Mavs Close to Ditching Nico Harrison After Luka Trade

Merlin sees the axe falling: Nico Harrison is reportedly about to be fired as Dallas’ general manager after the shock trade that sent Luka Dončić to the Lakers. That deal, plus injuries to Anthony Davis and Kyrie Irving, a 39-43 finish and a rocky 3-8 start with rookie Cooper Flagg struggling, has left new owners and fans furious — this move matters because it hands the rebuild back to ownership and signals a reset in direction. Merlin notes the irony in Harrison’s own words — “The future to me is [three, four] years from now” — now turned against him. Firing will calm the crowd but creates a vacuum: Dallas must pick a leader who can steady an aging roster, protect the rookie’s development, and navigate a thin playoff window.