Mavericks’ Shocking Nico Harrison Replacement Plan Is Hiding in Plain Sight

The Dallas Mavericks’ front office has been in flux since November 11, 2025, when general manager Nico Harrison was fired amid widespread fan backlash following the controversial trade of Luka Dončić to the Los Angeles Lakers. The move, which brought Anthony Davis, Max Christie, and a 2029 first-round pick to Dallas, was initially defended as a defensive upgrade but quickly unraveled. Harrison’s tenure ended after a dismal 3-8 start to the 2025-26 season, leaving the team with limited draft capital (only controlling their 2026 first-rounder outright) and a roster in transition around No. 1 overall pick Cooper Flagg.

Since Harrison’s departure, the Mavericks have operated with co-interim general managers Michael Finley and Matt Riccardi, supported by a committee including minority owner Mark Cuban, head coach Jason Kidd, and governor Patrick Dumont. Reports indicate the team is deliberately delaying a permanent hire until after the February 5, 2026, trade deadline—potentially into the spring or offseason. This patient approach has sparked speculation about the “real” reason: the Mavericks may already have their next GM in mind, and it’s one of the current interims quietly building a case from within.

The Harrison Era: From Finals to Fallout

Nico Harrison took over as GM in June 2021, succeeding Donnie Nelson amid a coaching change that brought in Jason Kidd. Early success included Western Conference Finals runs in 2022 and a 2024 NBA Finals appearance, bolstered by trades for P.J. Washington and Daniel Gafford. Harrison earned a contract extension in June 2024, but everything changed with the February 2025 trade of Dončić.

The deal was met with immediate outrage: fans protested outside American Airlines Center, “Fire Nico” chants echoed through games, and season-ticket holders canceled plans. Harrison’s defense—”defense wins championships”—only fueled the fire. By the 2025 NBA Draft, Dallas improbably landed the No. 1 pick (Cooper Flagg) despite low odds, but even that couldn’t save Harrison. A 3-8 start to 2025-26, compounded by injuries to Davis and Kyrie Irving, sealed his fate.

Dumont’s letter to fans cited accountability: “When the results don’t meet expectations, it’s my responsibility to act.” The firing was widely seen as overdue, but it left the franchise in limbo with no clear long-term leader.

Interim Leadership: Finley and Riccardi Step Up

Upon Harrison’s exit, Finley (a former Mavericks All-Star forward and assistant GM since 2017) and Riccardi (assistant GM since 2022, previously with the Nets) were elevated to co-interim roles. They handle day-to-day basketball operations, with input from Cuban, Kidd, and Dumont.

Finley brings credibility as a former player and long-time front-office voice. He’s been a candidate for GM jobs before and has deep ties to the organization. Riccardi, a Plano native with 13 years in Brooklyn’s analytics-heavy front office, has emerged as a fan favorite for his steady, data-driven approach and local roots.

Reports from ESPN’s Shams Charania and The Athletic’s Christian Clark indicate both are “expected to be candidates” for the permanent job. The Mavericks are comfortable with this setup through the trade deadline, allowing them to field offers for veterans like Davis, Klay Thompson, and Daniel Gafford without rushing a hire.

Why Wait? The Strategic Rationale for Delay

Multiple sources (Marc Stein, Christian Clark, Shams Charania) confirm the Mavericks won’t name a full-time GM before the deadline. Reasons include:

• Avoiding a Mid-Season Disruption: A new GM could destabilize ongoing trade talks and roster decisions. The committee approach provides stability.
• Maximizing Candidate Pool: Waiting until spring or offseason allows access to a wider array of executives, including those under contract elsewhere (e.g., Dennis Lindsey from the Pistons).
• Evaluating Interims: Finley and Riccardi get an extended audition. Their performance—handling trades, managing Flagg’s development, and navigating injuries—could prove they’re the right fit.
• Valuing Experience: Dumont reportedly seeks someone with prior lead-executive experience after Harrison’s missteps. Internal promotions might not meet this criterion, but a successful interim run could change that.

The delay also buys time amid uncertainty. With limited assets and a young core (Flagg, plus holdovers like Washington and Gafford), the Mavericks need measured decisions rather than panic moves.

The “Hiding in Plain Sight” Candidate: Matt Riccardi?

The shocking plan may be promoting from within—specifically Matt Riccardi. Reports suggest he’s quietly emerging as a frontrunner:

• Fan Favorite: As a Dallas native, Riccardi understands the market and fan frustration. His low-key demeanor contrasts Harrison’s public missteps.
• Proven Track Record: 13 years with Brooklyn honed his analytics and scouting skills. In Dallas, he’s been a key voice in player personnel.
• Committee Fit: He’s already leading alongside Finley, gaining trust from Dumont, Cuban, and Kidd.
• Internal Momentum: ESPN notes both interims are candidates, but Riccardi’s youth and fresh perspective could appeal for a long-term rebuild around Flagg.

If Riccardi excels through the deadline—securing value in trades while keeping the team competitive—he could earn the full-time role without an external search. This “hiding in plain sight” approach avoids the risks of a high-profile hire while rewarding proven loyalty.

Potential External Candidates and Challenges

While internal promotion is plausible, external names persist:

• Dennis Lindsey (Pistons assistant): Backed by Cuban; advised Dallas during the 2024 Finals run.
• Bob Myers (former Warriors GM): Linked via Mavericks CEO Rick Welts.
• Others (e.g., Masai Ujiri, Dirk Nowitzki in advisory role): Speculative but tied to Dallas history.

Challenges remain: limited draft picks (2026 is the last controlled first-rounder until 2031), aging veterans, and injuries. The new GM must balance competitiveness with youth development.

Implications for the 2025-26 Season and Beyond

By delaying, the Mavericks prioritize stability over spectacle. They can explore trades (Davis for assets?) without a new voice disrupting momentum. If Riccardi or Finley shines, the hire becomes obvious—restoring fan trust organically.

As January 2026 unfolds, the Mavericks’ path hinges on this deliberate wait. The “shocking” plan isn’t a mystery hire—it’s recognizing talent already in the building. Whether Riccardi emerges as the long-term solution or the search goes external, Dumont’s patience could define the post-Harrison era.

With Flagg as the cornerstone, Dallas has hope. The real question: Will the next GM build around him wisely, or repeat past mistakes?