The NBA world was rocked earlier this season when the Dallas Mavericks traded their franchise cornerstone, Luka Doncic, to the Los Angeles Lakers in a blockbuster deal. While the trade itself sent shockwaves through the league, the story behind how former Mavericks owner Mark Cuban learned about it adds another layer of intrigue.
In a recent interview, Cuban revealed that he found out about the trade through a late-night call from Mavericks General Manager Nico Harrison. Initially, Cuban thought Harrison was seeking his approval for the deal. However, he quickly realized that the trade had already been finalized.
“I was like ‘you’re asking me, right?! This isn’t done?’ and he [Nico Harrison] was like ‘No, it’s done!'” Cuban shared during an appearance on the Stephen A. Smith Show. “And I was like ‘ok, nothing more to talk about. Thanks for giving me the call.”
The trade sent Doncic to the Lakers in exchange for Anthony Davis, Max Christie, and a first-round pick. Cuban, who had sold his majority stake in the Mavericks prior to the trade, expressed his frustration with the decision, stating that he would have never approved such a move if he still had control over basketball operations.
Doncic, a generational talent and the face of the Mavericks, had been the centerpiece of the team’s future plans. His departure marked a seismic shift for the franchise, leaving fans and analysts questioning the rationale behind the trade. Cuban himself admitted to being “just as dumbfounded as everybody else.”
The aftermath of the trade has been tumultuous for Dallas. The team has struggled with inconsistency and injuries, including a season-ending ACL tear for Kyrie Irving. Meanwhile, Doncic has thrived in Los Angeles, forming a formidable duo with LeBron James as the Lakers gear up for a deep playoff run.
The trade has sparked outrage among Mavericks fans, many of whom have directed their frustration at Harrison and the new ownership group. Cuban, despite no longer being involved in basketball operations, has also faced criticism for selling his stake in the team.
