Full Breakdown
Dallas Mavericks Hire Masai Ujiri as Team President and Alternate Governor
5/5/2026, 2:31:42 AM
Core Appointment
On May 4, 2026 the Dallas Mavericks announced Masai Ujiri, 55, as team president and alternate governor, giving him authority over roster construction, player personnel and scouting.
Background & Context
The hire ends a six-month search triggered by GM Nico Harrison’s November 2025 dismissal after a 3-8 start and fan outrage over the February 2025 Luka Doncic-for-Anthony Davis trade. Dallas finished 2025-26 at 26-56, its worst record since 2017-18, and entered the draft lottery with the eighth-best odds.
Data & Statistics
Ujiri’s NBA résumé includes a 690-504 record, 12 playoff appearances in 15 seasons, an Executive of the Year award (2012-13) and the 2019 Raptors championship. Dallas now holds two first-round picks in the 2026 draft – its own lottery slot and the No. 30 pick from Washington. Rookie of the Year Cooper Flagg averaged 21.0 points, 6.7 rebounds and 4.5 assists in 70 games.
Why It Matters
Ujiri’s hiring signals a shift toward culture-driven roster building and long-term flexibility, addressing fan discontent and aiming to rebuild around Flagg and Kyrie Irving. His global network and talent-development expertise are expected to strengthen scouting as the Mavericks lack control of first-round picks until 2031.
Official Statements & Responses
Governor Patrick Dumont said the Mavericks aim to be a world-class organization with a strong culture and called Ujiri a leading basketball executive. Ujiri expressed honor at joining a franchise with a proud history and pledged to win in Dallas. The team’s release also noted his authority over roster construction, player personnel and scouting.
Criticism & Opposition
Fans protested the Luka Doncic trade, chanting “fire Nico,” and demanded accountability. Minority owner Mark Cuban later said he would not have approved the deal if consulted. The backlash underscored calls for a cultural reset, which the organization framed as the rationale for hiring Ujiri.
Verbatim Quotes
> “The Dallas Mavericks are committed to being a world-class organization with a strong culture and focused on winning championships. 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,” — Patrick Dumont, Mavericks Governor
> “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 announcing his hiring.” — Masai Ujiri, Team President
> “Ujiri will oversee the Mavericks’ basketball operations, including roster construction, player personnel and scouting.” — Dallas Mavericks (team statement)
> “Ujiri established a nonprofit called Giants of Africa in 2003, an organization expanding across more than a dozen African countries, holding camps and building basketball infrastructure as a way to identify and develop basketball talent, as well as enriching the lives of youth on the continent and encouraging them to chase their dreams.” — Dallas Mavericks (team statement)
What’s Next
A joint press conference with Dumont and Ujiri is set for Tuesday at the American Airlines Center. The Mavericks will enter the May 10 draft lottery, then begin an offseason focused on roster reshaping and integrating rookie Cooper Flagg.
