dailyloe.com – Mark Cuban revealed on a podcast that coach Jason Kidd participated in the Dallas Mavericks’ decision to trade Luka Doncic. The trade occurred on February 1, 2025, sending Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers. In return, Dallas acquired Anthony Davis, Max Christie, and a future first-round pick.
Cuban recounted receiving a phone call from then-General Manager Nico Harrison about the deal. He then called team governor Patrick Dumont to discuss the situation. Cuban claimed Dumont was given inaccurate reasons for approving the transaction.
Post-trade reports cited Doncic’s conditioning and off-court habits as factors. These included references to drinking beer and smoking hookah. Doncic had spent six and a half seasons as the Mavericks’ franchise player.
Mark Cuban strongly defended Doncic’s value despite any perceived issues. He stated Doncic would consistently deliver 30 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists. “That’s what made Luka special,” Cuban said on the ‘Intersections’ podcast.
Cuban emphatically concluded, “You don’t trade that.” He suggested some individuals within the organization failed to recognize Doncic’s unique talent. This trade remains a controversial topic one year later.
Since the trade, Luka Doncic is having an MVP-caliber season with the Lakers. He is averaging 33.7 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 8.2 assists. The Lakers are currently the third seed in the NBA’s Western Conference.[]
Source: Dallas News
