The NBA has had a long history of big NBA trade deals that have significantly impacted the game. From legendary trades that drastically changed the strength of the league to daring actions that allowed underdogs to become victorious, these deals have had a lasting effect on the game and attracted viewers around the world. Let’s take a look at the most significant and game-changing NBA trade deals in basketball history since 2000.
15 Most Significant NBA Trade Deals Since 2000
15. Kyrie Irving
Going into the 2021-22 season, the Dallas Mavericks were in a difficult position, with no way of obtaining a quality All-Star to join their All-NBA star and MVP candidate, Luka Doncic. Hoping to build on the successes of the previous season, the Mavericks made a huge statement by securing Kyrie Irving at the NBA trade deadline. This move was a shocker at the time, as it was the most impactful player the Mavericks had ever obtained.
However, the two did not produce the desired results during the 2023 season, and the Mavericks were unable to make the playoffs. However, there is still hope for the future, as Doncic and Irving are both still quite young, and if they live up to their potential, this could be the most successful transaction in Dallas’ history.
14. Allen Iverson
The 2006 trade between the Denver Nuggets and Philadelphia 76ers that saw Allen Iverson move to Denver was a huge NBA trade deal that got the entire league talking. Iverson had become one of the league’s most recognizable and popular figures, and he had spent most of his career in Philadelphia. The Nuggets gave up Andre Miller, Joe Smith, and two first-round draft picks to get Iverson, who they nicknamed “The Answer”.
His arrival in Denver increased the attention given to the franchise, which had been out of the spotlight for some time. With Iverson now paired with Carmelo Anthony, the Nuggets were ready to compete. They won 50 games during the 2007-08 season and made it to the playoffs. Even though they didn’t get past the Western Conference Finals, the acquisition of Iverson was huge for the Nuggets and created a lot of excitement.
13. Kevin Love
The Cleveland Cavaliers were presented with a choice when LeBron James returned to the city. Knowing that the opportunity to be champions was now, they traded the No. 1 overall pick, Andrew Wiggins, for All-Star power forward Kevin Love. This NBA trade James to join forces with Kyrie Irving and Love, constructing a dream team with immense talent.
This effective move had a huge impact on the Cavaliers’ success; resulting in four consecutive trips to the NBA Finals between 2015 and 2018. Eventually, the team’s first championship in franchise history was in 2016. Love contributes to both defence and offence, and can shoot threes, which helps the Cavaliers.
12. Dwight Howard
The Los Angeles Lakers felt the need to obtain the best center in the world, Dwight Howard, as a running partner for Kobe Bryant. There were doubts about the move due to Howard’s back issues, so it took a complex four-team trade to bring him to the Lakers, with Andrew Bynum being sent to the 76ers and other players and draft picks changing hands.
It was expected that this NBA trade would propel the Lakers to success, but the two stars did not get along and Howard’s injuries prevented him from performing to the level that was expected. Despite the difficulties, the Lakers showed their dedication to a championship-level team by bringing in Howard, who was an All-Star in 2013. But the team was eventually dropped from the playoffs in the first round. In 2014, Howard moved to Houston, leaving the Lakers with a rather disappointing trade.
11. Paul George
In 2019, the Los Angeles Lakers made a splash by snagging Anthony Davis, while the Clippers countered by signing Kawhi Leonard. To top it off, the Clippers acquired Paul George to form a formidable duo. However, due to various injuries, the duo has yet to reach its fullest potential and make a deep playoff run.
The furthest they have gotten was the second round in 2020 and the Western Conference Finals in 2021. This has made many people question the trade as it cost the Clippers five first-round picks and Gilgeous-Alexander has blossomed into an All-Star.
10. Carmelo Anthony
The acquisition of Carmelo Anthony by the New York Knicks had a game-changing effect on the team. His offensive power, including points, diversity, and clutch plays, made him a hit with the fans and breathed new life into the club and its passionate fan base. When partnered with Amar’e Stoudemire, the Knicks had a tough combination that could accumulate points and go up against other top teams in the league.
This was especially important for the Knicks, as it was the first time since Patrick Ewing that they had a true superstar. The Knicks’ fortunes improved noticeably, and they returned to the playoffs after a long break. Anthony’s capacity to score and make his own shots, brought optimism and enthusiasm to a team that had been having difficulties for a long time. During his tenure with the Knicks, he was selected to seven consecutive All-Star Teams and won the scoring title in 2013 with an average of 28.7 PPG.
9. Tracy McGrady
Houston Rockets bagged a monumental NBA trade deal when they added Tracy McGrady to their roster in his prime. His aptitude for scoring from any angle, plus his ability to pass the ball and guard the court, made him a formidable opponent and a nightmare for opponents. Alongside Yao Ming, the Rockets had a dynamic duo that promised to take the league by storm.
The NBA trade was a huge turning point for Houston, McGrady’s scoring and leadership, taking the team to great heights. Unfortunately, he only made three playoff appearances with the Rockets and his career was cut short due to injury. Despite not winning a championship, McGrady became a beloved figure for his uncanny ability to take over games and deliver clutch performances.
8. James Harden
The Brooklyn Nets acquired James Harden during the 2021 NBA trade window. This was a high-profile four-team deal that saw multiple players, draft picks, and swaps changing hands. The team formed a Big Three with Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving. The team emerged as one of the strongest contenders in the league.
However, the Nets’ efforts to create a championship-caliber team ultimately failed. The team only made it to the second round of the playoffs in 2021 and the first round in 2022. Harden played 80 games in his two seasons with the team, but he ultimately forced his way out of Brooklyn. The blockbuster NBA trade deal was essentially massive without results.
7. Chris Paul
When Houston Rockets traded for James Harden, they sought to construct a super-team around him. Their attempts to bring in Dwight Howard didn’t work out, but they finally landed Chris Paul in a 7-player trade with the Clippers. This move paid off as they pushed the Warriors to a Game 7 in the Western Conference Finals, coming close to making the Finals for the first time in decades.
Although they didn’t win the championship, the Rockets became one of the most prolific offensive teams in the history of the NBA under Mike D’Antonio, and this NBA trade will always be remembered fondly by Rockets fans.
6. Kevin Durant
In 2023, the Phoenix Suns pulled off a major NBA trade, acquiring Kevin Durant to pair up with Devin Booker. Both were talented offensive players and leaders, but the team was lacking in chemistry and quality role players. In the playoffs, the Suns faced the Denver Nuggets and were knocked out in the second round.
The following summer, they made another NBA trade move to bring in All-Star shooting guard Bradley Beal by trading Chris Paul to Washington. The deal for Durant to join the Suns was certainly one of the most significant in history due to the amount of star power it involved.
5. Pau Gasol
In 2008, the Los Angeles Lakers made a move that would have a tremendous impact on the NBA, acquiring Pau Gasol from the Memphis Grizzlies. Gasol, a power forward who was an All-Star with the Grizzlies, was traded for a package of players and draft picks, making this one of the greatest NBA trade deals ever.
With the addition of Gasol, Kobe Bryant had a partner who could score, rebound, and help facilitate the offense, similar to how Shaquille O’Neal had done for him in the past. This duo went on to lead the Lakers to an impressive three consecutive NBA Finals appearances from 2008-2010, and they were victorious in 2009 and 2010.
4. Shaquille O’Neal
The Miami Heat made a bold move when they sought out the Los Angeles Lakers to trade for a discontented Shaquille O’Neal. In exchange for the Hall-of-Famer, the Heat provided Lamar Odom, Caron Butler, Brian Grant, and a first-round draft pick. This NBA trade was sure to make a mark on the league. Shaq’s intimidating presence in the paint, skillful scoring, and shot-blocking prowess made him an incredibly intimidating adversary for any defense.
With the addition of the already-promising Dwyane Wade, the Heat had an incredibly powerful duo. Miami finished 59-23 in the 2005 season and wanted to make it to the NBA Finals, but they lost to the Detroit Pistons in the Eastern Conference Finals. The next season, Miami won 52 games and beat Dirk Nowitzki and the Dallas Mavericks in the NBA Finals. This NBA trade deal has to be one of the best in the past two decades, considering how quickly Miami became a title contender with the Shaq trade.
3. Kevin Garnett
There is no question that the Boston Celtics profited immensely from the trade with the Minnesota Timberwolves. The NBA trade deal of Kevin Garnett shifted the balance of power in the league and enabled the Celtics to become championship contenders once again. His defensive brilliance, basketball knowledge, and leadership abilities helped form a formidable Big Three that led the Celtics to their first championship in over two decades.
2. Anthony Davis
The 2018-19 season marked a turning point in the Lakers franchise when LeBron James arrived in Los Angeles. With one of the greatest players of all time, the pressure was on for the Lakers to build a strong team around him. Despite a challenging first season, the Lakers could assemble a group of skillful players, including Anthony Davis, to pair with James.
Ultimately, the pair were unstoppable, and the Lakers finished with 52 wins, a feat that was impressive even with the shortened season. They eventually went on to win the NBA Finals, with James claiming his fourth championship in the process. The pairing of James and Davis was a monumental NBA trade move, and the Lakers had struck gold.
1. Kawhi Leonard
The Toronto Raptors’ acquisition of Kawhi Leonard in 2018 created a stir throughout the NBA. Leonard had become renowned as one of the league’s most formidable two-way players during his time with the San Antonio Spurs. To secure Leonard, the Raptors offered a package including DeMar DeRozan, an NBA trade move that showed their commitment to taking an immense risk in pursuit of a title.
Despite knowing Leonard’s heart was set on Los Angeles, Toronto didn’t hesitate to make the deal. And it paid off. This bold move could be the most impactful trade of the past 20 years, considering the risks and the extraordinary reward.
