When Boston Red Sox owner Harry Frazee sold Babe Ruth to the New York Yankees in December 1919, he probably didn't imagine that his decision would echo through sports history over a century later. Now, in a stunning twist of fate, the Dallas Mavericks have sent shockwaves through the basketball world by trading Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers.
This move has fans and analysts drawing parallels between the two moments. Even Mavericks coach Jason Kidd chimed in on Wednesday, saying, "Some are comparing this to Babe Ruth, which is kinda cool," as Dallas prepared to face Los Angeles.
Jason Kidd says that “some are comparing this to Babe Ruth, which is kinda cool” in regards to the Luka trade which is pretty wild considering how that story goes
— Dan Woike (@DanWoikeSports) April 9, 2025
Kidd's remark taps into the enduring narrative of the Babe Ruth deal's impact, notably for its lopsided nature. The Yankees transformed into a powerhouse, while the Red Sox languished for decades before reclaiming glory with a World Series win in 2004.
For the Mavericks, the prospect of their next championship arriving far in the future doesn’t seem so far-fetched. Kidd might just be onto something with this comparison, as both deals highlight sports' unpredictable ability to reshape teams' destinies.
