Former Dallas Mavericks employees are turning against minority owner Mark Cuban after the team’s shocking decision to trade star player Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers. Former staff member Gavin Mulloy publicly called for Cuban to leave Dallas, sparking a heated exchange with the billionaire entrepreneur. Cuban, despite still holding a minority stake, criticized the trade, raising questions about his influence over the team’s decisions.
Former Employees Turn Against Cuban
Mark Cuban is under fire from former Dallas Mavericks employees following the controversial trade of Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers. Gavin Mulloy, a former Mavericks event manager, took to Facebook to attack Cuban, suggesting he should leave the city altogether.
Cuban fired back at Mulloy’s criticism with a blunt response: “Hey Gavin Mulloy how much of a bonus did you get when I sold?” This exchange highlights growing tensions between Cuban and former team employees who feel betrayed by the new direction of the franchise. Many fans have also expressed frustration over the trade, questioning whether the team received fair value for one of the NBA’s brightest stars.
Cuban’s Diminished Role and Trade Criticism
Cuban sold his majority stake in the Mavericks for $3.5 billion in December 2023 but retained a 27% ownership interest. Despite his reduced role, Cuban openly criticized the trade, saying, “If the Mavs are going to trade Luka, that’s one thing; just get a better deal.”
Mark Cuban goes off on former Mavs employee 😳
(h/t @FOS) pic.twitter.com/HMil8Wl9hw
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) March 29, 2025
His comments suggest possible tension with the Adelson family, the new majority owners who now control the team’s major decisions. Cuban’s willingness to publicly question the trade raises speculation about how much influence he still holds behind the scenes.
Political Controversy Amplifies Tensions
Cuban’s outspoken criticism of Donald Trump has added another layer to the controversy surrounding his role with the Mavericks. The billionaire has made pointed remarks about Trump, once stating, “Donald Trump—you never see him around strong, intelligent women, ever.”
A former Mavs employee posted on Facebook that Mark Cuban "should be run out of Dallas."
Cuban did not hold back in the comments. pic.twitter.com/9BrYDO1SMw
— Front Office Sports (@FOS) March 29, 2025
These political statements have reportedly been used by Trump’s campaign to argue that Democrats are hostile toward conservatives, potentially alienating Cuban from Texas sports fans. His shift from previously supporting Trump to becoming a vocal critic has drawn mixed reactions, further complicating his standing within the Dallas community.