The Mavericks' owner has openly lost all control of basketball operations within the organization. So, what message is he trying to send?
It wasn't much of news to hear that Mark Cuban's basketball-related control of the Dallas Mavericks had dwindled away over the past three years, which included the hiring and firing of general manager Nico Harrison, new ownership, and a new direction with the current makeup of the front office.
But, at least on Friday night, Cuban was saying that all himself, openly on social media.
First, the minority owner and renowned businessman tweeted a highlight clip of Denver's Jamal Murray on a fast-break dunk, gliding past Miami's Tyler Herro in an old NBA Finals clip.
Random, to say the least.
Under the post, Cuban makes his situation be known.
"Just a reminder. I have absolutely zero to do with Mavs basketball. Nothing. Nada."
Then what's the clip supposed to mean? Does Cubes know about any Mavs plans involving Murray or Herro?
Something could be stirring.
Meanwhile, NBA reporter and Mavericks insider Marc Stein believes the team is tapping into the trade market this offseason, which may or may not affect the team's plans for the NBA Draft in a week and a half.
"Klay Thompson, P.J. Washington and Daniel Gafford, as we speak, are the veterans that the Mavericks are seen as most open to trading ... with Thompson drawing particular notice now that he's entering the final season of his current contract valued at $17.5 million in 2026-27," Stein says.
It's nothing concrete or groundbreaking, but it's as close as Mavs fans have to a legitimate report of the likelihood for movement this offseason.
At least for Thompson, this news is the least surprising. He himself said he was "not sure" if he'd be back in Dallas as soon as this past season ended.
Washington and Gafford were integral parts of the Mavericks' Finals run two years ago, but of course, they were acquisitions under the Harrison regime.
They are both under contracts that wouldn't be damaging to the cap sheet if they are traded, which could have been the intention back when their deals were signed and/or restructured last offseason.
Youth and cap flexibility are thought to be the Mavs' top priorities as new president Masai Ujiri - who obtains ALL basketball control among the execs - aims to build around teenage phenom Cooper Flagg with a long-term focus.
Kyrie Irving, the Mavs' aging point guard, doesn't fit into that timeline, but he remains out of trade conversations (at least inside the building) because of the Mavs' interest in seeing how he plays alongside Flagg. Check back in the months leading up to the trade deadline, and things could be different.
We've prodded around with the idea of a trade involving Herro, which could be what Cuban is subliminally suggesting. He might also be expressing his form of disapproval, given that he's clarifying his lack of control, and the video he posted is more of a highlight for Murray and a lowlight for Herro.
Nonetheless, there's a new tension surrounding the Dallas Mavericks as a critical part of the offseason begins to ramp up.
