Headline: Mark Cuban Reacts to Doncics Shock Trade: I Was Just as Shocked as Everyone Else

The unexpected trade that sent Luka Doncic from the Dallas Mavericks to the Los Angeles Lakers, turning him into a new star, caught the entire NBA off guard.

Even Mark Cuban, the Mavericks’ former owner, was unaware of the decision, as he disclosed during an interview with YMH Studios.

“I was in Florida at 11 PM when I received a text from our general manager. Initially, I thought he was seeking my opinion, but it quickly became clear he was informing me of the trade. I expressed my disagreement, but ultimately it was not my call,” he reflected.

“I have great admiration for Luka. While we weren’t the closest friends, I would frequently reach out to him, sharing inspirational quotes and book recommendations. Our relationship was positive, and I got along well with his father too,” he added.

It’s intriguing to hear Mark Cuban’s genuine thoughts on the Luka Doncic trade…

In my view, there seems to be some friction between Cuban and the Mavericks’ upper management and ownership…

(via @YMHstudios, h/t @KirkSeriousFace)pic.twitter.com/SqHlUu3D4q

— MFFL NATION (@NationMffl) March 21, 2025

Cuban expressed that he was “just as shocked as the rest of the world,” further explaining why he no longer manages the basketball operations for the team, having sold majority shares to Patrick Dumont in December 2023.

“Patrick Dumont, the majority owner, felt assured in the decisions made by GM Nico Harrison and the roster he assembled. You can’t completely dispute that since we reached the Finals. It was his choice; now I’m merely a fan. Over time, it became a mantra of ‘In Nico we trust,’ and here we are,” he said.

“You needn’t persuade me; I’m just as perplexed. Back in 2004, I allowed Steve Nash to leave, and he went on to win two MVP awards in the subsequent two years. The silver lining was that he eliminated us in the playoffs the year after he departed, but then we advanced to the Finals and secured the championship. That kind of made up for it,” he reminisced.

Luka Doncic was with the Dallas Mavericks from his rookie year in 2018 until 2024, when the team returned to the NBA Finals but lost to the Boston Celtics. Since joining the Lakers, he has averaged 26.5 points, 8.8 rebounds, and 8.0 assists per game.

PHOTO CREDIT: Getty Images

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