Nico Harrison took over as the Dallas Mavericks’ general manager with high expectations. His connections, background in player relations, and fresh perspective were seen as assets that could help the franchise build a championship-caliber team around Luka Doncic. However, what has followed has been a series of baffling decisions, mismanagement, and outright disastrous moves that have crippled the Mavericks’ future. The breaking point came when Harrison executed the unthinkable trade of Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers, a move that instantly led to fan outrage and a bleak outlook for the franchise. Here is a deep dive into why Harrison may go down as the worst GM in NBA history.

2022 – Kristaps Porzingis: 3-Team Trade to Wizards for Bag of Chips

Dallas Mavericks Received: Spencer Dinwiddie, Davis Bertans Washington Wizards Received: Kristaps Porzingis, Vernon Carey, Ish Smith, 2022 Second-Round Pick, Cash Considerations Charlotte Hornets Received: Montrezl Harrell Phoenix Suns Received: Aaron Holiday

Kristaps Porzingis, despite his injury history, was an essential second option for Luka Doncic. Over three seasons with the Mavs, he averaged 20.0 points, 8.8 rebounds, and 1.7 blocks per game. Instead of maximizing his value, Harrison traded him for Spencer Dinwiddie, who struggled with consistency, and Davis Bertans, who was locked into a brutal 5-year, $80 million contract.

Porzingis revitalized his career with the Celtics and played a crucial role in their 2024 championship run, offering elite rim protection and three-point shooting. Meanwhile, Dallas was left without a reliable second star, setting the stage for Luka’s eventual departure. Bertans rarely played, and Dinwiddie failed to be a consistent No. 2 options, exposing the glaring flaws in Harrison’s trade strategy.

2022 Offseason – Jalen Brunson: Letting a Superstar Walk for Nothing

Signed with: New York Knicks (4-year, $156.5 million)

Jalen Brunson was coming off a strong postseason, averaging 21.6 points and 3.7 assists. Instead of offering a competitive deal, Harrison underestimated his value, allowing Brunson to leave for New York. Fans were in disbelief as the Mavs let a dominant offensive talent walk for nothing.

Brunson quickly became a top five-point guard, averaging 26.1 points and 7.4 assists in 2024-25 while leading the Knicks to back-to-back playoff appearances. The Mavs’ attempt to replace him with Kyrie Irving was a short-term fix that has since unraveled, especially now that Irving is sidelined with an injury.

2023 Offseason – Derrick Jones Jr.: A Key Role Player Let Go

Signed with: Los Angeles Clippers (3-year, $30 million)

Derrick Jones Jr. played a vital role in the Mavs’ 2024 Finals run, averaging 9.1 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 1.0 blocks per game. As a defensive asset and lob threat, he complemented Dallas’s playstyle perfectly.

Jones has thrived in Los Angeles, averaging a career-high 10.4 points per game. The Mavs, desperate for defensive versatility, now lack a key piece that could have helped sustain their success.

2025 – Luka Doncic: The Trade That Broke Dallas Forever

Dallas Mavericks Received: Anthony Davis, Max Christie, 2029 First-Round Pick Los Angeles Lakers Received: Luka Doncic, Maxi Kleber, Markieff Morris

Trading a 25-year-old generational talent for an aging, injury-prone Anthony Davis and a role player in Max Christie defied all logic.

Mavericks’ fans erupted in anger, protesting outside the American Airlines Center. Davis lasted half a game before suffering another injury, leaving the team directionless. Meanwhile, Doncic has flourished in L.A., averaging 22.0 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 6.8 assists, leading the Lakers to the second seed.

2025 – Quentin Grimes: The Shooter That Got Away

Quentin Grimes, a promising young shooter, exploded for a career-high 44 points in a win against the Warriors. His two-way ability would have been invaluable for Dallas, which now lacks perimeter shot makers.

Instead, Harrison chose to acquire 29-year-old Caleb Martin, whose injury history has already sidelined him for much of the season. The Mavs traded away a valuable young asset for a veteran whose best years may be behind him.

Anthony Davis and Kyrie Irving seemed like a good 1 2 tandem that has proven over time that has had success. Magic, Kareem, Kobe, Shaq, and even Lebron and AD with the Lakers this combo between a dominant big man in the paint and a playmaker guard have limitless potential for offensive schemes. But with the bad luck for the Mavs of losing AD in his opening night with the Dallas’ Team and then Kyrie’s devasting ACL injury in his left knee only added insulted to injury. For those looking for best PrizePicks today the Mavs are going to be considered underdogs for the rest of the regular season and it would not be surprising if they miss the play in tournament completely.

Miscalculated trades, poor asset management, and short-sighted decision-making have marked Nico Harrison’s tenure. From letting Brunson walk to the disastrous Luka trade, his moves have left the Mavericks in a dire state. Unless a drastic shift occurs, Harrison’s legacy will be remembered as one of the worst in NBA history.