Jason Kidd, Dallas Mavericks' head coach, revealed that he has not spoken to Luka Doncic since the trade was finalized earlier this year.“I texted him that morning, and that's the last time I've talked to him,” Kidd said during a show.

When asked about Luka’s response, Kidd clarified: “I don't think he was too happy. From the experience of being traded, maybe being surprised. Upset, feelings are high.”

Kidd’s shock and frustration over the trade process

Kidd also shared his own reaction to the trade news, which he said came just hours before it was made official. The Mavericks’ general manager, Nico Harrison, informed Kidd about the decision while they were at a hotel in Cleveland.

“I was told by my boss, Nico, that we were going to make a change,” Kidd recalled. “This is in the hotel in Cleveland. And so he said the news was going to hit in an hour, and that’s how it went down.”

Kidd admitted that the trade blindsided him and that there was no prior discussion between him and Harrison before the deal was finalized. Despite his frustration, Kidd praised how the players and coaching staff handled the news and prepared to move forward under difficult circumstances.

Mavericks’ future after Luka Doncic

The Mavericks currently find themselves in a transitional period after trading away their franchise player. They recently won the NBA draft lottery and are expected to select Duke standout Cooper Flagg with the first overall pick, signaling a new chapter for the franchise.

Kidd acknowledged the challenges ahead but expressed confidence in the team’s ability to dapt and improve. “I thought my players and my coaching staff did an incredible job once they heard the news of preparing to keep moving forward,” he said.

The trade of Luka Doncic remains a sore point for many Mavericks fans and the city of Dallas, but Kidd’s remarks provide insight into the complex emotions behind the scenes and the professionalism required to navigate such upheaval.