Dallas Mavericks fire GM Nico Harrison; owner Patrick Dumont shares open letter to fans

In a stunning turn of events for the struggling Dallas Mavericks, general manager Nico Harrison has been fired. Mavericks owner Patrick Dumont shared an open letter to the fans. The decision comes amid mounting fan frustration over the franchise-altering trade of Luka Doncic, signalling a desperate bid to salvage a dismal season.

As the Mavericks struggle through the Western Conference standings, this move could redefine the team's future, or deepen the chaos.

Luka Doncic trade and impact

On February 2, Nico Harrison orchestrated the trade that sent Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers. In exchange, Dallas acquired Anthony Davis, Max Christie, and a 2029 first-round pick. At the time, Doncic was 25 years old and coming off a Finals appearance where he earned his fifth consecutive All-NBA first-team selection.

The deal aimed to pair Davis' defensive dominance and scoring ability with the Mavericks' core. However, Davis' history of injuries and the immediate void left by Doncic's departure have contributed to offensive inconsistencies. Christie has provided depth as a young guard, but the trade has shifted the team's trajectory significantly.

Fan revolt forces ownership's hand

Since the trade, Mavericks fans have relentlessly demanded change, chanting "Fire Nico" at every home game. Tensions boiled over when the team couldn't sell out against the Washington Wizards on Saturday, the first unsold game in 24 years. This clear sign of boycott pushed the organization to act decisively on November 12, 2025.

Dumont took the extraordinary step of publishing an open letter to fans, addressing the crisis head-on without mentioning Doncic explicitly. He stressed shared accountability and a path forward.

Patrick Dumont's open letter

"Dear Mavs Family,

On May 30, 2024, the Mavericks won the Western Conference championship. We came up short in the NBA Finals, but we all agreed our future was bright. As fans of this franchise, you have every right to demand a commitment to success from us.

No one associated with the Mavericks organization is happy with the start of what we all believed would be a promising season. You have high expectations for the Mavericks, and I share them with you. When the results don't meet expectations, it's my responsibility to act. I've made the decision to part ways with general manager Nico Harrison.

Though the majority of the 2025-26 season remains to be played, I know our players are deeplly committed to a winning culture, this decision was critical to moving our franchise forward in a positive direction.

I understand the profound impact these difficult last several months have had. Please know that I'm fully committed to the success of the Mavericks.

Thank you for your support, thank you for holding us accountable, and thank you to your passion and for your patience. You deserve transparency and a team that reflects your spirit. our goal is to return winning basketball to Dallas and win championships. Our family is committed to that mission and to continuing to invest in Dallas and the Mavericks' future.

Please join me in continuing to cheer on our players and supporting all of those who work to make this organization the best it can be.

Go Mavs!

Thank you,

Patrick"

Path forward after dismissal

Nico Harrison's exit would create an immediate vacancy in the general manager position. The organization will now focus on stabilizing the roster around Davis while integrating younger players like Christie. Upcoming games, starting with a matchup against the Clippers, offer early tests for any transitional leadership. The Mavericks seek to reverse their trajectory and reclaim competitiveness in a loaded division.