Former Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban isn’t especially happy with the team’s decision to move on from head coach Jason Kidd.
New Mavericks president Masai Ujiri made the call for the organization to move on from Kidd after five seasons, and Cuban expressed disappointment with the decision.
Mark Cuban ‘Surprised’ and ‘Disappointed’ by Mavericks’ Decision to Move on from Jason Kidd
DALLAS, TEXAS – APRIL 08: Mark Cuban owner of the Dallas Mavericks leaves the court after the game against the Portland Trail Blazers at American Airlines Center on April 08, 2022 in Dallas, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Tim Heitman/Getty Images)
Cuban was the majority owner of the Mavericks when Kidd was hired in 2021, so he obviously viewed him highly as a coach. But, despite his disappointment with Kidd’s departure, he plans to give Ujiri the benefit of the doubt, for now.
“Obviously I’m a J-Kidd fan. So I’m surprised and disappointed,” Cuban said in a statement. “But we have to give Masai a chance to see what happens. He has been through this before.”
Masai Ujiri’s Official Statement on Jason Kidd’s Departure
GettyNEW YORK, NEW YORK – SEPTEMBER 24: Masai Ujiri speaks onstage at the Bloomberg Philanthropies Global Forum 2025 at The Plaza Hotel on September 24, 2025 in New York City. (Photo by Bryan Bedder/Getty Images for Bloomberg Philanthropies)
In an official statement released by the Mavericks, Ujiri expressed gratitude for Kidd’s contributions to the franchise over the past five seasons, including the Mavericks to an NBA Finals appearance in 2024. However, he said that he felt it was time for the team to move in a “new direction,” which likely includes building the team around Rookie of the Year Cooper Flagg.
“Jason has had a meaningful impact on the Dallas Mavericks, both as a Hall of Fame player and as the head coach who helped lead this franchise back to the NBA Finals. “We are thankful for Jason’s leadership, his professionalism and his commitment to the team. In my short time here, I’ve developed an enormous amount of respect for what he has built. He will always be an important part of the Mavericks family,” Ujiri said.
“As we evaluate the future of our basketball program, we believe this is the right moment for a new direction for our team. We have high expectations for this franchise and a responsibility to build a basketball organization capable of sustained championship contention. We will conduct a thorough, disciplined search for our next head coach and continue to evaluate our entire basketball operations staff to ensure we compete at the standard Mavs fans expect and deserve.”
So now the search is on in Dallas for Kidd’s replacement. The opportunity for the incoming coach to work with Flagg, who appears to be well on his way to superstardom, should make the opening an intriguing one, so there should be no shortage of interested candidates.
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