Mavericks Owners Criticized for Handling GM Search

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The Dallas Mavericks have begun their search for a new general manager or president of basketball operations after terminating Nico Harrison in November. However, the team is drawing criticism for not hiring a professional search firm and instead having team governor Patrick Dumont lead the search himself, despite his lack of basketball experience.

Why it matters

The Mavericks' last GM search, which led to the hiring of Nico Harrison, was widely criticized for ignoring the recommendations of the search firm they hired. This new process raises similar concerns about the team potentially making another questionable hire that could set the franchise back further.

The details

NBA insider Jake Fischer reported that the Mavericks are not hiring a search firm in their hunt for a new lead executive, and instead team governor Patrick Dumont is 'acting as his own point person.' This is an unusual decision, as most organizations typically hire a search firm to lead the process. The Mavericks did hire a firm in their last GM search in 2021, but ultimately ignored its recommendations to hire Nico Harrison, who had no previous NBA front office experience.

• The Mavericks terminated Nico Harrison in November 2025, about nine months later than many felt was necessary.
• The team began their search for a new GM after the 2025-26 NBA season ended.

What’s next

The Mavericks' 2026 NBA Draft will be an important one for the team, as they don't own their first-round pick again until 2031 after this. Hiring the right general manager could help the team bring in more draft capital by taking on bad contracts or flipping veterans into picks.