The Dallas Mavericks’ front office just pulled off one of the most shocking trades in NBA history, sending franchise superstar Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers in exchange for Anthony Davis.

While fans and analysts scramble to make sense of the move, one notable voice is distancing himself from the decision—Mark Cuban.

Once the dominant force in the Mavericks’ front office, Cuban now holds only a minor stake in the team after selling the majority to the Adelson family in 2023.

With that transition, his influence over the team’s major decisions has significantly diminished.

Cuban Had No Role in the Trade

Speaking to Dallas-area station WFAA, Cuban made it clear that he had no involvement in the trade that sent Doncic to Los Angeles.

The deal was orchestrated by Mavericks general manager Nico Harrison, who reportedly acted out of concern that Doncic might opt out of his contract in 2026.

Doncic’s deal included a player option for the 2026-27 season worth around $49 million, meaning he had the leverage to leave.

Fearing a future without their star, the Mavericks made a bold move to secure a defensive powerhouse in Davis, believing his presence could help them win now and in the years to come.

A New Era of Leadership in Dallas

Cuban, a longtime admirer of Doncic, famously once joked that he would choose the Slovenian star over his own wife.

But under the new ownership and leadership structure, the Mavericks are being run by Harrison and team governor Patrick Dumant.

Harrison defended the trade in an interview with ESPN, explaining his vision for the team:

“I believe that defense wins championships. Getting an All-Defensive center and an All-NBA player with a defensive mindset gives us a better chance. We’re built to win now and in the future.”

With Davis in the lineup, Dallas now has a more balanced roster.

The backcourt, which previously had to juggle minutes for Doncic, Kyrie Irving, and Klay Thompson, can now focus on an Irving-Thompson pairing alongside Davis, one of the league’s elite big men.

The Lakers Set Up for the Future

While Dallas may be aiming for a win-now approach, the Lakers seem to have set themselves up for the long haul.

With LeBron James nearing the final stretch of his career, adding Doncic ensures a smooth transition for Los Angeles.

The Slovenian star is now in position to become the franchise’s new face once LeBron steps away from the game.

A Rocky Start for the New-Look Mavericks

The first game after the trade wasn’t exactly a confidence booster for Dallas.

The Mavericks suffered a humiliating 144-101 blowout loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers, raising immediate questions about how quickly the new roster can gel.

Meanwhile, Harrison’s track record has some skeptics questioning his decision-making.

Before joining the Mavericks in 2021, he spent years at Nike, where he infamously botched a pitch to Stephen Curry—paving the way for the superstar to sign with Under Armour instead.

So, was this trade a masterstroke or a costly gamble?

With Doncic now in Los Angeles and Davis in Dallas, both franchises are betting big on their futures.

Only time will tell which team made the right move.

This article was published on TDPel Media. Thanks for reading!

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