The 20 most shocking trades in NBA history

In the 2025 season, both Davis and Dončić were among the league's best players, and it didn't seem like either Los Angeles or Dallas would have much reason to trade either of them. Neither player was believed to be on the market. Then, both teams shocked the world by exchanging their two stars and some other pieces, immediately re-shaping the immediate futures of both teams.

In his first five seasons with the Bucks, the team won a title, and Kareem picked up three MVP trophies. So, it was surprising when, amid a down 1975 season, he requested a trade to either LA or New York. The deal went down, with Milwaukee landing a shocking, paltry return for one of the league's best players.

Years before landing Abdul-Jabbar, the Lakers were on the receiving end of another shocker. In the 1968 season, Wilt had won his third consecutive MVP trophy. As with Kareem later, LA landed a star for a relatively underwhelming return and Wilt powered the squad to a championship in 1972.

The Lakers have managed some pretty sweet deals over the years. Giving up Kwame Brown, rookie Javaris Crittenton, Aaron McKie, and the rights to Pau's brother Marc, LA landed Pau Gasol in a mid-season deal, which quickly turned the Lakers into a serious contender. While Marc Gasol ended up being a multi-time All-Star for the Grizzlies, in the moment, many perceived the deal as being one-sided.

Lillard wanted out of Milwaukee and he made it clear that Miami was his preferred destination. Instead, the Trail Blazers sent him to Milwaukee in a three-team deal also headlined by Jrue Holiday. Post-trade, Holiday fared better than Lillard: The Bucks didn't make it far into the next two postseasons, while Holiday, who Portland quickly dealt to Boston days later, won a title with the Celtics in 2024.

Malone was the MVP in 1982, but the next season, the Rockets didn't want to pay him. So, Philadelphia came through and acquired him via sign-and-trade. This immediately changed the Sixers' fortunes: In '83, they only lost one playoff game on their way to a championship and Malone was once again MVP, as well as Finals MVP.

The Nets joining the NBA in the 1977 season was a mess. The franchise was strapped for cash, which ultimately led to the sale of Erving's contract to the Sixers for $3 million. Consequently, the Nets were in rough shape while Erving became one of the NBA's biggest stars on his new team, winning a title alongside Moses Malone in 1983.

After 12 years of loyalty to Minnesota without much team success to show for it, Garnett was ready to move on. The Celtics ultimately landed him for a record seven players and draft picks. Joining Paul Pierce and Ray Allen, the new-look C's immediately gelled and won a title in 2008.

Shaq and Kobe were the most unstoppable duo of their era. Then, some interpersonal friction set in and the partnership dissolved. Shaq ended up getting sent to Miami, and that worked out pretty well for him, as he and Dwyane Wade won a championship in 2006, while Kobe claimed titles in 2009 and 2010.

This whole saga was controversial: At the time, the league itself owned the Hornets, so they vetoed a trade that would have sent Paul to the Lakers. Days after, he landed on the Clippers instead, leading the "Lob City" team alongside Blake Griffin and DeAndre Jordan.

It was clear that Davis wanted out of New Orleans, but it was still surprising that he went to the Lakers. More specifically, it was more of a shock at what they gave up for him: Lonzo Ball, Brandon Ingram, Josh Hart, and multiple firsts, sacrificing young assets for the present. It worked: In 2020, LA won the title.

Kawhi Leonard signed with the Clippers and that was a big get. Then, the team made another big swing and landed Paul George, but he didn't come cheap: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Danilo Gallinari, five first-round picks, and two pick swaps. The new-look Clippers made it to the conference finals in 2021, but in a fresh environment, SGA blossomed into an MVP.

By 2006, Iverson had become the face of basketball in Philly, leading the league in scoring multiple times and winning an MVP award. Towards the end of his run, though, he reportedly wanted out, and ownership granted that wish, sending him to Denver. It was strange seeing Iverson in anything other than a Sixers jersey.

Chicago's trade for Rodman was a bit of a gamble. He was already in his mid-30s and was generally unpredictable. It paid off, though, as Rodman was still an impactful defender and rebounder, and he helped the Bulls win three straight titles from 1996 to '98.

Leonard had blossomed into a star in San Antonio, but there was tension with the Spurs after disagreements with how his return from an injury should be handled. Kawhi reportedly requested a trade to the Lakers, but the Raptors took a risk and traded for him, knowing he might sign with a different team after his contract expired the following season. That's what Leonard did, but not before winning the 2019 championship in Toronto.

OKC had just made a run to the Finals, but the team and Harden were unable to reach a contract extension. So, the Thunder made the surprising move of breaking up their young core by shipping Harden off to Houston, where he became an MVP in a new role.

After the All-Star break in 1994, the Hawks were No. 1 in the East, with Wilkins leading the way as the team's top scorer. So, it was really unexpected when the team moved him mid-season, trading him to the Clippers for Danny Manning. Both players' careers descended from there, and this deal remains one of the '90s' most surprising trades.

In the 2000s, Rasheed became an All-Star in Portland, but in '04, they shipped him off to Atlanta. Even more surprising was that after just one game with the Hawks, 'Sheed was again moved, this time to the Pistons. There, he returned to All-Star form and helped win a championship in 2004.

Carter had a falling-out with Raptors management, so the trade itself wasn't that surprising. What was shocking was how little they got in return: Alonzo Mourning (who refused to suit up for his new team), Aaron Williams, Eric Williams, and two first-round picks. Carter's relationship with Toronto soured, as he was regularly booed when returning to his old stomping grounds.

Isaiah had become a hero in Boston, while Kyrie had just helped Cleveland secure a title in 2016. Regardless, Irving demanded a trade so that he could lead his own team. The Celtics were willing to give Irving that chance and shipped off their star for the privilege. Irving had two successful seasons in Boston but quickly moved on in hopes of finding even greener pastures.