The Dallas Mavericks have renewed optimism heading into the new campaign after making it to the NBA Finals last season.
The Mavericks retained their core led by the prolific one-two punch of Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving, while adding key pieces in Klay Thompson, Naji Marshall and the returning Spencer Dinwiddie.
Dallas is looking to win its first title since 2011. The team has gone through major changes since that year, including owner Mark Cuban selling his majority stake in December 2023. It was reportedly valued at $3.5 billion.
It came as a surprise to many since Cuban was known for his deep love for the Mavericks. He bought the team for $285 million in 2000.
In a recent appearance on the podcast of NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal, “The Big Pod With Shaq,” the 66-year-old business mogul explained why he sold the Mavericks to the Adelson and Dumont families.
“I sold the team for two reasons,” said Cuban. “One, my kids are 15, 18 and 21 now, right? It puts a lot of pressure on them as I get older to make a decision. Are they gonna run the team?