Nico Harrison, who oversaw the trade of Luka Doncic from Dallas to the Los Angeles Lakers, was fired Tuesday as general manager and president of basketball operations for the Mavericks.

Mavericks owner Patrick Dumont announced the move with the team off to a 3-8 start and fans chanting "Fire Nico" at every home game.

Slovenian superstar Doncic, a Dallas fan favorite, has helped revive the Lakers, joining Wilt Chamberlain as the only NBA players to score at least 40 points in the first three games of a season.

The Mavs, meanwhile, have struggled with Kyrie Irving sidelined by a knee injury despite obtaining Anthony Davis in the trade and boasting 2025 NBA Draft top pick Cooper Flagg.

"This decision reflects our continued commitment to building a championship-caliber organisation, one that delivers for our players, our partners, and most importantly, our fans," Dumont said.

The Mavericks appointed vice president of player personnel Michael Finley and assistant general manager Matt Riccardi as co-interim general managers to oversee basketball operations.

Under Harrison's guidance since taking over in June 2021, the Mavericks lost to Boston in the 2024 NBA Finals and dropped the 2022 Western Conference finals to Golden State.

Dumont released a letter to fans explaining his decision and seeking their continued support.

"No one associated with the Mavericks organisation is happy with the start of what we all believed would be a promising season," he wrote.

"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 he knows the team's players are "deeply committed to a winning culture. This decision was critical to moving our franchise forward in a positive direction."

Dumont thanked fans for their patience and support and, without mentioning the Doncic trade, added: "I understand the profound impact these difficult last several months have had. Please know that I'm fully committed to the success of the Mavericks." (AFP)