Luka Doncic hasn’t even hit restricted free agency yet but there are already rumors around the NBA of a potential desire to leave the Dallas Mavericks. Yeah, that’s how fast things escalate around the Association.
There’s no denying that Doncic is a generational talent, so the Dallas Mavericks will obviously do whatever they can to keep their franchise cornerstone happy. And, according to a report by The Athletic, that may include some change in personnel.
Following the Mavericks’ first-round loss to the Los Angeles Clippers, Doncic hinted at the possibility of signing a max contract extension. However, some people around the league fear that he could change his mind pretty soon.
The Athletic: ‘Shadow GM’ Sets Rotation For Rick Carlisle, Has Beef With Luka Doncic
According to The Athletic’s report, Doncic doesn’t exactly care for Haralabos Voulgaris, a sports gambler who’s been working for the team and that has a close relationship with team owner Mark Cuban:
“Multiple league and team sources tell The Athletic that Voulgaris has been the most influential voice within the Mavericks front office since joining the team, either initiating or approving virtually every transaction made over the past two seasons. Those same sources add that Voulgaris has frequently gone as far as scripting the starting lineups and rotations for longtime head coach Rick Carlisle,” read the report.
The story states that Voulgaris’ influence on the team is a bit of a time bomb waiting to explode and that it could go as far as to drive the former Real Madrid star away from the franchise:
“Doncic has a healthy relationship with the Mavericks organization at large. League sources say he angled to be drafted by the team in 2018, and he has been particularly complimentary of his relationship with Nowitzki, whose final season coincided with Doncic’s first. Those feelings could change if the team’s postseason struggles continue,” the report added.
Mark Cuban Calls Out The Athletic Over Alleged ‘Shadow GM’ Rift With Luka Doncic
Mark Cuban wanted nothing to do with this story and called it ‘BS’, before telling Bleacher Report’s Taylor Rooks that the idea behind The Athletic’s report was both insulting and laughable:
“I pay close attention to what Luka says, what the front office, analytics group and our scouts say. What Rick says,” Cuban said. “The idea that there is a shadow GM is laughable. The idea that anyone but Rick sets rotations is insulting.”
More often than not, there’s always some truth to these reports. Doncic has a strong character and a bit of an ego and clearly, he doesn’t like being told what to do. But from that to wanting to leave the team just 3 years into his NBA career is a bit of a stretch.
