Mark Cuban once picked Luka Doncic over own wife; boldly claimed to divorce: “Catch me at lawyer’s office”

NBA fans dug up an old Mark Cuban statement after Luka Doncic got traded for Anthony Davis to the LA Lakers.

Mark Cuban once picked Luka Doncic over own wife; boldly claimed to divorce: “Catch me at lawyer’s office”

Mark Cuban would rather divorce his wife than trading Luka Doncic

Luka Doncic‘s trade sent the NBA world into a frenzy. Fans were divided into two categories for the unexpected exchange. However, more were inclined towards frustration with the Dallas Mavericks. Witnessing Doncic’s run in the last couple of years, fans were upset by the move. NBA followers started blaming the Mavs front office, especially Mark Cuban.

Mark Cuban is being bombarded with criticism for trading Luka Doncic. However, the businessman once vouched to never parting ways with the Slovenian. Cuban made the statement back in 2020, just two years after Doncic’s draft. The statement resurfaced after the team traded Doncic after the finals appearance last season. Cuban was ready to divorce his wife rather than lose Doncic. “If I had to choose between my wife and keeping Luka on the Mavs, catch me at my lawyers office preparing for a divorce,” Mark Cuban said.

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There is a low chance that Cuban was involved in the Doncic trade call. Over the years, the businessman has only supported the 2019 rookie of the year. The Mavs minority owner was even ready to part ways with his life partner. But Cuban does not have the same authority he had in Dallas during Doncic’s draft. After being the principal owner, the Shark Tank personality currently only retains a 27% stake in the team.

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Along with Cuban, the team’s general manager Nico Harrison also got into hot waters with fans. As Cuban has kept quiet about the trade, Harrison even gave his reason for the choice. The GM added Anthony Davis for his defense. Fans were not happy with Harrison’s perspective. Cuban might have to speak on the topic soon to relieve some tension.

Mark Cuban fought for Luka Doncic on draft night

Luka Doncic’s draft day is one of the most interesting stories in NBA history. In the 2018 draft, the Slovenian was first drafted by the Atlanta Hawks. Mavericks who had the next, fourth pick chose Trae Young. But later both teams decided to switch their picks. Years later, the exchange was announced as a success considering the players were a perfect fit for their new teams.

Mark Cuban was a guest on the All the Smoke podcast in 2023. During the episode, the businessman opened up about the story of the process. Cuban worked hard to get Doncic to the Mavericks. The billionaire was the sole reason, the 25-year-old star made it to Dallas. Cuban called the owner of the Hawks 15 minutes before their pick on draft night.

I’m like you’re not picking Luka and you know the guy you want so let’s just do this deal because he’ll be there for you.

Mark Cuban said

From his draft to the team’s finals appearance last season, Cuban has supported Doncic all the way. The businessman even went as far as putting the Slovenian above franchise legend Dirk Nowitzki. Doncic’s departure might create distance between Cuban and the Mavericks organization.