Mark Cuban Reveals How Close Kobe Bryant Was To Joining The Mavericks

The Dallas Mavericks owner details how a trade for the Lakers star almost happened in 2007.

Apr. 7, 2026 at 10:48pm

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting the dynamic movements and competitive spirit of a basketball game or match, with sharp planes of color and overlapping perspectives representing the clash of two legendary players.A cubist interpretation of the epic on-court rivalry and potential partnership between NBA superstars Kobe Bryant and Dirk Nowitzki.Dallas Today

In a recent podcast interview, Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban revealed that the team was very close to trading for Los Angeles Lakers superstar Kobe Bryant back in 2007. Cuban said he had discussions with Bryant's agent Rob Pelinka and Lakers owner Jerry Buss, and the two sides had agreed on a deal that would have sent Josh Howard, Jason Terry, and two first-round picks to the Lakers in exchange for Bryant. However, the trade ultimately fell through after Lakers GM Mitch Kupchak convinced Bryant to stay in Los Angeles.

Why it matters

The potential Kobe Bryant trade to the Mavericks would have dramatically altered the NBA landscape in the late 2000s. Bryant and Dirk Nowitzki would have formed one of the most formidable duos in league history, potentially challenging the Lakers' dynasty and changing the trajectory of both franchises.

The details

According to Cuban, the trade discussions took place in 2007 when Bryant was 'ready to get out' of Los Angeles. Cuban was in between rehearsals for 'Dancing with the Stars' at the time and was communicating with Bryant's agent Rob Pelinka and Lakers owner Jerry Buss. The two sides had agreed on a deal that would have sent Josh Howard, Jason Terry, and two first-round picks to the Lakers in exchange for Bryant. However, the trade fell through after Lakers GM Mitch Kupchak was able to convince Bryant to stay with the team.

  • In 2007, Kobe Bryant was ready to leave the Los Angeles Lakers.
  • Mark Cuban was appearing on 'Dancing with the Stars' at the time of the trade discussions.
  • The Mavericks and Lakers had agreed on a trade that would have sent Josh Howard, Jason Terry, and two first-round picks to Los Angeles in exchange for Bryant.
  • Lakers GM Mitch Kupchak ultimately convinced Bryant to stay with the team, and the trade fell through.

The players

Mark Cuban

The owner of the Dallas Mavericks who was in discussions to trade for Kobe Bryant in 2007.

Kobe Bryant

The superstar shooting guard who played for the Los Angeles Lakers and was reportedly ready to leave the team in 2007.

Dirk Nowitzki

The star power forward for the Dallas Mavericks who was eager to play alongside Kobe Bryant if the trade had gone through.

Rob Pelinka

Kobe Bryant's agent at the time who was involved in the trade discussions with the Mavericks.

Jerry Buss

The owner of the Los Angeles Lakers who was willing to approve the trade with the Mavericks.

Mitch Kupchak

The general manager of the Los Angeles Lakers who ultimately convinced Kobe Bryant to stay with the team, leading to the trade falling through.

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What they’re saying

“'It was 2007, Kobe was ready to get out. And I was on Dancing with the Stars. Google me. I didn't win. There was a dude named Elvis who was a production assistant, right? And he was just Kobe love everything. I'm between breaks, I'd be like, Elvis, I need a quiet spot. And I would talk to Rob Pelinka, his agent at the time, and he's like, 'Okay, if you can get Dr. Buss to approve.' And I talk to Dr. Buss, and he was ready to do it. It was like two firsts, Josh Howard, and Jason Terry for Kobe.'”

— Mark Cuban, Owner, Dallas Mavericks

“'You can trade me. I would trade me for Kobe, too.'”

— Dirk Nowitzki, Power Forward, Dallas Mavericks

What’s next

The story of the failed Kobe Bryant trade to the Mavericks continues to be a 'what if' moment in NBA history, with fans and analysts speculating how the league would have been different if the deal had gone through.

The takeaway

This near-miss trade highlights Mark Cuban's relentless pursuit of superstar talent to pair with Dirk Nowitzki, as well as the Lakers' ability to retain their franchise player even when he was ready to leave. It's a fascinating 'sliding doors' moment that could have dramatically altered the trajectories of both the Mavericks and Lakers franchises.