The Five Best NBA Trades in History
By
Will Brown
Contributor Updated: 25 November 2024
Will Brown Contributor
William Brown is a Content Writer with strong expertise in US and global gambling industry trends. Having covered the local sports betting market since the repeal of PASPA in 2018, William approaches his gambling guides with passion and diligence. He is a keen player of online slots, blackjack, and a regular sports bettor.
The Five Biggest and Best Trades in NBA History
The world of basketball is filled with many unpredictable moments, especially when it comes to rostering. The best NBA trades can have major impacts on the careers of players and change the whole trajectory of teams’ performances, with the effects rippling out to reshape the league. Through considered and inspired trading, we have seen dynasties established, floundering franchises reinvigorated, and rivalries formed. In this blog, we will explore some of the most impactful trades in the NBA’s history.
Intro to the Best Trades in NBA History
To get this blog started, we’ve covered NBA trading in detail. This includes an exploration of how trades work, why they’re an integral part of the game, and the limitations that impact the maneuvers. We’ve then looked at some of the best trades of all time, starting with Anthony Davis’ move to the Lakers.
From there, we’ve discussed Paul George’s move to the Clippers, James Harden to Brooklyn, Deron Williams to New Jersey, and Carmelo Anthony to New York. Each trade has a unique story and has lasting impacts on the world of professional basketball.
- Biggest Trades in NBA History
- NBA Basketball Trades Explained
- Davis to Lakers Impact
- Paul George Joins Clippers
- Harden’s Move to Brooklyn
- Deron Williams in New Jersey
- Garnette’s Boston Adventure
NBA Best Trades of All Time Explained
NBA basketball trades are an incredibly important part of the league, allowing teams to exchange players and assets to improve their rosters, clear salary cap space, or acquire promising young talent. The process of trading players is almost identical to all other professional sports leagues, including the NFL and MLB. There are several reasons why the best NBA trades occur, as the table shows:
| Reason For Trade | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Talent Acquisition | Teams often trade to acquire a star player or fill a positional need. This can instantly improve a team’s performance, making them more competitive or even championship contenders. |
| Salary Cap Management | The NBA has a salary cap in place to maintain a competitive balance. Teams often make trades to clear cap space, enabling them to sign free agents or avoid luxury tax penalties. |
| Draft Picks and Assets | Teams may trade for draft picks or young players with potential. This is particularly common among rebuilding franchises looking to develop a core of talented players for future success. |
| Change of Scenery | Sometimes, a trade benefits both teams and players involved. A change of scenery can rejuvenate a player’s career or improve team chemistry, leading to better on-court results. |
| Expiring Contracts | Teams often trade players with expiring contracts to avoid losing them for nothing in free agency. In return, they may receive players or picks that can help them in the long run. |
For anyone who prefers to bet on live NBA games, it’s important to know when the trade windows are open so you can plan your selections. The regular season trade window opens right after the July moratorium and usually extends until early to mid-February.
Some of the best trades in NBA history have occurred outside of the regular season, too, as offseason trades are permitted once a team’s season finishes. The NBA Draft in June provides another great opportunity for trading. Restricted trade periods include the July moratorium period and near the playoffs for non-participating teams. Below, we’ve looked at these top trades.
Davis to Lakers Impact
Considered by many to be the largest trade in NBA history in terms of impact, Anthony Davis’ move to the Lakers was a monumental event in the league. The Los Angeles Lakers acquired Anthony Davis from the New Orleans Pelicans in exchange for Lonzo Ball, Brandon Ingram, Josh Hart, and several other draft picks.
For the Lakers, home to some of the most successful athletes of all time, the trade brought an elite superstar on board to join forces with LeBron James. The duo proved to be a match made in heaven, and their on-court chemistry was unparalleled; they aided in creating one of the strongest teams in NBA history.
The two players jointly led the Lakers to their 17th championship in the 2019-2020 season, as Davis played a crucial role throughout the playoffs. His defensive abilities and offensive skills were priceless, and the pair-up of the two proved to be a game-changer.
However, like most of the best NBA trades, this wasn’t a one-sided deal. The Pelicans received a range of young talent and draft picks that jumpstarted their rebuilding process. This had tangible impacts in the long run, making them a formidable team.
For example, Ingram turned into an All-Star, while Ball was able to harness his playmaking abilities. Hart also provided valuable contributions, giving the team significant benefits on the court. The trade laid the foundation for a promising future in New Orleans, making it a win-win situation for both teams.
Paul George Joins Clippers
Paul George’s trade to the LA Clippers in 2019 was another of the biggest trades in NBA history. Oklahoma City Thunder sent George to the Clippers in exchange for Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Danilo Gallinari, and a massive haul of draft picks. This had far-reaching consequences for both franchises.
The Clippers were already a competitive team, but adding George, an All-Star and two-way standout, made them a true force to be reckoned with in the NBA. The trade also helped to attract Kawhi Leonard in free agency. Leonard and George formed a strong defensive duo that turned the Clippers into one of the best teams in the league.
The duo continues to be a strong part of the team. For the Thunder, the trade marked the start of a full-scale rebuild. Gilgeous-Alexander has since become one of the team’s up-and-coming stars, and the numerous draft picks acquired gave Oklahoma City reliable leverage when rostering future teams.
Harden’s Move to Brooklyn
James Harden’s move to the Brooklyn Nets sent shockwaves throughout the NBA in 2021, making it one of the best trades of all time in terms of surprise. The Houston Rockets traded the former MVP to Brooklyn in a four-team deal that also involved the Indiana Pacers and the Cleveland Cavaliers. The trade had a huge impact on all four teams.
Already fielding stars Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving, the Nets became an offensive superpower with the addition of Harden. This “Big Three” was expected to dominate the league and lead Brooklyn to championship glory. While they did at times show glimpses of their potential, injuries and on-court issues hampered their progress.
Unfortunately, just over a year after first signing Harden, he was traded to Philadelphia. For the Rockets, the trade signified the end of an era and the start of a rebuild. They received Rodions Kurucs, Dante Exum, and Brooklyn’s 2022, 2024, and 2026 first-round picks. Indiana received Caris LeVert, along with second-round picks in 2023 and 2024, and Cleveland received Jarret Allen and Taurean Prince.
Deron Williams in New Jersey
Another of the best NBA trades saw Deron Williams move to the New Jersey Nets in 2011. The Utah Jazz swapped the All-Star point guard in exchange for Devin Harris, Derrick Favors, a 2011 first-round pick, and a 2013 first-round pick. The Nets hoped that acquiring Williams, a premier playmaker, would make them more competitive in the Eastern Conference.
Initially, Williams did provide a spark. however, persistent injuries and inconsistent play during his tenure in New Jersey hindered the team’s success. The Nets never fully capitalized on Williams’ talent, and he was eventually bought out of the deal in 2015.
For the Jazz, the trade started something of a transitional period. While they lost a star player, they received promising young talent and valuable draft picks in return. Favors became one of the team’s most successful acquisitions, and they combined his skills with Gordon Hayward, who, playing forward, helped Utah to maintain their streak of six straight playoff appearances.
Garnette’s Boston Adventure
Considered to be one of the best trades in NBA history, Kevin Garnett’s 2007 trade with the Boston Celtics reshaped the NBA landscape. After years of playoff disappointments, the Minnesota Timberwolves shocked fans when they traded their franchise star to Boston. Having already acquired Ray Allen, a formidable “Big Three” was formed in Boston with Garnett, Allen, and Paul Pierce.
This move transformed the Celtics into instant championship contenders, leading to a 42-game improvement and 66 wins in the following season. In exchange, Minnesota received Al Jefferson, Ryan Gomes, Sebastian Telfair, Gerald Green, Theo Ratliff, and two first-round picks. However, this was not enough to substitute Garnett.
The Celtics later won the 2008 NBA Championship, revitalizing the Celtics-Lakers rivalry. It also paved the way for other franchises to build superteams, changing the league forever.
