Here’s why Luka Doncic comeback rumor explodes amid Mavericks' coaching shakeup

Here’s why Luka Doncic comeback rumor explodes amid Mavericks' coaching shakeup originally appeared on The Sporting News . Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here . The Dallas Mavericks ’ decision to part ways with head coach Jason Kidd has fueled discussion that the franchise could be reshaping itself with the long-term goal of reconnecting with Luka Doncic.

Kidd’s departure was anticipated in league circles, especially after reports of a strained relationship between him and newly appointed team president Masai Ujiri. According to ESPN sources, Kidd still had more than four years and over $40 million remaining on his contract, but owner Patrick Dumont ultimately gave Ujiri the authority to move forward with the change. The decision remains interesting after the ongoing fallout from the blockbuster Doncic trade that continues to define the franchise’s direction.

Since trading Doncic, the Mavericks have undergone huge organizational turnover, including the firing of former general manager Nico Harrison and now Kidd. The only major decision-maker still in place from that era is Dumont, who authorized the changes. However, key pieces from the roster remain intact, including Kyrie Irving, who is considered one of Doncic’s preferred teammates, along with players like Daniel Gafford, Dereck Lively II, and P.

J. Washington. Some other things fueling Doncic to the Mavericks discussion are that he has still not sold his Dallas home, while Ujiri is reportedly a known admirer of the star guard.