It’s a much brighter headline for the Mavs than the previous one that had haunted them over the past few months—the decision to trade away superstar Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers. Since the trade, fans have protested and called for the job of general manager Nico Harrison.

Mavericks coach Jason Kidd joined the Dan Patrick Show on Thursday and discussed where he was the night the Mavs won the draft lottery, gave his thoughts on Cooper Flagg’s NBA transition and discussed the last time he spoke to Luka Doncic. Highlights of the conversation are below, edited lightly for clarity.

The trade, finalized on February 2, 2025, involved a three-team deal with the Utah Jazz. The Lakers acquired Doncic, Maxi Kleber, and Markieff Morris, while the Mavericks received Anthony Davis, Max Christie, and a 2029 first-round pick.