Dallas Mavericks target Nico Harrison as president of basketball operations

The Dallas Mavericks mutually parted ways with president of basketball operations Donnie Nelson on June 16. Nelson spent 24 years with the organization and had been general manager since 2005. It was a shocking move followed up by the departure of longtime head coach Rick Carlisle the following day.

The Mavs are close to filling both key decision-maker roles. According to Marc Stein, they are talking with Nico Harrison to be their president of basketball operations. Dallas has tabbed Jason Kidd as their next head coach with discussions also ongoing there.

Fans may not be familiar with Nico Harrison, so let us take a closer look at the current Nike executive.

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Dallas Mavericks in talks with Nico Harrison for president of basketball operations role

Harrison played college basketball at Army and Montana State from 1991 to 1996. He is in the Montana State Hall of Fame. Harrison worked his way up to become one of the top executives at Nike.

Nate Jones tweeted the following about Harrison following news breaking of Dallas’ interest.

Adrian Wojnarowski had this to say about the Mavericks’ potential new president of basketball operations.

Nico Harrison has been pursued for several front office jobs in recent years but thus far remained at Nike. He’s well respected and well connected to many of the game’s best players. https://t.co/3PCZxeDf9a
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 25, 2021

Tim MacMahon followed up with this.

Sources: Mavs have offered Nike executive Nico Harrison a front office leadership position. Dallas wants him to work in tandem with Michael Finley.

Harrison and Finley are both close with Jason Kidd, who is expected to be the Mavs' next head coach. https://t.co/84xMgMqmmx
— Tim MacMahon (@espn_macmahon) June 25, 2021

Michael Finley is going to remain a key decision-maker in the Mavericks front office with Harrison coming in from Nike. Jason Kidd will be the team’s head coach. Hopefully, the Mavericks will be able to use Harrison’s connections to improve their free-agent track record. The duo could be form a fantastic pairing that leads Dallas to their second championship in franchise history.

Marc Stein also reported this.

The Mavericks envision Nike's Nico Harrison and vice president of basketball operations Michael Finley working side by side, with special adviser Dirk Nowitzki also a significant part of Mark Cuban's reshaped brain trust. Harrison also has a longtime relationship with Jason Kidd.
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) June 25, 2021

It would be fantastic to see Dirk Nowitzki take on a larger role with the team moving forward.

The Dallas Mavericks are working hard to set up their power structure. They are close to getting things finalized. The Mavs have a massive summer ahead in trying to improve their roster around Luka Doncic. Owner Mark Cuban and the front office will be looking to make moves. Stay tuned to The Smoking Cuban for all the latest.

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