Mark Cuban Prefers Continuity, Shuts Down Porzingis Trade Rumors

While the league’s top contenders are busy trying to find a quick fix that will help them get better in time for the playoffs, the Dallas Mavericks aren’t interested in making such moves.

In a recent appearance at the Mavs Step Up Podcast, team owner Mark Cuban says that he isn’t too keen about adding or trading players just so they can find short-term success. And unless that they have an opportunity to get a player that alters their future significantly, the Mavs are sticking with their guns.

Said Cuban:

“Unless it’s a game-changing star, I don’t see us doing anything at all. So, if someone decides they’re blowing it up, OK, we’ll talk to anybody about any great player. If it’s just ‘We’ll trade this guy for that guy and it’s not really going to move the needle, I’d rather go with continuity.”

Cuban’s Continuity

Mark Cuban is a team owner known to value players and relationships. His Mavericks are known as a franchise that builds teams instead of assembling short-term title contenders. It can be recalled that Dallas grew Dirk Nowitzki from an unknown German prospect to one of the greatest Europeans to ever play in the league. And yes, that journey culminated in the franchise’s first and only NBA title in 2011.

What will the Mavs do at the trade deadline? Unless they’re able to snag a “game-changing star,” @mcuban told @StepBackMavs he prefers continuity.

The Mavs have won 11 of their last 14 games heading into tonight’s big game against the Clippers. #MFFL https://t.co/unhtrGejyh pic.twitter.com/p3UrTtYdPt

— Dalton Trigg (@dalton_trigg) March 15, 2021

During the previous offseason, Dallas was one of the few teams that didn’t make any significant changes. The biggest trade they made was sending Seth Curry to the Sixers for Josh Richardson. They also sent Delon Wright to Detroit and Justin Jackson to the Thunder. The Mavs’ top free agent finds were Willie Cauley-Stein and Trey Burke.

Keeping Porzingis

The biggest rumor surrounding the Mavericks has been Kristaps Porzingis. Despite Cuban saying several times in the past that they are not interested in trading the Latvian Unicorn, the rumors have persisted even after KP’s big game against the San Antonio Spurs right after the All-Star break. So in an interview with Ryan Seacrest at the Live with Kelly and Ryan Show, Cuban shut down those rumors once and for all by saying they are keeping Porzingis.

Mark Cuban reiterates that a Porzingis trade is not happening. pic.twitter.com/NDOVDW2OIp

— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) March 16, 2021

Porzingis is having a fantastic season, considering that he is coming off an injury. KP is averaging 20.8 points, 8.4 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks per game this season. Despite that, the Mavs’ inability to get a Top 4 spot in the Western Conference has made critics think that Porzingis may not be the right complimentary star to give Doncic the best chance to succeed. Cuban disagrees and says that KP is both a star and keeper.

The Mavs are still the betting favorites to win the Southwest Division at -135 at online sportsbook BetOnline.

They have the second easiest Strength of Remaining Schedule with their remaining 34 opponents having a winning percentage of just .472.  With Cuban’s stance on continuity and Porzingis, head coach Rick Carlisle has a clearer view of the future and can plan better for a strong finish to the regular season.