Chants of “Fire Nico” have echoed across Dallas sporting events since the Luka Dončić trade, a reminder of the sharp divide between Mavericks fans and the team’s leadership.

General manager Nico Harrison and majority owner Patrick Dumont remain under fire, with questions swirling about the team’s spending and direction.

Dirk Nowitzki’s Advice for Ownership

Dirk Nowitzki, the face of the franchise for two decades, recently shared his advice on how the organization can begin to repair its fractured relationship with fans.

“At this point, it’s just keep going, keep putting a good product out there,” Nowitzki said during an appearance on 105.3 The Fan. “The trade is what it is. It happens. You want to show that you have the Mavs, the organization, and the fans in your mind and at heart, and you want to put the best product out there that you believe is going to win and compete for years to come.”

For Nowitzki, rebuilding trust with the fan base hinges on Dumont and Harrison backing their words with action — showing that Dallas is willing to compete financially with the league’s top franchises and prioritize sustained contention over short-term fixes.

“The owner has to show that he’s willing to spend and then make this a great team for the next decade to come,” Nowitzki said. “So that’s all there really is to it.”

Current Role With Dallas Mavericks

While Nowitzki still attends practices and has met with both Dumont and Harrison, he admitted it has felt “a little weird” at times not knowing where he fits. That uncertainty, he said, contributed to his pulling back from day-to-day involvement as he transitions into new opportunities such as broadcasting.

“I’m not too involved in front office decisions these days… I try to go to practice a lot… it felt a little weird… not knowing my role. So since then, I’ve kind of pulled back again,” he said. “I’ve met with Patrick, I’ve met with Nico over the years. I’m not really part of the day-to-day business… Now obviously me going into some broadcasting, I’ll be super busy starting here in October with the season.”

Even while stepping back, Nowitzki said he remains a willing resource for the team and its players. He emphasized that his phone is always open for Harrison, Dumont, or rising talents like Cooper Flagg.

“I’m a phone call away,” he said. “I’m obviously always here.”

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