Jason Kidd Clarifies His Role in Mavs Trading Luka Doncic After Mark Cuban’s Claim

There was a time when it felt as if Jason Kidd was going to coach Luka Doncic and the rest of the Dallas Mavericks to contend and possibly win an NBA championship.

After all, they surprised everyone by reaching overtaking elite competition in the West to reach the 2024 NBA Finals, but came up short against a deep Boston Celtics team.

The idea was that the Mavericks would build on that run and vie for the title next season. However, the Slovenian’s injuries made it difficult for them to regain that form.

Eventually, he was shipped to the Los Angeles Lakers in a move that is often described as the most shocking trade in sports history.

No one envisioned the Mavericks would give up on their young franchise cornerstone and instead shift their focus to seasoned veterans.

That plan backfired, and the franchise finds itself near the bottom of the West, and GM Nico Harrison is out from his job. Then, minority owner Mark Cuban hinted, while on the Intersections podcast, that Jason Kidd might have been involved in the decision to trade away Luka Doncic.

In the interview with Intersections, Mark Cuban said Finley had no involvement in the Luka trade and that Kidd DID play a role.

“That doesn’t justify it for our coach and general manager to stand up and trade our best player.” pic.twitter.com/rHtnAi1GJO

— Kenny Bybee (@KennyBybee) March 31, 2026

One of our owners had mentioned that I knew about the trade. Unfortunately, as I have said, I was not part of the process. In fact, I was informed in the 11th hour, and that’s the truth.

Jason Kidd told reporters

Jason Kidd on if he felt blindsided by Mark Cubans claim that he knew about the Luka trade:

“When I found out about it, I just looked at it as this is just Cuban. And he has a right to his opinion, but I’m here to tell you the truth.” pic.twitter.com/tUzYHMY9zu

— Ron Harrod Jr. (@RonKnowsSports) April 3, 2026

The 53-year-old head coach made it clear that, contrary to what the billionaire said, he was not part of the decision-making that led his former superstar guard to be shipped to the West Coast.

Jason Kidd has not spoken to Luka Doncic since the trade

After clarifying his involvement in the trade to send Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers, reporters asked Jason Kidd if he had reached out to his former player.

Understand that Luka is on the other side. He’s trying to kick our butt. We’re trying to kick his butt. Understand that there’s not going to be a phone call to Luka. Luka plays for the Lakers.

Jason Kidd replied

The 2011 Mavericks’ championship-winning point guard made it clear that whatever Mark Cuban claimed, it would be discussed internally, as the comments have come from within the organization.

Jason Kidd on the claim that he knew about the Luka trade:

“I was not apart of the process and I was informed at the 11th hour. And that’s the truth.” pic.twitter.com/92T3yt4Ba3

— Ron Harrod Jr. (@RonKnowsSports) April 3, 2026

At the same time, he reiterated that since Luka Doncic now plays for a different organization, he will not be making a phone call. Whether it is due to competition rules or the league’s anti-tampering regulations, either way, Kidd is not going to clarify anything.

The now-injured playmaker had once stated that he was still not over the trade. These revelations will only complicate matters, as they could lead to doubts and angst.

Jason Kidd reiterates Mavs are now focused on Cooper Flagg

Jason Kidd and his Dallas Mavericks have moved on from the Luka Doncic trade, and that is what he tried to establish to the reporters present at practice.

We’ve planted our flag, and that’s Cooper Flagg. And we have the opportunity to build around him.

Jason Kidd said

The Hall of Famer reiterated that it is important that the franchise, its fans, and the media in particular move on from the Doncic trade, as exciting things are happening in Dallas.

He pointed out how, with Cooper Flagg in the facilities, the team is building towards a bright future. Their record might not indicate it, but their battles have proven that when the team becomes fully healthy, they can start showing their true potential.

In their game against the Orlando Magic, Cooper Flagg led his team with a career-high 51 points. But that was not enough as the away team’s collective firepower was too much for the hosts.

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