Houston Rockets owner Tilman Fertitta recently shared details of his conversation with President Donald Trump, where they discussed the Luka Doncic trade. Fertitta described the trade, which sent Doncic from the Dallas Mavericks to the Los Angeles Lakers, as a “dumbass” move.
The trade, which was finalized in February, saw the Mavericks trade Doncic, Maxi Kleber, and Markieff Morris to the Lakers for Anthony Davis, Max Christie, and a 2029 first-round pick. Fertitta’s comments suggest he doesn’t think the trade was beneficial for the Mavericks.
Fertitta revealed that he had a conversation with President Trump at the White House, where they discussed various topics, including the Houston Cougars’ performance in the NCAA Tournament. Fertitta mentioned that Trump was aware of the Luka Doncic trade and seemed to share Fertitta’s opinion on the matter.
The Luka Doncic trade has been widely discussed, with many questioning the Mavericks’ decision-making process. Mavericks GM Nico Harrison has faced criticism from fans, who have called for his dismissal. Harrison acknowledged that he underestimated the fans’ attachment to Doncic, saying, “I did know Luka was important to the fan base.”
Some conspiracy theorists have suggested that President Trump may have played a role in the trade, given the Mavericks’ owner Miriam Adelson’s significant donation to Trump’s campaign. However, there’s no concrete evidence to support this claim, and it’s likely that the trade was simply a business decision made by the Mavericks’ front office.
Fertitta’s conversation with Trump is not surprising, given their apparent close relationship. Fertitta has donated $420,000 to PACs backing Trump’s election campaign, and Trump has even nominated Fertitta to be the US Ambassador to Italy and San Marino.
