Mavericks’ Mark Cuban Confirms Anthony Davis Will Not Be Traded This Season

The Dallas Mavericks have made it clear: Anthony Davis is not going anywhere this season. In an exclusive interview with The Athletic, minority owner Mark Cuban stated, “We won’t [trade Davis]. We want to try to win.” This declaration comes as the Mavericks seek stability after the controversial trade involving Luka Doncic.

Current Team Dynamics

Despite stepping back from daily basketball operations last year after the Adelson family acquired a majority stake in the team, Cuban remains a key advisory figure. He clarified that Patrick Dumont, the team’s governor, is responsible for making final decisions regarding trades and player management.

Organizational Changes

• Nico Harrison: The former GM, who made the controversial decision to trade Doncic to the Lakers, was let go last week after a rough start to the season.
• Interim Leadership: Assistant GMs Michael Finley and Matt Riccardi are currently overseeing basketball operations as the Mavericks navigate these changes.

Cuban had previously urged Harrison against trading Doncic, but once the deal was agreed upon, it was too late to reverse course.

Looking Back on the Luka Trade

About a month after the trade, Cuban expressed his discontent with the deal, suggesting that if the Mavericks were to part ways with Doncic, they should have secured a more lucrative offer. He stated, “If the Mavs are going to trade Luka, just get a better deal. I still firmly believe if we had gotten four unprotected number ones and Anthony Davis, this would be a different conversation.”

Internal Conflicts

Cuban’s relationship with Harrison wasn’t always smooth sailing, highlighted by their disagreements regarding player management. Reports indicate that Harrison blamed Cuban for allowing standout guard Jalen Brunson to leave for the New York Knicks during the summer of 2022.

Anthony Davis’s Current Status

Davis, a ten-time All-Star, is currently sidelined due to a calf strain suffered on October 29. He had managed to average 20.8 points and 10.2 rebounds in his five appearances this season before his injury. Prior to his firing, Harrison expressed a desire for Davis to return sooner, a decision that was ultimately overruled by the medical staff.

Conclusion

As the Mavericks navigate through these turbulent waters, Cuban’s assurances regarding Davis signal a desire for stability amid organizational changes. The focus remains on winning, and ensuring Davis is part of that equation is a critical step for the team.

For more insights into the ongoing developments in the NBA, visit ESPN and stay updated with the latest news surrounding the Dallas Mavericks and their roster decisions.