Why the Mavericks must keep Jason Kidd after Niko Harrison was fired

The The Dallas Mavericks fired general manager Nick Harrison on Tuesday. Harrison was responsible for the trade between Luka Doncic and Anthony Davis that sent Mavericks fans into a frenzy. Although Harrison was not the only person responsible for the controversial deal, he ultimately paid the price for that very bad decision.

Team owner Patrick Dumont published an open letter fans after Harrison’s firing.

“While much of the 2025-26 season remains to be played, and I know our players are deeply committed to a winning culture, this decision was critical to moving our franchise forward in a positive direction,” Dumont’s letter read in part.

Mavericks coach Jason Kidd was also caught in the crossfire. Although Kidd is the team’s head coach, not the general manager, he is ultimately responsible for winning with the roster put together by the team’s front office. Dallas fans may be fed up with Kidd now, but there are a few reasons why the team shouldn’t give up on him just yet.

Jason Kidd gets production from Cooper Flagg

Kidd has a new star to coach, and that’s rookie Cooper Flagg. Flagg is currently providing strong production for the club, and Kidd is clearly helping him out. In Monday’s loss to the Milwaukee Bucks, Flagg led the way with 26 points.

It’s important not to destroy the confidence of the rookies, and Dallas could do that if they decide to fire their coach. While the Mavericks are a disappointing 3-8 on the season, the team needs just one win to right the ship and move closer to a .500 record. It would be very difficult to do that by throwing the baby out with the bath water.

The Mavericks are hoping to get Anthony Davis back soon

Dallas is without their veteran big man Anthony Davis, who was traded to the team in that infamous Doncic deal. This season, Davis hasn’t been very productive. in fact Stephen A. Smith called Davis’ performance this season “average,” while Dončić sets the world on fire in Los Angeles.

Hopefully, Davis will be back to full strength very soon, which could help the team tremendously. Either way, it’s worth seeing what Kidd can do with a healthy Davis playing alongside fellow rookie sensation Flagg.

The The Mavericks can also choose to trade Daviswhich was talked about, in order to build around Flagg.

Firing Jason Kidd would put even more power in the hands of people Mavericks fans don’t trust

If Dallas decides to remove Kidd, that means the team’s ownership and interim general manager will have an even bigger problem ahead of them. The club would have to find a new leader who can conquer the dressing room in a very short time.

It already exists the current trust deficit between Mavericks fans and franchise ownership. While there are plenty of fans who probably want Kidd gone, most don’t blame him for trading Doncic and Davis.

Kidd has proven he can win in the NBA. He did a good job coaching this team to the NBA Finals just two seasons ago. While fans have every right to be angry now, it’s worth keeping Kid around to see what he can do for the foreseeable future. He may have the right formula to turn this team around.

Dallas plays the Phoenix Suns at home on Wednesday, its first game without Harrison as general manager. Time will tell if the club can achieve victory.