MAGA-hating NBA owner Mark Cuban fires back at former employee calling for him to 'be run out of Dallas'

Former Dallas Mavericks Owner Mark Cuban Faces Backlash Over Luka Doncic Trade Fallout

Dallas, Texas – Mark Cuban, minority owner of the Dallas Mavericks and prominent businessman, is encountering calls from past employees to leave Dallas amid ongoing controversy surrounding the NBA team. The turmoil stems from a contentious trade involving former star player Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers, a move that has ignited passionate reactions from fans and former staff alike.

Ex-Employee Publicly Criticizes Cuban, Demands Departure from Dallas

Despite selling his majority stake in the Mavericks last year, Cuban, known for his vocal criticism of former President Donald Trump, has become a focal point of recent discontent. Gavin Mulloy, a former event manager for the Mavericks, publicly criticized the billionaire on social media, stating that Cuban ‘should be run out of Dallas’ due to his perceived role in the Doncic trade saga.

Cuban Defends Himself in Contentious Social Media Exchange

Cuban, seemingly reacting to accusations related to a decision made by the current General Manager, Nico Harrison, responded assertively to Mulloy’s comments online. In a direct reply, Cuban questioned Mulloy’s bonus received upon the team’s sale, sparking a heated exchange between the two.

Mulloy retorted that no financial compensation could compensate for the loss of Doncic, prompting a lengthy rebuttal from Cuban. The former ‘Shark Tank’ personality defended his tenure as majority owner, highlighting his efforts to maintain affordable ticket prices and his financial losses during his 23-year ownership.

Cuban Highlights Financial Contributions and Ticket Pricing During Tenure

In his defense, Cuban detailed his financial involvement with the Mavericks:

• Claimed to have operated at a financial loss for most of his 23 years as majority owner.
• Asserted ticket prices were kept lower than other NBA and even college teams.
• Mentioned offering tickets for as low as $2 for several years.
• Stated thousands of tickets were consistently available under $29 upon selling his stake.

Cuban expressed disappointment with the criticism, stating he sold his majority stake partly to avoid dealing with negativity from some fans on social media. He argued that his past actions, including salary and bonus payments to employees like Mulloy, demonstrated his commitment to the organization and its personnel.

The sale of the majority stake in the Mavericks to the Adelson family for $3.5 billion concluded in December 2023. Cuban retained a minority stake of 27 percent but has publicly questioned the trade that sent Doncic to the Lakers in exchange for Anthony Davis, Max Christie, and a future first-round draft pick.

Cuban Criticized Mavericks’ Trade Deal Despite Partial Ownership

‘If the Mavs are going to trade Luka, that’s one thing, just get a better deal,’ Cuban remarked to local news outlet WFAA. He suggested a more favorable trade would have involved additional unprotected first-round picks alongside Anthony Davis and Max Christie.

Political Views and Past Criticisms of Donald Trump Resurface

Beyond team decisions, Cuban’s political viewpoints have also resurfaced in recent discussions. His past criticisms of Donald Trump, including commentary on Trump’s interactions with women and his support for Kamala Harris during the last election cycle, have been revisited in light of the current controversy.

Cuban had previously stated his support for Trump before shifting allegiance to Harris, citing a deeper understanding of Trump’s character as the reason for his change in political stance. Despite this shift, he was among the first to acknowledge Trump’s victory in the last presidential election.

The recent exchange with a former employee highlights the ongoing tensions surrounding the Mavericks’ direction after the Luka Doncic trade and underscores Mark Cuban’s continued presence as a figure of public discussion in Dallas, both within and beyond the realm of professional basketball.