Former Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban is not happy with the Luka Doncic trade, and he has finally revealed his biggest issue with the transaction that sent the Slovenian star to the Los Angeles Lakers.
In an interview with WFAA on Thursday, Cuban discussed the shocking deal that made Doncic a Laker in exchange for Anthony Davis, Max Christie and a 2029 first-round pick.
According to Cuban, the Mavericks could have gotten a better deal for Doncic. It is worth noting that Mavs general manager Nico Harrison reportedly negotiated with the Lakers exclusively instead of talking to other teams and starting a bidding war for the superstar guard.
"If the Mavs are going to trade Luka, that's one thing," Cuban shared. "Just get a better deal. I still firmly believe if we had gotten four unprotected number ones and Anthony Davis and Max Christie, this would be a different conversation."
As Mark Cuban's comments went viral, it only made the fresh wounds of the trade hurt even more. Several Mavericks fans couldn't help but also share their anger about the team's decision.
"Get a better deal"
Former Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban is breaking his silence on the Luka Doncic trade. Here's what he had to say. @JonahJavad
INTERVIEW: https://t.co/Isu7dAgtqYpic.twitter.com/l4X6jV7eOy
— WFAA (@wfaa) March 7, 2025
"Get a better deal - that's what we all thought and the whole deal seemed unreal or incomplete," a commenter wrote. Another one said, "Worst trade in sports history."
An angry fan added, "[Expletive] the @dallasmavs .. throwing Cuban out here isn't going to fix this mess. Him comparing this Luka trade to Steve Nash is laughable. Everyone knew they were betting on Dirk and it worked. People weren't that upset."
Many others pinned the blame on Cuban. To recall, the billionaire sold his majority stake in the Mavs to the Adelson and Dumont families last season, eventually allowing them to oversee the basketball operations of the team as well.
"Sold to a group that couldn't care less about the fans or basketball in general. This is on you too, Mark," a social media user wrote.
"Really don't care to hear him talk about it anymore. He got played by some trash owners.. He's just upset his name is getting dragged thru it all. Needs to just sell the rest of his ownership," a poster stated.
A sixth critic shared, "Cuban really wants to say Nico and the new owners are traitors but ultimately he got his money and is directly responsible for this travesty."
The Mavericks have been on a downward spiral ever since the Luka Doncic trade, with Anthony Davis playing just one game before sustaining an injury, as well as Kyrie Irving sustaining a season-ending health setback.
With the chaos in Dallas right now, it's no surprise why fans are frustrated at the team owners and Cuban.
Related: Luka Doncic Made Lakers History on Tuesday Night
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This story was originally published March 6, 2025 at 11:37 PM.