The 10 Most Shocking Trades In NBA History

When it comes to building a team in the NBA, they do it through a combination of three key areas. They can build their squad through the draft, such as the Golden State Warriors. Through free agency, such as the current Brooklyn Nets. Lastly, teams can build through massive trades, such as the current Los Angeles Lakers.

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Through blockbuster trades, teams can go from a lackluster squad to being an instant championship contender. Throughout NBA history, that has happened on several occasions. So let's take a look back through league history and see some of the most shocking trades that have transformed the NBA.

10 Kyrie Irving (Cleveland Cavaliers to Boston Celtics)

The Cleveland Cavaliers were in the midst of trying to secure a dynasty in 2017. Despite winning an NBA Finals just one year prior, and having made it in the last three seasons, Kyrie Irving requested a trade from the team. The news shocked the NBA world.

Irving then landed in Boston, as he was traded in exchange for Isaiah Thomas and a couple of bench players. This is one of the rare lose-lose trades in NBA history, as Boston lost picks and Irving within two seasons. Meanwhile, the Cavs championship window closed.

9 Paul George (Indiana Pacers to Oklahoma City Thunder)

Paul George was the star of the Indiana Pacers, and regarded as one of the best players in the league. So, when the Oklahoma City Thunder traded for him to pair with Carmelo Anthony and Russell Westbrook in exchange for Victor Oladipo and Domantas Sabonis, it was big.

The trade transformed both teams. The Thunder became an immediate contender in the West, while the Pacers suited Oladipo and Sabonis perfectly. While neither team wound up winning a championship, it gave fans hope for a new contender during the Golden State Warriors domiance.

8 Kevin Garnett & Paul Pierce (Boston Celtics to Brooklyn Nets)

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Arguably one of the worst trades in league history happened in 2013. The aging Boston Celtics core consisting of Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce, and Jason Terry were sent to Brooklyn for a mountain of first round draft picks. One of those picks turned into future All-Star Jaylen Brown.

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On the opposite end, the Brooklyn Nets hoped to pair the aging stars with Deron Williams and Joe Johnson. Instead, they failed to move past the Miami Heat. Within three seasons, Garnett, Pierce, and Terry were all gone.

7 Kawhi Leonard (San Antonio Spurs to Toronto Raptors)

Kawhi Leonard was the core of the San Antonio Spurs when he was traded alongside Danny Green to the Toronto Raptors in 2018 in exchange for Demar Derozan and a pick. The hope was that the Raptors would be able to get over the hump and finally win a championship.

Little did fans realize just how much the trade would benefit them. Leonard led the team to their first and only championship. In the process they also ended the Kevin Durant-era of the Golden State Warriors.

6 Paul George (Oklahoma City Thunder to Los Angeles Clippers)

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Just one year into a contract extension, Paul George wanted out of Oklahoma City. He was then shipped out of town to Los Angeles to pair with Kawhi Leonard. In return, the Thunder got Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and a mountain of draft picks.

This trade also had a ripple effect, as Russell Westbrook then wanted out of OKC as well. While the trade hasn't resulted in a title yet, George and Leonard are one of the best duos in the league.

5 Shaquille O'Neal (Los Angeles Lakers to Miami Heat)

Everyone in Los Angeles knew that it was only a matter of time before Shaquille O'Neal or Kobe Bryant had to leave town. In the end it was the latter who stayed, while the former was shipped to Miami for future first-round picks and Lamar Odom, among others.

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O'Neal then led Miami to another championship, to get his fourth ring. On the other end, the Lakers ended up alright, as Bryant led them to more championships along with the help of Odom and others.

4 Anthony Davis (New Orleans Pelicans to Los Angeles Lakers)

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Anthony Davis wanted to leave New Orleans for a long time before he actually did. Everyone in the world knew that he was going to head to Los Angeles to pair with LeBron James. In 2019, he was finally traded in exchange for Lonzo Ball, Brandon Ingram, Josh Hart, and some picks.

The trade worked perfect for both teams, as New Orleans improved while Ingram broke out as a superstar. On the other end, Davis and James helped lead Los Angeles to their first championship in a decade.

3 James Harden (Oklahoma City Thunder to Houston Rockets)

The trade that broke up a future big three happened in 2011. James Harden was just breaking out when he was traded from the Oklahoma City to the Houston Rockets in exchange for pennies on the dollar.

This trade resulted in Oklahoma City losing out on likely multiple championships. In turn, the Houston Rockets turned into instant contenders for the better part of a decade.

2 Charles Barkley (Philadelphia 76ers to Phoenix Suns)

Charles Barkley badly needed a new home after getting into some controversies near the end of his stint in Philadelphia. The Phoenix Suns seemed like the best fit, and thus he was traded in the 1992-1993 NBA season.

The trade resulted in the Suns becoming an instant contender for the better part off the decade. While Barkley didn't lead the team to a championship, he wound up becoming a franchise legend and cementing his place as one of the best ever.

1 Wilt Chamberlain (Philadelphia 76ers to Los Angeles Lakers)

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Wilt Chamberlain had won three straight MVPs, and had won an NBA championship just one year prior when he was shipped to Los Angeles in 1968. In return, the 76ers got some cash and a couple of role players.

The trade resulted in the Lakers becoming instant contenders, and Chamberlain went down as a franchise legend. It was also the first time that a reigning MVP was traded to a new team the year after he won the award.