DHJ Quick Take: Masai Ujiri’s Front-Office Changes
- Differentiating the Executive Baseline: Mavericks President Masai Ujiri drew a distinct structural line between his co-interim front-office leaders, confirming that assistant GM Matt Riccardi will officially not return while intentionally keeping the door open for a potential Michael Finley retention.
- Eradicating Front-Office Redundancy: Ujiri framed Riccardi’s exit strictly as a casualty of structural streamlining rather than an indictment of his performance, explicitly praising his execution around heavy roster trades while noting the franchise needed to aggressively eliminate operational duplication to find absolute clarity.
- Ongoing Calculus for Finley’s Scouting Unit: While Riccardi was cut loose to lean out the executive tree, Ujiri paused on finalizing Finley’s status. He lauded Finley’s stewardship of the scouting department, keeping negotiations ongoing to see how the former Mavs star fits into a redefined organizational map.
- Unifying Behind a Singular Identity: By executing a selective front-office shakeup, Ujiri is clearing out historical executive layers to ensure the building aligns flawlessly behind newly hired GM Mike Schmitz and reigning Rookie of the Year Cooper Flagg before the June 23 NBA Draft.
DALLAS — The Dallas Mavericks continue to reshape their front office amid a pivotal offseason, with co-interim general manager Matt Riccardi officially not returning and the future role of fellow co-interim Michael Finley still being determined.
During a media availability on Wednesday, Mavericks president Masai Ujiri confirmed Riccardi’s departure while emphasizing the impact he made during his time with the organization.
“We respectfully had that conversation with Matt,” Ujiri said. “He’ll be great wherever he goes. He did an incredible job here, especially with the trade. I really acknowledge that.”
Restructuring the Front Office
Riccardi served as an assistant general manager for the Mavericks, alongside Finley, under former general manager Nico Harrison and played an important role in the organization’s scouting and roster-building efforts. Ujiri suggested the decision was rooted more in restructuring than dissatisfaction with Riccardi’s performance.
“For me, it was really thinking about the future of this team, the structure,” Ujiri said. “Sometimes in this organization we need clarity in where we’re going rather than lots of things in the mix. We need to really work in one direction and how we build this team and how we create winning.”
Ujiri emphasized avoiding “duplication” within the front office as the Mavericks move into a new era centered around long-term development.
Building Around Cooper Flagg
The franchise’s direction is heavily tied to its young core, particularly the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft and reigning Rookie of the Year, Cooper Flagg, a player Ujiri had high praise for.
“We have a 19-year-old generational player on our roster and we have to think that way,” Ujiri said. “We’re not going to make decisions based on winning today. [We’re thinking about] what is our future going to look like? What is winning going to look like? How is this organization going to be built?”
Mike Schmitz Steps Into the GM Role
That future will include newly hired general manager Mike Schmitz, who officially joined the organization earlier this month after serving in the front office of the Portland Trail Blazers.
Ujiri spoke highly of Schmitz, citing years of shared scouting experience around the world as a major reason for the hire.
“For me, it was an incredible fit,” Ujiri said. “You have to build that in your front office, whether it’s values, whether it’s loyalty, whether it’s treating our staff with respect and setting a tone. Mike has been everything with that. He is the GM of the Dallas Mavericks, and we’re going forward to win in this organization.”
Michael Finley’s Future Uncertain
Meanwhile, Finley’s future with the organization remains up in the air.
The former Mavericks player has overseen much of the organization’s scouting department in recent years, but Ujiri said conversations are ongoing regarding Finley’s future role with the team.
“I’m discussing with Michael [Finley] on roles and how he wants to fit in this organization,” Ujiri said. “He has run an incredible scouting process and department here. We continue to work with Mike and will discuss what role is appropriate for him and we all see fit going forward, if he wants to continue with us.”
Coaching Staff in Transition
Ujiri also confirmed that some members of former head coach Jason Kidd’s staff could remain temporarily during the transition period until a new head coach is hired.
“We’ve kept a couple of coaches who are going to help us with the transition,” Ujiri said. “Jason Kidd was aware of that, and this couple of coaches are aware of that. This is how these things work. We have to keep this train moving as we go, and [those coaches returning next year] would be the decision of the new head coach.”
As the Mavericks kick off the offseason with a significant organizational change, the franchise appears focused on establishing a long-term direction centered around its emerging young talent.
More Mavericks Coverage on Dallas Hoops Journal
- ‘Every Decision Is Future-Based’: Why Masai Ujiri Moved On From Jason Kidd To Build Around Cooper Flagg
- Dallas Mavericks ‘Mutually Agree’ To Part Ways With Jason Kidd, Begin Search For Head Coach
- ‘Chaotic In A Beautiful Way’: Mike Schmitz Opens Up On Quick Rise To Dallas Mavericks GM Chair
- Dallas Mavericks To Select 9th Overall In 2026 NBA Draft, Mike Schmitz ‘Very Confident’ In Class Depth
- Dallas Mavericks Name Mike Schmitz General Manager Under President Masai Ujiri
- ‘I Hope To Bring Calm’: Masai Ujiri Lays Out Vision For Cooper Flagg’s Dallas Mavericks
- ‘It Means Everything’: Dallas Mavericks Star Cooper Flagg Reflects On NBA Rookie Of The Year Award
- Cooper Flagg Wins NBA Rookie Of The Year, Joins Jason Kidd And Luka Dončić In Dallas Mavericks History
