The Dallas Mavericks’ decision to trade for Luka Dončić on draft night in 2018 was one of the most significant moves in franchise history, reshaping the team’s future and elevating them back into contention. However, in a surprising revelation, former Mavericks owner Mark Cuban recently stated that if he had real influence over the team’s decision-making at the time, the trade to acquire Luka might not have happened.
Cuban’s comments have sparked widespread discussion among NBA fans and analysts, given how pivotal the trade has been in making Luka one of the league’s biggest superstars. His statement raises questions about how the Mavericks operate behind the scenes, what could have been if the trade never happened, and how Luka has transformed the franchise since arriving in Dallas.
The Luka Dončić Trade: A Franchise-Altering Move
On June 21, 2018, the Atlanta Hawks selected Luka Dončić with the third overall pick in the NBA Draft. Moments later, they agreed to trade him to the Dallas Mavericks in exchange for the fifth overall pick, which became Trae Young, along with a protected 2019 first-round pick. At the time, many saw the trade as a win-win, as the Hawks secured a young and exciting point guard in Young, while the Mavericks believed they had found the next face of their franchise in Dončić.
Looking back, the deal turned out to be a massive success for the Mavericks. Luka quickly established himself as one of the most talented young players in NBA history, earning multiple All-NBA selections, winning Rookie of the Year, and leading Dallas to deep playoff runs. His skillset, leadership, and ability to take over games have turned the Mavericks into perennial contenders.
Mark Cuban’s Surprising Admission
Despite Luka’s immense success in Dallas, Mark Cuban’s recent comments have stunned many fans. Speaking on a podcast interview, Cuban stated that if he had been the one making the decisions, the trade to acquire Dončić might not have happened.
“I don’t think people realize this, but I didn’t have as much say in basketball decisions as they think. If I did, I don’t think we would have done the Luka trade,” Cuban said.
This revelation suggests that Cuban, despite being the public face of the Mavericks for years, was not the ultimate decision-maker when it came to roster moves. The team’s front office, led by then-general manager Donnie Nelson, played the key role in executing the trade.
Why Would Cuban Have Avoided the Trade?
Cuban did not specify exactly why he might not have pulled the trigger on the trade, but there are several possibilities:
- Luka’s International Background – At the time, there was skepticism about how well international prospects would transition to the NBA, especially given past high-profile busts. While Dončić was already a EuroLeague MVP and a well-established pro, some front offices hesitated to fully buy into his potential.
- Preference for Trae Young – It’s possible that Cuban may have been more inclined to build around a traditional American college star like Trae Young, who was coming off an electrifying season at Oklahoma.
- Draft Pick Value – The Mavericks had to give up an extra first-round pick to secure Dončić, and Cuban may have felt uncomfortable parting with future assets in a deal that wasn’t guaranteed to succeed.
- Concern Over Fit – Some analysts at the time questioned whether Luka’s playing style would translate well to the NBA and whether he could play alongside existing Mavericks players.
Despite these potential concerns, the front office ultimately made the trade, and it has become one of the best moves in franchise history.
What If the Mavericks Hadn’t Traded for Luka?
Had the Mavericks not made the move for Dončić, their trajectory over the past six years would have been drastically different. Instead of acquiring Luka, they would have kept the No. 5 pick and likely selected Trae Young. While Young has had an excellent career with multiple All-Star appearances and a deep playoff run, he hasn’t reached the same superstar level as Luka.
Without Dončić, the Mavericks likely would not have been as competitive as they have been in recent seasons. Luka has consistently carried the team, leading them to the Western Conference Finals in 2022. Without him, Dallas may have struggled to attract star talent and could have remained a mid-tier team searching for their next franchise cornerstone.
Cuban’s Role in the Mavericks’ Decision-Making
Cuban has long been known as one of the most outspoken and involved owners in professional sports. However, his comments suggest that his influence over basketball decisions was not as strong as many believed. While he played a major role in building the Mavericks into a successful franchise, key personnel decisions were left to the basketball operations team.
This revelation also aligns with the fact that Cuban recently sold a majority stake in the Mavericks to the Adelson and Dumont families. His willingness to step back from ownership and decision-making may indicate that he never had as much control over the team’s roster moves as previously thought.
Luka’s Impact and the Future of the Mavericks
Regardless of Cuban’s stance on the trade at the time, the reality is that Luka Dončić has completely transformed the Mavericks. His all-around game, leadership, and ability to dominate in clutch moments make him one of the most valuable players in the league.
Looking ahead, the Mavericks’ challenge will be building a championship-caliber team around Luka. While they have made efforts by acquiring Kyrie Irving and adding key role players, the team will need to continue making smart roster moves to maximize their window with Dončić.
Conclusion
Mark Cuban’s revelation that he might not have executed the Luka Dončić trade if he had more control over the Mavericks’ decisions is a stunning admission. However, history has shown that the decision to acquire Luka was one of the best moves in franchise history, solidifying him as the future of the team.
While Cuban may not have been the driving force behind the trade, it’s clear that the Mavericks’ front office made the right call. Luka has turned Dallas into a title contender, and his presence ensures that the team remains relevant for years to come. If anything, Cuban’s comments serve as a reminder that even the most successful franchises are often shaped by the decisions of unsung front-office personnel rather than just the voices at the top.
