It seems Dallas Mavericks minority owner Mark Cuban is just as baffled by the team’s limited return from last month’s stunning Luka Doncic trade as the rest of their fanbase.
Despite it happening a month ago, Mavericks fans still haven’t gotten over the trade that sent one of the best players in franchise history, Luka Doncic, to the Los Angeles Lakers. The deal came out of nowhere, and followed speculation that the two sides were probably headed toward a new max contract extension.
Related: Where does Luka Donic land in our rankings of the 50 best NBA players right now?
However, what makes the deal even more shocking is what the Mavericks got back in return for a player viewed among the top three in the sport. For Doncic, Dallas received oft-injured star Anthony Davis, Max Christie, and a first-round pick four years from now. The franchise not getting a boatload of first round picks for Doncic has confused many around the game.
You can also add former Dallas Mavericks majority owner Mark Cuban to the list of people baffled by what general manager Nico Harrison got back in the trade.
Mark Cuban publicly questions Nico Harrison and Dallas Mavericks
Mark Cuban:
“If the Mavs are going to trade Luka, that’s one thing, just get a better deal. No disrespect to Anthony Davis…If we had gotten 4 Unprotected No. 1’s and Anthony Davis and Max Christie, this would be a different conversation.”
(via @wfaa)
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— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) March 7, 2025
“If the Mavs are going to trade Luka, that’s one thing. Just get a better deal,” Cuban told WFAA in Texas. “No disrespect to Anthony Davis. But if we got four unprotected No. 1s, and Anthony Davis and Max Christie, it would be a different conversation.”
When asked if he would have made the trade, Cuban was unwilling to take the bait. However, he did mention the organization has a serious communication problem with a fanbase still irate by February’s blockbuster trade.
Things have gotten dark for Dallas since the move. Anthony Davis suffered an abductor injury that will likely sideline him for the rest of the season. Kyrie Irving incurred a torn ACL earlier this week. And it was revealed that the team intends to increase season ticket prices next season. Cuban sold his majority stake in the company late in 2023.
Related: Where do the Dallas Mavericks land in our latest NBA power rankings?