The NBA Trade That Fans Wish They Could Rewind:
The recent Trae Young trade has sparked a reflection on past deals that left fans scratching their heads. While the NBA season is still in full swing, The Athletic's NBA staff decided to look back at some of the most questionable trades in league history. These are the deals that, in hindsight, fans would love to undo.
Atlanta Hawks:
In 1999, the Hawks inexplicably traded Steve Smith, a key player in their playoff runs, to the Trail Blazers for Isaiah Rider. Rider was a locker room issue and waived before completing a full season, while Smith became a starter for the Blazers' successful campaign.
Boston Celtics:
The 2017 trade for Kyrie Irving sent Isaiah Thomas, Jae Crowder, Ante Žižić, and a first-round pick to Cleveland. Irving's tenure was short-lived due to locker room drama, leaving the Celtics to rebuild after his departure.
Brooklyn Nets:
The 2013 trade for Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce involved giving up a massive package, including three first-round picks. The Nets got just one playoff series win, and the trade helped build a title contender in Boston.
Charlotte Hornets:
In 1996, the Hornets traded Kobe Bryant to the Lakers for Vlade Divac. Bryant went on to win five NBA titles, while Divac played only two seasons in Charlotte.
Chicago Bulls:
The 2006 draft-night trade of LaMarcus Aldridge for Tyrus Thomas and Viktor Khryapa is a what-if scenario. Aldridge became an All-NBA player, and his presence could have changed the trajectory of Derrick Rose's Bulls.
Cleveland Cavaliers:
The 1980 trade of Butch Lee and a future first-round pick (James Worthy) for Don Ford is a notorious blunder. Ford lasted just two and a half years, while Worthy became a Hall of Famer.
Dallas Mavericks:
The Luka Dončić trade's ripple effects are still being felt. It damaged the relationship with fans, and the team's recent struggles have led to coaching changes and front office turnover.
Denver Nuggets:
In 2017, the Nuggets traded down in the draft, acquiring Trey Lyles and a lower first-round pick. They missed out on Donovan Mitchell, who was selected with the original pick.
Detroit Pistons:
The 2008 trade of Chauncey Billups, a Finals MVP and All-Star, for Allen Iverson is a sore spot. Iverson's prime had passed, and the trade didn't bring the desired results.
Golden State Warriors:
In 1980, the Warriors traded Robert Parish and the No. 3 pick (Kevin McHale) for the No. 1 pick (Joe Barry Carroll) and No. 13 pick (Rickey Brown). This trade set up a dynasty, but not for the Warriors.
Houston Rockets:
Trading Moses Malone to the 76ers in 1982 for Caldwell Jones and a pick is a move they'd like to redo. Malone won his third MVP with the 76ers, while the Rockets had the worst record the following season.
Indiana Pacers:
The 1981 trade of a future first-round pick (Hakeem Olajuwon) for Tom Owens is a missed opportunity. The Pacers had two centers and could have drafted a shooting guard like Michael Jordan.
LA Clippers:
The 2019 trade of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Danilo Gallinari for Paul George impacted seven first-round picks. George struggled in LA, and the Clippers owe Oklahoma City one more pick this year.
Los Angeles Lakers:
The 2021 trade for Russell Westbrook was a bust. The trio of Westbrook, LeBron, and Davis never clicked, and the Lakers had to use another first-round pick to undo the deal.
Memphis Grizzlies:
A 1997 trade for Otis Thorpe cost the Grizzlies a top-one protected first-round pick in 2003. They missed out on Carmelo Anthony, Chris Bosh, or Dwyane Wade due to this deal.
Miami Heat:
The 2024 trade for Terry Rozier is a controversial one. Rozier has been charged with federal crimes and had a poor season, leaving the Heat in a tricky situation.
Milwaukee Bucks:
Trading Ray Allen for Gary Payton in 2003 was a mistake. Payton signed with the Lakers after the season, and the Bucks struggled until 2018.
Minnesota Timberwolves:
The 2007 trade of Kevin Garnett for Al Jefferson and others is a painful memory. Jefferson got injured, and the draft picks didn't pan out, while Garnett won a title with the Celtics.
New Orleans Pelicans:
The 2014 trade for Ömer Aşik was a misstep. Aşik didn't fit well, and the Pelicans struggled to build around Anthony Davis, who eventually left.
New York Knicks:
The 2005 trade for Eddy Curry cost the Knicks valuable draft capital. Curry had health issues, and the picks they gave up could have been used on LaMarcus Aldridge or Joakim Noah.
Oklahoma City Thunder:
The 2012 trade of James Harden is a sore subject. While the Thunder have had success since, fans wonder if holding onto Harden could have brought a title.
Orlando Magic:
Trading Victor Oladipo and Ersan Ilyasova for Serge Ibaka in 2016 didn't work out. Ibaka was unhappy and traded, while Oladipo and Sabonis became All-Stars.
Philadelphia 76ers:
Trading Charles Barkley for a light return in 1992 was a mistake. Barkley became MVP with the Suns, while the Sixers didn't get fair value.
Phoenix Suns:
The 2008 trade of Shawn Marion for Shaquille O'Neal didn't pay off. The Suns lost in the first round, and O'Neal was traded after two seasons.
Portland Trail Blazers:
Trading Jermaine O'Neal for Dale Davis in 2000 was a franchise-altering mistake. O'Neal became an All-Star in Indiana, while Davis had a serviceable but unspectacular stint in Portland.
Sacramento Kings:
Trading Oscar Robertson in 1970 is a historic blunder. Robertson was a 10-time All-Star, but a rift with the coach and financial issues led to the trade.
San Antonio Spurs:
The 2018 trade of Kawhi Leonard is a complex one. While the Spurs mourned losing Leonard and Green, the trade eventually led to the acquisition of Victor Wembanyama.
Toronto Raptors:
The 2021 trade of Norman Powell for Gary Trent Jr. is a move some fans regret. Powell has improved, while Trent hasn't lived up to expectations.
Utah Jazz:
The 1976 trade for Gail Goodrich involved giving up three first-round picks, one of which became Magic Johnson.
Washington Wizards:
The 1999 trade of Ben Wallace is a missed opportunity. Wallace became a defensive stalwart, while the Wizards traded him away after one season.
And the controversy continues...
What's your take on these trades? Do you agree with the fans' sentiments? Are there any other deals you'd like to see undone? Share your thoughts and let's spark a lively discussion!
