Masai Ujiri walked into Interview Room No. 1 at American Airlines Center wearing a navy blue sweater, commanding the room with the easy charisma that made him one of the most coveted executives in basketball. In the back, near a cluster of television cameras, new general manager Mike Schmitz quietly observed.
The contrast was fitting. Ujiri talks. Schmitz operates. Together, they are remaking the Dallas Mavericks.
In the weeks since Ujiri was named team president, he and Schmitz have moved swiftly to reshape the organization in their image — parting ways with head coach Jason Kidd, co-interim general manager Matt Riccardi and multiple assistant coaches, scouts and front office members, sources told DLLS Sports.
“I think a new slate was a good way to look at this because I feel sometimes in this organization we needed clarity on where we’re going rather than sometimes a lot of things in the mix,” Ujiri said to a Dallas-area media contingent. “We needed clarity to work in one direction in how we build this team.”
Kidd leaves with a 205-205 overall record, going 22-18 in the playoffs and guiding Dallas to the 2022 Western Conference finals and the 2024 NBA Finals. The California native had four years remaining on his contract, according to DLLS Sports’ Marc Stein.
Ujiri had never been quick to pull the trigger on coaches. In Denver, he kept George Karl. In Toronto, he stood by Dwane Casey for years. But after more than two weeks of conversations with Kidd, both men concluded it was time to move on.
The parting carried an undercurrent of tension. Kidd had sought the Mavericks’ team president position while still coaching, but governor Patrick Dumont hired Ujiri without informing Kidd. Ujiri, however, was measured when asked whether Kidd’s pursuit of the front office role factored into the decision.
“I heard those things,” Ujiri said. “I discussed with Jason, and he was incredibly honest about those things. … With me, I didn’t look at that in any way. I’m comfortable with what I do and who I am in this position and the direction I’ve been given with ownership and where this team should be going.”
Ujiri said he spoke recently with Cooper Flagg and Kyrie Irving, and that neither player had any bearing on Kidd’s dismissal. He also made clear his desire to see Irving, who missed last season after tearing his ACL, play alongside the 19-year-old phenom.
“Kevin Durant once told me, ‘There is only one Kyrie walking around in the world,'” Ujiri said. “I think we have to figure out how Kyrie fits with our program. I have had those conversations with Kyrie. I think Kyrie will fit.”
The centerpiece of everything, though, is Flagg. The 2026 Rookie of the Year averaged 21.0 points, 6.7 rebounds, 4.5 assists and 1.2 steals in 70 games, becoming the first rookie since Michael Jordan to lead his team in all four major statistical categories. He also became the first teenager in NBA history to score 50 points in a single game, erupting for 51 against the Orlando Magic.
“Every decision we make here is going to be future-based,” Ujiri said. “We have a 19-year-old generational player on our roster. We have to think that way. We are not going to make decisions based on winning today. I don’t think that would make sense for the organization.”
With the coaching search now underway, Ujiri said he has not yet spoken to any candidates out of respect for Kidd. When he does begin, the net will be cast wide.
No timeline has been set, though the NBA Draft is scheduled for June 23-24.
“It’s an open search…Our minds are very open,” Ujiri said. “We’re going to look everywhere. Every stone unturned and we will really, really look at what’s best for this organization. First-time, experienced, college, European, everywhere. Whatever is best for this organization going forward.”
