Ownership grapples with widespread negativity, internal unease growing amid a tough start and lingering trade fallout.
DALLAS — The Dallas Mavericks’ difficult start to the season has reportedly led to growing unease within the organization, with ownership concerned by what has been described as a persistent wave of negativity surrounding the franchise.
According to NBA reporter Marc Stein, team governor Patrick Dumont and Mavericks ownership have been “troubled” by the tone around the club amid its 3–7 start. Stein reported that Dumont “seemingly prefers to give Harrison more time,” but internal conversations have already begun regarding whether an in-season leadership change would help restore confidence and reconnect with a frustrated fan base.
Stein added that the front office’s handling of last season’s Luka Dončić trade continues to loom over the franchise.
“If Dumont eventually concludes that a mid-stream change is the best course,” Stein wrote, “it’s believed that step would be taken not only for its vibe shift potential and as a means to try to win back alienated fans ... but also based on the premise that the front office executive who conceived and pushed for the widely criticized Dončić deal can no longer be the one trying to pilot the organization past it.”
The Mavericks’ trade of Dončić to the Los Angeles Lakers was widely criticized in Dallas and remains a flashpoint for fans. The optics have only worsened as the Lakers have opened the season 7–3, while Dallas continues to search for traction under its restructured roster.
The Mavericks entered the season banking on the potential of No. 1 overall pick Cooper Flagg, the 6-foot-9 forward who has quickly become the centerpiece of the team’s rebuild. Flagg has averaged 13.9 points, 6.6 rebounds and 3.0 assists through his first 10 games, showing flashes of star potential while navigating the challenges of his first NBA season.
Veteran guard Klay Thompson said Flagg’s maturity has stood out in the early stages of his career.
“He’s competitive, fearless, versatile,” Thompson said. “He’s a tremendous player.”
Flagg, who won’t turn 19 until late December, said he tries to balance his competitiveness with his understanding of what it means to connect with fans.
“I’m 18. I’m not that far removed from being those kids being a fan at an NBA game,” Flagg said. “It’s just about, a win or loss, you have to be competitive, but that can’t take away from giving back to the people who are there to support you.”
The Mavericks’ 3–7 record mirrors that of Victor Wembanyama’s San Antonio Spurs through his first 10 games in 2023, offering some perspective on the developmental process for top draft picks. But the losses have piled up quickly for a Dallas team still battling injuries to key players. Kyrie Irving remains out following ACL surgery, while Anthony Davis (calf), Daniel Gafford (ankle) and Dereck Lively II (knee) have all been limited.
Dallas halted a four-game losing streak on Saturday night with a 111–105 win at Washington behind 30 points from Naji Marshall off the bench. The Mavericks now return home to begin a four-game homestand Monday against the Milwaukee Bucks.
Milwaukee (6–4) is led by Giannis Antetokounmpo, who entered Sunday leading the league with 33.4 points per game along with 12.9 rebounds and 6.6 assists. Former Indiana Pacers center Myles Turner has added spacing to the Bucks’ offense, shooting 40% from three-point range this season.
For the Mavericks, the next stretch could prove crucial. Thirteen of their first 18 games will be played at home, offering a chance to stabilize their record — and perhaps ease some of the tension surrounding Harrison’s future — before the season reaches its second month.