The Dallas Mavericks are facing ongoing issues within the franchise.
Former majority owner Mark Cuban recently expressed his “regrets” over selling a controlling interest to Miriam Adelson and her family on the “Intersections” podcast. He stated, “I don’t regret selling. I regret who I sold to.”
These comments add to a history of turmoil in Dallas. Here’s a timeline of key events.
After the All-Star weekend, the Mavericks were hit by a Sports Illustrated report revealing a toxic workplace culture, leading to immediate actions against two employees and an NBA investigation.
Cuban reacted strongly, saying, “I don’t have any tolerance for what I’ve read. It’s wrong. It’s abhorrent. It’s not a situation we condone.”
Shortly after, he faced a fine for promoting a losing strategy during a podcast interview with Julius Irving, where he implied that losing was the team’s best option.
The Mavericks finished the season with a 24-58 record, their fewest wins in an 82-game season since 1997-98. They secured the No. 5 draft pick, which they traded to the Atlanta Hawks for the No. 3 pick to get Luka Doncic.
Sep. 19, 2018 – NBA investigation findings
The NBA released findings from an investigation linked to the SI report, leading to an overhaul of the Mavericks’ HR department. Cuban also donated $10 million to support domestic abuse survivors and to promote women’s leadership in the workplace.
Oct. 5, 2018 – Photographer accused of misconduct
In October, team photographer Danny Bollinger was accused of sexual misconduct and was fired three days later.
Jun. 14, 2021 – Front-office conflicts emerge
In 2021, The Athletic reported growing tensions between Haralabos Voulgaris, who was hired as director of qualitative research and development, and key figures within the team, including Doncic and then-general manager Donnie Nelson. While Cuban dismissed the claims, both Nelson and Voulgaris left the organization after the season.
Voulgaris described the workplace as “very gossipy” in a subsequent interview. Later, Nelson sued the Mavericks, alleging wrongful termination after he reported sexual misconduct. Cuban called the suit untrue, and it was eventually settled in November 2024.
Apr. 14, 2023 – Cuban fined again
Cuban faced a $750,000 fine for tanking efforts to improve the Mavericks’ draft odds. This strategy ultimately helped them draft center Dereck Lively II.
Dec. 28, 2023 – Ownership change finalized
The NBA’s board approved the sale to the Adelson and Dumont families just after Christmas. Cuban downplayed changes in basketball operations, stating, “It’s a great partnership… I’ll still be overseeing the basketball side of it.”
Less than a year after reaching the NBA Finals, the Mavericks made a controversial trade, sending Doncic to the Lakers in a deal that included Anthony Davis and minimal future picks.
This led to a poor performance, finishing with a 13-19 record in the last 32 games while allowing an average of 118.7 points per game.
The Mavericks also sued the NHL’s Stars for a breach of contract, alleging that both teams should have headquarters in Dallas, despite the Stars operating in Frisco since 2003. This conflict may end up in court, potentially hurting both franchises’ public images.
Stars president Brad Alberts expressed disappointment over the situation, saying, “It’s really sad that a relationship has turned into this.”
Feb. 4, 2026 – Davis traded to Wizards
Over a year after the Doncic trade, and four months after Harrison’s dismissal, the Mavericks traded Davis to the Wizards for future picks, acknowledging their earlier misstep.
March 31, 2026 – Cuban expresses remorse
Cuban, still holding a 27 percent stake in the team, revealed his regrets over selling to the Adelson and Dumont families, raising questions about the future of the franchise.