Mavericks Reportedly Targeting Risk-Taking Executive for General Manager

Dallas Mavericks looking to hire new President of Basketball Operations/GM after firing Nico Harrison

Apr. 16, 2026 at 10:24pm

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting the complex operations of an NBA front office, with overlapping shapes and planes in bold, contrasting colors.A cubist interpretation of the Mavericks' search for a new risk-taking executive to lead their front office and roster-building efforts.Minneapolis Today

The Dallas Mavericks are searching for a new President of Basketball Operations and General Manager after firing Nico Harrison last November. According to reports, their top target is Tim Connelly, the current President of Basketball Operations for the Minnesota Timberwolves, who is known for his risk-taking approach in roster moves. However, getting Connelly to leave the Timberwolves appears unlikely given the timeline and his current contract status.

Why it matters

The Mavericks are looking to rebuild their front office after a disappointing season that saw them fail to build on their previous playoff success. Hiring the right executive is crucial for the team's future, as they aim to surround star Luka Dončić with the right supporting cast and make a deep playoff run.

The details

The Mavericks fired Nico Harrison as their President of Basketball Operations/GM in November 2025, about 9 months later than many felt was necessary. They are now searching for a replacement, with Tim Connelly of the Minnesota Timberwolves emerging as their top target. Connelly is known for his willingness to take risks in roster moves, such as the trade that sent multiple first-round picks to the Utah Jazz for Rudy Gobert. However, Connelly is currently under contract with the Timberwolves and does not have an opt-out clause, making it unlikely the Mavericks will be able to hire him by their desired timeline of mid-May.

  • The Mavericks fired Nico Harrison as their President of Basketball Operations/GM in November 2025.
  • The Mavericks are looking to hire a new executive by mid-May 2026.

The players

Tim Connelly

The current President of Basketball Operations for the Minnesota Timberwolves, known for his risk-taking approach in roster moves.

Nico Harrison

The former President of Basketball Operations/GM for the Dallas Mavericks, who was fired in November 2025.

Patrick Dumont

The governor of the Dallas Mavericks, who is looking to hire the best possible executive to run the team's basketball operations.

Matt Riccardi

One of the Mavericks' current co-interim setups, who helped orchestrate the Anthony Davis trade with the Washington Wizards.

Michael Finley

One of the Mavericks' current co-interim setups, who helped orchestrate the Anthony Davis trade with the Washington Wizards.

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What they’re saying

“Tim Connelly is the primary target for the Dallas Mavericks. Tim Connelly is obviously an outstanding executive... He has a job. He had an out in his contract last year. He does not have an out in his contract [this year].”

— Tim MacMahon, ESPN Analyst

“So, the Mavericks would need to get the Wolves' permission to even talk to him, much less hire him. At this point, I don't know what the likelihood of that is.”

— Tim MacMahon, ESPN Analyst

What’s next

The Mavericks will need to determine if they can get permission from the Timberwolves to speak with Tim Connelly about their open front office position. If that is not possible, they will need to identify other viable candidates to fill the role by their desired timeline of mid-May.

The takeaway

The Mavericks' search for a new President of Basketball Operations/GM highlights the importance of having strong leadership in the front office to build a championship-contending team around star players like Luka Dončić. While Tim Connelly may be their top target, the timeline and contract obstacles make it an unlikely hire, forcing the Mavericks to explore other options to get their front office in order before the next season.