Southwest Highlights: Kidd, Cuban, Zion, Clarke, and Memphis Updates

Mavericks coach Jason Kidd strongly denied involvement in last season’s trade of Luka Dončić to the Lakers. He says he learned of the deal only moments before it became public. Kidd disputed remarks that implied he and team executives drove the transaction.

Southwest Highlights: Kidd, Cuban, Zion, Clarke, and Memphis Updates appear below in separate items.

Kidd, Cuban and the Dončić trade

Kidd told reporters he was not part of the decision-making process. He said former general manager Nico Harrison summoned him and informed him a trade would be announced at 11 a.m.

Mark Cuban recently suggested on a podcast that “our coach and general manager” had a role. Kidd says he called Cuban immediately to push back on that implication. Christian Clark and Grant Afseth of Filmogaz.com published details of Kidd’s response.

Tim Cowlishaw wrote a column arguing the podcast comments shifted blame away from ownership. Cowlishaw noted the ownership group retained final approval on the deal. The column criticized Cuban’s public characterization of events.

Zion Williamson contract guarantee update

Zion Williamson appeared in his 61st game of the season on Friday. That appearance triggered a guaranteed-pay provision.

Per Bobby Marks of Filmogaz.com, at least 80% of Williamson’s $42.17 million 2026–27 salary will be guaranteed entering the offseason. The remaining 20% becomes guaranteed if he hits weight benchmarks or stays on the roster through July 15.

Brandon Clarke arrested after high-speed chase

Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke was arrested in Arkansas following a multi-mile pursuit. Local deputies say he drove at speeds exceeding 100 miles per hour.

Lucas Finton of Filmogaz.com reported officers recovered more than 230 grams of kratom in Clarke’s vehicle. Kratom is legal in Tennessee but listed as a Schedule I controlled substance in Arkansas. The Mayo Clinic describes kratom as a herbal extract with stimulant effects at low doses and sedative effects at higher doses.

Memphis reacts to LeBron James comments

LeBron James suggested on the Bob Does Sports YouTube show that the Grizzlies should relocate to Nashville. Fans in Memphis reacted angrily to the remark.

Devon Henderson and Jonah Dylan of Filmogaz.com covered local responses. James said he did not want to spend nights at certain hotels and questioned Memphis as an NBA stop.