"Fire Nico" Chants Grow Louder: Mavericks GM Faces Scrutiny After Luka Doncic Trade

NBA Trade Rumors: "Fire Nico" Chants Grow Louder: Mavericks GM Faces Scrutiny After Luka Doncic Trade

The Dallas Mavericks are facing a wave of internal and external turmoil following the blockbuster trade that sent Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers in exchange for Anthony Davis. At the center of the storm? Mavericks general manager Nico Harrison, whose job security is under intense scrutiny as the dust continues to settle on one of the most controversial moves in franchise history.

According to Marc Stein, the backlash has been fierce and widespread across Texas:

“‘Fire Nico’ has been a constant cry at Mavericks games and at sporting events (and even at a Medieval Times) all over Texas,” Stein reported. “A banner with that precise message is unmissable on the balcony of an apartment building adjacent to the arena on the corner of Victory and Nowitzki Way.”

Fans have made their discontent loud and clear—many believing the organization betrayed Dončić, and even more questioning Harrison’s long-term vision. Dallas currently sits at 38-41, ninth in the Western Conference, clinging to a play-in spot and searching for an identity post-Dončić.

Dumont's Silence Raises Questions

The reaction of team governor Dumont has been enigmatic at best. As Stein noted, Dumont has made very few public appearances or statements since taking over ownership responsibilities—offering only two interviews and one press conference in over a year.

“His business tendencies remain a bit of a mystery,” Stein wrote, contrasting him with Mark Cuban, the team’s former, highly visible owner.

So far, Dumont has stood by Harrison, publicly backing him in a rare interview after the trade:

“In Nico we trust,” Dumont said at the time.

But with Dončić set to return to Dallas this week for the first time since Christmas Day, now donning Lakers gold, the tension is expected to reach new heights.

A Turning Point at Victory and Nowitzki

The emotional weight of Dončić's homecoming is hard to ignore. It’s not just about a star returning—it’s a painful reminder of what the Mavericks gave up. Despite Dončić's messy departure, fans still see him as a generational talent the franchise failed to keep.

“Giving in to public pressure won’t bring Dončić back,” Stein noted. “Yet the noise and negativity have scarcely faded and are bound to be whipped back to frenzy levels all over again.”

Harrison's Track Record: Mixed but Not Hopeless

Ironically, Harrison was once viewed as a bold architect of the Mavericks’ resurgence. His trade for Kyrie Irving was met with skepticism but ultimately praised after results started to show. On February 1, Harrison’s approval rating among fans was at a peak.

Now, just two months later, that goodwill has nearly evaporated.

“It is routinely asked all over town whether Harrison can hang onto his job amid so much widespread external dismay with his decision,” Stein added.

What’s Next for Dallas?

With Anthony Davis struggling with injuries and the team slipping into play-in territory, the Mavericks’ front office has little room for error. Dumont’s next move—or lack thereof—will speak volumes about the direction of the franchise.

Is Harrison on borrowed time? Or will Dumont double down on his trust and allow the GM to shape a new era in Dallas—without Luka?

Either way, Wednesday’s matchup between the Mavericks and the Lakers won’t just be about basketball. It will be a referendum on the trade, the front office, and the very future of the franchise.