The Dallas Mavericks have made a splashy front-office move, hiring championship-winning executive Masai Ujiri as their new president and alternate governor—effectively replacing the departed Nico Harrison.

Announced Monday, the hire brings a proven winner to the Lone Star State. Ujiri, who masterminded the Toronto Raptors' 2019 NBA title run as general manager, steps into a role that has been vacant since Harrison was fired in November. Harrison's tenure was forever marked by the blockbuster trade that sent Luka Dončić to the Los Angeles Lakers nearly a year ago—a move that sent shockwaves through the Mavericks fanbase.

"I'm honored to join the Dallas Mavericks and step into this role at such an important time for the organization," Ujiri said in a statement. "This is a franchise with a proud history, passionate fans, and a commitment to winning. I look forward to working with our players, coaches, and leadership team to build something that reflects that standard and competes at the highest level. We will win in Dallas."

For Mavericks owner Patrick Dumont, this is a critical hire aimed at rebuilding trust with a fanbase still stinging from the Dončić trade. Dumont previously brought in veteran executive Rick Welts as CEO in 2024—Welts, a former Warriors and Sonics executive, was another signal of the franchise's ambition to stabilize its leadership.

Interestingly, minority owner Mark Cuban—who still holds roughly 27% of the Mavericks—was reportedly not directly involved in the search for Ujiri, according to ESPN. Cuban sold a majority stake to the Adelson family in December 2023 for $3.5 billion and had been interested in hiring Pistons executive Dennis Lindsay to replace Harrison.

"Masai Ujiri is one of the great basketball leaders of this generation, and his addition to our franchise is a critical step in meeting our goals," Dumont said. "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."

Ujiri brings a decorated resume to Dallas. Before his decade-plus tenure as Raptors GM (2013–2025), he served as the Denver Nuggets' general manager from 2010 to 2013. Most recently, he became a part-owner of the WNBA's Tempo, showing his continued commitment to growing the game.

For Mavericks fans, this hire signals a new chapter—one built on proven championship leadership and a fresh vision for the future.