The Dallas Mavericks will not rush their search for a new general manager following Nico Harrison’s departure, sources told The Athletic. Governor Patrick Dumont was in China this week on Sands Corporation business while the team operates with co-interim general managers Matt Riccardi and Michael Finley. One source with knowledge of ownership’s thinking said qualifications will determine the hire, not timeline.
It is possible the current power structure remains through the February 5 trade deadline. Mark Cuban, who holds a 27 percent stake in the team, has returned as an advisor to Dumont. Cuban told The Athletic that Dumont “makes all the final decisions” while he serves in an advisory capacity.
Dennis Lindsey is a candidate Cuban has endorsed. Lindsey served as an advisor to the Mavericks in 2023-24 and currently works as second-in-command with the Detroit Pistons. He had a successful nine-year run as the Utah Jazz’s lead executive before joining Detroit.
“Good demeanor. Knows the game. Experienced. Has sat in the seat before,” one former league executive who has worked with Lindsey said.
NBA reporter Marc Stein reported that Mavericks ownership seeks a “willing communicator who can comfortably update the public on the team’s plans and outlook.” The emphasis on communication comes after public messaging missteps following the Luka Doncic trade. Coach Jason Kidd remains an influential voice with Dumont throughout the search process.
Team sources expressed hope the next hire can bring stability to a franchise dealing with self-inflicted chaos over the past 10 months. The Mavericks appointed Riccardi and Finley as co-interim general managers last week after parting ways with Harrison.