By Dorothy J. Gentry
Sports Editor
Photos: Dorothy J. Gentry
The architect of the Dallas Mavericks team for the past three years has signed a multi-year contract extension to stay with the team.
General Manager Nico Harrison, who joined the team as GM on June 28, 2021, is responsible for assembling the Mavs roster including the February 2024 trade deadline acquisitions of Daniel Gafford and P.J. Washington Jr., which helped propel Dallas to its fifth Western Conference Champions division title in team history and third NBA Finals appearance in franchise history.
Harrison’s tenure also includes the August 2021 signing of franchise player Luka Dončić to his record-setting rookie supermax extension deal of $215 million and the 2023 NBA Draft selections of Dereck Lively II and Olivier-Maxence Prosper.
“I am incredibly grateful to Patrick and the entire Dumont and Adelson family for their continued trust and confidence and to Mark for his willingness to hire an unconventional candidate,” Harrison said. “Patrick and his family have accepted me as their own from day one and I am honored to work alongside them, as well as Jason Kidd, as we continue to build a winning culture in Dallas.”
Harrison was hired by former Mavs owner Mark Cuban. In addition to this year’s success, under Harrison’s leadership, the Mavs also advanced to the Western Conference Finals in his first season running the team’s basketball operations.
“Nico Harrison has demonstrated his leadership and capabilities in the Dallas Mavericks organization,” said new Dallas Mavericks Governor and owner Patrick Dumont.
“His vision, along with his efforts on behalf of our players and staff have propelled our team to two playoff appearances in three seasons and of course this year’s NBA Finals. We are proud to have him as part of our team for the long term, and we are excited to watch him continue to build on the foundation of success he has helped establish.”
Harrison joined the Mavericks after spending 19 years at Nike, where he most recently held the title of Vice President of North America Sports Marketing. Prior to joining Nike in 2002, Harrison played professional basketball in Europe for over six years.
