Trump jokes about trying to "redo" huge Luka Donฤiฤ trade in Dallas speech
President Trump's speech at the Republican National Committee convention touched on the polarizing NBA trade that sent superstar guard Luka Donฤiฤ from the Mavericks to the Lakers.
September 10, 2026 / 1:36 AM EDT / CBS News
"I must tell you, I don't understand the trade. That trade is not good," he said late Wednesday at the American Airlines Center, the Dallas Mavericks' home arena.
The president continued: "It's not going to go down as the greatest trade in the history of sports. It might go down as the worst trade in the history of sports," before conceding that the Boston Red Sox's decision to ship pitcher Babe Ruth to the New York Yankees more than a century ago likely still deserved that dubious distinction.
"Maybe we could redo that trade. I redo deals all the time. โฆ I understand deals. But that one, I didn't quite get," Mr. Trump said. He then resumed talking about U.S. oil production and Iran.
In a bombshell midseason transaction early last year, the Mavericks sent Donฤiฤ and two other players to the Lakers, principally in exchange for Anthony Davis and a 2029 first-round draft pick. The trade drew consternation from many Dallas fans who were critical of the team's decision to trade away the now-27-year-old face of the franchise.