Kidd Says He Learned of Doncic Trade at 'Last Minute', Responds to Cuban's Regret

Mavericks coach Jason Kidd addresses the controversial deal that sent Luka Doncic to the Lakers.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 5:25pm

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A fragmented, abstract painting depicting the Mavericks' Luka Doncic trade, with sharp, angular shapes and planes of color representing the complex and controversial nature of the deal.The Mavericks' blockbuster trade of star player Luka Doncic has been a source of intense debate and scrutiny within the NBA.Dallas Today

Dallas Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd said he was informed of the team's blockbuster 2025 trade involving Luka Doncic just moments before it became public, describing the timing as the "11th hour" as he addressed recent criticism from former owner Mark Cuban. Kidd pushed back on Cuban's comments expressing regret over selling the franchise and questioning the controversial deal that sent Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers.

Why it matters

The trade of Luka Doncic, one of the NBA's brightest young stars, has remained one of the most debated moves in recent league history, with lingering questions about communication within the Mavericks organization and the long-term direction of the franchise under new ownership.

The details

Kidd said he was called into a meeting with former general manager Nico Harrison shortly before the Doncic trade was set to go public. "The time that I was called to see Nico... and to be told that there would be a trade that was going to go public at 11:00, that's what happened," Kidd said. "I waited till 11:00, and in that trade, the world changed." Kidd added that his focus quickly shifted to managing the roster transition.

  • Kidd was informed of the Doncic trade just moments before it became public.

The players

Jason Kidd

The head coach of the Dallas Mavericks.

Luka Doncic

A star player for the Dallas Mavericks who was traded to the Los Angeles Lakers in 2025.

Mark Cuban

The former owner of the Dallas Mavericks who has expressed regret over the team's sale and the Doncic trade.

Nico Harrison

The former general manager of the Dallas Mavericks who informed Kidd of the Doncic trade.

Patrick Dumont

The current team governor of the Dallas Mavericks who approved the Doncic trade.

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What they’re saying

“Blindsided, maybe, that's a good way to put it. When I found out about it, I just looked at it as this is Cuban, and he has a right to his opinion. But I'm here to tell you the truth... they found out at the 11th hour.”

— Jason Kidd, Head Coach, Dallas Mavericks

“As a head coach, I had to, you know, understand there's players leaving and there's players coming in, and that's how I thought as a head coach.”

— Jason Kidd, Head Coach, Dallas Mavericks

“The time that I was called to see Nico... and to be told that there would be a trade that was going to go public at 11:00, that's what happened. I waited till 11:00, and in that trade, the world changed.”

— Jason Kidd, Head Coach, Dallas Mavericks

What’s next

The Mavericks will continue to navigate the fallout from the Doncic trade, with questions remaining about the team's long-term direction under new ownership.

The takeaway

The Doncic trade has become one of the most controversial moves in recent NBA history, with the timing and communication around the deal raising concerns about the Mavericks' decision-making process and the franchise's future.