Nico Harrison traded Luka Dončić to the Lakers less than a year after the team made it to the NBA Finals. Photo: Tim Heitman/Getty Images
Dallas Mavericks fans' "Fire Nico" dreams have come true. The team has fired general manager Nico Harrison, who orchestrated Luka Dončić's blockbuster trade to the Los Angeles Lakers last season.
Why it matters: The Mavericks have an opportunity to win back fans whose pride was eroded after the team traded their superstar for a much older Anthony Davis.
The latest: Mavericks governor Patrick Dumont announced Harrison's departure in an open letter to Mavericks fans, thanking them for holding the team accountable.
"You have high expectations for the Mavericks, and I share them with you. When the results don't meet expectations, it's my responsibility to act," Dumont said in the letter.
Dumont reportedly also apologized to a teenage fan at the Mavericks-Bucks game on Monday.
"Basically, Patrick was like, he feels horrible for the trade and wants to make it up to us," Nicholas Dickason, whose family owns Mavericks season tickets, told the Athletic.
Between the lines: It's uncommon for an NBA team to part ways with top brass during the season.
State of play: The Mavericks are on the losing end of a tale of two cities.
The Los Angeles Lakers are 8-3, with Dončić often taking the lead in LeBron James' absence because of sciatica.
The Mavericks are 3-8, with several key players out because of injuries.
Davis has played five games, averaging close to 21 points per game, while Dončić has played seven games, averaging 37 points per game.
💭 Our thought bubble: The next general manager will have to rebuild the team's identity and win back fans' trust.
What's next: The Mavericks host the Phoenix Suns at 7:30pm.
