Patrick Dumont makes, and receives, apology over Luka Doncic’s trade to Lakers

The man who sent Luka Doncic out of Dallas is no longer part of the Mavericks organization. Nico Harrison was dismissed just one day after the team’s loss to the Milwaukee Bucks. The decision was made by team owner Patrick Dumont – but it may have been influenced by a surprising conversation with a fan.

During that game at the American Airlines Center, Dumont was seen sitting next to a teenage Mavericks fan wearing a Los Angeles Lakers jersey with Doncic’s name and number on the back. The young fan, Nicholas Dickason, whose family holds season tickets, later apologized to the executive. On opening night against the San Antonio Spurs, he had shouted insults at Harrison from the stands.

Speaking to The Athletic, Dickason said he spoke with Dumont for about ten minutes and claimed the owner expressed deep regret over the blockbuster trade. “Basically, Patrick said he felt really bad about the deal and wanted to make it up to us,” the fan explained. “He also accepted my apology for what happened.”

Rebuilding the Mavericks without Nico Harrison

With the former Nike executive gone, Dallas has appointed Michael Finley and Matt Riccardi as interim general managers. The front office will now look for a permanent replacement to take charge of rebuilding the franchise ahead of next season.

That task won’t be easy. The Mavericks are 3–8, the second-worst record in the Western Conference. While they still have promising rookie Cooper Flagg, their limited draft assets make a turnaround difficult. The team only holds first-round picks in 2026 and 2028 – by which time their 2025 top selection is expected to be entering his prime. In odd-numbered years, they’ll be unable to compete for the top young talent available.

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