The Dallas Mavericks are still doing everything they can to remove the dark cloud that hangs over their franchise since giftwrapping Luka Doncic and sending him to the Los Angeles Lakers. The most recent move to inch closer toward a fresh start came at the expense of their head coach.
Jason Kidd is the latest name out in Dallas. Nico Harrison was already let go. Anthony Davis, the prize jewel of the Doncic trade return, was dealt away to the Washington Wizards. All of this has been a pretty concentrated effort, according to the inside look on matters offered by The Stein Line.
"One source briefed on the decision told The Stein Line that the Mavericks simply want a "clean slate" as [Masai] Ujiri takes command of the operation in the wake of a tumultuous 15 months since the disastrous Luka Dončić trade."
Stein rightfully pointed out how the move to part ways with Kidd leaves Patrick Dumont as the lone "powerbroker" that is still around from the regime that executed Doncic's trade out of Dallas. The NBA insider added that even the owner who had his part to play intends on settling into the background and letting others dictate the course of action from here.
Lakers fans still watching Mavericks pick up the pieces post-Doncic trade
It was not all too long ago since Kidd was asking Mavericks reporters how long it would be until everyone finally moved on from the Doncic trade. The answer he got on Tuesday night was not before his ousting as head coach in Dallas.
There have been contradicting stances over whether Kidd knew the Doncic trade was coming. Mark Cuban claimed that was indeed the case. The ex-Mavericks coach denied the allegations.
No one will sit here and offer a stance as to which of the two parties is telling the truth. However, it is incredibly noteworthy that Doncic has consistently shunned Kidd in the matchups the Mavericks and Lakers have battled since Luka found a new home in Los Angeles. Take that for what you will.
For Lakers fans, this has been a case of having your cake and eating it too. Doncic's arrival rescued the franchise from an uncertain future post-LeBron James. They have also gotten to watch the organization foolish enough to hand them their franchise superstar spiral endlessly since.
It has all been a little sick and twisted, but in a fun way.
Cooper Flagg should eventually allow for the Mavericks to get back on their feet. Lucking into the first overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft rescued Dallas from a much worse fate.
Kidd should be the last major domino to fall directly from the Doncic saga. Less directly tied to the actual trade itself, Lakers fans will still be watching for what players, who were tailor-made for Luka's version of the Mavericks, could be on their way out. Poaching any of those guys may give Los Angeles added opportunity to keep smiling over the fallout from last year's blockbuster.
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