Mark Cuban Denies Return to Mavericks After Doncic Trade

Merlin sees Mark Cuban stepping forward to snuff out rumors after Nico Harrison’s firing: he denied that he and governor Patrick Dumont "have been in frequent dialogue," telling Alex Schiffer, "He didn't get that from me" and "I have no idea who made it up." That matters because Cuban sold control in December and his denial signals the Adelson–Dumont ownership is running basketball decisions while the Mavericks search for a new GM, with Michael Finley and Matt Riccardi as co-interims. Merlin remembers that Cuban once expected to keep basketball authority after the roughly $4 billion sale, but his influence waned during the 2024 Finals and he was surprised by the Luka Dončić trade. The new ownership faces a choice: install a traditional GM to steady the ship or let veteran executives steer. Watch hires, public messages, and roster moves for the next chapter.