Mark Cuban makes surprising statement on Mavericks' GM Nico Harrison

The Dallas Mavericks have moved forward from the controversial Luka Dončić trade, facilitated by securing Duke standout Cooper Flagg with the No. 1 overall draft pick. Flagg joins Kyrie Irving and Anthony Davis, both recovering from injuries, bolstering the team’s core.

Former majority owner Mark Cuban initially opposed trading Dončić in February 2023 after selling his stake, but has since shifted his perspective. In a SiriusXM NBA Radio interview, Cuban reflected on past unpopular decisions—notably letting Steve Nash leave without compensation—emphasizing the complexities of roster management under the NBA’s new Collective Bargaining Agreement and second-apron restrictions.

Cuban praised General Manager Nico Harrison for proactively extending key players like Irving and Daniel Gafford before salary cap increases, citing Oklahoma City’s strategy of locking in contracts during a lower-cap period as a model. The Mavericks aim to secure similar deals with P.J. Washington and Dereck Lively II, positioning themselves for future financial flexibility as the cap rises 10% annually.

With the healing effect of time and the addition of the top draft pick, the Mavericks now find themselves in a significantly stronger position than months prior.