Mark Cuban, Mavericks
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Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban celebrates after a 124-103 victory against the Minnesota Timberwolves in Game Five of the Western Conference Finals at Target Center on May 30, 2024 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by David Berding/Getty Images)
Mark Cuban navigated the trajectory of the Dallas Mavericks franchise for over two decades prior to selling it in December 2023. However, he has since shared a surprising admission over his handling of the sale.
Cuban helped elevate the Mavericks into playoff contenders in the Western Conference throughout his tenure as majority owner. They reached the NBA Finals twice in 2006 and 2011, reaching the mountaintop as champions in the latter. Dallas remained a team for opponents to watch out for throughout most of his time before he sold the franchise to Patrick Dumont and the Adelson family for $3.5 billion.
Now the team’s minority owner, Cuban reflected on the sale during his Aug. 26 appearance on the DLLS Mavs podcast. While he doesn’t regret selling the team, he admits his approach for it wasn’t the ideal one.
“I don’t regret selling the team, I regret how I did it. Would I still sell the team? Yes, for all the reasons that I’ve said 100 times. Would I do it the same way? Absolutely not…I would’ve put it out to bid, but I didn’t so it doesn’t matter. I got along great with them, they gave me their man of the year award,” Cuban said at the 4:30 mark.
“The contractual terms didn’t turn out the way, the contract didn’t lead to what I expected to happen.”
What Lies Ahead For Mavericks After Mark Cuban’s Reign
Mark Cuban, Mavericks
GettyDALLAS, TEXAS – JUNE 14: Dallas Mavericks players react during the fourth quarter against the Boston Celtics in Game Four of the 2024 NBA Finals at American Airlines Center on June 14, 2024 in Dallas, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Tim Heitman/Getty Images)
It’s an interesting admission for Mark Cuban to make about the Mavericks’ sale. He could’ve chosen to have an open sale for many bidders to make their offers. However, he decided to keep it to a minimum by selling it to Patrick Dumont and the Adelson family.
The Mavericks went through a lot with Cuban as the majority owner from 2000 to 2023. Besides the two NBA Finals appearances and one title, they had some chaotic seasons that could have permanently changed the franchise under different ownership. However, Cuban steadied the ship as he helped the team make a smooth transition from legend Dirk Nowitzki to Luka Doncic.
However, the Doncic era ended abruptly. Despite making the NBA Finals in 2024 with the young star forward leading the way, the Mavericks still traded him to the Los Angeles Lakers for veteran star Anthony Davis, Max Christie and one first-round pick.
It was a trade that Cuban would not have went with, emphasizing his tight connections with his stars. However, as he’s no longer the majority owner, the new majority ownership accepted the still-controversial deal.
That decision remains a question mark in present time. The original concept of the trade will have to wait until late into the 2025-26 season as star guard Kyrie Irving recovers from a torn ACL. In the meantime, the Mavericks will start the season with Anthony Davis as the top star.
Not only that, but they have rookie wing Cooper Flagg to develop. The first pick from this year’s NBA draft, he needs time to adapt and help the team win games. Next season will be intriguing for the Mavericks, given their current situation. As for Cuban, he will hope for the best from the franchise he used to have majority control over.