In the Dallas Mavericks front office and top brass, there’s a sense of right-doing when they traded away Luka Doncic. For all his years in Dallas, the 25-year-old phantom became a fan favorite. He carried the hope for the franchise, particularly after reaching the NBA Finals last season. However, to capitalize on their roster, Nico Harrison chose the defensive mastery of Anthony Davis over Doncic’s infatuating game.
But not all would make the same decision. Notably, former majority owner Mark Cuban was ‘confused’ over trading the franchise kingpin. The billionaire has been a long-time believer in the Slovenian guard. And recently, at an event with the former World’s Richest Man Bill Gates, he admitted to further struggles.
“I gotta tell you, I’ve had a rough week,” Cuban said at the Eisemann Center according to Dallas News. Cuban considered Doncic more than just a franchise-altering star. He thought from a skill perspective, he was even better than Mavericks legend Dirk Nowitzki. From his days in Real Madrid, the former Mavs owner fell in love with him.
Nov 6, 2024; Dallas, Texas, USA; Dallas Mavericks minority owner Mark Cuban during the first half against the Chicago Bulls at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
Understandably, it’s hard for Cuban. The Mavs minority owner didn’t have any say in the trade. Furthermore, he also made a funny analogy to Gates to help him understand his situation. “If after you left Microsoft, you found out that Steve Ballmer traded Windows 11 — like, the new hot operating system — for Windows 10, the Hall-of-Fame but older operating system, what would you do?” he posed the question to Gates.
The 69-year-old billionaire admitted he would have to “hide from people” in such a situation. The shame currently drapes over the Mavericks organization too as fans have outraged over the trade of their young superstar. And in this time all they wish is that Cuban would still have been the majority owner.
Mark Cuban would never have traded Luka Doncic
In the wake of the trade, fans of the franchise have come in unison. They are asking for the firing of Nico Harrison, the GM who put the Doncic-Anthony Davis trade together. However, as far as the front office, he has received support from those around. That comes with the exception of Cuban.
Former Mavs star Tim Legler spoke about the situation. And in his view not only would have Cuban laughed at the idea of trading Luka Doncic, but Harrison may not have been in office a day after suggesting the trade.
“Not only would Mark Cuban not have done the deal, Mark Cuban would’ve fired a person who suggested it on the spot… Because he’d be certain that person has to be doing something in terms of narcotics…” Legler ruthlessly admitted on the ALLNBA podcast a few days ago.
Sadly, the Mavericks have to live with a bitter reality. Doncic, the player who averages 40.5 points in two Game 7’s and elevated the franchise into championship talks might not wear their jersey for a long time. There’s nothing to say that he won’t return. But as of now, Doncic is embracing the challenge with the Lakers.
Additionally, the manner of his exist could dissuade Doncic from joining forces with the Mavericks again. The situation is extremely bitter for the fans and Mark Cuban. They can only hope that Harrison’s bold call results in a title, because as far as showing the promise land, Doncic just did that.
Do you think Anthony Davis and Kyrie Irving at the core is what the Mavs need to become champions? Let us know your views in the comments below.
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