This is the most fascinating deal yet for Mark Cuban.
Dallas Mavericks chairman Mark Cuban, who purchased the franchise for $200 million in 2000, has reportedly sold a “significant stake” in the team.
The news was first reported by league insider Marc Stein, who added that Cuban would “continue to retain operational control” of the Mavericks. The longtime majority shareholder will reportedly sell ownership of the franchise to the Adelson family, per reports.
Shams Charania noted that based on the sale, the valuation of the franchise is now $3.5 billion. Charania added that this is “one of the most unique setups” in league history because Cuban will retain his shares in the organization and he will also maintain “full control and final say” when it comes to basketball operations.
Cuban, who also announced on Monday that he will leave ABC’s Shark Tank next year after spending more than a decade with the program, has reportedly made a very surprising deal to sell the Mavericks.
Now, fans are curious about what will come next for the incredibly well-known businessman and TV personality.
Mark Cuban earned himself a new nickname after this viral tweet.
Sports fans know the pain of dealing with the myriad of streaming services required to watch games. It’s not easy out there and many fans take the piracy route to get around bloated streaming prices and regional blackouts.
Of course, given the illegality of pirated livestreams, fans keep said services on the down-low. Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban, however, had other ideas on Monday night. As the highly-anticipated Game 7 between the Miami Heat and the Boston Celtics began, Cuban tweeted out a request for NBA fans.
Specifically, Cuban asked NBA fans if they were watching on pirated streams, all for the sake of finding out “how prevalent it is.”
Got a personal question for everyone watching heats vs celts right now. Who is watching on a pirated stream. I'm curious how prevalent it is.
After the tweet, NBA fans could not help but give Cuban the hilarious nickname “Narc Cuban” for his… curiosity. Even better? The new nickname was even trending on Twitter for a period of time!
Here’s how NBA fans reacted to Cuban and his nickname.
Here’s what actually happened on the “worst officiating non-call mistake” in the history of the NBA
NBA officials have had a very rough go of things over the last few weeks and Wednesday’s matchup between the Mavericks and Warriors won’t change that.
This game could very well decide whether one of these two teams actually makes the playoffs or not. And what seems like a crucial call — or non-call — from the officials is right in the center of it.
That’s why Mark Cuban is so upset about what looked to be an officiating blunder that gifted the Warriors two free points at the end of the 3rd quarter.
Toward the end of the 3rd quarter, there was a sequence after a dead ball and a timeout where the Mavericks thought it was actually their ball. They lined up on the other end of the floor thinking the ball was advanced to their basket.
But officials ruled that the Warriors actually possessed the ball. They inbounded it underneath their own basket and Kevon Looney got two free points without any resistance.
For those wondering about the play with 1:54 to go on the 3rd, let me explain what happened. The ref called Mavs ball . The announcer announced it. Then there was a timeout . During the time out the official changed the call and never told us. Then when they saw us line up as…
That’s probably a bit of hyperbole, especially since it’s not actually clear that the officiating crew actually got the call wrong. It actually just seems like the Mavericks weren’t paying much attention to the situation or the time.
This is immediately one of the best statues in sports.
After retiring his jersey number earlier this year, the Dallas Mavericks honored Dirk Nowitzki with a statue outside American Airlines Center.
Nowitzki, who won the NBA MVP in 2007 and NBA Finals MVP in 2011, is widely considered one of the most important and influential players in league history.
It was only a matter of time until the Mavericks, the only NBA team that he ever played for during his storied career, honored the 14-time All-Star with a statue commemorating his contributions to the team.
But it was an especially wonderful tribute to Nowitzki, who now officially serves as a special advisor for the Mavericks:
Nowitzki was known for his signature fadeaway jump shot, and that was immortalized with his statue outside of the arena in Dallas. The statue was inscribed with the motto “Loyalty Never Fades Away” (which is 21 letters, one for each season he spent with the team).
Even though it is the most obvious way to tip your hat to Nowitzki, Mark Cuban and the Mavericks totally knocked it out of the park. The details are phenomenal, even getting the exact shoes he wore while connecting on his one-legged fadeaway.
Brad Townsend: Mark Cuban to me on addition of Kemba Walker: “We wanted to add some flexibility to our offense. Like last year at this point, we have great shot quality, particularly from the 3, but we have struggled to make enough of them. Kemba …
Brad Townsend @townbrad
Mark Cuban to me on addition of Kemba Walker:
“We wanted to add some flexibility to our offense. Like last year at this point, we have great shot quality, particularly from the 3, but we have struggled to make enough of them. Kemba will give J-Kidd more offensive flexibility.” – 10:45 AM
Brad Townsend @townbrad
Souces confirm, In: Kemba Walker, 32. Out: Campazzo. Campazzo played 3 minutes in Milwaukee last night and was told afterward of his impending release.
Walker’s knee issues are well-chronicled, but the Mavs’ need for a third creator has been glaring from moment Brunson left. – 10:17 AM
Jeff Wade @SkinWade
“It’s never been basketball [performance]. It’s just been my knee. I don’t have [anything] to prove. Everybody knows what I’m about over the years, what I have done in this league.” – Kemba
Snatched from the @Marc Stein email blast. You should subscribe if you don’t already – 10:06 AM
Tim MacMahon @espn_macmahon
On @Adrian Wojnarowski Pod earlier this month, Kemba Walker said he was training in Florida to prepare for a bench contributor role. Walker: “I just know that I have the ability to help someone, to help a team. I know I can still play basketball at a high level.” open.spotify.com/episode/6GSId6… – 9:09 AM
Tim MacMahon @espn_macmahon
Source confirms Mavs’ plan to sign Kemba Walker to address the glaring need for another creator in Luka Doncic’s supporting cast. @Marc Stein first – 8:47 AM
James Plowright @British_Buzz
I think Kemba is worth a look in Dallas. I’ve got some concern with both him and Luka on the court defensively. If anything I think it could be key for the non-Luka minutes, him and Chris Wood project to be a good PnR duo. Kemba played with Wood in Charlotte in 2017 – 8:39 AM
James Plowright @British_Buzz
Hornets fans will have to wait until the end of the season to see Kemba Walker play against his former team. Charlotte play Dallas in a Home/Away back to back on March 25th/26th. pic.twitter.com/35xk2xR9XJ – 8:26 AM
Chris Mannix @SIChrisMannix
Mavs set to sign Kemba Walker, as @Marc Stein reported. Interested to see what Walker has left. Just has not been the same since the second half of his first season in Boston. Still has some offensive firepower but will need to defend to stay on the floor. – 8:14 AM
Brian Geltzeiler @BGeltzNBA
If the Mavericks think that Kemba Walker is the answer, they’re likely not asking the right question. – 7:41 AM
Eric Smith: Jason Kidd re: Anunoby _____ OG is playing at a high level on both ends He’s going to be talked about as defensive player of the year I’d say he’s having an all star year -via Twitter @Eric__Smith / November 26, 2022
Making positive change in your own community is the best way to honor Bill Russell, according to Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban.
When the late Bill Russell passed away this summer, he left behind an unimpeachable legacy both on and off the court. Throughout the ’22-23 season, the Boston Celtics have joined the NBA and folks across basketball in honoring Russell. “Bill Russell was a legend.” Jaylen Brown said in a pregame address on opening night. “He was much taller than he was in person just because of what he stood for, what he represented, so may he rest in peace.”
From commemorative jerseys and court decals to league-wide ceremonies and even motions in the halls of Congress, the scale and scope of Russell’s impact has been enormous.
Dallas Mavericks owner and team governor Mark Cuban recently added his voice to the ongoing chorus of praise and admiration.
Celtics Lab 145: Honoring Bill Russell’s legacy and talking Boston basketball with Rep. Ayanna Pressley https://t.co/bQdqt3EZPB
Jason Kidd, a triple-double threat every time he took the court during his 19-season NBA career, which included seven seasons with the Nets and one with the Knicks, took satisfaction in Jalen Brunson’s deal. “The biggest thing is I’m happy he got …
“I tell a player on the first day of camp, ‘Tell me what you want,’ ” said Kidd, who was the runner-up when the Knicks hired Tom Thibodeau as head coach in July 2020. “Everyone wants shots. Everyone wants minutes. But that’s not the truth. They want to get paid and want to play. Cool. I can help you do that. The other part of that is I’m going to ask for a couple of things. Trust, communicate and play hard. If you ask Brunson, he will tell you he listened [to me] and good things happened. I just want to put people in position to be successful.’’ -via New York Post / September 13, 2022
During an interview with USA Today’s Sports Seriously, Brunson revealed that opinion and talked about what it was like to play with Doncic over the last few years. “It wasn’t really difficult (to play alongside him) because you knew what it was. Luka is such a great talent. He can do anything on the court,” said Brunson. “I think, for me, I kind of figured out how to play with him because he’s so dominant. He knows how to play the game, he knows how to help his team win. I truly loved playing with him because we were in a position to win every night, because of him. “I’ve said this numerous times and I’ll continue to say it until I speak it into existence; That dude is a first-ballot Hall of Famer.” -via Sports Illustrated / September 12, 2022
“I’m not being negative about those guys,’’ Van Gundy said. “Randle made an All-Star team, Barrett they hope continues to become a more efficient player. Jalen is in that category of fringe All-Star. “That being said, if you’re going to make a significant jump in the Eastern Conference — when you have [Boston’s Jayson] Tatum, [Jaylen] Brown, [Brooklyn’s Kevin] Durant, [Milwaukee’s Giannis] Antetokounmpo , [Miami’s Jimmy] Butler, and [James] Harden and [Joel] Embiid in Philly, you need a top-20 player in the league. That’s what you build around. They’re still searching for that.” -via New York Post / September 7, 2022
Undrafted players like Fred VanVleet gain autonomy when they do not hear their names called.
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The NBA Draft is one of my favorite nights of the year, and it’s awesome to see how so many lives change forever in the course of one evening.
There is not much about the event that I would suggest changing. Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban, however, recently offered one idea that may cause ripples around the league.
While there is some merit to the idea, I’m not so sure this is a good idea. Even though many talented players go undrafted each year (you can see our list from 2022) and eventually crack rotations in the NBA, more rounds may not be the answer.
Here is why: Undrafted free agents gain a sense of autonomy that drafted players cannot have.
For example, when he turned pro in 2016, former Wichita State guard Fred VanVleet turned down multiple opportunities to hear his name called in the second round so that he could control where he landed (via The Athletic):
“There was at least one team — maybe more — that wanted to draft VanVleet. He knew this scenario was a possibility. Unless a team that presented a solid opportunity for VanVleet to make an impact in the NBA wanted to choose him, VanVleet and his representation were going to discourage those teams from taking him, even though the decision ultimately belonged to the team. VanVleet preferred to become an undrafted free agent, controlling his ultimate destination.”
VanVleet chose to sign with the Raptors, eventually signing a four-year deal worth $85 million. Toronto gave the guard an opportunity to develop his game at the highest level, and he has already earned an NBA championship and an NBA All-Star appearance.
If the draft were four rounds, who is to say the Raptors would have been the team to eventually land his services?
Austin Reaves, who took a path quite similar to the one laid out by VanVleet, also got to control his destiny when he went undrafted and then signed a deal with the Lakers in 2021. It worked out for him, too. During his first year in the league, he got to prove his value while shining for one of the most storied franchises in sports.
It’s a good thing that undrafted players get to sign wherever there is a mutual interest, and expanding the draft would not allow for such opportunities.
The Tip-Off
Some NBA goodness from around the USA TODAY Sports network.
HoopsHype’s Yossi Gozlan wrote about his predictions for Philadelphia next season:
“In limited minutes, the numbers on their pick-and-roll are just as strong as initially expected. Now that they have better personnel around them, they have more options in how they finish plays. They have more shooters to kick off to when doubled, and both are still excellent foul drawers, at least in the regular season. And even when Harden and Embiid aren’t on the floor together, they have so many versatile combinations to maximize production. They have the tools to have one of the league’s best offenses this season.”
A big night of basketball in Cologne ended with a triumph. After Dirk Nowitzki’s German national team jersey retirement (with the presence of Mark Cuban, Jason Kidd, Mike Finley, and Luka Doncic), Germany made local fans even happier by beating …
BasketNews @BasketNews_com
No other player in the German national team’s future will wear Dirk Nowitzki’s #14 jersey again.
The Dallas Mavericks legend was honored in front of thousands of fans and Mavericks legends 💙 basketnews.com/news-177263-di… – 4:10 PM
Callie Caplan @CallieCaplan
After his ceremony, Dirk Nowitzki walked over to hug each of the German national team players coming out for warmups — and then all the French players, too.
Classic Dirk. pic.twitter.com/x6GAZOCwN3 – 3:20 PM
Callie Caplan @CallieCaplan
Here’s part of Dirk Nowitzki’s thank you to Mark Cuban, the only part of his speech in English.
There were a whole lotta Mavs highlights, specifically from the championship and his last home game, during the pre-speech montage. pic.twitter.com/SX6sFUFQbQ – 2:38 PM
Callie Caplan @CallieCaplan
Germany and FIBA spared no expense with lighting and pyrotechnics as Dirk Nowitzki’s No. 14 jersey enters the rafters.
(Peep that shot on the jumbotron of Luka Doncic watching intently, again) pic.twitter.com/izzsZ1bmMN – 2:31 PM
Donatas Urbonas @Urbodo
When you randomly hit the Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban and have seconds to think of a few short questions. That’s the beauty of FIBA competitions in our job.
Cuban on FIBA Luka Doncic, favorite Dirk Nowitzki NT moment & untold ties with Lithuania: basketnews.com/news-177242-ma… – 2:08 PM
Callie Caplan @CallieCaplan
Luka Doncic didn’t do interviews after his game, but he’s back in sweats at the court now, sitting with the Mavs’ brass for Dirk Nowitzki’s jersey retirement ceremony. pic.twitter.com/DdKtdswGKa – 2:05 PM
Tim MacMahon @espn_macmahon
Mark Cuban, Jason Kidd, Nico Harrison and Michael Finley are among the Mavericks’ contingent in Cologne to watch Luka Doncic play for Slovenia Dirk Nowitzki get his German number retired. – 11:06 AM
Donatas Urbonas @Urbodo
The Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban and head coach Jason Kidd will attend Dirk Nowitzki’s No. 14 German national team jersey retirement ceremony in Cologne on the opening day of the EuroBasket 2022.
More: basketnews.com/news-177225-ma… – 8:45 AM
BasketNews @BasketNews_com
Dirk Nowitzki’s jersey will be retired this evening by the German Basketball Federation, a first in the country’s history.
Some notable famous guests are set to attend the ceremony 👀 basketnews.com/news-177225-ma… – 8:37 AM
Marc Stein @TheSteinLine
The first three-game slate of @EuroBasket Group B play in Cologne starts in minutes … with Slovenia/Lithuania and Germany/France bookending Dirk Nowitzki’s jersey retirement ceremony.
My supersized preview of the most anticipated @EuroBasket EVER: https://t.co/0oe8OaWcSA pic.twitter.com/spblnNalfx – 8:18 AM
Donatas Urbonas @Urbodo
Rudy Gobert on Dirk Nowitzki before his German NT jersey retirement ceremony in Cologne:
“He stayed true to himself throughout his life and career. Everyone has a different path, but if you stay true to yourself… It’s something that I will always respect him for.” – 8:06 AM
Donatas Urbonas @Urbodo
17.500 tickets sold and around 500 are still available for tonight’s game Germany vs. France, where Dirk Nowitzki’s No. 14 German national team jersey will be retired in a special pre-game ceremony in Cologne. pic.twitter.com/LsyBjTa0mo – 8:03 AM
Marc Stein @TheSteinLine
Unveiled earlier today at the Schokoladenmuseum in Cologne on the eve of @EuroBasket 2022: This Dirk Nowitzki statue made of chocolate as designed by artist Andreas Hoferick ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/dHrL1w9il3 – 6:00 PM
Mark Cuban and the Dallas Mavericks representatives flew to Germany to support Dirk Nowitzki at his national team jersey retirement ceremony. But they also managed to make the game of the Mavs superstar Luka Doncic in the EuroBasket 2022 opener vs. …
Donatas Urbonas @Urbodo
When you randomly hit the Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban and have seconds to think of a few short questions. That’s the beauty of FIBA competitions in our job.
Cuban on FIBA Luka Doncic, favorite Dirk Nowitzki NT moment & untold ties with Lithuania: basketnews.com/news-177242-ma… – 2:08 PM
Tommy Beer @TommyBeer
Players to average at least 24 points, 6 rebounds and 2 made three-pointers per game over the second half of the 2021-22 season:
LeBron, Luka, Tatum, KD and RJ Barrett
end of list. – 2:05 PM
Christian Clark @cclark_13
Jonas Valanciunas: 9 pts (4-10 FG), 12 rbds, 1 blk, 3 tov in Lithuania’s 92-85 loss to Slovenia. Slovenia put him in the PnR a bunch against Luka.
Next up: France on Saturday – 1:29 PM
Chuck Cooperstein @coopmavs
Slovenia outscores Lithuania 19-7 in the last 6:26 to win 92-85. Luka 14-6-10-3 steals. 6 assist in 4th qtr. Most on P&R work with Tobey (24-8). Next up is Hungary at 1:30 on Sat – 1:20 PM
Jason Anderson @JandersonSacBee
Final: Slovenia 92, Lithuania 85
Goran Dragic had 19 points and eight rebounds for Slovenia. Luka Doncic had 14 points, six rebounds and 10 assists.
Domantas Sabonis had 10 points, five rebounds and two assists for Lithuania. Jonas Valanciunas had nine points and 12 rebounds. – 1:20 PM
BasketNews @BasketNews_com
While Luka Doncic was the main player on the court, another Slovenian player came in clutch in the fourth quarter.
The favorites take the first win in a battle that captured viewers’ attention the entire 40 minutes 👇 basketnews.com/news-177244-cl… – 1:20 PM
Eddie Sefko @ESefko
Luka with 14 points, 10 assists, six rebounds. Wasn’t pretty but Slovenia starts defense of 2017 EuroBasket title with a 92-85 win over Lithuania. Details to come on mavs.com. – 1:17 PM
Brad Townsend @townbrad
Terrific team win by Slovenia, but make no mistake, Doncic and Dragic willed Slovenia when it most mattered. – 1:16 PM
Jason Anderson @JandersonSacBee
Domantas Sabonis called for an unsportsmanlike foul after catching Luka Doncic with an elbow to the face. Two free throws from Luka give Slovenia an 88-81 lead with 1:50 remaining. – 1:10 PM
Eddie Sefko @ESefko
Luka has been hit, raked or poked in the face several times today. Most recently by Sabonis on an arm swing with Slovenia up 86-81 and 2:05 to go. – 1:08 PM
Jeff Stotts @InStreetClothes
It’s the middle of the day on a Thursday and I’m watching Slovenia Vs. Lithuania basketball and fully invested. Thanks a lot Luka. – 1:04 PM
Eddie Sefko @ESefko
Lithuania clings to 81-80 lead over Luka, Slovenia in the final three minutes in Cologne. – 1:02 PM
Brad Townsend @townbrad
Slovenia is 5-for-11 on free-throws, including 3-of-6 by Doncic. Seems familiar . . . – 1:00 PM
Chuck Cooperstein @coopmavs
Slovenia 69-67 after 3. Has never had a lead larger than 7, and leading despite a somewhat pedestrian game from Doncic. – 12:48 PM
Eddie Sefko @ESefko
Three quarters are done in Cologne and Slovenia is up 69-67 on Lithuania. Luka with 11 points, seven assists and Slovenia benefited from two missed Lithuanian free throws in the final second to take the lead into the fourth. – 12:46 PM
Callie Caplan @CallieCaplan
Luka Doncic motioning for refs to call a tech on Lithuania is maybe the most ironically wonderful part of his game. – 12:36 PM
Harrison Wind @HarrisonWind
Huge sequence from Vlatko Cancar to close the 1st half: Saves 2 points with a block at the rim after a Doncic turnover, then gets the and-1 in transition. 6 pts, 2 rebs, 2 asts for Cancar at the half. He’s in his usual starting role for Slovenia at EuroBasket. pic.twitter.com/f9Rnm94zWN – 12:08 PM
Chuck Cooperstein @coopmavs
Slovenia 51-48 at halftime. Luka 8-2-3 w/3steals.G Dragic 10 Tobey 9. Difference in the game is 9 Lithuania TO/14 pts off TO.Both teams shooting 50%+ Very physical game only 15 total FTs shot. – 12:06 PM
Eddie Sefko @ESefko
Other than European free throwers being perhaps even worse than NBA free throwers, not much difference for Luka Doncic in the EuroBasket opener. He’s got 8 points, 3 assists, 3 steals and 2 rebounds, plus 1 smack to the face from Jonas Valanciunas. Slovenia leads 51-48 at half. – 12:05 PM
Callie Caplan @CallieCaplan
Luka Doncic allllmost juked Jonas Valanciunas to the floor — until Valanciunas reached out and grabbed Luka’s face to keep steady.
Who knew sweet moves could also be so painful. – 11:48 AM
Chuck Cooperstein @coopmavs
High energy 1st qtr. Slovenia-Lithuania tied at 27. Doncic 6 pts 3 steals 2-5 FG. Slovenia 10-19 FG. Lithuania 11-18 FG – 11:36 AM
Callie Caplan @CallieCaplan
Luka Doncic hit a 3-pointer on Slovenia’s first possession, and his biggest courtside fan, Mark Cuban, threw his arms up.
Cuban, Nico Harrison, Jason Kidd, Michael Finley and Casey Smith are all front row, across from Lithuania’s bench. – 11:18 AM
Tim MacMahon @espn_macmahon
Mark Cuban, Jason Kidd, Nico Harrison and Michael Finley are among the Mavericks’ contingent in Cologne to watch Luka Doncic play for Slovenia Dirk Nowitzki get his German number retired. – 11:06 AM
Chuck Cooperstein @coopmavs
10 minutes to tip. If Luka and Sloevnia rebound the way they did vs Germany, they’ll be in big trouble vs Valenciunas, Sabonis and Lithuania – 11:05 AM
Callie Caplan @CallieCaplan
Pleased to report Luka Doncic takes his last-minute warmups as seriously with Slovenia as he does with the Mavs. – 10:53 AM
Callie Caplan @CallieCaplan
The most consistent thing about Luka Doncic: He always takes time to sign autographs pregame — doesn’t matter the country, fans’ jerseys, NBA arena, whatever.
Makes even more of an effort when there’s kids around. pic.twitter.com/1Weoo5KzuS – 10:37 AM
Tom Ziller @teamziller
Will Luka, Giannis and Jokic play in the biggest international basketball tournament possibly EVER next summer? Depends on how players you’ve never heard do in qualifiers this November and February.
A primer on the state of play for FIBA World Cup bids: ziller.substack.com/p/the-current-… – 8:50 AM
Donatas Urbonas @Urbodo
The Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban and head coach Jason Kidd will attend Dirk Nowitzki’s No. 14 German national team jersey retirement ceremony in Cologne on the opening day of the EuroBasket 2022.
More: basketnews.com/news-177225-ma… – 8:45 AM
Eddie Sefko @ESefko
Here’s a quick primer to brush up on EuroBasket 2022, which opens early Thursday morning. We’ll have all the results of Luka Doncic, Tyler Dorsey and other Maverick connections. mavs.com/eurobasket-tut… – 7:40 PM
Callie Caplan @CallieCaplan
Let’s talk 🐐 stuff
Most Europeans consider Dirk Nowitzki the GOAT because of his NBA+FIBA success — even though Giannis and Jokic have more NBA MVPs already.
But Luka Doncic looks on track to surpass them all, and another EuroBasket is the next step: dallasnews.com/sports/maveric… – 4:12 PM
