Luka Dončić trade fallout plunges Dallas out of top front-office rankings, signaling a sharp leaguewide reassessment of franchise direction.
The Dallas Mavericks were absent from The Athletic’s annual front-office rankings, a notable omission that reflects the lingering fallout from one of the most scrutinized moves in recent league history — the decision to trade Luka Dončić to the Los Angeles Lakers.
The survey, which compiled ballots from 36 executives across the NBA, ranked the league’s top-performing basketball operations groups based on roster construction, strategy, cap management and long-term vision. Dallas did not appear in the top 10 and did not receive any votes among teams listed in the “others receiving votes” section, underscoring how sharply perceptions have shifted since the franchise’s previous postseason runs.
The most significant factor cited by league officials was the organization’s February decision to send Dončić to the Lakers — a move that rival executives described as one of the most damaging trades in recent memory. That transaction ultimately led to the dismissal of general manager Nico Harrison, who had held the top front-office role since 2021.
Harrison’s departure was referenced in The Athletic’s overview of changes across the league, noting that seven teams have replaced their lead decision-makers since last season. Dallas’ move, however, was characterized as the most consequential.
The report stated that Harrison’s “ill-fated decision to send Luka Dončić to the Los Angeles Lakers in February seems destined to go down as one of the worst trades of all time.”
The Mavericks’ absence from the rankings illustrates how deeply that move impacted leaguewide evaluations. While several franchises experiencing transitions or roster resets still earned scattered votes — including the Lakers, Jazz, Wizards and Nets — Dallas did not register on any ballot.
The lack of recognition also stands in contrast to the dramatic rise of teams like Houston, Indiana and Detroit, all of which were praised for clear organizational direction and asset stewardship. Conversely, Dallas is viewed as undergoing significant uncertainty, both in terms of leadership structure and long-term roster trajectory.
Last season, the Mavericks were considered a stable playoff team with an established superstar centerpiece. Now, executives around the league express uncertainty about the franchise’s identity and blueprint following Dončić’s exit.
The Athletic’s ranking process mirrored MVP-style voting, with executives selecting their top five front offices. Dallas did not appear on any of the 36 ballots submitted. While the Mavericks will attempt to reshape their direction under new leadership, the absence from this year’s rankings signals a leaguewide reassessment of the franchise’s competitive outlook.