By September 10, 2026, President Trump addressed various topics during the Republican National Committee midterm convention. Alongside discussions on oil, Iran, and immigration, he commented on the controversial NBA trade involving Luka Dončić. This event took place at the American Airlines Center, home to the Dallas Mavericks.
The president questioned the trade, describing it as “not good” and potentially “the worst trade in the history of sports.” While he conceded that the Boston Red Sox trading Babe Ruth to the New York Yankees remained a historically poor decision, he expressed his confusion over the Mavericks’ transaction.
“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,” he stated. He further mused, “Maybe we could redo that trade. I redo deals all the time. … I understand deals. But that one, I didn’t quite get.”
The trade sent Dončić, along with two other players, to the Los Angeles Lakers in exchange for Anthony Davis and a 2029 first-round draft pick. Dallas fans voiced their displeasure over losing Dončić, then 27 years old and the franchise’s star player.
The Mavericks are primarily owned by Miriam Adelson’s family, a prominent GOP donor. This ownership ties the team to President Trump, who has previously spoken on sports controversies.
President Trump has consistently used his platform to engage in sports debates. He criticized the NFL’s new kickoff rules and expressed discontent on Truth Social regarding Shedeur Sanders’ draft position. He questioned the judgment of NFL owners and urged immediate selection for Sanders. Sanders, the son of NFL legend Deion Sanders, was eventually drafted by the Cleveland Browns.
Additionally, Trump intervened during the World Cup, requesting FIFA to reconsider a suspension for U.S. forward Folarin Balogun. FIFA reversed the decision, although he clarified he did not order this action.