The Dallas Mavericks are currently facing significant challenges, well known to NBA fans. In 2025, the team traded away their star player Luka Doncic, defended the controversial decision for months, reached the NBA Finals the previous year but subsequently missed the playoffs, started the 2025-26 season poorly with a 4-11 record, and eventually fired their general manager, Nico Harrison, who was the main force behind the criticized Luka trade.
Behind the scenes, there was tension involving Harrison, minority owner Mark Cuban, and majority owner Patrick Dumont. Cuban, who had sold a majority stake in 2023 but claimed he would still oversee basketball decisions, was reportedly left out of the loop on the Doncic trade and found out about it simultaneously with fans. However, Cuban has recently regained some influence, while Dumont is pushing to remove several executives he hired in 2021.
Cuban criticized Harrison and Dumont’s roster management over the summer, pointing out the team’s lack of off-dribble creators and shooters. Currently, Dallas has the second-worst offensive rating in the NBA, only behind the Washington Wizards and Indiana Pacers, who are missing star guard Tyrese Haliburton. The shortage of quality guards has been so severe that rookie Cooper Flagg, just 18 years old, was forced to debut as the Mavericks’ starting point guard.
After Harrison’s exit, Dumont adopted a “GM by committee” system involving interim co-general managers Michael Finley and Matt Riccardi, head coach Jason Kidd, and Cuban. While this setup is temporary, Cuban is pleased to be involved again, even though he does not hold the decision-making power he once did. As one team source put it, Cuban is now more of a consultant than a decision maker but remains at the table.
Cuban has openly condemned the Luka Doncic trade, criticizing both the decision to let go of a star player he helped bring in and the secretive manner in which Harrison executed the deal. To avoid leaks or potential backlash from Doncic or Cuban, Harrison aimed to trade with the Lakers but ended up receiving injured Anthony Davis, young guard Max Christie, and a 2029 first-round pick in return.
Harrison’s control over Mavericks basketball decisions was total, endorsed by Dumont’s strong trust in him at the time. Despite the 2024 Finals appearance, Harrison blamed Doncic’s defensive weaknesses for their loss to the Boston Celtics. Harrison took full credit for key trades and roster moves, often sidelining Cuban from major personnel decisions. His approach created a barrier between Cuban and Dumont, reducing their communication.
Harrison openly doubted Doncic’s value as a long-term franchise player, citing concerns about conditioning, off-court habits, and injuries. He used Luka’s hesitation to return from a calf strain as evidence of a lack of commitment to the team. Cuban, frustrated by his diminished control, revealed that he hired Harrison more for his player and agent relationships, not to make final decisions, but Harrison eventually convinced Dumont to take decision-making control away from Cuban.
Now that Cuban has regained influence, the Mavericks are focusing on rebuilding around rookie Cooper Flagg, which likely means dismantling much of what Harrison built, starting with a probable trade involving Anthony Davis.
Fan Take: This turmoil is crucial for basketball fans as it highlights the complex interplay of power and decision-making behind the scenes in an NBA franchise. The Mavericks’ future direction could impact league dynamics, making it a key storyline to watch as Dallas attempts to rebuild and reclaim competitiveness without their former superstar.
