In a recent conversation, former Dallas Mavericks majority owner Mark Cuban brought clarity to a topic that has intrigued fans and analysts alike: the hypothetical trade of star player Luka Doncic. After selling his majority stake in the team but retaining a 27.7% share, Cuban found himself in a position where he no longer has direct control over basketball operations. New owner Patrick Dumont is gradually shifting the decision-making power to general manager Nico Harrison, which has inevitably raised questions about the franchise’s direction.
In a candid moment during his appearance on “Your Mom’s House” with Tom Segura, Cuban directly addressed the notion of trading Doncic, emphatically stating that such a move came not from him, but from the new management team. “If I had any influence, the trade wouldn’t happen,” he noted, sharing his surprise at the decision. This acknowledgement marks a significant shift, as it’s the first time Cuban has explicitly stated he wouldn’t have gone through with a trade for the franchise cornerstone.
Back in March, when pressed about his stance if he were in Harrison’s shoes, Cuban played coy, telling a WFAA reporter, “I’m not going there. It doesn’t matter.” His prior comments in 2020 further solidified his attachment to Doncic, famously declaring he’d rather get a divorce than let go of the young superstar.
Despite Cuban’s passionate stance, the Mavericks’ new leadership took a different approach, opting to send Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers in exchange for Anthony Davis. Unfortunately for Dallas fans, Davis’ early tenure with the Mavericks has been anything but smooth, as he exited his debut after just three quarters due to a strained left abductor. The injury has sidelined him through 17 games, raising eyebrows regarding the immediate impact of this trade.
On the flip side, Doncic has swiftly adapted to his new environment in Los Angeles, making his presence felt. He averages an impressive 26.5 points, 8.8 rebounds, and 8.0 assists per game, propelling the Lakers to the No. 2 spot in the Western Conference – at least until a recent injury to LeBron James has complicated their playoff ambitions.
Cuban’s revelations not only shed light on the internal dynamics of the Mavericks but also reflect the complexities that franchises face in balancing leadership visions with the needs of star players. As the Mavericks forge ahead under new management, fans will be watching closely to see how this transition unfolds and its impact on the trajectory of a team once anchored by Luka Doncic.
