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Top 7 Most Shocking NBA Trades in the Last 15 Years That Actually Paid Off

by Jeremy Block - 11/28/2024

7 shocking NBA trades that paid off Anthony Davis Los Angeles Lakers

Over the last 15 years, the NBA has witnessed some major trades that reshaped teams and shook up the entire league. While not every trade is a slam dunk, these seven blockbuster moves actually paid off in a big way.

We’re talking about trades that turned teams into championship contenders, sparked dynasties, and brought in future superstars. From back seat views to the top of the NBA mountain, these trades changed the game for the teams that pulled the trigger. Here’s a look at the deals that weren’t just good for the players involved -- they were straight-up franchise-altering moves.

1. Kawhi Leonard to Toronto Raptors (2018)

I’m sure you saw this one coming. And, honestly, it had to kick off the list at number one. In one of the most shocking trades in NBA history, the San Antonio Spurs shipped Kawhi Leonard to the Toronto Raptors for DeMar DeRozan, Jakob Poeltl, and a 2019 first-round pick. Seriously, who saw that coming?

This trade instantly flipped the Raptors' fortunes. Leonard stepped into a leadership role in Toronto like he was born for it and led them to their first-ever NBA Championship in 2019 -- talk about a trade that paid off. While Leonard eventually moved on to the Clippers, the Raptors got the ultimate reward: an NBA title. As for the Spurs? They didn’t exactly walk away empty-handed -- DeRozan kept them competitive for a few years before eventually being sent to Chicago. This one’s a win-win, no doubt.

2. Ray Allen to the Boston Celtics (2007)

One of the most impactful trades of the 2000s, Ray Allen’s move from the Seattle SuperSonics to the Boston Celtics in exchange for the No. 5 overall pick (Jeff Green) and a few other assets was nothing short of a steal. I mean, seriously, who knew this would turn into one of the most dominant trio formations in NBA history?

The trade gave the Celtics their missing piece, pairing Allen with Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett to form a championship-caliber squad. Fast forward to 2008, and the Celtics were NBA champions, with Allen knocking down clutch 3-pointers like it was his job (which, let’s face it, it was). As for the SuperSonics -- now the Oklahoma City Thunder -- the rebuild was tough, but they did land Jeff Green, who played a solid role for a few seasons. Still, this one was all about the Celtics coming out on top.

3. James Harden to the Houston Rockets (2012)

The origin story of that infamous “not traveling, step-back 3” -- when the Houston Rockets traded for James Harden from the Oklahoma City Thunder in exchange for Kevin Martin, Jeremy Lamb, and a few draft picks. Who knew this would turn into one of the most game-changing trades of the last decade?

Harden didn’t just join the Rockets, he became the Rockets. He was instantly the centerpiece of their offense, and his style of play transformed them into one of the most explosive teams in the league. Over time, Harden went from a Sixth Man to an MVP in 2018, cementing himself as one of the NBA’s brightest stars. Meanwhile, the Thunder didn’t win a championship with Harden, but they used those picks to start building their future  -- not a bad runner-up prize. But still, let’s be real: this trade was all about Houston getting a superstar, and they got one.

4. Pau Gasol to the Los Angeles Lakers (2008)

One of the most head-scratching trades of the mid-2000s, the Los Angeles Lakers somehow snagged Pau Gasol from the Memphis Grizzlies in exchange for Kwame Brown, Javaris Crittenton, and some draft picks. I mean, when I first heard about it, I thought the Memphis front office had been hitting the bottle a bit too hard.

But here’s the thing: that trade gave Kobe Bryant the second star he desperately needed for a title run. Gasol immediately became the perfect complement to Kobe’s game, and the Lakers went on to win back-to-back championships in 2009 and 2010. The move turned the Lakers from contenders into champions, proving just how huge a steal this deal really was.

5. Jason Kidd to the Dallas Mavericks (2008)

As a Nets fan, this one really stung, but there’s no denying it was a trade that changed the game. The move that sent Jason Kidd from the New Jersey Nets to the Dallas Mavericks was a game-changer -- and, let’s be honest, it was a steal for Dallas.

The Mavericks gave up Devin Harris and a few first-round picks to bring in the veteran point guard in. Kidd’s leadership and court vision were exactly what the Mavs needed, and he helped guide them to the 2011 NBA Championship, delivering Dirk Nowitzki his first-ever title.

As for the Nets? They lost their star point guard, but they got valuable assets that helped with a brief rebuild. Unfortunately, that momentum didn’t last, and they fell off the wagon not too long after. But, hey, at least the Mavs got their ring!

6. Anthony Davis to the Los Angeles Lakers (2019)

Not quite the jaw-dropper some of the other trades on this list, but we can’t leave out Anthony Davis heading to Los Angeles. The Lakers sent Lonzo Ball, Brandon Ingram, Josh Hart, and three first-round picks to the New Orleans Pelicans for Davis. And, let’s just say, it paid off.

The Lakers got their superstar to pair with LeBron James, and the duo delivered a championship in 2020 -- yeah, we can call it the “Bubble Trophy” all we want, but a ring is a ring. For the Pelicans, losing Davis was tough, but they walked away with a solid return. The young players they got in the deal have helped them lay the foundation for the future. All things considered? Everyone came out ahead.

7. Donovan Mitchell to the Cleveland Cavaliers (2022)

More recently, the Utah Jazz made a bold move by parting ways with their prized possession, Donovan Mitchell, shipping him off to the Cleveland Cavaliers in exchange for Collin Sexton, Lauri Markkanen, and a stack of draft picks.

That trade gave the Cavs an instant superstar to pair with their young core of Darius Garland, Evan Mobley, and Jarrett Allen. Mitchell brought the scoring punch they needed, helping the Cavs jump back into playoff contention and becoming one of the most exciting teams in the league today. On the flip side, the Jazz embraced a full-on rebuild, stacking up assets to shape their future. A win-win for both sides, but Cleveland definitely came out swinging with this one.

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