More than two decades before the Dallas Mavericks traded Luka Doncic, Mark Cuban, arguably the most famous fan and owner in sports, watched another franchise star leave abruptly when Steve Nash departed the franchise in free agency way back in 2004.
The emotions for Cuban were similar, as disappointment, frustrations and a lack of communication allowed for Nash to sign with the Phoenix Suns, where he would become one of the franchise’s greatest players. That’s why, when reports of a broken relationship between Doncic and then-Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd surfaced, he wasn’t surprised.
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Echoes of Nash and Cuban’s once-fractured relationship
The Doncic trade remains one of the most shocking trades in NBA history. Luka was seen as the next Mavericks superstar, after Dirk Nowitzki, especially after guiding them to the Finals the year before. While much of the fallout was directed at the franchise’s front office, multiple reports since have indicated that Kidd also played a role in the shocking trade.
Kidd reportedly actively pushed for the move, but it’s still unclear whether he had anything to do with it, as he has continuously denied any involvement. Nonetheless, his relationship with Doncic ultimately ended after years of a productive partnership that led to deep postseason runs. And Cuban, who sold his majority stake in 2022, wasn’t really as shocked as some fans.
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“I’ve been in that set of circumstances where, like when Nash left, he was averting his eyeballs when we tried to say something to him. And there’s been other players who weren’t happy they were traded,” he said.
“So I understand there not being communications. And I’m sure at some point, just like I did with Nash, they’ll reconcile. But that’s just the nature of the game,” he added.
Oct 26, 2024; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Dallas Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd with guard Luka Doncic (77) against the Phoenix Suns in the first half at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
The comparison is evident in the Nash departure, which stemmed from Cuban’s refusal to pay him in 2004 and haunted the franchise for years. With the Suns, the Canadian guard blossomed into a two-time MVP while Dallas spent years wondering what could have been. At the time, emotions ran high on both sides, leading, as Cuban admits, to a fractured relationship.
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Unknown date, 2001; San Antonio, TX; USA; FILE PHOTO; Dallas Mavericks guard Steve Nash (13) in action against San Antonio Spurs guard Avery Johnson (6) at the Alamodome. Mandatory Credit: RVR Photos-USA TODAY Sports
That’s why he understands what Doncic may be feeling today. Being traded, of course, especially for a superstar who had grown to love the city as much as Luka, is heartbreaking. Though interactions with the media and the franchise itself after the trade, there’s obviously still some feelings on both sides.
Despite the personal emotions involved in the deal, both parties have suffered the repercussions. Kidd’s reported involvement in the trade also cost him his job, as he was fired after Masai Ujiri was hired as the franchise’s new governor to lead the new era with its new superstar, Cooper Flagg.
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Meanwhile, Luka has continued to be excellent for the Los Angeles Lakers, and he will most likely be the franchise’s heir once LeBron James decides to retire. At 27 years old, Doncic still has plenty of time to write his own history with the storied franchise, while also avenging the hurt the Mavericks inflicted on him.
Reconciliation in the future
Cuban’s relationship with Nash eventually recovered despite the bitterness. It’s just the nature of the sport itself that relationships fracture and then get repaired. There is no denying that this will be the case for Doncic and Kidd, who still had great seasons during their time together.
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That reconciliation will still take years, as Doncic himself doesn’t really look healed by the trade that forced him out of the franchise he truly loved. Just like Cuban with Nash, sometimes the wounds from a franchise-altering deal simply need time.
This story was originally published by Basketball Network on Jun 6, 2026, where it first appeared in the Off The Court section. Add Basketball Network as a Preferred Source by clicking here.