The Luka Dončić-Anthony Davis trade sent shockwaves throughout the sports world. Los Angeles Lakers fans were delighted to have Dončić on their roster, while Dallas Mavericks fans were worried about Davis’ presence with the team.
So far, everyone’s worries have only proven true.
Davis has been out multiple weeks with an adductor strain, which occurred during his Mavs debut against the Houston Rockets in February.
Of course, Davis’ injury has only caused panic within the Mavs community, criticizing the lopsided trade with the Lakers.
Former Majority Owner Mark Cuban Calls Out Luka Dončić-Anthony Davis Trade
Echoing other fans, former Mavericks majority owner Mark Cuban didn’t mince his words while calling out the Davis-Dončić trade.
Asked if he was upset about the trade, Cuban said:
“Yeah, of course.”
"Get a better deal"
Former Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban is breaking his silence on the Luka Doncic trade. Here's what he had to say. @JonahJavadINTERVIEW: https://t.co/Isu7dAgtqY pic.twitter.com/l4X6jV7eOy
— WFAA (@wfaa) March 7, 2025
“And I’ve said this before. If the Mavs are going to trade Luka, that’s one thing. Just get a better deal. No disrespect to Anthony Davis. But get three, if…I still feel if we’d gotten four unprotected No. 1 and Anthony Davis and Max Christie, this would be a different conversation.”
However, when asked about choosing to trade Dončić himself, Cuban avoided the question.
“I’m not gonna go there. It doesn’t matter.”
Cuban ultimately compared the young star being traded to the Mavs trading Steve Nash in 2004. They continued to hype Nash even outside the binds of their team, Cuban claiming that all their connections don’t just disappear because they are traded.
Dallas CEO Rick Welts Wasn’t Expecting the Outrage Over Dončić’s Trade
Though a few fans are adjusting to the move, the blockbuster trade initially led to protests and outrage from the Mavs’ loyal fanbase.
In fact, Mavs CEO Rick Welts admitted that he wasn’t expecting such an intense reaction from fans.
“I thought I’d seen everything in my 47 years in the NBA, but clearly this was different. I think a lot of people of good intent tried to do the right thing,” Welts said during an interview with The Dallas Morning News.
“I probably underestimated the reaction. I think we’ve done the best we can, basically, with the staff and trying to do the right thing with everybody who touches the Mavericks.”
However, discussing a possible silver lining, Welts added:
“It’s incredibly emotional, an incredibly difficult time for so many people. But I still believe we’re going to come out on the other side with a future that’s incredibly bright. That’s kind of my glass-half-full approach there.”
The Mavs continue to struggle after trading Dončić, currently on a three-game losing streak.
And with Davis and Irving out of commission, the Mavs might have to reconsider some major pieces during the offseason to maintain their championship window.