The sale of the Dallas Mavericks by Mark Cuban nearly two years ago came as a considerable surprise to many within the NBA, particularly given his reputation as the league`s most fervent and outspoken owner. Even Commissioner Adam Silver expressed his astonishment when Cuban first communicated his intent to sell the team via email in October 2022, a full year before the transaction was finalized.
Since the Mavericks` ownership change in November 2023, the team has navigated a spectrum of experiences, from significant successes, such as reaching the 2024 NBA Finals, to profound lows, including the contentious decision last February to trade star player Luka Doncic. Cuban has publicly stated that this particular trade would not have happened if he had maintained a controlling interest in the franchise.
While Cuban`s divestment marked a pivotal turning point for the Mavericks, he affirms that he does not regret the act of selling itself. His primary regret, however, centers on his failure to offer the team for sale on the open market.
Speaking on the DLLS Mavs podcast, Cuban elaborated, “I don`t regret selling the team; I regret the method of the sale.” He reaffirmed his decision to sell, stating, “Would I still sell the team? Yes, for all the same reasons I`ve stated countless times. Would I approach it the same way? Absolutely not. I would have initiated a bidding process, but I didn`t, so it`s a moot point now.”
Had Cuban chosen to sell the Mavericks through an open market process, the outcome might have been vastly different. It`s conceivable that another party, perhaps offering a more substantial bid than Miriam Adelson, could have acquired the team. In such a scenario, it`s possible that Luka Dončić might still be playing for the Mavericks today.
Furthermore, Cuban believes events would have unfolded differently if he had maintained control over basketball operations, a condition he claims he was assured of during the sale negotiations. He explained, albeit without delving into extensive detail, that he deliberately retained a 27% stake in the Mavericks, as a minimum of 15% is required to hold the position of team governor. However, upon the official announcement of the sale, the Mavericks` statement contained no mention of Cuban retaining authority over the team`s basketball aspects, a discrepancy he attributes to the league office.
Cuban asserted, “I did have it in writing.” He further clarified, “As I previously mentioned, a specific clause granted me the right to participate in all meetings, trade discussions, and other relevant activities, but the NBA subsequently removed that provision.”
Commissioner Silver has publicly stated that “Any determination regarding Mark`s involvement in basketball operations was contingent upon an agreement between Mark Cuban and Patrick [Dumont].” Silver also noted that the information presented to the board of governors explicitly indicated that Dumont, not Cuban, would be responsible for overseeing basketball operations.
Cuban maintains that he possesses written evidence confirming his intended continued control over basketball operations, and specifically, that the NBA mandated the removal of the clause stipulating this.
He challenged, “Who else would have removed it?” adding, “I have a letter from my attorney stating that the NBA required its removal.”
When questioned about why he didn`t pursue further investigation into the clause`s removal, Cuban unequivocally expressed no desire to revisit the issue.
Cuban emphatically stated, “At this juncture, I don`t care; it`s concluded, and I signed the contract.” He concluded, “There`s nothing I can do now to alter any of it, so what`s the purpose?”
Despite his candidness regarding the situation, Cuban indicated a reluctance to continue discussing the sale or its intricacies. He affirmed maintaining positive relationships with the Adelsons and Patrick Dumont. Cuban also sought to reassure fans about the new ownership, emphasizing Dumont`s commitment to securing a championship for the Mavericks. However, when probed about his current communication level with Mavericks general manager Nico Harrison, widely considered the architect of the Dončić trade, Cuban`s reply was a concise, “No.”
While lingering sentiments regarding the Dončić trade appear to persist, Cuban seems inclined to move forward, focusing on the team`s promising future, particularly after securing Cooper Flagg as the top pick in this year`s draft.
