{"id":133279,"date":"2026-01-22T09:19:20","date_gmt":"2026-01-22T09:19:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/133279\/"},"modified":"2026-01-22T09:19:20","modified_gmt":"2026-01-22T09:19:20","slug":"who-is-matt-riccardi-mavericks-co-interim-gm-facing-the-biggest-trade-deadline-of-his-career","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/133279\/","title":{"rendered":"Who is Matt Riccardi, Mavericks\u2019 co-interim GM facing the biggest trade deadline of his career?"},"content":{"rendered":"

When Matt Riccardi<\/a> and Michael Finley<\/a> were promoted to co-interim general managers of the Dallas Mavericks<\/a> in November, Riccardi\u2019s mom found a photo she had tucked away in a box. <\/p>\n

A baby-faced Riccardi, wearing a white snapback hat backwards, posed with Finley, sporting a blue Jordan Brand bucket hat, during a 1999 autograph signing at Six Flags Over Texas in Arlington.<\/p>\n

\u201cI have since shown him that picture and he laughs, talking about how much older we both have gotten,\u201d Riccardi told The Dallas Morning News. \u201cI think he looks the same. I obviously look a lot older, but it was a special moment.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"Matt<\/p>\n

Matt Riccardi pictured with Michael Finley during a 1999 autograph session at Six Flags Over Texas in Arlington. The two would go on to become co-interim GMs of the Dallas Mavericks together.<\/p>\n

Courtesy Claudia Smith<\/p>\n

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Riccardi has a full beard now. Finley has the same goatee. Both men are a little grayer, a sign of the time passed. They\u2019ve traded the hats for their gameday attire of tailored blazers and slacks, fitting for the job Mavericks governor Patrick Dumont tasked them with after firing Nico Harrison<\/a>, less than a year after making one massive trade and hitting on a 1.8% chance to win the NBA draft lottery, which changed the trajectory of the franchise.<\/p>\n

Though it\u2019s not exactly how he envisioned running a front office, the circumstances are full circle for the 39-year-old Riccardi, once a Mavericks-obsessed kid in Plano<\/a> and an unpaid intern with the Brooklyn Nets, who, with Finley, is now leading the team through the biggest NBA trade deadline of his career.<\/p>\n

\u201cI happened to be in Brooklyn with him,\u201d said coach Jason Kidd, who coached the Nets during the 2013-14 season and whom Riccardi watched while growing up. \u201cI think he\u2019s prepared for this situation.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"Matt<\/p>\n

Matt Riccardi, Dallas Mavericks co-interim general manager (left), speaks to Phoenix Suns general manager Brian Gregory before a game at American Airlines Center on Wednesday, Nov. 12, 2025, in Dallas.<\/p>\n

Chitose Suzuki \/ Staff Photographer<\/p>\n

Moving on up<\/p>\n

Riccardi follows the same pregame routine no matter if he\u2019s in American Airlines Center or on the road.<\/p>\n

He\u2019ll arrive at the arena three hours before tip-off, coffee in hand, making rounds across the 94-foot court to speak to as many people as possible. This habit, which is typical of most NBA executives, scouts and agents, began as a child, when Riccardi begged his dad to take him to games early to watch Finley and Kidd go through their pregame warmups.<\/p>\n

\u201cI still love being there for warmups,\u201d Riccardi said. \u201cIt\u2019s something about being in the arena before it all gets started.\u201d<\/p>\n

People familiar with Riccardi\u2019s leadership style describe him as direct, but empathetic. Pragmatic. He cares about the greater good of the organization over individual success. A people person who can effectively communicate.<\/p>\n

\u201cMatt is a talker,\u201d Finley told The News. \u201cHe loves to network, you know? He\u2019s never met a stranger. That\u2019s a compliment to him and the way he carries himself. He enjoys walking around and shaking people\u2019s hands and just making people feel comfortable.\u201d<\/p>\n

Two months after assuming the role when Harrison was fired, Riccardi said he hasn\u2019t had the chance to fully process his new position because he\u2019s focused on the task at hand. The same three questions run through his mind on a daily basis: \u201cHow do I put this organization in the best place moving forward? How do I make sure everyone feels appreciated on the staff? How do I make sure the players are getting everything they need?\u201d<\/p>\n

\"Plano's<\/p>\n

Plano’s Matt Riccardi (left) and Brandon Ware (right) try to gain possession of the ball from teammate Michael Murphy during practice at Plano Senior High School on Tuesday, November 11, 2003.<\/p>\n

COURTNEY PERRY \/ File 2003<\/p>\n

If trying to assist the needs of those around him sounds similar to being a point guard, it\u2019s probably because the 5-8 Riccardi played the position for four years at Plano Senior High School, graduating in 2004, and five at the University of Texas at Tyler. <\/p>\n

After a year in corporate finance, the first step of Riccardi\u2019s climb up the NBA\u2019s executive ladder began with an internship in Fall 2009 that required him to drive nearly 23 hours from Plano to East Rutherford, N.J.<\/p>\n

It was the easiest \u201cyes\u201d of his career after Riccardi was denied 89 times by NBA teams for three years straight, he told The News in 2022, before former Nets executive Bobby Marks offered him the unpaid role.<\/p>\n

The big move coincided with three consecutive seasons of losing for the then-New Jersey Nets, but it was valuable on-the-job training for Riccardi, who learned the ropes under Marks and current general manager Sean Marks [no relation]. Once his internship ended, he officially joined the organization in 2010 as a basketball operations assistant.<\/p>\n

Over 13 years, Riccardi gained high-level experience in a variety of scouting and management responsibilities for the Nets, who, like the Mavericks, underwent significant changes. Brooklyn relocated from New Jersey and had three ownership changes, four general managers and 11 head coaches (six full-time and five interim), which is how Riccardi crossed paths with Kidd and Andrew Baker, now the Mavericks\u2019 vice president of basketball strategy and analytics.<\/p>\n

Riccardi helped persuade the front office to sign several players, including Spencer Dinwiddie, Yogi Ferrell and Theo Pinson, all of whom played in Dallas as well. Riccardi earned the nickname, \u201cIl Gufo,\u201d \u2013 The Owl \u2013 from his Italian friends during his scouting days. He rose to director of scouting before ending his tenure as general manager of the franchise\u2019s G League affiliate, the Long Island Nets.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe special part for me is that I got to grow up and do so many different roles within the front office that I got to a point where I understand and have empathy for everyone that\u2019s going through it,\u201d Riccardi said. \u201cThose times were special. I really appreciate them. I got to learn from some great people. They formed me into the type of leader that I am now, to get to take bits and pieces with me now here.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"Dallas<\/p>\n

Dallas Mavericks co-interim general managers Matt Riccardi (left) and Michael Finley at a game vs. the Portland Trail Blazers on Dec. 8, 2023.<\/p>\n

Courtesy Dallas Mavericks<\/p>\n

A new opportunity through unexpected change<\/p>\n

When the Mavericks had an opening in 2022, Riccardi took the chance to return to North Texas as a senior director of pro personnel of his hometown team. Harrison promoted him to assistant GM after his first season<\/a>. <\/p>\n

Finley, 52, has been a fixture in the Mavericks\u2019 front office for the last 12 seasons, including four years as assistant GM\/vice president of basketball operations.<\/p>\n

What is the dynamic between Riccardi and Finley, who\u2019ve become peers over the last four seasons, especially now that they\u2019re sharing a job typically held by one person?<\/p>\n

\u201cOur jobs haven\u2019t changed,\u201d Finley told The News. \u201cWe\u2019re still doing what we were doing under our old boss. The vision hasn\u2019t changed. We\u2019re still trying to keep Dallas as one of the best franchises in the NBA. We\u2019re just putting our own personality on it, so to speak.\u201d<\/p>\n

They offer the best of both worlds. Finley has 15 years of experience as a player to help him relate to them, as well as the institutional knowledge from his 12 years in the front office during the Donnie Nelson and Harrison eras.<\/p>\n

\"Then<\/p>\n

Then senior director of player personnel Matt Riccardi (left) talks with Mavericks assistant general manager Michael Finley and salary cap director Andrew Baker during the team’s practice Oct. 3, 2022.<\/p>\n

Photo courtesy of Dallas Mavericks<\/p>\n

Riccardi holds the reputation of being a smart talent evaluator with an unparalleled work ethic. He\u2019s also taken a more front-facing role over the last year, including representing the franchise in the drawing room at the NBA draft lottery. <\/p>\n

Both share the ability to scout talent, one of the most important skills for a GM. <\/p>\n

Dumont is not expected to ramp up his search for a permanent replacement for Harrison until the offseason. In theory, Riccardi and Finley are competing for the same position, but their rapport makes it clear it hasn\u2019t changed how they work together.<\/p>\n

\u201cI think me and Fin have such a good relationship over my three-and-a-half years that it\u2019s seamless for us,\u201d Riccardi said. \u201cThere are things that he is amazing at and way better at than me and he takes those areas. We try to make sure that collectively, our skills maximize who we are as a group.<\/p>\n

\u201cI joke that we\u2019re twins.\u201d he continued. \u201cWe understand each other\u2019s thinking. Even at times when we do have good and honest discussion, we come to a resolution respectfully together and then move forward as a joint decision. That part\u2019s been easy and refreshing.\u201d<\/p>\n

While most midseason deals are orchestrated by one person \u2013 Harrison\u2019s trade of six-time All-Star guard Luka Doncic for 10-time All-Star forward Anthony Davis last year, for example \u2013 this year\u2019s trade deadline will be a collaborative effort between Riccardi and Finley, with guidance from Dumont and Kidd, along with aid from Baker and Makhtar Ndiaye, the team\u2019s director of pro personnel and international scouting.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019re all in constant communication to make sure that we\u2019re doing the best that we can to put the team in the best position to be successful,\u201d Finley told The News. \u201cIf the communication we\u2019re having is consistent, when we talk to other teams and agents, then I think that puts us in a good position to make a deal if you have to.\u201d<\/p>\n

Regardless of what Riccardi and Finley decide over the next two weeks, the franchise\u2019s priority has shifted to the development of Cooper Flagg<\/a>, the versatile two-way forward who became the Mavericks\u2019 second No. 1 pick in team history.<\/p>\n

Family first<\/p>\n

The hardest part of the job, Riccardi said, is juggling his responsibilities as a front office executive with family duties. He and his wife have two children, and returning to North Texas meant he could spend more time with his parents, sister, brother-in-law and friends, including his former Plano teammates.<\/p>\n

\u201cFor us to do these amazing jobs, our families are the ones that sacrifice,\u201d he said. \u201cBeing conscientious of that, family is most important.\u201d<\/p>\n

When Riccardi entered the NBA draft lottery drawing room last May, his phone was confiscated, and the only items he could bring were a pen and pad, but he brought a small reminder of his family: a good luck charm from his 1-year-old son, Lio. The blue and yellow sticker of an owl unknowingly provided a good omen for \u201cIl Gufo.\u201d<\/p>\n

Riccardi kept his hand on the owl during the drawing, and within 15 minutes, the Mavericks landed the No. 1 pick and the right to draft Flagg<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt was pretty special, a full realization that he could be there and be part of us getting the No. 1 pick,\u201d he said of his son. \u201cAs superstitious as that sounds, it was pretty special.\u201d<\/p>\n

Earlier this season, Riccardi brought his son to a game at AAC and carried him throughout his usual stroll around the arena, continuing the tradition he started as a teenager. It\u2019s one of his favorite parts about his job. He couldn\u2019t imagine it then, but now it\u2019s reality.<\/p>\n

\u201cI can\u2019t envision myself doing anything else,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

X: @MikeACurtis2<\/a><\/p>\n

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Find more Mavericks coverage from The Dallas Morning News here<\/a>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"When Matt Riccardi and Michael Finley were promoted to co-interim general managers of the Dallas Mavericks in November,…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":133280,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[9],"tags":[4642,102,104,2582,103,4280,4281,3080,6538,6468,154],"class_list":{"0":"post-133279","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-dallas","8":"tag-cooper-flagg","9":"tag-dallas","10":"tag-dallas-headlines","11":"tag-dallas-mavericks","12":"tag-dallas-news","13":"tag-jason-kidd","14":"tag-mavericks","15":"tag-nba","16":"tag-nico-harrison","17":"tag-patrick-dumont","18":"tag-sports"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/133279","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=133279"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/133279\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/133280"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=133279"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=133279"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=133279"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}