, the team flipping Davis for assets who fit Dallas’ timeline seems to be a forgone conclusion. Point guards like Ja Morant, Trae Young, or Jaden Ivey could all be available.
Davis is expected to return from his calf injury by November 12th. In an effort to keep his trade value as high as possible, Dallas has been urged to let him rest and fully recover, at least by CBS Sports’ Sam Quinn.
The 2026 NBA Draft is the last time Dallas controls its draft pick until 2031. If the Mavericks can add assets around Flagg and Lively by flipping Davis and land a top pick in this year’s draft, the team could hit the ground running next season, or at least have some hope.
Firing Nico Harrison Was the First Step for Dallas Mavericks
When Harrison ran the ship after the Doncic trade, the Mavericks’ outlook was incredibly bleak. Fans were checked out, and it was clear that the team wasn’t willing to commit to Flagg as a franchise centerpiece.
Now, with Harrison out of the way, the real building can begin. Between Flagg and Lively II, Dallas boasts one of the best young frontcourts in the league. They can flip Davis and even Klay Thompson for young point guards or wings to complement PJ Washington, or they could wait for Irving to return and run the offense.
As long as the Mavericks commit to Flagg, their long-term outlook suddenly is brighter. Of course, building a franchise takes a few years. The new regime should be given a longer leash, at least by fans. The blueprint moving forward is rather clear.
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