Sports

Mark Cuban Distances Himself From Mavs’ Luka Doncic Trade

DON’T LOOK AT ME

The billionaire owns a minority stake in the NBA team.

DALLAS, TEXAS - MARCH 22: Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban reacts during a timeout in the game against the Golden State Warriors at American Airlines Center on March 22, 2023 in Dallas, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Tim Heitman/Getty Images)
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As NBA fans react to the Dallas Mavericks’ shocking trade of star player Luka Doncic, the team’s billionaire minority owner Mark Cuban says he’s not to blame. According to WFAA, an ABC affiliate in Dallas, Cuban wasn’t involved in the three-team trade. Doncic was sent to the Los Angeles Lakers along with Maxi Kleber and Markieff Morris, while the Mavericks acquired Anthony Davis, Max Christie, and the Lakers’ first-round pick in 2029. The Utah Jazz received Jalen Hood-Schifino and the 2025 second-round picks of the Mavericks and the Los Angeles Clippers. Cuban, also a beloved Shark Tank host, sold his majority stake in the Mavericks to the Adelson and Dumont families in November 2023. “I believe that defense wins championships,” Mavericks general manager Nico Harrison said of the trade to ESPN’s Tim MacMahon. “I believe that getting an All-Defensive center and an All-NBA player with a defensive mindset gives us a better chance. We’re built to win now and in the future.”

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