The NBA has seen countless trades over its history, but only a select few qualify as true blockbusters that have reshaped the league in significant ways. From forming dynasties to altering the balance of power, these trades made big waves in the sport.
This listicle delves into the most memorable NBA blockbuster trades, ranking them by their impact on teams and the league as a whole.
20. DeMarcus Cousins to Pelicans (2017)
The Kings shocked the NBA by trading All-Star DeMarcus Cousins to the Pelicans during the 2017 All-Star break. Sacramento received Buddy Hield, Tyreke Evans, Langston Galloway, and 2017 first and second-round picks in return. The move paired Cousins with Anthony Davis, forming a formidable frontcourt duo in New Orleans.
19. Kyrie Irving to Celtics (2017)
The Celtics acquired Kyrie Irving from the Cavaliers in a blockbuster trade, sending Isaiah Thomas, Jae Crowder, Ante Zizic, and a 2018 first-round pick to Cleveland. Irving’s tenure in Boston was short-lived and tumultuous, lasting only two seasons before he left for Brooklyn in free agency.
18. Kevin Love to Cavaliers (2014)
The Timberwolves traded All-Star Kevin Love to the Cavaliers in a three-team deal, forming a new “Big Three” with LeBron James and Kyrie Irving. Cleveland sent Andrew Wiggins and Anthony Bennett to Minnesota, while Philadelphia received Miami’s 2015 first-round pick. This blockbuster trade reshaped the NBA landscape and led to Cleveland’s 2016 championship.
17. Tracy McGrady to Magic (2000)
The Orlando Magic acquired Tracy McGrady in a sign-and-trade deal with the Toronto Raptors, sending only a future first-round pick. McGrady blossomed into a superstar in Orlando, leading the league in scoring twice and making four All-Star teams. This trade launched T-Mac’s career and gave the Magic a franchise cornerstone.
16. Scottie Pippen to Rockets (1998)
The Bulls traded Scottie Pippen to the Rockets in a sign-and-trade deal for Roy Rogers and a second-round pick. Pippen’s $67 million contract was a stark contrast to his previous underpayment. However, his performance declined in Houston, averaging just 14.5 points per game, leading to conflicts with Charles Barkley and a trade request after one season.
15. Kobe Bryant to Lakers (1996, draft day trade)
The Hornets drafted Kobe Bryant 13th overall, then immediately traded him to the Lakers for Vlade Divac. This move, orchestrated by Jerry West, allowed the Lakers to clear cap space for Shaquille O’Neal. Bryant threatened to play in Italy if drafted by an undesirable team, ensuring his path to Los Angeles.
14. Charles Barkley to Suns (1992)
The Philadelphia 76ers traded Charles Barkley to the Phoenix Suns in exchange for Jeff Hornacek, Tim Perry, and Andrew Lang. This blockbuster deal transformed the Suns into instant contenders, with Barkley winning MVP and leading Phoenix to the NBA Finals in his first season. The trade reshaped both franchises and solidified Barkley’s legacy as an all-time great.
13. Kevin Durant to Suns (2023)
The Phoenix Suns acquired Kevin Durant from the Brooklyn Nets in a blockbuster trade, sending Mikal Bridges, Cam Johnson, Jae Crowder, and four first-round picks to Brooklyn. This move instantly transformed the Suns into title contenders, pairing Durant with Devin Booker and Chris Paul. The trade significantly impacted NBA odds, with Phoenix’s championship odds improving from +2000 to +450.
12. Russell Westbrook to Rockets (2019)
The Rockets acquired Russell Westbrook from the Thunder, reuniting him with former teammate James Harden. Oklahoma City received Chris Paul, two first-round picks, and two pick swaps in return. This blockbuster trade paired two former MVP guards, aiming to boost Houston’s championship aspirations.
11. Paul George to Clippers (2019)
The Clippers acquired Paul George from the Thunder in a blockbuster trade, sending Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Danilo Gallinari, and an unprecedented five first-round picks. This move, orchestrated to pair George with Kawhi Leonard, reshaped both franchises. While the Clippers aimed for immediate contention, the Thunder’s haul set them up for a bright future.
10. Anthony Davis to Lakers (2019)
The Lakers acquired Anthony Davis from the Pelicans for Lonzo Ball, Brandon Ingram, Josh Hart, and three first-round picks. This blockbuster trade immediately paid off, as Davis helped lead the Lakers to an NBA championship in 2020. However, injuries have since hampered his impact, while the Pelicans have built a promising young core with the acquired assets.
9. Kawhi Leonard to Raptors (2018)
The Raptors shocked the NBA by trading franchise cornerstone DeMar DeRozan for Kawhi Leonard, who had requested a trade from the Spurs. Despite concerns about Leonard’s health and desire to play in Toronto, the gamble paid off spectacularly. Leonard led the Raptors to their first NBA championship in 2019 before departing for the Clippers.
8. James Harden to Rockets (2012)
The Thunder traded James Harden to the Rockets, breaking up their young core of Durant, Westbrook, and Harden. Oklahoma City received Kevin Martin, Jeremy Lamb, and draft picks. This move altered the NBA landscape, as Harden became an MVP in Houston while the Thunder’s championship window closed prematurely.
7. Chris Paul to Lakers (2011, vetoed)
In a stunning turn of events, the NBA vetoed a three-team trade that would have sent Chris Paul to the Lakers in 2011. The deal, involving the Hornets and Rockets, was nixed by then-commissioner David Stern, citing “basketball reasons.” This controversial decision altered the trajectories of multiple franchises and remains one of the most debated moments in NBA history.
6. LeBron James to Heat (2010, sign-and-trade)
LeBron James joined the Miami Heat in a sign-and-trade deal, forming the “Big Three” with Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh. The Cavaliers received two future first-round picks, two second-round picks, and a trade exception. This move reshaped the NBA landscape and led to two championships for Miami.
5. Kevin Garnett to Celtics (2007)
The Celtics acquired Kevin Garnett from the Timberwolves in a 7-for-1 blockbuster trade, the largest player-for-player deal in NBA history. This move transformed Boston from a 24-win team to a 66-win powerhouse, leading to their first championship since 1986 in Garnett’s debut season.
4. Shaquille O’Neal to Heat (2004)
The Lakers traded Shaquille O’Neal to the Miami Heat in 2004, ending a dominant era. In exchange for the three-time Finals MVP, the Lakers received Lamar Odom, Caron Butler, Brian Grant, and a future first-round pick. O’Neal went on to win another championship with the Heat in 2006, partnering with Dwyane Wade.
3. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar to Lakers (1975)
The Lakers acquired Kareem Abdul-Jabbar from the Bucks in a blockbuster trade, sending Elmore Smith, Brian Winters, Junior Bridgeman, and Dave Meyers to Milwaukee. This move reshaped NBA history, as Abdul-Jabbar led the Lakers to five championships and became the league’s all-time leading scorer during his 14 seasons in Los Angeles.
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2. Wilt Chamberlain to 76ers (1965)
The Warriors traded Wilt Chamberlain to the Philadelphia 76ers mid-season in 1965, shocking the basketball world. The 76ers acquired the dominant center for just $150,000 and three role players. Chamberlain went on to win three straight MVP awards and lead Philadelphia to the 1967 NBA championship.
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1. Luka Doncic to Lakers (2025)
In a stunning move, the Dallas Mavericks traded superstar Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers for a package including Anthony Davis and multiple first-round picks. This blockbuster deal reshaped the NBA landscape, pairing Doncic with an aging LeBron James in a win-now move for the Lakers.
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