Mavericks Aim for New GM to Collaborate with Jason Kidd Amid Trade Controversy
The Dallas Mavericks are set to hire their next general manager before the draft, aiming for a candidate who can collaborate effectively with coach Jason Kidd, as reported by The Stein Line's Marc Stein. Since firing Nico Harrison last November, the Mavericks have operated with co-interim GMs Matt Riccardi and Michael Finley. While both are under consideration for the full-time role, owner Patrick Dumont plans to pursue high-profile executives post-regular season, which ends on April 12. Notable names on his list include Sam Presti, Brad Stevens, R.C. Buford, Bob Myers, and Tim Connelly. The situation raises eyebrows as the desire to retain Kidd contrasts with the search for a substantial executive. The question arises: if the Mavericks aim to attract a renowned GM, why not allow them to choose their coach? Adding to the intrigue, minority owner Mark Cuban recently implicated Kidd in the controversial trade that sent Luka Dončić to the Los Angeles Lakers for a package centered around Anthony Davis, who was later offloaded to the Washington Wizards. Cuban stated, "I think there was animosity between our former general manager and some people on Luka's team... But that doesn't justify it for our coach and our general manager to stand up and trade our best player." In response, Kidd informed the Dallas Morning News that he had contacted Cuban following the podcast's release. He emphasized focusing on the present and future, expressing discomfort about being dragged into ownership disputes. Mavericks CEO Rick Welts described the upcoming GM hire as "the most important decision that the organization is going to make for the coming seasons," noting that no search firm has been retained and that Dumont is the primary decision-maker.
Source: CBS Sports - 2026-04-01