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The 10 worst front office moves by the Dallas Mavericks since 2000

By Cal Durrett

PHOENIX, ARIZONA - OCTOBER 19: Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban looks on during the first half of the NBA game at Footprint Center on October 19, 2022 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Suns defeated the Mavericks 107-105. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
PHOENIX, ARIZONA - OCTOBER 19: Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban looks on during the first half of the NBA game at Footprint Center on October 19, 2022 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Suns defeated the Mavericks 107-105. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /
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Lamar Odom (Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty Images)
Lamar Odom (Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty Images) /

Mavericks Worst Move #8: The Lamar Odom Trade

At the time, the decision to trade for then-Los Angeles Lakers forward Lamar Odom seemed like a worthwhile gamble for Cuban and the Mavericks. Unfortunately, it turned into a disaster. Odom was a key member of the Lakers, a team that had gone to three straight NBA Finals and won back-to-back championships before they were eliminated in the second round of the 2011 playoffs by Dallas.

That loss led to changes by the Lakers, including Hall of Fame coach Phil Jackson retiring and the team trying and failing to land Chris Paul in a three-team deal that would have included Odom. That failed deal resulted in Odom demanding a trade and the Mavericks taking advantage. They traded a first-round pick to acquire him and quickly regretted it. There were issues relating to his weight as well as his drive, with both coach Rick Carlise and Cuban confronting him over those concerns.

Needless to say, Odom didn’t last the season, instead logging just 50 games and averaging only 6.6 points on 35% shooting. He was even paid to stay at home and was eventually traded in the offseason, but the Mavericks failed to recoup the first-round pick that they gave away for him. To be fair to Cuban, most teams probably would have given up a first to add the reigning Sixth Man of the Year to a championship core, but there were warning signs that were ignored. The biggest was that Odom was considering taking a season off, in a way he did.