Mike Schmitz Named Mavs GM, Masai Ujiri Tabs Former ESPN Analyst to Replace Nico Harrison Six months after firing general manager Nico Harrison, the Dallas Mavericks have finalized their search for a new general manager. On Friday, team president Masai Ujiri announced the appointment of Mike Schmitz, a former Portland Trail Blazers assistant general manager and ESPN analyst, as the franchise’s new GM. Schmitz, who previously worked as an NBA draft analyst, will now oversee the team’s basketball operations following a tumultuous period marked by the controversial trade of star guard Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers. Ujiri praised Schmitz’s qualifications, calling him “one of the most respected evaluators and basketball minds in the NBA.” The team president highlighted Schmitz’s attributes as a “relentless work ethic,” “collaborative culture builder,” and his ability to “align every part of a basketball organization.” Ujiri emphasized the importance of Schmitz’s role in the Mavericks’ long-term vision, stating that the new GM would be “a major part of building something special in Dallas.” Schmitz’s hiring comes after the Mavericks named Ujiri team president and alternate governor on Monday. In a statement, Schmitz expressed his excitement about joining the franchise, calling it an “incredible opportunity.” He acknowledged the challenges ahead, including rebuilding trust with fans and improving the team’s performance. The Mavericks’ 26-56 record this season has made his task more difficult, particularly after the franchise’s disastrous decision to trade Doncic last season. The Doncic trade, orchestrated by Harrison, remains a defining moment in the team’s recent history. The move, which saw the Mavericks acquire star big man Anthony Davis in exchange for Doncic, backfired spectacularly.#luka_doncic #dallas_mavericks #anthony_davis #mike_schmitz #masai_ujiri
Mavericks Appoint Mike Schmitz as General Manager Under Masai Ujiri The Dallas Mavericks have officially announced the hiring of Mike Schmitz as their new general manager, placing him under the leadership of team president Masai Ujiri. This move marks one of Ujiri’s first major decisions since joining the franchise as team president and alternate governor last week. Schmitz, a former assistant general manager for the Portland Trail Blazers, will oversee the Mavericks’ day-to-day basketball operations, including scouting, player personnel, strategic planning, and cross-departmental collaboration. Schmitz’s career prior to his Mavericks role includes a stint as a draft analyst for ESPN from 2017 to 2022, during which he provided insights on player evaluations and draft prospects. He joined the Blazers’ front office in May 2022, bringing his expertise in basketball analytics and personnel decisions to the organization. Ujiri praised Schmitz’s qualifications, calling him “one of the most respected evaluators and basketball minds in the NBA.” The team president highlighted Schmitz’s attributes, including his intelligence, discipline, humility, and work ethic, as well as his ability to foster a collaborative culture within the organization. The Mavericks’ leadership transition follows the firing of previous general manager Nico Harrison in November 2025. Harrison’s departure came after the team struggled to a 3-8 start to the season, a performance that intensified fan frustration. The turmoil was exacerbated by the controversial trade of perennial All-NBA selection Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers in February 2025. This trade, which occurred just months after the Mavericks’ historic 2024 NBA Finals appearance, sparked widespread backlash from fans and analysts alike.#luka_doncic #dallas_mavericks #mike_schmitz #masai_ujiri #nba_finals
