Mark Cuban, the outspoken owner of the Mavericks for 23 years and now a minority owner, isn’t one to hold back when he feels injustice has been served or when he’s convinced he’s in the right. For many years, he was the NBA’s arch-nemesis, never one to bite his tongue, which led to numerous fines from the league. Interestingly, he hadn’t publicly commented on the controversy surrounding Luka Doncic’s trade to the Lakers – until now.
In a recent interview with WFAA, Cuban voiced his discontent with the operation led by Nico Harrison, the team’s sports manager, and by extension, Patrick Dumont, the son-in-law of the Adelsons, the franchise’s majority owners since 2023. Doncic was Cuban’s prized asset before he sold his shares, and his departure left a sour taste. “My own son was upset by the trade,” Cuban admitted, his frustration palpable.
Cuban’s dissatisfaction stems from the fact that he believes the Mavericks could have secured a better deal. Without disrespecting Anthony Davis, he feels that acquiring four unprotected first-round picks, along with Davis and Max Christie, would have been a more desirable outcome. “If we had gotten four first-round picks without protection, Anthony Davis, and Max Christie, we’d be talking about a different story,” he said. Cuban’s emotional investment in the team and its players is evident, and his candor has sparked a mix of reactions from fans and pundits alike.
The trade has undoubtedly ruffled the feathers of Mavericks enthusiasts, and Cuban’s comments only add to the intrigue. As the minority owner, he still has a vested interest in the team’s performance, even if he’s no longer at the helm. Notably, Cuban doesn’t regret selling the franchise, citing his desire to protect his children from potentially making similar mistakes. “I sold the team because I didn’t want my kids to end up in this situation,” he explained. “Imagine if I hadn’t sold it, and my kids took over, only to make an error like this.”
Cuban’s admiration for Doncic is well-documented, and his past statements only serve to underscore this. In 2020, he jokingly claimed he’d choose Doncic over his wife, Tiffany Stewart, if forced to make a decision. “If I had to choose between my wife and keeping Luka on the Mavs, you can find me in my lawyer’s office preparing for divorce,” he quipped. Although his tone was lighthearted, it highlights the depth of his affection for the Slovenian star.
As the situation continues to unfold, it’s clear that Cuban’s passion for the Mavericks and their players remains unwavering. While his comments may stir controversy, they also demonstrate his commitment to the team and its legacy. Love him or hate him, Mark Cuban is an undeniably pivotal figure in the world of basketball, and his opinions will undoubtedly continue to shape the narrative surrounding the sport.
