Earlier this week, Mavericks governor Patrick Dumont ended the Nico Harrison era in Dallas. Sports Illustrated also reported that Dumont consulted minority owner Mark Cuban during the process, and both agreed Harrison’s tenure had run its course.
Harrison faced heavy criticism following the blockbuster trade that sent Luka Dončić to the Lakers in February. This move stunned fans and blindsided Cuban, who received a call as the deal was being finalized. Cuban had been instrumental in pushing Dallas to trade up in the 2018 draft to select Dončić when he served as the franchise’s majority owner and governor.
Dirk Nowitzki drops major words on Nico Harrison, firing, "It's time to move on." It should have been done earlier.
Mavericks legend Dirk Nowitzki publicly supported the decision to part ways with Harrison, saying he believed the move “should’ve happened this summer” rather than midseason. Nowitzki pointed to the distractions and negative atmosphere that developed after the Dončić trade, adding that it was important for the organization to move forward without a “black cloud” hanging over the team’s new direction. He also expressed disappointment that fans never got to see a proper end to the Dončić era in Dallas, but ultimately agreed with the dismissal. "I didn't want this negative energy over the Cooper Flagg era... This [Luka] trade... It made no sense to [the fans] and really there was no explanation for it either.”
"It's time to move on now."
— NBA on Prime (@NBAonPrime) November 14, 2025
Dirk Nowitzki on the Mavs firing GM Nico Harrison. Pic.twitter.com/8J9MvksVdm
Nowitzki, who launched his national broadcasting career this month as a studio analyst for Amazon Prime Video’s new NBA coverage, reiterated his stance on-air alongside Blake Griffin and host Taylor Rooks, saying simply, “It’s time to move on now.”
The former forward’s words carry weight in Dallas. Nowitzki’s impact on the franchise extends far beyond his 21 seasons on the court. The 14-time All-Star and 2011 NBA Finals MVP transformed the Mavericks into a championship organization, redefining the modern big man with his trademark one-legged fadeaway and unwavering loyalty. He retired as the league’s sixth all-time leading scorer, but his legacy in North Texas is far from over.
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