In the world of professional basketball, massive multiplayer trades that shake up the landscape of the league have become commonplace. Superstar players switching jerseys in blockbuster deals is just part of the drama that unfolds each NBA season.
But every so often, a trade comes out of left field that leaves the basketball world stunned. Whether it involves an unexpected player movement, lopsided returns, or perfect timing, these are the trades that no one sees coming.
In this article, we will look at some of the most surprising and franchise-altering trades in NBA history. For each deal, we’ll break down exactly what happened and the immediate and long-term impacts on the teams and players involved. Strap in for some legendary swap stories from the NBA archives.
1. James Harden trade to the Brooklyn Nets (2021)
What Happened
In January 2021, the Houston Rockets traded former MVP James Harden to the Brooklyn Nets in a shock four-team deal also involving the Indiana Pacers and Cleveland Cavaliers.
The Nets gave up shockingly little for Harden, sending spare parts like Jarrett Allen and Rodions Kurucs, along with a boatload of first-round draft picks, to Houston. Essentially, Brooklyn formed their own “Big Three” overnight by uniting Harden with Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving.
Immediate Impact
- The Nets became championship favorites, while the Rockets fully committed to a rebuild.
- Pacers received Caris LeVert as Victor Oladipo insurance.
- The Cavaliers got talented young center Jarrett Allen.
Long-Term Outlook
The chaos was just getting started. After a drama-filled season and a first-round playoff exit, Harden became unhappy in Brooklyn. A year after acquiring him, the Nets flipped Harden to Philadelphia in another blockbuster trade.
Brooklyn’s championship hopes evaporated as Durant also requested a trade out of town. As for Houston, they replenished their coffers with Brooklyn’s draft capital and remained committed to rebuilding.
2. Kawhi Leonard Traded to the Toronto Raptors (2018)
What Happened
In the summer of 2018, Kawhi Leonard was traded from the San Antonio Spurs, along with Danny Green, to the Toronto Raptors. At first, it looked like San Antonio got a haul in return: young star DeMar DeRozan, center Jakob Poeltl, and a first-round pick.
But Leonard was coming off an injury-riddled season where he was limited to just nine games. Many questioned if he would ever return to his MVP form.
Immediate Impact
- The Raptors took a gamble that Leonard would bounce back.
- Spurs remained competitive, with DeRozan leading the squad.
Long-Term Outlook
Leonard enjoyed one of the all-time great contract-year performances in NBA history. He led Toronto to the first championship in franchise history in 2019 before leaving for the LA Clippers that summer.
DeRozan put up big numbers in San Antonio, but the team plateaued. They eventually traded him to the Bulls in 2021, opting for a full rebuild centered around young players.
3. Charles Barkley Trade to the Phoenix Suns (1992)
What Happened
In 1992, Charles Barkley was traded from the Philadelphia 76ers to the Phoenix Suns for Jeff Hornacek, Tim Perry, and Andrew Lang. Barkley had superstar talent but couldn’t get the 76ers over the hump in Philly. Still in his prime, he wanted a change of scenery and a fresh start out West.
Immediate Impact
- Barkley turned the Suns into contenders instantly.
- The 76ers remained competitive but lacked star power.
Long-Term Outlook
The trade revitalized Barkley’s career, as he won MVP in his first season in Phoenix. He transformed the Suns into a juggernaut that made the Finals in Barkley’s first season in 1993. He retired as a Suns legend without ever securing a championship.
As for Philly, they remained a playoff team throughout the 1990s but struggled to replace Barkley’s production and leadership.
4. Wilt Chamberlain Trade to Los Angeles Lakers (1968)
What Happened
In 1968, Wilt Chamberlain was traded from the Philadelphia 76ers to the LA Lakers in exchange for Archie Clark, Jerry Chambers, and Darrall Imhoff. It was an absolute fleecing for the Lakers, who gave up little in actual talent to acquire the NBA’s most dominant force.
Immediate Impact
- The Lakers added the game’s best player for insignificant role players.
- The 76ers took a major step back in competitiveness and star talent.
Long-Term Outlook
The trade made the Lakers an instant powerhouse. With Chamberlain and Jerry West, LA made the Finals four times over the next five seasons.
They won the championship in 1972, during Chamberlain’s fifth year with the team. The lopsided deal set Philadelphia back for years as they struggled to regain relevance after losing their franchise player.
Summary
History shows that the landscape of the NBA can be reshaped instantly with a single surprising transaction. Whether it provides a missing championship piece like Wilt to LA or signals a change of guard like Barkley to Phoenix, these trades echo through time.
While teams like the Nets have seen their win-now gambles backfire, deals like Kawhi to Toronto have altered the league’s balance of power overnight.
The drama, speculation and anticipation that swirls around the trade market will continue feeding our obsession with the NBA.
Because just when you think you know what will happen next, a shocker comes out of nowhere to shake things up once again.