DALLAS — Babe Ruth's name was not expected to be a topic of discussion during Luka Doncic's return to Dallas on Wednesday. Yet, the Boston Red Sox-New York Yankees' Ruth-led trade before the 1920 season emerged as a subject to talk about after Dallas Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd mentioned it in his pregame press conference.
“Someone compared (the Luka Doncic) trade to Babe Ruth, which is kind of cool,” Kidd said.
Fans were surprised by Kidd's comments, as the Red Sox went 86 years without winning a World Series after the Red Sox traded Ruth to the Yankees. The Mavericks head coach is surely addressing the element of the magnitude of the trade, of course. Nevertheless, fans questioned Kidd's comments. There are similar elements, though.
Babe Ruth had already established himself as a star in Boston before the trade. He went on to enjoy a tremendous career in New York with the Yankees. Meanwhile, Luka Doncic was arguably the best player in the NBA before getting traded from the Mavs to the Los Angeles Lakers.
Article Continues BelowThe Mavericks-Lakers Luka Doncic trade is one of the most surprising deals in sports history. There were no rumors or reports that Luka was even being discussed in potential trades. Yet, in early February, the entire NBA world was shocked when it was reported that Doncic was indeed being moved.
The former Mavs star is now looking to lead his new team to a deep postseason run. The Lakers have potential without question as Doncic, LeBron James and Austin Reaves lead the way.
The Babe Ruth and Luka Doncic trade comparison is one thing, but there is no question that the Doncic deal was shocking. On Wednesday, both the Mavericks and Lakers will try to focus on winning the game. The emotions of Doncic's return could make that goal difficult, however.