Mavericks move on from GM Nelson, Finley reportedly candidate for job

The Dallas Mavericks and general manager Donnie Nelson agreed to part ways, the club announced Wednesday.

Nelson spent 24 seasons in the Mavericks organization and is considered the architect of Dallas' 2010-11 championship team.

"I just want to thank Donnie for his 24 years of service to this organization," Mavericks owner Mark Cuban said. "Donnie has been instrumental to our success and helped bring a championship to Dallas. His hard work, creativity, and vision made him a pioneer. Donnie will always be a part of the Mavs family, and I wish him all the best."

Former Mavericks All-Star Michael Finley is a candidate to replace the longtime executive, The New York Times' Marc Stein reports. Finley, 48, has been the franchise's vice president of basketball operations since 2013.

The Mavericks have lost five consecutive first-round playoff series. Dallas hasn't advanced in the postseason since capturing its lone NBA title.

Nelson, the son of Hall of Fame coach Don Nelson, leaves the Mavs as one of the NBA's most respected executives. He played a pivotal role in Dallas acquiring Dirk Nowitzki, Steve Nash, Luka Doncic, and Kristaps Porzingis during his tenure. He also pitched Cuban on drafting Giannis Antetokounmpo ahead of the Milwaukee Bucks in 2013, but the owner shut him down.

The Mavericks head into an offseason of uncertainty, as the club's top two stars - Doncic and Porzingis - reportedly have an awkward relationship. Doncic is eligible to sign an extension worth over $200 million this summer.