"Gotta understand what people are like": Mark Cuban puts Mavericks franchise in firing line for trading Luka Doncic
Dallas Mavericks minority owner Mark Cuban expected Luka Doncic to be the cornerstone of the Dallas Mavericks project when he got him from the Atlanta Hawks during the 2018 NBA Draft. However, Doncic was shockingly traded to Western Conference rivals, LA Lakers, during the mid-season trade on Feb. 1.
Cuban spoke to Stephen A. Smith on Friday about the Doncic trade on the Stephen A. Smith Show. He asserted that the Mavericks failed to understand Doncic's cultural background and personality before deciding to move him.
"He's from the Balkans. He's Slovenian. You gotta understand what people are like, what their backgrounds are like. ... I don't think that we truly took the time to understand that, and I think that really led to this decision."
Mark Cuban, according to league insider Marc Stein, had urged Mavericks' general manager Nico Harrison not to trade Doncic, but that fell on deaf ears, as the 2024 league top scorer was moved as a part of a three-team deal that involved the Lakers and the Utah Jazz.
The Mavericks received Anthony Davis, Max Christie and a 2029 first-round pick, while the Jazz received Maxi Kleber and Markieff Morris.
Doncic has gone on to form a formidable trio with LeBron James and Austin Reaves. In 23 games, he has averaged 26.8 points, 8.4 rebounds and 7.9 assists for the third-placed Lakers (47-30).
Mark Cuban claims the Mavericks could have gotten a better deal in the Luka Doncic trade
Mark Cuban, in an exclusive interview with Jonah Javad of WFAA on March 6, spoke about the blockbuster Doncic trade. He said that all the Mavericks needed to do was get a better deal if they were trading their cornerstone star.
"If the Mavs are going to trade Luka, that's one thing," Cuban said. "Just get a better deal. I still firmly believe if we had gotten four unprotected number ones and Anthony Davis and Max Christie, this would be a different conversation."
Mark Cuban lost his majority stake in the Mavericks when he sold his stake to the Adelson family in 2024. He retains 27.7% and is no longer a part of the decision-making process for the organization.
The Mavericks (38-40) have struggled with injuries to key players. However, the return of Anthony Davis has breathed fresh air, as they sit No. 9 and have won three of their last five games.