The Dallas Mavericks fired general manager Nico Harrison on Tuesday. Harrison was responsible for the Luka Doncic-Anthony Davis trade, that set Mavericks fans ablaze in anger. While Harrison wasn't the only person responsible for that questionable deal, he ultimately paid the price for that very poor decision.
Team owner Patrick Dumont released an open letter to fans after Harrison's firing.
“Though the majority of the 2025-26 season remains to be played, and I know our players are deeply committed to a winning culture, this decision was critical to moving our franchise forward in a positive direction,” Dumont's letter said in part.
Mavericks coach Jason Kidd is also caught in the crossfire. While Kidd is the head coach of the team and not the general manager, he is ultimately responsible for winning with the roster the team's front office has assembled. Dallas fans may also be fed up with Kidd right now, but there are a few reasons why the team shouldn't yet give up on him.
Jason Kidd is getting production from Cooper Flagg
Kidd has a new star to coach, and that is rookie Cooper Flagg. Flagg is providing some strong production for the club right now, and Kidd is clearly helping him. On Monday in a loss to the Milwaukee Bucks, Flagg led the way with 26 points.
It is important to not destroy a rookie's confidence, and Dallas could do that if they decide to fire their coach. While the Mavericks are a disappointing 3-8 on the season, the team just needs one win streak to right the ship and get close to a .500 record. It would be very difficult to do that by throwing the baby out with the bath water.
The Mavericks hope to get Anthony Davis back soon
Dallas is without their veteran big man Anthony Davis, who was traded to the team in that infamous Doncic deal. This season, Davis has not been very productive. In fact, Stephen A. Smith called Davis' performance this season just “average,” while Doncic is setting the world on fire in Los Angeles.
Davis will hopefully get to full strength very soon, which could help the team tremendously. Either way, it is worth seeing what Kidd can do with a healthy Davis playing alongside his rookie sensation Flagg.
The Mavericks can also choose to trade Davis, which has been talked about, in order to build around Flagg.
Firing Jason Kidd would put even more power in the hands of people Mavericks fans don't trust
If Dallas does decide to remove Kidd, it means that the team's ownership and interim general manager will have even more of a problem in front of them. The club would have to find a new leader who can win over the locker room in a very short period of time.
There is already a trust deficit right now between Mavericks fans and the franchise's ownership. While there are plenty of fans who probably do want to see Kidd go, most don't blame him for the Doncic-Davis trade.
Kidd has proven he can win in the NBA. He did a good job coaching this team to the NBA Finals just two seasons ago. While fans have every right to be angry right now, it is worth keeping Kidd around to see what he can do in the foreseeable future. He may have the right formula to turn around this team.
Dallas plays the Phoenix Suns at home on Wednesday, in its first game without Harrison as general manager. Time will tell if the club can pick up a win.
