Dallas Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd subtly hinted that Luka Doncic’s presence affected Kyrie Irving and Klay Thompson’s performances. Kidd’s comments come after Doncic’s departure to the Los Angeles Lakers in a major trade. With new additions like Anthony Davis, the Mavericks aim to remain competitive despite recent injuries and challenges.
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“The player we traded”: Dallas Mavericks coach Jason Kidd seemingly takes a subtle jab at Luka Doncic, linking him to Kyrie Irving and Klay Thompson’s struggles

Luka Doncic and Jason Kidd. Image via: @kzs_si/ X

The Dallas Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd has apparently taken a subtle jab at their recently traded superstar Luka Doncic who made his departure from the to play alongside the Los Angeles Lakers in a surprising blockbuster trade. While the Mavericks have received Anthony Davis, the team has been under severe backlash from fans and analysts alike. However, the Mavericks have been quite clear on their stance. After previously citing Doncic’s fitness issue, the Mavericks’ head coach has recently given subtle hints that Doncic was the reason for two of their top stars— Kyrie Irving and Klay Thompson’s struggles.

Dallas Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd takes a shot at Luka Doncic

Luka Doncic and Jason Kidd.
Luka Doncic and Jason Kidd. Image via: Kevin C. Cox/GettyImages

Dallas Mavericks coach Jason Kidd subtly suggested that Luka Doncic played a role in Kyrie Irving and Klay Thompson’s struggles, though he never mentioned him by name addressing him as just “the player we traded”. The team has been navigating a season of highs and lows, with Irving and Thompson stepping up after the blockbuster trade that sent Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers.
“(Kyrie) is gonna get more shots, Klay will get more shots, everybody will get more shots just because of the player that we traded. He was involved in everything,” Kidd said.

Kidd has been careful with his words, consistently avoiding direct references to Doncic in press conferences. Meanwhile, the Mavs continue adjusting to their new roster, hoping that their latest acquisitions can keep them competitive in a tough Western Conference.
Reports suggest the move wasn’t just about basketball— it also stemmed from concerns over discipline, effort, and chemistry.
In Doncic’s absence, the Mavericks’ new superstar Anthony Davis has sparked concern over his injuries. He is currently sidelined which propelled Kyrie Irving to take charge. “For Kai, we joke about the 42 and zero last night. It wasn’t that he wasn’t looking to pass—it’s that those passes come out of a double-team,” Kidd said of the 32-year-old standout. “That leads to Klay or someone else benefitting from a wide-open three or an open layup. The hockey assist isn’t part of the NBA stat line, but it should be. He led the scoring by getting calls in the double-team,” he added.
With injuries piling up, the Mavericks need their bench to step up as the season nears its final stretch. Irving missed the game against the Heat due to right shoulder soreness, leaving a gap in the backcourt. Anthony Davis, acquired in the blockbuster Doncic trade, was also sidelined after suffering an injury in his Dallas debut.

Without two of their biggest stars, the Mavs could face a tough challenge staying competitive in the Western Conference. The pressure is on their role players to deliver, especially with playoff positioning on the line. Still, they have claimed a stunning victory over the Heat with 118-113. The Mavericks have 30 wins and 26 defeats this season so far. As for Doncic he has played two games since his Lakers debut, both against the Utah Jazz.