Mavericks general manager Nico Harrison faces intense backlash after orchestrating a stunning three-team trade that sent Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers on February 1. This controversial deal saw Anthony Davis, Max Christie, and a 2029 first-round draft pick making their way to Dallas, igniting heated discussions among fans and analysts alike.
“If the Mavs are going to trade Luka, that’s one thing,” Mark Cuban, the Mavericks’ minority owner, stated during an interview with WFAA TV in Dallas. “Just get a better deal. No disrespect to Anthony Davis, but I still firmly believe if we had gotten four unprotected No. 1s along with Davis and Christie, this conversation would be entirely different.”
The Lakers have positioned themselves as strong title contenders, while the Mavericks now face the unsettling prospect of missing the playoffs, especially after injuries sidelined both Davis and Kyrie Irving.
Cuban refrained from revealing whether he would have traded Doncic at all but reflected on a similar challenge he faced in 2004 when he allowed star point guard Steve Nash to leave for the Phoenix Suns. Nash went on to sign a lucrative five-year, $65 million contract and earned NBA MVP honors in his first two seasons with the team.
“The silver lining is that we made it to the Finals and won a championship,” Cuban remarked. “However, back then, social media wasn’t a factor, so the scrutiny was different. Mistakes happen, but I believe the biggest issue the Mavs face now is the lack of clear communication within the organization.”
FOLLOW
Follow your favorites to personalize your FOX Sports experience
Dallas Mavericks
Luka Doncic
Los Angeles Lakers
