Jason Kidd’s influence grows amid Nico Harrison’s dismissal

Jason Kidd and several Dallas Mavericks officials loyal to him reportedly played a key role in pushing for general manager Nico Harrison’s dismissal, finalized on Tuesday.

While it’s not confirmed whether Kidd directly asked new owner Patrick Dumont to fire Harrison, the two had been at odds for months over roster construction and player usage.

Tensions became apparent early this season when Kidd made several unorthodox lineup choices, including starting the year without a traditional point guard and giving two-way signee Ryan Nembhard more minutes than veteran D’Angelo Russell in the second game.

Sources say Kidd even explored leaving Dallas in the offseason to coach the New York Knicks, with mutual interest between both sides before the Mavericks blocked the move and extended his contract instead.

After last year’s Finals run, Kidd’s 2024 extension gave him more years under contract than any executive in the front office, strengthening his leverage in internal disputes.

According to league sources, promoting assistant GM Matt Riccardi to replace Harrison would signal Kidd’s growing influence with Dumont and his control over basketball decisions.

Former owner Mark Cuban also reportedly supported Harrison’s removal and has urged Dumont to consider hiring former Jazz executive Dennis Lindsey.