When the Dallas Mavericks pulled off the blockbuster trade for Kyrie Irving during the 2022-23 NBA season, the move instantly made headlines. But what went largely unnoticed at the time was the behind-the-scenes maneuvering that helped make the deal happen. Now, in a candid conversation on Semafor’s Mixed Signals podcast, longtime Mavericks owner Mark Cuban has shed light on the surprising figure who played a crucial role in facilitating the trade — none other than ESPN NBA insider Shams Charania.
Cuban, who recently sold a majority stake in the Mavericks but remains actively involved as a minority owner, openly credited Charania for being instrumental in both acquiring and retaining Irving. According to Cuban, Shams’ involvement went well beyond simply reporting breaking news. His unique position and relationships within the NBA world allowed him to act as a trusted bridge between franchises, agents, and players.
“Shams was my guy… He was a big help with us getting Kyrie, when we traded for Kyrie,” Cuban said during the podcast. “And for us extending him when we extended, because he had a great relationship with Kyrie’s agent.”
This revelation pulls back the curtain on how complex and fragile NBA trades can be. Cuban spoke candidly about past high-stakes negotiations that never materialized, citing near-deals involving superstars like Kobe Bryant and Paul Pierce. These discussions, he explained, can collapse in an instant — often derailed by timing, ego, or unexpected leaks. That’s where insiders like Shams come in, offering more than just a stream of real-time updates. Cuban described him as someone he could trust for insights into player sentiments, market dynamics, and team strategies.
Information control is a delicate balancing act in the NBA, particularly once agents and players get involved. In Cuban’s words, “Once agents and players get into the process, things start to leak.” In those moments, someone like Charania becomes not just a reporter, but a strategic ally — someone who understands the nuances of both media and basketball operations.
Cuban’s remarks also highlight a growing evolution in the role of NBA insiders. In a league where public perception and internal negotiations often intersect, relationships are everything. It’s not uncommon for team executives to rely on trusted reporters not only for information gathering but also for gauging interest and sentiment among players around the league. For Cuban, Charania wasn’t just a media personality — he was a conduit of crucial intel and perspective.
This partnership ultimately helped the Mavericks land Kyrie Irving from the Brooklyn Nets in a move that reshaped the team’s trajectory. While the deal was met with mixed reactions initially, it’s now widely seen as a turning point that pushed Dallas back into championship contention. The Mavericks have since benefited from Irving’s offensive firepower and veteran presence, with his chemistry alongside Luka Dončić forming one of the NBA’s most dynamic duos.
Cuban, whose net worth is estimated at $6 billion according to Forbes, is no stranger to making bold business moves. But his decision to trust an NBA insider to help navigate such a high-stakes trade shows how modern-day basketball operations are as much about relationships and communication as they are about talent and salary caps.
In the end, while fans often associate insiders like Shams Charania with Twitter scoops and trade alerts, this behind-the-scenes look from Mark Cuban proves that their influence can run much deeper. When it comes to shaping the future of NBA franchises, sometimes the most impactful moves happen far from the court — in quiet conversations, discreet messages, and trusted relationships that help turn ambition into reality.