Luka Doncic. Image via: Michael Conroy/ AP
Luka Doncic still looms large over Dallas. The Los Angeles Lakers trade with the Dallas Mavericks is certainly one of the most shocking trades in the history of the NBA. On top of that, the trade created a ripple effect that spiraled into a huge backlash.
Of course, it was a huge loss for the Mavericks and Mark Cuban, who has been a minority owner of the franchise, did not hesitate to stretch old wounds to reveal the people behind the shocking trade.The Mavericks tried to move forward, but questions kept circling back to that trade. Now, a candid admission from Cuban has reopened the conversation, adding a new dimension to a deal that reshaped the franchise and altered its future.
Mark Cuban reveals Jason Kidd ‘s role in Luka Doncic and Anthony Davis trade
Luka Doncic and Jason Kidd. Image via: Getty Images
Speaking on the Intersections Podcast, Mark Cuban offered a more detailed look at what led to the blockbuster move that sent Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers in exchange for Anthony Davis and other assets. While former general manager Nico Harrison took most of the blame at the time, Cuban made it clear the situation didn’t involve him alone.“I think there was animosity between our former general manager [Harrison] and some people on Luka’s team, his agent and some of the people around them.
I don’t think they got along. I think there were issues. J-Kidd had coached with Anthony Davis and was close to him, and Nico was close to AD since he was like 13 years old. So I think there was some confirmation bias as well,” Cuban said.
The frustration still felt fresh in his voice. “But that doesn’t justify it for our coach and our general manager to stand up and trade our best player.”Jason Kidd has publicly downplayed his involvement, yet reports at the time suggested he was aware of the discussions and did not push back.
His prior connection with Davis, dating back to their championship run in Los Angeles, only fuels the belief that relationships may have influenced decisions behind closed doors.The trade itself remains one of the most surprising in recent league history. Dallas moved a generational talent still entering his prime, receiving a package that never fully aligned with the team’s long-term vision.
Dallas Mavericks after the Luka Doncic and Anthony Davis trade
Time has not been kind to the Mavericks since that move. The plan to build around Davis unraveled quickly, with injuries disrupting any sense of rhythm.
Eventually, he was moved again, leaving Dallas without the cornerstone it had hoped to secure.Meanwhile, Doncic found a fresh start in Los Angeles, continuing to perform at a high level while the Mavericks searched for direction. The fallout extended beyond the roster. Harrison lost his position, and fan frustration grew louder as results failed to follow promises.The Mavericks are still trying to recover, but it appears that they need a miracle to get back to the position they had in the league when Doncic was on the roster.
