The Dallas Mavericks have made a major front-office move. Governor Patrick Dumont announced Monday that the franchise has relieved Nico Harrison of his duties as general manager and president of basketball operations, effective immediately. The decision comes amid the Mavericks’ early-season struggles and growing frustration around the team’s direction.

Michael Finley and Matt Riccardi have been named co-interim general managers to oversee basketball operations while the organization conducts a search for a permanent replacement.

“This decision reflects our continued commitment to building a championship-caliber organization, one that delivers for our players, our partners, and most importantly, our fans,” Dumont said in the team’s official statement.

Dumont’s Open Letter to Mavericks Fans

Following the announcement, Dumont addressed fans directly in an open letter that acknowledged both accountability and optimism for the future.

“As fans of this franchise, you have every right to demand a commitment to success from us,” Dumont wrote. “No one associated with the Mavericks organization is happy with the start of what we all believed would be a promising season.” He continued, “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.”

While stressing that the move was not taken lightly, Dumont reaffirmed his faith in the team and the city. “Though the majority of the 2025-26 season remains to be played, and I know our players are deeply committed to a winning culture, this decision was critical to moving our franchise forward in a positive direction.”

Dumont closed the letter by emphasizing transparency and a shared mission with the fanbase. “You deserve transparency and a team that reflects your spirit,” he wrote. “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.”

Read the full letter here: Letter from Patrick Dumont.  

Woes on the Court

The change comes at a difficult time. The Mavericks currently sit at 3-8, ranking 14th in the Western Conference and fourth in the Southwest Division. For a team that reached the NBA Finals less than two years ago, it’s a disappointing fall from grace.

Through 11 games, Dallas is averaging just 107.2 points and 23.9 assists per contest—numbers that highlight a lack of offensive rhythm and cohesion. Defensive lapses and late-game execution have also plagued the Mavericks, fueling concern that the team’s identity remains unclear in the wake of major roster turnover.

Harrison’s Tenure: From Promise to Pressure

Nico Harrison’s tenure began with immense optimism. Hired on June 28, 2021, the former Nike executive brought player-first credibility and global connections to the Mavericks’ front office. He made an immediate impact, overseeing a 52-30 record and a Western Conference Finals run in his first season.

That success culminated in a 2023-24 NBA Finals appearance—the franchise’s first since 2011—but soon after, the direction of the team shifted dramatically. The trade of Luka Dončić to the Los Angeles Lakers in early 2025 was the defining move of Harrison’s era. It was intended to reset the roster and balance the team’s salary structure, but it divided the fan base and left lingering questions about long-term vision.

The Mavericks went 39-43 in the 2024-25 season, missing the playoffs entirely. As the 2025-26 campaign began with continued inconsistency and mounting losses, patience wore thin both inside and outside the organization. Dumont’s decision marks a turning point for a franchise once again searching for stability.

Finley and Riccardi Step Into Leadership

In the wake of Harrison’s exit, two familiar faces will steer the Mavericks forward. Michael Finley, a two-time All-Star and cornerstone of the Mavericks’ late-‘90s resurgence, has been part of the front office since 2017, holding roles including vice president of player personnel and assistant general manager. He brings leadership, institutional knowledge, and a deep understanding of the team’s culture.

Matt Riccardi, a Plano native and former Brooklyn Nets executive, joined the Mavericks in 2022 and was promoted to assistant general manager last year. Known for his analytical approach and player development expertise, Riccardi represents a new generation of basketball executives blending data with on-court intuition.

Together, Finley and Riccardi symbolize a balance of experience and innovation—a bridge between the Mavericks’ storied past and its uncertain future.

A Franchise at a Crossroads

This front-office shakeup is one of Patrick Dumont’s most consequential moves since taking over as team governor. It signals a push for alignment across all levels of the organization, from ownership to the locker room.

“I understand the profound impact these difficult last several months have had,” Dumont said in his letter. “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 for your passion and for your patience.”

With a disappointing record, fan frustration, and the shadow of the Dončić trade still lingering, the Mavericks are at a crossroads. The path forward will depend on whether Finley and Riccardi can restore order and identity to a team that has struggled to find consistency.

For now, Dumont’s message to fans is clear: accountability, transparency, and a renewed focus on championship culture. Whether those ideals translate back to winning basketball on the court remains to be seen—but for the first time in months, Mavericks fans have a reason to believe that change is truly underway.