Mark Cuban told The Athletic on Wednesday that the Dallas Mavericks will not attempt to trade Anthony Davis this season despite widespread speculation following general manager Nico Harrison’s firing and the team’s 4-11 start. Cuban, who serves as an adviser to governor Patrick Dumont, confirmed his re-engagement with basketball decisions after selling majority control in 2023.
“We won’t. We want to try to win,” Cuban said in an email when asked about potentially trading the 10-time All-Star center.
Cuban told The Athletic he is “an adviser” to Dumont, who “makes all the final decisions” as the Sands Corporation president and Miriam Adelson’s son-in-law. A team source confirmed Cuban’s advisory role and reiterated that Dumont has final say.
“I’m here to help him where I can,” Cuban said.
The Mavericks also have Matt Riccardi and Michael Finley serving as co-interim general managers following Harrison’s firing last week.
The 32-year-old Davis has not played since October 29 due to a left calf strain. Team doctors ordered him to remain sidelined despite wanting to return, concerned an early comeback could lead to a torn Achilles.
Dumont made the final decision to prevent Davis from playing November 8 against Washington after consulting the medical team, ESPN first reported. The Mavericks said Sunday that Davis will be re-assessed in seven to 10 days.
Davis suffered an adductor strain in his Dallas debut on February 8 that sidelined him 18 games. He was the centerpiece of last season’s Luka Doncic trade.
Dallas has limited options to improve around 18-year-old Cooper Flagg due to traded draft picks. The Mavericks control their 2026 first-rounder but don’t control any first-round picks from 2027 to 2030, except the Lakers’ 2029 selection from the Doncic deal.