The ongoing saga of the trade continues to unfold. On Thursday, Mavericks head coach and Hall of Fame point guard Jason Kidd disclosed that he has yet to communicate with Luka Doncic since the sensational trade that sent the Slovenian superstar to the Lakers on February 2. In exchange, the Mavericks acquired Anthony Davis and Max Christie in a three-team deal that also involved the Jazz.
During an appearance on the “Dan Patrick Show,” Kidd acknowledged the lack of contact with Doncic, stating that he had only texted him on the day of the trade. Despite potential unhappiness from Doncic due to the unexpected move, Kidd expressed admiration for coaching the talented player, noting his exceptional abilities and character.
Following the trade, the Mavericks faced a challenging season marked by injuries, including setbacks to key players like Davis, Kyrie Irving, P.J. Washington, Dereck Lively, and Daniel Gafford. Despite these obstacles, the team persevered, with Klay Thompson, Spencer Dinwiddie, and Naji Marshall being notable fixtures in the lineup.
Remarkably, the Mavericks received a stroke of luck with the No. 1 overall pick in the upcoming draft, providing a much-needed boost after the Doncic trade and a disappointing playoff exit in the previous season. The team is expected to select Duke standout Cooper Flagg with the top pick, aiming to regain momentum following the significant roster changes.