The Nico Harrison era in Dallas is officially over. In the wake of his termination as the Mavericks’ general manager, the franchise has appointed executives Michael Finley and Matt Riccardi as interim general managers. Their immediate task is to steer the team through the wreckage left by one of the most criticized trades in recent memory: the decision to send Luka Dončić to the Los Angeles Lakers for Anthony Davis.
While firing Harrison may quiet some of the outrage, it leaves the Mavericks facing an uncertain future, with two new leaders now under immense pressure to turn things around.
Can Michael Finley and Matt Riccardi Help the Dallas Mavericks Turn Things Around?
As the organization begins its search for a permanent general manager, many are questioning whether Finley and Riccardi are qualified to handle the immediate crisis. For those unfamiliar, Finley is a two-time All-Star and a former champion who played for the Dallas Mavericks from 1996 to 2005. His connection to the franchise runs deep. After his playing career, Finley rejoined the Mavericks’ front office in 2012, eventually earning a promotion to Vice President of Basketball Operations in 2018 and then to assistant general manager in 2021.
Some fans might also remember Finley for a viral moment when he took a beer from Dončić’s hand as the team celebrated securing its spot in the 2024 NBA Finals, showcasing a long-standing presence around the team’s biggest stars. His partner in this new role, however, is less well-known.
Matt Riccardi, a Dallas native, brings a unique perspective to the table. He started his career with the Brooklyn Nets, working his way up from scout and manager of basketball operations over a 13-year tenure. In 2022, Riccardi returned home to join the Mavericks as their senior director of pro personnel. He was quickly promoted to assistant general manager and will now share the interim leadership responsibilities with Finley.
Shams: Mavs will appoint executives Michael Finley, Matt Riccardi to interim lead basketball operations.
— Underdog NBA (@UnderdogNBA) November 11, 2025
While both Finley and Riccardi possess distinct skill sets, it remains unclear whether their combined expertise will be enough to improve the team’s dire situation. The Mavericks are currently one of the worst teams in the Western Conference, holding a disappointing record of three wins and eight losses.
The most significant challenge, of course, is one they cannot simply undo. The trade that sent Dončić to the Lakers is a permanent stain, but Finley and Riccardi are now entrusted with deciding the futures of the remaining stars on the roster. This includes managing players like Anthony Davis and Kyrie Irving, two experienced champions who have been sidelined with their own injuries.
Ultimately, the pressure facing Finley and Riccardi is expected to be substantial. Any potential trade involving Davis will inevitably serve as a painful reminder to the fan base of what they lost in Dončić. For now, fans can only hope that the interim general managers can begin to steer the organization back in the right direction.
