The Dallas Mavericks hired Masai Ujiri as their new team president, announcing the move on May 3 or 4, 2026. Ujiri replaces Nico Harrison, who was fired in November 2025 after a tenure marked by roster trades that failed to deliver results, including sending Luka Dončić to the Lakers and trading Anthony Davis back in February 2026 [1].
Ujiri spent 12 seasons with the Toronto Raptors as general manager and vice president, where he built the 2019 NBA championship roster before parting ways with the team in June 2025 [1]. Mavericks governor Patrick Dumont praised Ujiri as "one of the great basketball leaders of this generation" and said his leadership and experience are critical for the franchise’s goals. Dumont added, "We are honored to have him join the Mavs family. We welcome his energy and determination along with his leadership, experience and many accomplishments as a basketball executive. We are very excited about the future of our team" [1].
Ujiri said he was honored to join Dallas and called the timing important for the franchise. He noted the team’s "proud history, passionate fans, and a commitment to winning". Ujiri promised to work closely with players, coaches, and management to build a team that competes "at the highest level" and emphasized, "We will win in Dallas" [1].
The Mavericks plan to build around Cooper Flagg as the face of their franchise going forward [1]. Ujiri will now oversee efforts to restructure the roster and lead the team’s basketball operations following the turbulence marked by Harrison’s firing and major player trades earlier this year.
Nico Harrison’s departure in November 2025 came after the controversial trade of the franchise star Luka Dončić to the Los Angeles Lakers. The trade and subsequent Anthony Davis deal further unsettled the team’s trajectory, prompting leadership changes surrounding the Mavericks’ rebuild [1].
Masai Ujiri’s arrival marks a new chapter as the Mavericks push to restore competitiveness in the NBA. He brings a track record of success from Toronto and faces the immediate task of leveraging young talent and draft assets to return Dallas to playoff contention [1].