Mavericks' Jason Kidd Takes Subtle Shot at Mark Cuban After Luka Doncic Trade Swipe

Kidd says it's time to move on from the controversial Doncic-Davis trade.

Apr. 1, 2026 at 3:08pm

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Dallas Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd responded to comments made by former Mavs owner Mark Cuban regarding the team's highly criticized trade of star player Luka Doncic. Kidd said he called Cuban after the comments were made and emphasized the need to move forward, stating the team is focused on the present and future.

Why it matters

The Doncic-Davis trade was a major controversy for the Mavericks, with many fans and analysts criticizing the decision to trade away the team's best player. Kidd's comments suggest there is still tension between the team's current leadership and the previous ownership group over the trade.

The details

Shortly before a loss to the Milwaukee Bucks, Kidd was asked about comments made by former Mavs owner Mark Cuban on a podcast. Cuban had said 'that doesn't justify it for our coach and our general manager to stand up and trade our best player.' Kidd responded by saying 'When are we going to move on? We have to move forward. We're focused on the present and the future and we've got an incredible opportunity to build.' Kidd also said he called Cuban after the podcast episode was released, though he noted that the issues between the two owners are between them.

  • In December 2023, about six months before the Mavericks reached the NBA Finals, Cuban sold the team.
  • About eight months after their Finals appearance, the Mavericks traded Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers in exchange for Anthony Davis and Max Christie.

The players

Jason Kidd

The current head coach of the Dallas Mavericks, who has been in the role since 2021.

Mark Cuban

The former owner of the Dallas Mavericks, who sold the team in 2023.

Luka Doncic

The former star player of the Dallas Mavericks, who was traded to the Los Angeles Lakers in 2023.

Nico Harrison

The former general manager of the Dallas Mavericks, who was fired in November 2024 after orchestrating the Doncic trade.

Anthony Davis

The player acquired by the Mavericks in the Doncic trade, who ended up playing just 29 games for the team before being traded to the Washington Wizards.

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What they’re saying

“That doesn't justify it for our coach and our general manager to stand up and trade our best player.”

— Mark Cuban, Former Mavericks Owner

“When are we going to move on? We have to move forward. We're focused on the present and the future and we've got an incredible opportunity to build.”

— Jason Kidd, Mavericks Head Coach

What’s next

The Mavericks will continue to build their roster and try to move past the controversial Doncic trade, with Jason Kidd leading the team's efforts to focus on the present and future.

The takeaway

The Doncic trade remains a sore spot for the Mavericks organization, with tensions still evident between the current leadership and previous ownership. Kidd's comments suggest the team is eager to move on, but the fallout from the trade continues to linger.