Donald Trump’s reaction to ‘dumb’ Luka Doncic trade revealed by $10B NBA owner

Dallas Mavericks traded franchise cornerstone Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers without getting sufficient compensation in return.

Donald Trump’s reaction to ‘dumb’ Luka Doncic trade revealed by $10B NBA owner

Donald Trump told Tilman Fertitta the Dallas Mavericks were 'dumb' to trade Luka Doncic

When the Dallas Mavericks traded Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers, it sent shockwaves across the world of sports. Fans understood the magnitude of the trade and how it would change the landscape of the NBA.

Rightfully, many players, agents, and owners were furious that the league allowed the trade to go through. They believed such moves should be vetoed, just as David Stern did when the Lakers tried to pair Chris Paul with Kobe Bryant.

His successor and current commissioner, Adam Silver, clarified that he did not have the authority to have an opinion on this matter. It could be that the current CBA has taken away some of those rights. But even then, many believe Silver could have intervened to at least balance the trade.

Many believe the Dallas Mavericks did not get fair value in return for the generational talent they gave up. The trade helped the NBA leapfrog all other sporting leagues in terms of engagement. So much so that Houston Rockets owner Tilman Fertitta discussed the trade with a person many might not expect to follow NBA news.

I was in the White House, in the Oval Office, with the Prime Minister of Italy and the President last Thursday. We talked about the Houston Cougars. And then we talked about that dumb*** Luka Doncic trade Dallas did.

Tilman Fertitta said

The $10 billion net worth Texas native happens to be the next United States Ambassador to Italy. That is how he was in the Oval Office in the presence of President Donald Trump and Italy Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. There, the President mentioned that it was ‘dumb’ of the Dallas Mavericks to trade Luka Doncic.

Donald Trump has usually not taken a keen interest in the NBA

Donald Trump loves to play golf. That has been his go-to pastime, and he has taken to his private course whenever he wants to let off some steam. Other than that, he follows the NFL and has been vocal about their recent mindless kickoff rule changes.

But when it comes to the NBA, his association has largely centered around what players and coaches felt about his first term as President. He often clashed with Luka Doncic’s new teammate, LeBron James. Other players had also called out his methods while handling social issues.

Coaches and former players also joined in to slam the real estate magnate. Gregg Popovich and Steve Kerr happen to be some of the loudest critics. But no one has been louder than Charles Barkley. The Hall of Famer has never stopped to disclose how he truly feels about Donald Trump.

The 78-year-old knew that the NBA community did not like him. During his presidential campaign, he tried to win their support by launching a custom gold sneaker. That tactic did not work and left many disappointed by his lack of focus on the issues they face.

Rockets and Mavs owners donated to Trump’s campaign

Donald Trump might believe that the Dallas Mavericks’ decision to trade Luka Doncic was ‘dumb’. However, he might not try and interfere in it, considering Mavericks owner Miriam Adelson is one of his most loyal supporters.

The owner of a $32 billion conglomerate, Adelson, donated $100 million to Trump’s presidential campaign. He wanted her to donate more and was upset when his then-opponent Kamala Harris raked in a lot more funds.

Tilman Fertitta had donated $420,000 to PACs backing Trump. Due to Fertitta’s long-standing support, the current President appointed him to be the next United States Ambassador to Italy. He might have to miss watching his Houston Rockets fight it out in the playoffs if he has to start his duties soon.

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