The Dallas Mavericks made a major front office shake-up this week, parting ways with General Manager Nico Harrison. The decision came from Governor Patrick Dumont after a disappointing home loss and growing fan frustration, leaving the team at 3-8. It marks the end of Harrison’s four-year run. While that’s a tough pill to swallow, Carmelo Anthony feels it might help Nico.

“This firing signals a reset in Dallas,” Anthony stated on NBA on NBC. The Knicks legend felt that, given the team’s poor show lately, ‘change was necessary’ was probably a belief within the top office. Anthony also shared a unique perspective on Nico Harrison’s personal state of mind following his dismissal.

While any firing pinches, Melo feels this should help Nico get some time for himself after all the pressure to prove that has been mounted on him all these months. “Do I think Nico Harrison is upset. No, I think this takes a weight off his shoulders. I think he gets a chance to go be with his family. He gets a chance to just live life because it was stressful,” Anthony said.

Let’s buy that for a moment. Nico, from the day of the Luka Doncic trade, has been subject to brutal fan sentiments. Things were so bad at one point that the former GM couldn’t step out without security. “You imagine coming to work every single day and the fans and the people that you’re trying to impress is saying fire you. So I think it was best for both parties to walk away, although it was a fire.” These statements by Melo do make sense, but in the end, it isn’t the type of exit Nico would have ever asked or dreamed of.

Dallas had to react at some point, given that fans were yelling at the general manager instead of focusing on the action. Cooper Flagg was at his career high point, but the slogan was ‘Fire Nico’. But if you look at the team’s roster, the Mavericks’ most immediate issue is player health, not front office structure or the players they have.

The team has been plagued by injuries to key stars. A fit Kyrie Irving alongside Anthony Davis and Cooper Flagg isn’t bad at all. But Davis has missed a significant portion of games since his arrival, and star guard Kyrie Irving is still working his way back from a major knee injury. With key players sidelined and Flagg not getting the position he wants to play, the stat line can’t do wonders.

While there are multiple reasons for Nico’s firing, Carmelo Anthony does leave with a note that the latest action sends a message to general managers across the entire league. “You just got to be careful,” Anthony remarked, “because the moves that you make are just as important than what’s happening on the basketball court.” Bold moves come with significant risk because of the gamble involved in them, and timing and alignment with an organization’s vision are critical for any executive’s survival.

Who Will Replace Nico Harrison as Mavericks GM?

The assistant general managers, Michael Finley and Matt Riccardi, have taken over operations on an interim basis following Nico Harrison’s firing. The Mavericks made the move after a 3-8 start and growing fan unrest.

Finley has been part of the Mavericks’ decision-making for years and understands the team’s structure inside out. His experience as both a player and executive gives him credibility in handling roster and coaching matters. If the team settles under his guidance, he could remain in charge beyond the interim period.

On the other hand, Riccardi has earned respect for his clear communication and structured approach. So far, he has handled public messaging after the team’s rough offseason and represented Dallas during the draft lottery. Known for his straightforward style and analytical mindset, he could be a steady long-term choice if the Mavericks want continuity and better transparency. But there are multiple options in the market that Dallas can opt for.

Other names linked to the role include Mark Cuban, Dennis Lindsey, Bob Myers, Masai Ujiri, and David Griffin. Each brings proven experience but different management styles. For now, Finley and Riccardi’s focus is to stabilize the team, clarify direction, and prepare the groundwork for whoever officially takes the GM role next.