Mavericks Owner Admits Jason Kidd's Role in Luka Doncic Trade

Cuban says Kidd's relationship with Anthony Davis influenced the controversial deal.

Mar. 31, 2026 at 9:33pm

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Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban has revealed that head coach Jason Kidd played a key role in the team's shocking decision to trade star player Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers. Cuban said there was 'animosity' between the Mavericks' former general manager Nico Harrison and Doncic's team, and that Kidd's close ties to Lakers star Anthony Davis also influenced the trade.

Why it matters

The Doncic trade is considered one of the worst moves in NBA history, as the young superstar has gone on to become one of the league's elite players. Cuban's admission that Kidd was involved in the controversial decision raises further questions about the Mavericks' leadership and decision-making at the time.

The details

According to Cuban, the Mavericks' former general manager Nico Harrison did not get along with Doncic's agent and inner circle. Additionally, Cuban said that head coach Jason Kidd, who had previously coached with Davis, was close to the Lakers star and that this relationship also played a role in the trade. Cuban acknowledged that these factors 'don't justify' the Mavericks trading away their best player.

  • The Luka Doncic trade occurred in 2022.

The players

Mark Cuban

The owner of the Dallas Mavericks.

Jason Kidd

The head coach of the Dallas Mavericks at the time of the Luka Doncic trade.

Nico Harrison

The former general manager of the Dallas Mavericks who was involved in the Luka Doncic trade.

Luka Doncic

The star player of the Dallas Mavericks who was traded to the Los Angeles Lakers.

Anthony Davis

The star player of the Los Angeles Lakers who the Mavericks received in the Luka Doncic trade.

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What they’re saying

“I think there was animosity between our former general manager [Harrison] and some people on Luka's team, his agent and some of the people around them. I don't think they got along. I think there were issues. J-Kidd had coached with Anthony Davis and was close to him, and Nico was close to AD since he was like 13 years old. So I think there was some confirmation bias as well.”

— Mark Cuban, Owner, Dallas Mavericks

What’s next

The Mavericks will need to address the fallout from the Doncic trade and the role of their coaching staff and front office in the controversial decision.

The takeaway

The Luka Doncic trade remains one of the most puzzling and regrettable moves in NBA history. Mark Cuban's admission that head coach Jason Kidd played a key role in the deal raises further questions about the Mavericks' leadership and decision-making at the time, and underscores the lasting impact of the trade on the franchise.