10 Best Trades in NBA which changed the history of the game
This is a list of 10 historic NBA trades that transformed teams, created dynasties and changed the league's future.
- Rajat Srivastava
- 5 min read
This list highlights 10 of the most impactful trades in the history of NBA. These transfers didn’t just help the teams but reshaped the league. From Paul George and Shaq ONeal to Kawhi Leonard and Kevin Garnett, these trades built legacies for the team. They further brought championships and turned franchises around. Each deal shows how the right player at the right time can change everything and leave a lasting mark on basketball history.
10. Luka Doncic draft day trade in 2018
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In the 2018 NBA Draft, the Hawks exchanged Luka Doncic their 3rd pick to the Mavericks, for Trae Young which was their 5th pick and a future first round pick. This trade gave Mavericks a future superstar who later became an All Star player and MVP contender. Luka’s all-round game and leadership quickly changed the fortunes of the Mavericks, making it one of the most brilliant draft day trades in recent years of NBA.
9. Raptors Acquire Kawhi Leonard (2018)
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In an extraordinary trade in 2018, the Raptors sent Jakob Poeltl, DeMar DeRozan and a pick to the Spurs for Kawhi Leonard and Danny Green. Kawhi just stayed one season with the Raptors but he made it count. He lead Toronto to their first ever NBA title in 2019. The bold move paid off, as Kawhi’s leadership and brilliant performances instantly turned the Raptors into the champions.
8. Tracy McGrady to Houston Rockets (2004)
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In 2004, the Rockets signed Tracy McGrady, while sending Cuttino Mobley, Steve Francis and Kelvin Cato to Orlando. McGrady teamed up with Yao Ming, forming a formidable partnership at the Rockets. While injuries limited their playoff success, McGrady brought excitement and spectacular scoring talent to Houston. The trade helped Rockets secure one of the league’s top offensive players during the 2000s.
7. Shaquille ONeal to Miami Heat (2004)
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Because of the growing tension with Kobe Bryant and Lakers management, Shaq was traded to Heat in 2004. The Lakers received Lamar Odom, Caron Butler, Brian Grant and a first round pick. Shaq joined the franchise and led the Heats to their first NBA title in 2006. The trade reenergized Miami and challenged the dominance of the Lakers in NBA.
6. Suns Trade for Charles Barkley (1992)
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The Suns traded three players, including Jeff Hornacek to the 76ers in 1992 for Charles Barkley. Barkley made an immediate impact for the franchise, winning the league MVP and leading Suns to the NBA Finals in 1993. Although they lost to the Bulls in the finals, they became one of the best team in the league. Barkley injected the star power and brought national attention to the Suns.
5. Bucks Acquire Kareem Abdul Jabbar through trade (1975)
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In 1975, Kareem Abdul Jabbar was traded to the Lakers from the Bucks in exchange for four players. The deal gave Lakers one of the greatest centers ever seen in the history of the game. Kareem led the Lakers to five titles in the 1980s, won six MVPs in his career, and held the all-time scoring record for them until LeBron James broke it later on.
4. Lakers Get Pau Gasol (2008)
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In 2008, the Lakers traded Javaris Crittenton Kwame Brown and the rights to Marc Gasol to Memphis for Pau Gasol. Pau instantly made an impact for the Lakers, partnering affectively with Kobe Bryant to win consecutive championships in 2009 and 2010. It was considered a one sided trade initially, but later Marc Gasol himself, became a star, making this a rare trade that helped both teams in the long run.
3. Anthony Davis to LA Lakers (2019)
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The Lakers traded Lonzo Ball, Brandon Ingram, Josh Hart and few other first round picks to the Pelicans in exchange for Anthony Davis in 2019. Davis immediately impacted the fortunes of Lakers by helping them win the 2020 NBA Championship. While the Pelicans gained young talent and flexibility in their squad. The Lakers got another star, making it a smart move that won them a title.
2. Celtics sign Kevin Garnett (2007)
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The Celtics pulled off a sort of trade coup in 2007, when they got Kevin Garnett from Timberwolves for Al Jefferson and a few other players. Garnett joined Paul Pierce and Ray Allen to form the exciting trio at the club. They won the NBA title in 2008, thus helping to revive the glory days of Celtics. This trade helped Celtics into becoming a championship winning team again after years of struggle in the league.
1. Paul George to LA Clippers (2019)
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In 2019, the LA Clippers traded a massive set of players to Oklahoma City for Paul George by sending Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Danilo Gallinari and five first-round picks. This trade also enabled the Clippers to sign Kawhi Leonard, forming a title-challenging duo for the franchise. While the Clippers haven’t won the NBA, OKC found a star in Shai and built its team for the future. It remains one of the biggest trades in NBA history due to the quality of players involved in the trade.