The Dallas Mavericks made the most shocking trade in NBA history last season when they made the decision to trade Luka Doncic. Doncic and Maxi Kleber were traded to the Lakers in exchange for Anthony Davis, Max Christie, and a first-round pick.
General Manager Nico Harrison made the decision to trade their franchise player, citing defense. He even doubled down on the trade in the Spring, saying he had no regrets.
“There’s no regrets on the trade. Part of my job is to do the best thing for the Mavericks, not only today, but also in the future, and some of the decisions I’m going to make are going to be unpopular. That’s my job, and I have to stand by it.”
That decision will go down as the one that got him fired, as the Mavericks are now expected to let Harrison go.
GettyDALLAS, TEXAS – OCTOBER 22: General manager Nico Harrison of the Dallas Mavericks watches action prior to a game between the Dallas Mavericks and the San Antonio Spurs at American Airlines Center on October 22, 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)
The Dallas Mavericks Have Fired GM Nico Harrison
According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, the Mavericks have made the decision to fire Harrison.
This comes just a day after Harrison was in attendance for a matchup against the Bucks. During the end of the game, in which the Mavericks blew an 11-point fourth-quarter lead, fans were chanting “Fire Nico”. It seems the fans have gotten their wish.
So far this season, the Mavericks are last in the Western Conference. Davis has struggled to stay healthy since he arrived in Dallas, which is exactly the same track record he had in Los Angeles. Meanwhile, Doncic is a superstar with the Lakers.
Doncic was expecting to stay in Dallas for his entire career.
“I thought I was going to spend my whole career there. Loyalty is a big thing for me.”
Harrison knew that he was taking a big risk with this trade, especially since he didn’t try to negotiate with anyone else before sending him to Dallas. Doncic signed a contract extension in Los Angeles and will be the face of the franchise for the next decade.
GettyMEMPHIS, TENNESSEE – APRIL 18: General manager of the Dallas Mavericks Nico Harrison looks on before the game of the Play-In Tournament against the Memphis Grizzlies at FedExForum on April 18, 2025 in Memphis, Tennessee. 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 Justin Ford/Getty Images)
The Dallas Mavericks Firing of Nico Harrison Won’t Reverse Massive Mistake
While the Mavericks have fired Harrison, that doesn’t reverse the massive mistake of trading Doncic. They lucked out by winning the NBA Draft lottery last season, so they were able to draft Cooper Flagg. That hasn’t resulted in wins yet this season.
The Mavericks score the fewest points in the league. Doncic has helped lead the Lakers to one of the best offenses in the league. Every day, the trade looks worse. Harrison needed Davis to stay healthy and Kyrie Irving to not tear his ACL last year for this trade to work.
Instead, Harrison is out in Dallas. It’s highly unlikely that Harrison will find another job in the NBA. This is the kind of trade that will stick with him for the rest of his life. Harrison took the biggest possible swing and struck out.
It’s unclear who might be taking over this job for the Mavericks. Dallas will go on a job search very soon to replace him.
Like Heavy Sports’s content? Be sure to follow us.
This article was originally published on Heavy Sports
The post Mavericks Make Shocking Decision to Fire GM Nico Harrison appeared first on Heavy Sports.