Donald Trump Calls the Luka Doncic Trade the Worst in Sports History

Trump criticizes the deal

Speaking at a political event in Dallas, former President Donald Trump didn’t hold back about the blockbuster trade that sent Luka Doncic away. He said he doesn’t understand why the Mavericks made the move and suggested it might go down as one of the worst trades in sports history. He even compared it to the infamous Babe Ruth deal and joked that if he could, he’d try to reverse it.

What happened with the trade and its fallout

The multi-player swap during the 2024/25 season saw the receiving team get Luka Doncic along with two role players, while the Mavericks took back a star, a young player, and a future first-round pick. The move proved controversial as the fit and results didn’t pan out as hoped.

After the trade, the Mavericks faced heavy criticism. The general manager who engineered the deal was later fired, and the veteran player sent to Dallas struggled with injuries before being moved again. Two seasons on, people still talk about the trade — and opinions like Trump’s keep it in the headlines.

Whether you agree with his take or not, the upheaval that followed shows how a single blockbuster move can reshape a franchise for years.