Dirk Nowitzki is reportedly “completely turned off” by the Dallas Mavericks franchise following the controversial trade of Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers. The franchise icon’s disconnection stems from being excluded from basketball operations decisions.
The rift has deepened as GM Nico Harrison has apparently sidelined both Nowitzki and former majority owner Mark Cuban from providing input on team matters. “First of all, Dirk is completely turned off by this franchise. … I asked, ‘Hey, why not seek Dirk’s input? Why not seek [Mark] Cuban’s input?’ He basically said, ‘If they’re not in the building, they don’t know what’s going on,'” according to insider reports.
Power Struggle Following Ownership Change
The situation appears to be the result of a significant power shift within the organization. “The reason why Cuban’s not in the building is because Nico made sure he got his butt kicked out of basketball operations once that sale went through,” ESPN’s Tim McMahon added.
This organizational upheaval follows Cuban’s sale of his majority stake to the Adelson family, creating a new power structure that has effectively marginalized the team’s most iconic figures. The restructuring has coincided with controversial basketball decisions, most notably the Doncic trade.
Harrison’s Job Security in Question
Despite receiving public support from executive Patrick Dumont, Harrison’s position as GM appears increasingly tenuous. The fallout from the Doncic trade and internal discord has raised significant questions about the direction of the franchise.
“Everybody asks me about Nico’s job security — all the time. All I can say is, to this point Patrick Dumont has given him strong public support. This press conference is to be considered proof that Patrick has some significant concerns,” sources revealed.
The timing couldn’t be worse for the Mavericks, who face the Sacramento Kings in their first NBA play-in game on April 17, 2025. The internal turmoil threatens to overshadow what should be a crucial competitive moment for the team.
For a franchise that once prided itself on stability and continuity during the Nowitzki era, the current disconnect between the organization and its greatest player represents more than just a personnel issue—it signals a fundamental shift in the Mavericks’ identity at a pivotal moment in their competitive timeline.