Wednesday marked a day full of change in the NBA, and the Dallas Mavericks weren't going to be left out.
The Mavericks announced Wednesday that they parted ways with general manager Donnie Nelson, who had been with the organization for 23 years.
The Dallas Mavericks and Donnie Nelson have mutually agreed to part ways. pic.twitter.com/YRg8pF15oG
— Mavs PR (@MavsPR) June 16, 2021
ESPN's Tim MacMahon adds that the decision for Nelson to leave the organization was made on Sunday.
The decision for Donnie Nelson to leave the Mavericks was made Sunday, sources told ESPN.
— Tim MacMahon (@espn_macmahon) June 16, 2021
The news comes after the Mavericks finished another disappointing postseason after blowing a 2-0 series lead to the Los Angeles Clippers in the first round.
During Nelson's tenure, the Mavericks made the playoffs in 17 of the last 21 seasons, went to the Western Conference Finals three times and advanced to the NBA Finals twice. In addition, they captured three division titles and won their first NBA title in 2011.
Nelson is viewed as a leader in international scouting and is credited with the acquisitions of franchise legend Dirk Nowitzki and budding star Luka Doncic.
The Mavericks are also dealing with a reported controversy involving Doncic and Bob Voulgaris, a member of the team's front office. There are reports indicating that the general manager change is partially tied to that conflict.
According to Marc Stein of the New York Times, Dallas has hired a search firm and has opened a search for a new head of basketball operations.
The Mavericks have hired a search firm and have opened the search for a new head of basketball operations, league sources say.
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) June 16, 2021
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