According to the NBA, there have been over 2,000 trades in NBA history. Trades often have a profound impact on teams, whether in the short-term or in the long run. That said, there are some notable NBA trades that have altered the course of a franchise.
Given that whenever February rolls around, the trade rumor mill starts churning out which players will most likely move from one team to another, it can make or break a team’s season.
With that in mind, we’re diving deep into the 24 most significant trades that sent shockwaves through the NBA.
Table of Contents
- Superstar Relocations
- Championship-Altering Trades
- Franchise-Changing Deals
- Lopsided Trades
- Multi-Team Blockbusters
Superstar Relocations
Superstar relocations have always been a major part of NBA history. These trades involve the league’s biggest names moving to new teams, often reshaping the competitive landscape. We’ll explore five trades that saw basketball icons change uniforms and alter the course of multiple franchises.
Superstar trades often involve complex salary cap maneuvering. This is due to the fact that superstar contracts often have hefty salaries which make it difficult for other teams to match with their current roster.
In such cases, The NBA’s “Bird rights” rule plays a crucial role in facilitating superstar trades. The Larry Bird exception allows teams to exceed the salary cap to re-sign their own free agents, at an amount up to the maximum salary. To qualify as a Bird free agent, a player must have played three seasons without being waived or changing teams as a free agent.
There are also trade kickers and no-trade clauses can complicate superstar deals.
1. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar to the Lakers (1975)
The trade that sent Kareem Abdul-Jabbar from the Milwaukee Bucks to the Los Angeles Lakers in 1975 is widely regarded as one of the most impactful deals in NBA history. This move not only brought the league’s most dominant player to a marquee franchise but also set the stage for the Lakers’ dynasty in the 1980s.
The trade involved multiple players: Abdul-Jabbar and Walt Wesley for Junior Bridgeman, Dave Meyers, Elmore Smith, and Brian Winters. Abdul-Jabbar’s trade request was motivated by personal reasons and a desire for a larger market.
The deal’s long-term impact included five championships for the Lakers over the next decade.
2. Wilt Chamberlain to the Lakers (1968)
In 1968, the Philadelphia 76ers traded Wilt Chamberlain to the Los Angeles Lakers, creating a superteam that would dominate the league. This move paired Chamberlain with Jerry West and Elgin Baylor, forming one of the most formidable trios in NBA history.
The Lakers acquired Chamberlain for Jerry Chambers, Archie Clark, and Darrall Imhoff. This trade marked the second time Chamberlain had been traded in his career – the first one happened when the Warriors relocated to San Francisco back in 1962–63 NBA season.
The deal led to the Lakers’ 1972 championship, featuring a record 33-game win streak.
3. Shaquille O’Neal to the Heat (2004)
The 2004 trade that sent Shaquille O’Neal from the Los Angeles Lakers to the Miami Heat broke up one of the most dominant duos in NBA history. This move not only reshaped both franchises but also shifted the balance of power in the league.
The Lakers received Lamar Odom, Caron Butler, Brian Grant, and a future first-round pick for O’Neal. This trade was partly motivated by the growing tension between O’Neal and Kobe Bryant, with the latter insisting that he can run the Lakers on his own.
The deal led to Miami’s first championship in 2006, with O’Neal playing a crucial role during the Heat’s run in the regular season and the playoffs. Shaquille O’Neal impact on the Heat exemplifies how a single move can transform a franchise. Before O’Neal’s arrival, the Heat had never made it past the Eastern Conference Finals.
In his first season with the team, they reached the Conference Finals, and in his second season, they won the NBA championship.
This trade not only brought Miami its first title but also established Dwyane Wade as a superstar, showcasing how a veteran superstar can elevate a young talent. During this time, most NBA betting tips for bettors have them monitor superstar movement during the offseason or before the trade deadline, as in most cases, such trades will see significant shifts in the team’s chances of having a deep run in the playoffs.
4. Kevin Garnett to the Celtics (2007)
The Boston Celtics’ acquisition of Kevin Garnett from the Minnesota Timberwolves in 2007 was a pivotal moment that revitalized a storied franchise. This trade, combined with the addition of Ray Allen, formed Boston’s “Big Three” and led to immediate success.
The trade saw the Timberwolves receive Al Jefferson, Ryan Gomes, Sebastian Telfair, Gerald Green, Theo Ratliff, cash, and two first-round picks for Kevin Garnett. This trade was the largest for a single player in NBA history at the time, as The Big Ticket was considered to be one of the best Power Forwards in the league during the trade.
The deal resulted in an NBA championship for Boston in 2008, their first in 22 years. Along with Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce, and Ray Allen showcasing their offensive and defensive prowess, this team also saw the ascension of Rajon Rondo as one of the best playmaking Point Guards in the NBA.
5. LeBron James to the Heat (sign-and-trade, 2010)
While technically a sign-and-trade, LeBron James‘ move to the Miami Heat in 2010 was one of the most talked-about transactions in NBA history. This deal created the “Heatles” superteam with Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh, reshaping the NBA landscape.
This move was facilitated through a sign-and-trade to allow James to receive a max contract. Meanwhile, the Cavaliers received two first-round picks and two second-round picks in the sign-and-trade.
The trade resulted in two championships and four straight Finals appearances for Miami.
Championship-Altering Trades
Some trades have a direct and immediate impact on the race for the NBA championship. These deals often involve a contending team acquiring the final piece needed to push them over the top. We’ll examine five trades that played a crucial role in determining NBA champions.
Championship-altering trades often occur close to the trade deadline. Generally, teams that are gunning for a deep playoff run will utilize the trade deadline to make the necessary adjustments to their rosters.
Most of these deals frequently involve teams taking on additional salary to improve their title chances. However, the success of these trades can hinge on how quickly the acquired player adapts to their new team.
6. Pau Gasol to the Lakers (2008)
The Los Angeles Lakers’ acquisition of Pau Gasol from the Memphis Grizzlies in 2008 immediately transformed them into title contenders. This trade provided Kobe Bryant with the perfect frontcourt partner and led to two consecutive championships.
The Lakers sent Kwame Brown, Javaris Crittenton, Aaron McKie, the rights to Marc Gasol, and two first-round picks to Memphis. This trade was initially criticized for its apparent lopsidedness in favor of the Lakers, and the general consensus was correct.
Gasol’s high basketball IQ and passing ability perfectly complemented the Lakers’ triangle offense. This move was pivotal for the Lakers, as Gasol’s skills were essential parts of the Lakers’ back-to-back championships in 2009 and 2010.
7. Kawhi Leonard to the Raptors (2018)
The Toronto Raptors’ bold move to acquire Kawhi Leonard from the San Antonio Spurs in 2018 paid off in spectacular fashion. Despite concerns about Leonard’s health and future plans, this trade directly led to the Raptors’ first NBA championship in 2019.
The Raptors sent DeMar DeRozan, Jakob Poeltl, and a protected 2019 first-round pick to the Spurs. Leonard was coming off a season where he played only 9 games due to injury. The trade also brought Danny Green to Toronto, providing valuable 3-and-D skills.
However, while the Kawhi Leonard trade automatically paid dividends for the Raptors, they weren’t able to keep the enigmatic Small Forward for the next season. Leonard became a free agent and opted to sign to the Los Angeles Clippers, leaving the Raptors with a big hole at Small Forward, and dashed any hopes of them defending their title.
8. Bill Russell draft rights to the Celtics (1956)
While technically a draft-day trade, the Boston Celtics’ acquisition of Bill Russell‘s draft rights from the St. Louis Hawks in 1956 set the stage for the greatest dynasty in NBA history. This move led to 11 championships in 13 years for the Celtics.
The Celtics traded Ed Macauley and the draft rights to Cliff Hagan for Russell’s rights. Celtics coach Red Auerbach orchestrated the trade after promising the Rochester Royals’ owner an ice show if they passed on Russell.
This trade fundamentally changed how teams valued defense and rebounding, as Russell dominated the paint with his presence and skill. The result of the Russell trade saw the Celtics have more than a decade of championships under their belt.
9. Clyde Drexler to the Rockets (1995)
The Houston Rockets’ acquisition of Clyde Drexler from the Portland Trail Blazers in 1995 provided the spark needed to defend their NBA title. This mid-season trade reunited Drexler with college teammate Hakeem Olajuwon and led to another championship.
The Rockets sent Otis Thorpe, a 1995 first-round pick, and the rights to Marcelo Nicola to Portland. It is worth noting that Drexler was averaging 22.0 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 5.7 assists per game at the time of the trade.
With Drexler and Olajuwon manning a great one-two combo, the duo helped Houston become the lowest-seeded team (6th) to win an NBA championship.
10. Dennis Rodman to the Bulls (1995)
The Chicago Bulls‘ acquisition of Dennis Rodman from the San Antonio Spurs in 1995 completed their second three-peat team. Despite concerns about Rodman’s behavior, this trade provided the Bulls with the rebounding and defense needed to dominate the league.
The Bulls only had to give up Will Perdue to acquire Rodman, who led the league in rebounding in all three seasons with the Bulls, averaging 15.3 rebounds per game. This trade allowed Scottie Pippen to move back to his natural small forward position.
The Dennis Rodman trade exemplifies how a seemingly risky move can pay off tremendously. Despite Rodman’s controversial reputation, the Bulls recognized his unique skillset and how it could complement their existing stars.
Rodman’s rebounding prowess and defensive intensity proved to be the missing piece for Chicago’s second three-peat. In the 1995-96 season, the Bulls set an NBA record with 72 wins (later broken by the 2015-16 Golden State Warriors), showcasing how a well-calculated trade can elevate an already great team to historic levels. NBA betting guide suggest watching out for players with notable specializations if they are traded to playoff-bound teams, as chances are, they will make a positive impact.
Franchise-Changing Deals
Some trades have a profound and lasting impact on a franchise, altering their trajectory for years or even decades. These deals often involve young players or draft picks that develop into superstars. We’ll explore five trades that reshaped franchises in significant ways.
Franchise-changing trades often involve calculated risks on unproven talent. These deals can have ripple effects on a team’s roster construction and salary cap for years.
The true impact of these trades may not be fully realized for several seasons. For example, Kobe Bryant was the first guard to be drafted directly out of high school by the Charlotte Hornets, but was sent to the Lakers in exchange for Vlade Divac.
This trade allowed the Lakers to clear cap space to sign Shaquille O’Neal in free agency seven days later; and a new dynasty that led to the NBA’s last three-peat was created.
11. Dirk Nowitzki draft rights to the Mavericks (1998)
The Dallas Mavericks’ acquisition of Dirk Nowitzki’s draft rights from the Milwaukee Bucks in 1998 transformed the franchise. This trade brought a revolutionary player to Dallas, ushering in an era of sustained success and an NBA championship.
The Mavericks traded the draft rights to Robert Traylor for Nowitzki and Pat Garrity. Nowitzki was largely unknown to American fans at the time, making this a high-risk move.
But this move proved to be revolutionary for the Mavericks, as Nowitzki developed into one of the best Power Forwards in the NBA who is lethal at the mid range and beyond the three point line. Moreover, this trade introduced a new archetype of a stretch big man to the NBA which became ubiquitous during the latter 2010s and can still be seen to this day.
12. Charles Barkley to the Suns (1992)
The Phoenix Suns’ trade for Charles Barkley in 1992 immediately turned them into title contenders. This deal brought one of the most dynamic players in the league to Phoenix, leading to an MVP season and an NBA Finals appearance.
The Suns sent Jeff Hornacek, Tim Perry, and Andrew Lang to the Philadelphia 76ers for Barkley, who was coming off a season where he averaged 23.1 points and 11.1 rebounds per game for the 76ers.
This trade helped the Suns improve from 53 wins to 62 wins and a Western Conference title.
13. James Harden to the Rockets (2012)
The Houston Rockets’ acquisition of James Harden from the Oklahoma City Thunder in 2012 transformed both franchises. This trade allowed Harden to blossom into an MVP-caliber player and turned the Rockets into perennial contenders.
The Rockets acquired Harden for Kevin Martin, Jeremy Lamb, two first-round picks, and a second-round pick. This transaction reshaped Houston’s offensive strategy, centering it around Harden’s unique skill set.
From Sixth Man, Harden transitioned into a franchise cornerstone, making Houston Rockets during the 2010s as a perennial playoff contender.
14. Steve Nash to the Suns (2004)
The Phoenix Suns’ sign-and-trade for Steve Nash in 2004 ushered in an era of high-octane, fast-paced basketball. This move reunited Nash with the team that drafted him and led to two MVP awards and multiple deep playoff runs.
To get Nash, the Phoenix Suns sent draft considerations to Dallas in the sign-and-trade agreement. Nash’s six-year, $63 million contract was initially viewed as a gamble given his age.
But this gamble paid off – the combination of Nash and coach Mike D’Antoni revolutionized NBA offensive schemes, namely, the “7 Seconds or Less” offensive playbook.
The inclusion of Nash to the Suns in 2004 also saw one of the biggest win-loss swings of an NBA team, from a 29-53 in the 2003-2004 season, to 62-20 during the 2004-2005 season.
Lopsided Trades
Not all trades result in mutual benefits. Some transactions end up heavily favoring one side, with one team reaping substantial rewards while the other receives minimal return. We’ll examine five trades that, in retrospect, were notably imbalanced.
15. Scottie Pippen draft rights to the Bulls (1987)
The Chicago Bulls’ acquisition of Scottie Pippen‘s draft rights from the Seattle SuperSonics in 1987 was a masterstroke that helped construct a dynasty. This trade brought Michael Jordan’s ideal complement to Chicago for a relatively modest price.
Chicago exchanged the rights to Olden Polynice and future draft considerations for Pippen’s rights. Seattle selected Pippen 5th overall and was ultimately traded to the Bulls. This transaction was part of a broader draft-day arrangement involving Virginia Tech’s Dell Curry.
Between the two teams, Chicago came out of the trade the winner, as the Jordan-Pippen combo on the Bulls became the centerpiece for their dominant run in the 1990s, resulting in 6 championships in 8 years.
16. Kevin McHale and Robert Parish to the Celtics (1980)
The Boston Celtics’ 1980 trade with the Golden State Warriors yielded two-thirds of their future “Big Three.” This agreement, which brought both Kevin McHale and Robert Parish to Boston, laid the groundwork for the Celtics’ 1980s dominance.
Boston exchanged the 1st and 13th picks in the 1980 draft for Parish and the 3rd pick which was used to get McHale. Meanwhile, Golden State utilized the 1st pick on Joe Barry Carroll, who had a respectable but unexceptional career.
This trade provided the Celtics with one of the most imposing frontcourts in NBA annals, further solidifying Boston as a powerhouse during the 80s.
17. Damian Lillard draft pick to the Trail Blazers (2012)
The Portland Trail Blazers’ acquisition of the draft pick used to select Damian Lillard in 2012 stemmed from an apparently minor trade years earlier. This deal, which sent Gerald Wallace to the Nets, brought Portland their cornerstone player.
Portland traded Gerald Wallace to Brooklyn for Mehmet Okur, Shawne Williams, and a top-3 protected 2012 first-round pick. The selection ended up being 6th overall, which Portland utilized to draft Lillard.
Lillard balled out during his rookie year, claiming the Rookie of the Year honors and has been named to multiple All-Star teams since the trade.
18. Dirk Nowitzki for Robert Traylor (1998)
While we touched on this trade earlier, it’s worth emphasizing just how unbalanced it was. The Dallas Mavericks’ acquisition of Dirk Nowitzki’s draft rights for Robert Traylor is considered one of the most lopsided deals in NBA annals.
Milwaukee selected Nowitzki 9th overall and traded him and Pat Garrity for 6th pick Robert Traylor. Traylor’s NBA tenure lasted just seven seasons, averaging 4.8 points and 3.7 rebounds.
Meanwhile, Nowitzki became the Mavericks’ all-time leader in points, rebounds, and games played. Nowitzki became a 14-time All-Star, league MVP, and led the Mavericks to their first NBA championship in 2011.
19. Kyrie Irving pick to the Cavaliers (2011)
The Cleveland Cavaliers’ acquisition of the pick used to draft Kyrie Irving in 2011 originated from a trade with the Los Angeles Clippers. This agreement, which appeared inconsequential at the time, brought a future All-Star and crucial piece of a championship team to Cleveland.
Cleveland obtained Baron Davis and the Clippers’ 2011 first-round pick for Mo Williams and Jamario Moon. The selection had merely a 2.8% chance of becoming the first overall pick, but as luck would have it, the Cavs lucked out.
Kyrie Irving went on to win Rookie of the Year and hit the championship-clinching shot in 2016, bringing the first championship to the Cavs along with LeBron James.
In most cases, one of the most common betting mistakes bettors do is going all-in for teams that acquire the 1st overall pick. While 1st overall picks generally have a high upside, remember that their team might be lacking key players that will help them go over the top.
Multi-Team Blockbusters
Complex trades involving multiple teams can reshape the NBA landscape in unforeseen ways. These agreements often involve numerous players, draft picks, and salary cap considerations. We’ll examine four multi-team trades that had far-reaching consequences across the league.
Multi-team trades necessitate intricate salary matching and asset balancing. Moreover, these agreements often materialize when two-team negotiations reach an impasse. This is why the NBA’s trade regulations become increasingly complex with each additional team involved.
20. Four-team Dwight Howard trade (2012)
The 2012 trade that sent Dwight Howard to the Los Angeles Lakers involved four teams and dramatically altered the power structure in both conferences. This complex deal reshaped multiple rosters and had long-lasting implications for all involved.
The trade involved the Lakers, Orlando Magic, Philadelphia 76ers, and Denver Nuggets. Orlando received Arron Afflalo, Al Harrington, Nikola Vucevic, and multiple draft picks.
The deal included 12 players and 5 draft picks in total, making it one of the largest in NBA history.
21. Three-team Kevin Garnett trade (2007)
While we discussed Garnett’s move to Boston earlier, it’s worth noting that this was actually part of a larger three-team deal. This trade not only formed the Celtics’ “Big Three” but also had significant impacts on the Minnesota Timberwolves and Seattle SuperSonics.
The trade involved the Celtics, Timberwolves, and SuperSonics (now Oklahoma City Thunder). Seattle facilitated the deal by taking on Wally Szczerbiak and Delonte West from Boston.
Meanwhile, Minnesota acquired Al Jefferson, Ryan Gomes, Sebastian Telfair, Gerald Green, Theo Ratliff, cash considerations, Boston’s 2009 first-round draft pick (top 3 protected), and the 2009 first-round pick which Minnesota traded to Boston in the Ricky Davis–Wally Szczerbiak trade of 2006.
This trade showcased how third teams can benefit from major star movements.
22. Four-team Clint Capela/Robert Covington trade (2020)
A more recent multi-team blockbuster, this 2020 trade centered around Clint Capela and Robert Covington, involving the Houston Rockets, Atlanta Hawks, Minnesota Timberwolves, and Denver Nuggets. It exemplified how modern NBA teams creatively use trades to reshape their rosters mid-season.
The trade involved 12 players and draft picks changing hands. The Rockets get Covington and Jordan Bell from the Wolves and the Hawks’ 2024 second-round pick.
The Hawks get Capela and Nene from the Rockets (Atlanta then waived Nene a day later). Meanwhile, the Nuggets get the Wolves’ Keita Bates-Diop, Shabazz Napier, Noah Vonleh, the Rockets’ Gerald Green (who was later waived) and Houston’s first-round pick in 2020.
Lastly, the Wolves get the Nuggets’ Malik Beasley, Juancho Hernangomez and Jarred Vanderbilt as well as the Hawks’ Evan Turner and the Hawks’ 2020 first-round pick via the Brooklyn Nets.
This deal showcased how teams can use salary cap exceptions to facilitate complex trades.
23. Lakers Trade AD for Luka, Mavs Also Deals with Jazz in a 3-Team Trade
In the latest blockbuster trade of the NBA 2025 regular season, the Dallas Mavericks traded Luka Doncic for Anthony Davis. This is the first time in NBA history that sees two teams trade two of their all-star players essentially in their prime.
As part of a three-team trade that included Utah, Dallas is also sending Maxi Kleber and Markieff Morris to the Lakers. Along with Davis, Los Angeles is sending Max Christie and a 2029 first-round pick to Dallas. Meanwhile, the Jazz will get Jalen Hood-Schifino, 2025 Clippers 2nd round pick, and 2025 Mavericks 2nd round pick.
Luka Doncic will now partner up with LeBron James, creating a formidable team that has arguably the highest collective basketball IQ. Moreover, the Lakers have secured their future as a franchise, post-LeBron, as many consider Doncic as a generational talent that can be the face of the franchise as he settles into his prime years.
On the Mavericks side, Anthony Davis will join forces with Kyrie Irving and Klay Thompson, significantly bolstering their defense as they gun for a deep playoff run. More importantly, Davis will now play as a Power Forward, his natural position alongside Irving and Thompson, improving their inside-outside threat.
Learnings Recap
Throughout this exploration of significant NBA trades, we’ve uncovered several key themes and lessons. These trades have shaped the league’s competitive landscape, altered franchise trajectories, and often had unforeseen consequences.
From the Kareem Abdul-Jabbar trade that kickstarted the Lakers’ 1980s dynasty to more recent blockbusters like the Kawhi Leonard deal, these trades have consistently reshaped the NBA. They’ve shown us the power of bold moves, the importance of asset management, and the unpredictable nature of player development.
Superstar trades often have league-wide ripple effects, altering the balance of power between conferences and divisions. This also holds true for draft-day trades and picks-for-players swaps; elite teams with an eye for talent yield franchise-altering moves for their roster, as seen with Kobe Bryant and Dirk Nowitzki.
Nowadays, multi-team trades have become increasingly common, allowing for more creative deal structures and mutually beneficial outcomes. That said, the success of a trade often depends on factors beyond just player talent, including team fit, coaching, and organizational culture.
Some of the most impactful trades in NBA history were initially seen as minor moves, highlighting the difficulty of evaluating trades in the short term.
Final Thoughts
As we’ve seen, trades are a fundamental part of the NBA’s DNA, constantly reshaping the league’s landscape. For fans and bettors alike, understanding the impact of these deals is crucial. That’s where Betting News comes in.
Trade analysis can provide valuable insights for betting on team performance and player props. Historical trade data can inform predictions about future player movements and team strategies as teams jockey for position throughout the regular season, leading up to the playoffs.
Moreover, understanding the salary cap implications of trades can give bettors an edge in predicting team moves.
At Betting News, we’re committed to providing you with in-depth analysis of NBA trades and their potential impacts on betting markets. Our team of experts breaks down every major deal, offering insights into how it might affect team dynamics, player performance, and ultimately, betting odds.
Whether you’re looking to bet on the next NBA champion or trying to predict which player might be on the move next, our trade analysis can give you the edge you need.
Visit Betting News for the latest NBA trade breakdowns and expert NBA betting tips. We give you the best competitive odds pricing options to help you lock in your picks. Don’t let the next big trade catch you off guard – stay ahead of the game with Betting News.