In addition to rising in the 2016 presidential race to become the Republican front-runner, Donald Trump has also gained a celebrity endorsement from Dennis Rodman.

The five-time NBA champion tweeted his support for the real estate tycoon's presidential campaign on Friday, writing: "@realDonaldTrump has been a great friend for many years. We don't need another politician, we need a businessman like Mr. Trump! Trump 2016."

Trump responded to the NBA Hall of Famer, tweeting, "Thank you @DennisRodman. It's time to #MakeAmericaGreatAgain! I hope you are doing well!"

Rodman appeared on the eighth season of Trump's NBC reality series, "The Celebrity Apprentice," and was the fifth contestant to be fired out of a total of 16, reports Politico.

In 2013 and 2014, the former NBA all-star drew criticism for traveling to North Korea and participating in a basketball game for the country's dictator, Kim Jong-un.

During those trips, he sang "Happy Birthday" to Jong-un, who he claimed was his "best friend," reports The Huffington Post. He also placed the blame on an imprisoned American missionary for actions leading to his detainment in the country, rather than the oppressive regime.

The White House in turn denounced Rodman's visits to North Korea. Trump, on the other hand, called the trips "smart" and suggested that "maybe Dennis is a lot better than what we have" in the Oval Office.

Trump also praised Rodman for visiting North Korea, and agreed that President Obama should give Kim Jong-un a call.

However, Trump quickly turned on the former Chicago Bulls basketball star, tweeting that Rodman "is saying I wanted to go to North Korea with him."

"Never discussed, no interest, last place on Earth I want to go," added the billionaire.

"Dennis Rodman was either drunk or on drugs (delusional) when he said I wanted to go to North Korea with him. Glad I fired him on Apprentice!" he said.