Shams Charania reported Tuesday that former Dallas Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd expressed support for the franchise’s stunning trade that sent Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers, one of the most controversial deals in modern sports history.
Appearing on “The Pat McAfee Show,” Charania said team insiders believe Kidd “had a level of support for that trade,” though he was not the executive who finalized the move. When the transaction was completed, then–general manager Nico Harrison publicly took full responsibility, stating only team owner Mark Cuban knew of the plan beforehand.
Both Harrison and Kidd are no longer with the Mavericks. New president of basketball operations Masai Ujiri opted to part ways with Kidd as Dallas launches a rebuild around No. 1 overall draft pick and reigning Rookie of the Year Cooper Flagg.
Any confirmed involvement in the Doncic deal could complicate Kidd’s pursuit of another head-coaching position, just as it may hinder Harrison’s chances of leading another front office. Executives and coaches connected to the trade are expected to carry that decision as a career blemish.
Meanwhile, Los Angeles continues to shape its roster around Doncic. The Lakers are also monitoring the market for Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo, according to league sources, but rival teams are projected to outbid them. The Lakers hold only three tradable first-round picks and could see up to 11 players reach free agency this summer, limiting their asset pool should Antetokounmpo, 31, become available.
Source: LakersNation.com
