Dallas Mavericks Double Down on GM Nico Harrison with Multi-Year Extension

After a highly successful season, the Dallas Mavericks organization confirmed their continued investment in Nico Harrison as the team's general manager.

Harrison, a former player who made significant roster changes before February's trade deadline, signed a multi-year contract extension earlier this week.

Mavericks Governor Patrick Dumont expressed his confidence in Harrison's leadership.

"Nico Harrison has demonstrated his leadership and capabilities in the Dallas Mavericks organization," Dumont stated. "His vision, along with his efforts on behalf of our players and staff, has propelled our team to two playoff appearances in three seasons and, of course, this year's NBA Finals."

"We are proud to have him as part of our team for the long term, and we are excited to watch him continue to build on the foundation of success he has helped establish," Dumont added, emphasizing the importance of securing Harrison's future before the start of the championship series.

Thrilled by the endorsement from the club's new owners, Harrison expressed his gratitude. "I am incredibly grateful to Patrick and the entire Dumont and Adelson family for their continued trust and confidence and to Mark for his willingness to hire an unconventional candidate," Harrison said.

"Patrick and his family have accepted me as their own from day one, and I am honored to work alongside them, as well as Jason Kidd, as we continue to build a winning culture in Dallas," he continued.

Harrison was appointed the franchise's general manager on June 28, 2021. Shortly after, he facilitated the signing of Luka Doncic to a record-setting rookie supermax extension contract and oversaw the 2023 NBA Draft selection of Dereck Lively II.

Recently, Harrison's acquisition of Daniel Gafford and P.J. Washington Jr. before the in-season deadline has been crucial to the team's enhanced depth.

The Mavericks are poised to compete in their third-ever NBA Finals matchup.

Head Coach Jason Kidd considers the upcoming NBA Finals the pinnacle of his career. Despite being a Basketball Hall of Famer, NBA champion, 10-time All-Star, and NBA 75th Anniversary Team member, Kidd feels this moment is his greatest honor as he aims to secure the franchise's second-ever title.

Reflecting on his career, Kidd acknowledged the challenges of coaching. "Coaching is not easy in this industry," he said. "There is always movement. There are only certain coaches who are cemented in their place — well-deserved, with Pop [Gregg Popovich], Spo [Erik Spoelstra]."

He added: "After that, there has been a lot of movement. You just hope that you can win and do the right thing for as long as you can … The thing about being let go or fired was I wasn't up to their standards. So, that's how I thought about it. Then I thought what is the best way to get better."

Kidd's journey has led him to coach star player Kyrie Irving, who holds deep respect for him. Irving, who calls Kidd "Big Bro," stated, "I ever got a chance to play for him, that would be kind of the first person I wanted to go all out for."