The Dallas Mavericks have a pressing need: a new general manager. Since Nico Harrison’s firing in November, Dallas has relied on the duo of Michael Finley and Matt Riccardi to handle personnel decisions while searching for a permanent replacement.
Dallas Mavericks’ GM search raises early concerns
That search, however, appears to be off to a rocky start. According to Jake Fischer, the Mavericks have opted not to use a search firm to identify their next general manager (subscription required).
Fischer made that point while discussing the Chicago Bulls, noting that Chicago has enlisted TurnkeyZRG to lead its front office search. By contrast, Fischer added that Mavericks majority owner Patrick Dumont is “acting as his own point person” in Dallas’ process.
It’s a notable development given Dumont’s relatively brief tenure as the Mavericks’ majority owner. Dumont became the team’s governor in December 2023, and less than two years later played a role in the widely criticized trade that sent Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers in exchange for Anthony Davis.
Days later, Dumont defended the move, signaling a preference for players who work extra hard, “with a singular focus to win.” He curiously pointed to names like Shaquille O’Neal as examples of that mindset, while notably failing to mention Dallas icon, Dirk Nowitzki.
Dumont continued to defend the move and even backed Harrison, who had orchestrated the deal for months before ultimately parting ways with the embattled decision-maker in November. Those actions, in particular, further alienated Mavericks fans, pushing some away from the franchise and even leading a portion to follow Doncic to the Lakers.
Patrick Dumont’s track record fuels skepticism
Dumont regained a measure of trust by parting ways with Harrison, but recent decisions have begun to outweigh that brief goodwill. The first sign came when Dumont made it clear he is prioritizing Jason Kidd in the team’s front office search, stating he wants the Mavericks’ next president to “partner” with Kidd.
In essence, Dumont does not appear interested in a full reset as Dallas transitions into a new era, instead prioritizing an experienced head coach in Kidd to pair with a fresh-faced general manager. That approach is far from ideal, especially with Mavericks fans already uneasy about Kidd, particularly after reports surfaced that he, too, was involved in the Doncic trade.
Now, with Fischer reporting that Dumont is opting against using a search firm, it marks yet another questionable step as Dallas navigates its new era. The Doncic trade already appeared to lack broad collaboration, and this situation feels strikingly similar, with Dumont leading the search largely on his own.
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