Mavericks news: Luka Doncic denies rumor, Maxi Kleber vows to play, more

Dallas Mavericks superstar Luka Doncic was at the center of a rumor before Wednesday’s game after ESPN’s Tim MacMahon noted that the 23-year-old wanted the team to upgrade their roster before the Feb. 9 trade deadline. Doncic has not been involved in personnel matters to this point in his career, but that could be changing.

After Wednesday’s loss to the Hawks, Luka met with reporters where he denied putting pressure on the front office to make moves. Read his quote below.

"Obviously, people who are next to me, who I talk to, know that’s not true. I didn’t say anything about that, but I talk to Nico and I talk to Fin more than I used to. That’s not just the way I talk to them. We have great communication and that just stays between us."

Doncic denied asking for roster upgrades, but it does appear he is having more input and discussions with general manager Nico Harrison and assistant general manager Michael Finely.

More Mavericks news

Mavs owner Mark Cuban also denied MacMahon’s report on Wednesday.

The 64-year-old billionaire even added that Doncic supports the direction of the front office.

Maxi Kleber joined the Mavericks pregame broadcast before Wednesday’s game where he talked about his injury. Most thought the 6’10 big man would miss the rest of the regular season, but Kleber is planning on returning before the All-Star break. Hear him for yourself below.

The Mavericks tipoff for Sunday’s game against the LA Clippers was moved up to 1:30 p.m. CT, so it did not conflict with the Cowboys playoff game.

NBA news

Bradley Beal returned after missing five games with a hamstring injury and led the Wizards to a win over the Knicks at Madison Square Garden. Beal produced 18 points and four dimes in the victory.

LaMelo Ball sprained his ankle in Wednesday’s win over the Rockets. The 21-year-old downplayed the significance of the injury postgame, but do not be surprised to see the Hornets sit their star point guard for a couple of games to be safe.

The Dallas Mavericks continue a four-game homestand on Friday night when they host the Miami Heat. Jimmy Butler is hot as the Heat have won four of their last five. Can Luka Doncic and company snap their three-game losing streak on Friday night? Tune in to find out.