Hall of Fame forward Dirk Nowitzki spoke out about the Dallas Mavericks’ Luka Doncic trade to the Los Angeles Lakers and whether Mark Cuban was involved in the shocking blockbuster move. After playing only one game, Mavericks’ Anthony Davis’ return looms amid rehab stints in the G League with the Texas Legends. At the same time, Nowitzki reflected on the eye-opening deal.
Nowitzki weighed in on Cuban’s potential knowledge of the move in an interview, per 41 Campus.
“I don’t think he has much influence anymore. He sold the majority of the Mavericks over a year ago—more than 50%. Now, he’s just a minority owner. I think he still owns a little under 30%, but I doubt he has any real decision-making power anymore. Right after the trade, he said that he had no idea it was happening. And I believe him. We all should. He was always Luka’s number-one fan. He even made a statement once that he would never trade Luka.”
Therefore, it’d be shocking to know Cuban was involved in Doncic’s trade to the Lakers.
“So it would really surprise me if he had suddenly changed his mind. That’s why I truly believe he had no say in this decision. I think Nico [Harrison] and the new owner pulled this off without involving him at all—or anyone else, for that matter. Of course, that’s tough for Mark. But when you sell the majority of your team, you have to expect that you won’t have control anymore. That’s just how it works. And over the past year, you could already see the team heading in a different direction. Now we’re seeing the result of that.”
Jason Kidd on Max Christie’s growth with the Mavericks
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Mavericks guard Max Christie (00) reacts after scoring against the Philadelphia 76ers during the second half at American Airlines Center
Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
Like many, Dirk Nowitzki failed to mention another part of the Lakers' packaged deal for Luka Doncic, which included guard Max Christie. Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd addressed Christie’s recent struggles with the Mavericks. Still, Kidd is encouraged by his approach.
Kidd discussed Christie’s game after the Mavericks’ 126-116 defeat against the Spurs, per ClutchPoints’ Joey Mistretta.
“I think he’s getting great looks. As a scorer, as a shooter, they go in, or they don’t, and right now, they are just not going in for him,” Kidd said. “He’s getting, again, great looks. We need him to continue to keep taking those looks. And then on the defensive end… He’s competing at a high level. It’s just those looks that he was getting earlier were going in. Right now, they’re just not.”
The Mavs will face the Pacers on Wednesday.