Nico Harrison’s time as the General Manager of the Dallas Mavericks has been marked by a series of catastrophic decisions that have left the franchise in shambles. From baffling trades to letting valuable players slip through his fingers, Harrison’s tenure has been defined by poor judgment, leading many to question whether he is the worst GM in NBA history. Here’s a look at some of his most disastrous decisions that have led to the Mavericks’ downfall.
2022 – Kristaps Porzingis Trade: A Disaster from the Start
The first major misstep came in February 2022 when Harrison traded Kristaps Porzingis to the Washington Wizards in exchange for Spencer Dinwiddie and Davis Bertans. Despite Porzingis’s injury history, he was still a productive player, averaging 20 points, 8.8 rebounds, and 1.7 blocks per game. Rather than leveraging his value to build around Luka Dončić, Harrison chose to unload him for players who failed to make a significant impact. Dinwiddie was inconsistent, and Bertans’ large contract became a liability. Meanwhile, Porzingis revitalized his career with the Boston Celtics, contributing significantly to their 2024 championship run. This trade set the stage for the Mavs’ subsequent struggles.
2022 Offseason – Jalen Brunson: Letting a Star Walk for Nothing
Perhaps the most egregious decision Harrison made was allowing Jalen Brunson to leave for the New York Knicks without making a serious effort to retain him. Brunson had proven his worth during the playoffs, averaging 21.6 points and 3.7 assists, yet Harrison balked at offering him a significant contract. Brunson has since blossomed into a superstar in New York, earning All-NBA honors and leading the Knicks to multiple playoff appearances. His departure left a massive void in the Mavericks’ offense, which was never adequately filled, despite the addition of Kyrie Irving.
2023 Offseason – Derrick Jones Jr.: Letting a Key Contributor Walk
In another baffling move, Harrison allowed Derrick Jones Jr. to leave for the Los Angeles Clippers. Jones had played a crucial role in the Mavs’ 2024 Finals run, providing defense and athleticism. Yet Harrison failed to make a competitive offer to keep him, allowing him to sign with the Clippers. Jones went on to thrive in Los Angeles, averaging a career-high 10.4 points per game. This move further depleted the Mavs’ already thin roster.
2025 – Luka Dončić: The Trade That Crushed Dallas
The ultimate disaster came in the 2025 season when Harrison made the unthinkable decision to trade Luka Dončić to the Los Angeles Lakers for Anthony Davis and Max Christie. Dončić, one of the brightest young stars in NBA history, had just led the Mavericks to the Finals. Yet Harrison believed Davis’s injury history was too much of a risk, and he chose to ship Dončić to a Western Conference rival. The fallout was swift and severe—fans rioted, and the Mavs’ future looks bleak without their generational talent. Davis, as expected, struggled with injuries, and the trade is now regarded as one of the worst in NBA history.
2025 – Quentin Grimes: The Shooter That Got Away
In another questionable move, Harrison traded away young sharpshooter Quentin Grimes to the Philadelphia 76ers for Caleb Martin, a veteran with injury concerns. Grimes, who had shown flashes of brilliance as a two-way player, went on to explode for a career-high 44 points in a win against the Golden State Warriors. Martin, on the other hand, has been injury-prone, making the trade yet another example of Harrison’s flawed approach to team building.
Conclusion: A Legacy of Mismanagement
Nico Harrison’s time as the GM of the Dallas Mavericks has been riddled with disastrous decisions, culminating in the unthinkable trade of Luka Dončić. From mishandling key player assets like Jalen Brunson and Kristaps Porzingis to failing to retain crucial role players, Harrison’s tenure has been a masterclass in mismanagement. With the franchise in turmoil and the future uncertain, it’s hard to argue against the notion that Nico Harrison may go down as one of the worst GMs in NBA history.
