Mark Cuban Discloses Dirk Nowitzki’s Willingness for Kobe Bryant Trade to Lakers

Kobe Bryant spent his entire 20-year NBA career with the Los Angeles Lakers. A 2007 trade request nearly sent him elsewhere.

The near-deal with Dallas

Mark Cuban described Dallas’ pursuit on the Club 520 podcast. He said the Mavericks believed a Kobe trade was imminent.

Cuban recalled speaking with Rob Pelinka, Kobe’s agent, and with owner Jerry Buss. He said the Lakers had given tentative approval.

The proposed package reportedly included two first-round picks, Josh Howard, and Jason Terry for Kobe Bryant. Cuban added that Mitch Kupchak later convinced Kobe to stay.

Cuban also said Dirk Nowitzki expressed his willingness to be traded for Kobe. The Mavericks’ 2006-07 MVP reportedly told Cuban he would accept that trade.

Context and timeline

• Dirk Nowitzki won NBA MVP in the 2006-07 season.
• Kobe submitted a trade request in 2007.
• In February 2008, Mitch Kupchak acquired Pau Gasol from the Memphis Grizzlies.
• Bryant and Gasol led the Lakers to the NBA Finals in 2008, 2009, and 2010.
• The Lakers lost to the Boston Celtics in 2008.
• Los Angeles beat the Orlando Magic in 2009.
• The Lakers defeated the Celtics in seven games in 2010.
• The Dallas Mavericks won the 2011 NBA title and swept the Lakers in the Western Conference Semifinals.

Conflicting accounts

NBA reporter Marc Stein challenged Cuban’s version. Stein said the deal was not as close as Cuban suggested.

According to Stein, the Lakers formally entertained one offer that summer. That proposal came from the Detroit Pistons and tested Kobe’s willingness to waive his no-trade clause.

Kobe vetoed the Pistons offer and remained with the Lakers.

Aftermath and legacy

Mitch Kupchak’s acquisition of Pau Gasol provided Kobe a long-term co-star. The pairing delivered three straight Finals and two championships.

Had the trade occurred, pairing Kobe with Dirk Nowitzki would have dramatically altered NBA history. Instead, both players left lasting legacies on different franchises.

Reporting for Filmogaz.com.