Mark Cuban: Mavericks Retain Anthony Davis to Pursue Victory
Mark Cuban, the minority owner of the Dallas Mavericks, has confirmed that the franchise will not pursue a trade for Anthony Davis this season. In an email to The Athletic, Cuban stated, “We want to try to win.” This announcement comes amid a challenging start to the season, with the Mavericks currently holding a 4-11 record. Cuban’s position follows the recent firing of general manager Nico Harrison and speculation regarding potential trades for Davis.
Leadership Changes and Team Strategy
Following the firing of Harrison, Cuban is taking on a more active role in team management. He is now advising Patrick Dumont, the Mavericks’ governor and COO of the Sands Corporation. Cuban ensured that Dumont has the authority to make final decisions, emphasizing, “I’m here to help him where I can.” Two co-general managers are currently serving on an interim basis—Matt Riccardi and Michael Finley.
Anthony Davis’ Injury Status
Anthony Davis, a 10-time All-Star, has been sidelined since October 29 due to a left calf strain. Although he expressed a desire to play, team doctors advised against an early return due to concerns about reinjury or further complications. Dumont ultimately decided to keep him out of the Mavericks’ game against the Washington Wizards on November 8 after consulting the medical staff. The team is expected to reassess Davis in about seven to ten days.
The Mavericks’ Future Prospects
The Mavericks find themselves in a challenging situation regarding team-building. After trading significant draft capital to assemble a competitive roster around Luka Dončić, they must navigate their future carefully. They control their 2026 first-round pick but do not have their first-round selections from 2027 to 2030, except for the Lakers’ 2029 pick.
- 2023 Record: 4 wins, 11 losses
- Davis Injury Status: Out since October 29
- Future Draft Picks: 2026 first-round controlled; no 2027-2030 first-rounds controlled
Despite these difficulties, the Mavericks initially aimed to create a strong defensive team, with Davis serving as a focal point. The organization had hoped that adding young talent like Cooper Flagg, the first pick in the last draft, would expedite their path to contention. However, injuries to key players such as Kyrie Irving and the inconsistency of their roster have hindered progress.
Looking Ahead
While the current focus remains on keeping Davis and fostering a healthier team, the Cowboys may reconsider their options leading up to the NBA’s February trade deadline. If poor performance continues, they could be open to trade offers for Davis, reshaping their roster in pursuit of a better competitive standing.
