By Sunday 
Silent Sidelines: Jason Kidd Hasn’t Spoken to Luka Doncic Since Blockbuster Trade
In a league where player-coach relationships often make or break franchises, the silence between Jason Kidd and Luka Doncic is deafening.
Just months after the stunning trade that sent Doncic to the Lakers, Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd revealed something that shocked NBA fans almost as much as the trade itself—he hasn’t spoken to his former star since the deal went down.
A Trade That Shook the League
It wasn’t just another midseason adjustment. The Mavericks’ decision to trade Luka Doncic, along with Markieff Morris and Maxi Kleber, to the Lakers in exchange for Anthony Davis, Max Christie, and a 2029 first-round pick was a league-altering move. And if that sounds dramatic, that’s because it was.
Even Kidd seemed blindsided. Head coaches are usually kept in the loop for something this seismic, but this time? Not so much.
“I Texted Him That Morning…”
In a candid moment on The Dan Patrick Show, Kidd admitted:
“I texted him that morning [after the trade] and that’s the last time I’ve talked to him… I don’t think he was too happy, and again, from the experience of being traded, maybe being surprised, upset, feelings are high…”
That text remains their last form of communication. No call. No reply. Just a silence that speaks volumes.
And yet, Kidd didn’t sound bitter—just understanding. He added:
“I loved the opportunity of coaching Luka. He’s an incredible person and we all know his talent is one of the best in the world… I wish Luka the best. He’s one of the best players in the world.”
It’s the kind of quote that feels like a mix of heartbreak, pride, and quiet acceptance.
Luka’s Fresh Start in L.A.
While Dallas copes with the absence of its franchise cornerstone, the Lakers are rolling out the red carpet for their new star. JJ Redick, now head coach in Los Angeles, seems to be building chemistry with Doncic quickly—and that’s no accident.
Their connection traces back to their time as teammates, and it’s already showing signs of becoming something special. Doncic even went so far as to compare Redick to the European coaches he’s long admired—high praise from a player with deep EuroLeague roots.
Kidd and Doncic: A Bond, Now on Pause
There’s no animosity here, no harsh words, just the awkward, lingering silence that can follow any painful goodbye. Kidd and Doncic were close—two high-IQ basketball minds with a mutual respect. But when the business of basketball took over, their personal connection was put on ice.
Will they speak again someday? Probably. Will the Mavericks regret this trade if Doncic leads the Lakers to glory? Possibly. For now, though, the page has turned—and it’s JJ Redick’s chance to write the next chapter with Luka Doncic in L.A.
Stay tuned. The silence may not last forever—but the echoes from this trade will.