Dallas Mavericks Jason Kidd revealed an all-business stance following the Luka Doncic trade.
DALLAS—While many Dallas Mavericks struggled to accept the Luka Doncic trade, Jason Kidd seems to have moved on from the shocking transaction. Trades are inevitable in the NBA, and while the Doncic trade is unprecedented, Kidd can relate to the young superstar’s surprise and disappointment. Following the Doncic trade, Kidd revealed an all-business stance.
In his third season as the Mavericks point guard, the franchise that drafted the California point guard traded him to the Phoenix Suns.
Despite averaging 9.1 assists and 2 steals in 22 games for the Mavericks in the 1996-97 season, the Mavericks opted to trade one of the best up-and-coming point guards in the NBA.
Feb 10, 2025; Dallas, Texas, USA; Dallas Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd looks on during the second half against the Sacramento Kings at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
© Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
Although the Kidd trade pales in comparison to the Mavericks moving on from a player who recently, as the 2024-25 season, led them to the NBA Finals, the head coach has significant experience, especially regarding franchise ownership changing hands.
Kidd claimed you become numb to the feeling of being traded, as ultimately, basketball is a game, but the NBA is a business.
“You believe you are going to be with the franchise forever,” Kidd said. “But the business of basketball sometimes gets in the way. Teams change. I’ve been involved in quite a few sales of the team. Any time there is a sale, there could be change. It just happens.”
Mavericks team governor Patrick Dumont and general manager Nico Harrison have a specific vision. Unfortunately for Mavericks fans and Doncic, No. 77 didn’t fit such a future for the team he helped build into a legitimate championship contender.
Kidd recalled receiving the startling news that he had been traded to the Suns during the 1996-97 season.
“You see yourself playing for an organization for a long time,” Kidd said, “until you get called back to the locker room and told that you’ve been traded to Phoenix.”
Although Kidd likely misses Doncic’s presence, as an NBA coach and a Hall of Fame point guard, it’s all part of the game.
