The NBA has seen countless trades throughout its history, but some stand out for their lasting impact, reshaping franchises and the league as a whole. From transformative superstars to pivotal role players, the best NBA trades have altered the course of not only individual teams but the entire sport.
Below, we’ll break down the 10 greatest NBA trades ever, ranked from notable to legendary, each one playing a defining role in the game’s evolution.
10. Carmelo Anthony to the New York Knicks (2011)
In 2011, Carmelo Anthony was traded to the New York Knicks from the Denver Nuggets in a move that reshaped the Knicks’ franchise. Though the deal didn’t deliver an NBA championship, it marked the start of a new era for the team and brought the star power of ‘Melo to Madison Square Garden.
His scoring prowess revitalized a struggling Knicks squad, even if the team never quite lived up to championship expectations. The trade, however, will always be remembered as the moment the Knicks acquired one of the league’s most dynamic players, with Anthony peaking with a 62-point performance in 2014.
9. Kyrie Irving to the Boston Celtics (2017)
In one of the most high-profile trades in recent memory, Kyrie Irving was sent from the Cleveland Cavaliers to the Boston Celtics in exchange for Isaiah Thomas, Jae Crowder, Ante Zizic and two draft picks. This trade signalled the Celtics’ ambition to challenge LeBron James’ Cavaliers in the Eastern Conference.
Although Irving’s time in Boston was rocky, and he eventually left for Brooklyn, the trade was still a major move that shook up the East. Irving’s scoring and leadership skills helped elevate the Celtics to a perennial contender.
8. Kawhi Leonard to the Toronto Raptors (2018)
The 2018 trade that saw Kawhi Leonard join the Toronto Raptors was a franchise-altering moment that led to the Raptors’ first-ever NBA Championship. Toronto acquired Leonard from the San Antonio Spurs in exchange for DeMar DeRozan, Jakob Poeltl, and a future first-round pick.
Leonard’s one-year stint in Toronto brought a level of performance that turned the Raptors into legitimate contenders, culminating in a thrilling Finals victory over the Golden State Warriors. The deal was a massive success for Toronto, cementing Leonard as one of the league’s premier players.
7. Dennis Rodman to the Chicago Bulls (1995)
When Dennis Rodman was traded to the Chicago Bulls in 1995, it seemed like a risky move given his unpredictable nature. However, the acquisition proved to be a masterstroke.
Rodman’s rebounding and defensive presence were the perfect complement to Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen, helping the Bulls secure three more NBA titles in the late 1990s. With his eccentric personality and unmatched work on the boards, he went on to become an iconic piece of one of the greatest dynasties in NBA history.
6. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar to the Los Angeles Lakers (1975)
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s move to the Los Angeles Lakers in 1975 marked the beginning of one of the greatest player-team partnerships in NBA history. The Lakers traded for Kareem in exchange for four players, including Junior Bridgeman and Dave Meyers, and the deal paid immediate dividends.
With Kareem’s skyhook and dominance in the paint, the Lakers won five championships during his tenure, making the trade one of the most impactful in league history. Abdul-Jabbar’s presence helped define the Lakers’ success in the 1980s.
5. Oscar Robertson to the Milwaukee Bucks (1970)
Oscar Robertson’s trade from the Cincinnati Royals to the Milwaukee Bucks in 1970 stands as one of the most crucial in NBA history. Paired with a young Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (then Lew Alcindor), Robertson helped lead the Bucks to their first NBA Championship in 1971.
Known as “The Big O,” Robertson was one of the most versatile players of all time, and his ability to score, pass, and rebound made him a perfect fit alongside Kareem. The trade not only brought the Bucks their first title but also helped solidify their place as a powerful force in the league during the early 1970s.
4. Kobe Bryant to the Los Angeles Lakers (1996)
One of the most iconic trades in NBA history occurred in 1996 when the Charlotte Hornets traded a young Kobe Bryant to the Los Angeles Lakers for Vlade Divac. The trade initially raised eyebrows, but it would go on to define the entire NBA landscape for the next two decades, further cementing the Lakers as the most popular NBA team.
Bryant developed into one of the greatest players the league has ever seen, winning five championships with the Lakers and becoming an international icon. The trade set the stage for a dynasty and left the Hornets kicking themselves for letting go of one of the game’s most legendary figures.
3. Wilt Chamberlain to the Los Angeles Lakers (1968)
Wilt Chamberlain’s trade to the Los Angeles Lakers in 1968 changed the dynamics of the NBA. The Lakers acquired Chamberlain, a 7-foot-1 powerhouse, from the Philadelphia 76ers in exchange for a package of players.
Chamberlain’s arrival in Los Angeles added an entirely new level of dominance to an already star-studded roster. Although he had already won an MVP and championship with the 76ers, his time with the Lakers brought the team additional titles, making them one of the most successful franchises of the 1970s.
2. LeBron James to the Miami Heat (2010)
LeBron James’ decision to leave Cleveland and join the Miami Heat in 2010 shook the entire NBA. The trade was not just a transaction; it was the moment that redefined the NBA landscape. LeBron, Dwyane Wade, and Chris Bosh formed a superstar trio in Miami, and the Heat went on to dominate the Eastern Conference for years.
The trade helped LeBron secure two NBA championships in Miami, and although his return to Cleveland would bring him another title, the move to the Heat changed the way stars approached free agency and player movement, setting the stage for future superteam formations.
1. Bill Russell to the Boston Celtics (1956)
The trade that brought Bill Russell to the Boston Celtics in 1956 is the most consequential deal in NBA history. In exchange for the rights to Russell, the Celtics gave up just a handful of draft picks, a trade that would go down as one of the most lopsided in sports history.
Russell’s impact on the court was immediate, and his presence transformed the Celtics into an NBA dynasty, leading the team to 11 championships in 13 seasons. Russell’s dominance on both ends of the floor, coupled with his leadership, not only shaped the Celtics’ success but also revolutionized the way the game was played. No trade in NBA history has had a more profound and lasting effect than Bill Russell’s move to Boston.
Conclusion
While the NBA is known for its ever-changing rosters and blockbuster trades, the 10 moves listed above stand out as the most pivotal in shaping the history of the league.
Whether through sheer talent, transformative leadership, or unparalleled team chemistry, these trades altered the course of NBA history. For fans and historians alike, these are the trades that defined an era and left an indelible mark on the sport.
