The top 10 worst trades in NBA history

By Jason Bolton May 08, 2024 05:56

The NBA has seen its fair share of trades over the years, some of which have turned out to be brilliant moves while others have left teams and fans scratching their heads. Together with Fan Arch, we'll take a closer look at the top 10 worst trades in the history of the NBA, analyzing the impact and consequences of each trade.

1. Brooklyn Nets trade for Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce, and Jason Terry

In 2013, the Brooklyn Nets acquired Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce, and Jason Terry from the Boston Celtics in exchange for a package of players and draft picks.
The Nets were aiming to create a championship-contending team, but the trade backfired spectacularly. Garnett and Pierce were well past their prime, and the Nets gave up several valuable first-round picks that ultimately hindered their ability to rebuild for years.

2. New York Knicks trade for Andrea Bargnani

The New York Knicks traded for Andrea Bargnani in 2013, sending multiple players and future draft picks to the Toronto Raptors.
Bargnani failed to live up to expectations, and the Knicks sacrificed valuable assets for a player whose impact on the team was minimal at best.

3. Oklahoma City Thunder trade James Harden to the Houston Rockets

In 2012, the Oklahoma City Thunder traded James Harden to the Houston Rockets in exchange for a package that included Kevin Martin, Jeremy Lamb, and multiple draft picks.
Harden went on to become a perennial All-Star and MVP candidate with the Rockets, while the Thunder failed to adequately replace his production, ultimately impacting their ability to compete for championships.

4. Charlotte Hornets trade Kobe Bryant to the Los Angeles Lakers

In the 1996 NBA Draft, the Charlotte Hornets drafted Kobe Bryant with the 13th overall pick and promptly traded him to the Los Angeles Lakers for Vlade Divac.
Bryant went on to become one of the greatest players in NBA history, winning multiple championships and MVP awards, while the Hornets missed out on a once-in-a-generation talent.

5. Boston Celtics trade for Joe Barry Carroll

In 1986, the Boston Celtics traded for Joe Barry Carroll, sending Robert Parish and the draft rights to Kevin McHale to the Golden State Warriors.
This trade is widely regarded as one of the most lopsided in NBA history, as Parish and McHale formed a formidable frontcourt tandem that led the Celtics to multiple championships, while Carroll's impact in Boston was underwhelming.

6. Vancouver Grizzlies trade for Shareef Abdur-Rahim

The Vancouver Grizzlies acquired Shareef Abdur-Rahim in 1996, giving up the draft rights to Steve Nash and a future first-round pick to the Phoenix Suns.
Abdur-Rahim had a solid career, but Nash went on to become a two-time MVP and one of the greatest point guards in NBA history, making this trade a painful missed opportunity for the Grizzlies.

7. Chicago Bulls trade for Eddy Curry

The Chicago Bulls traded for Eddy Curry in 2005, sending him to the New York Knicks in exchange for a package centered around draft picks.
Curry's tenure with the Knicks was marred by injuries and underwhelming performance, and the draft picks the Bulls gave up turned into valuable assets that could have helped the team rebuild.

8. Los Angeles Lakers trade for Dwight Howard

In 2012, the Los Angeles Lakers acquired Dwight Howard from the Orlando Magic in a multi-team trade that also involved the Philadelphia 76ers and the Denver Nuggets.
Howard's time with the Lakers was tumultuous, marked by injuries and locker room drama, and the trade ultimately failed to deliver the championship success the Lakers had hoped for.

9. Portland Trail Blazers trade for Jermaine O'Neal

The Portland Trail Blazers traded Jermaine O'Neal to the Indiana Pacers in 2000 in exchange for Dale Davis.
O'Neal blossomed into an All-Star and key contributor for the Pacers, while Davis' impact in Portland was short-lived, making this trade a regrettable decision for the Trail Blazers.

10. Detroit Pistons trade for Allen Iverson

In 2008, the Detroit Pistons acquired Allen Iverson from the Denver Nuggets in exchange for Chauncey Billups and Antonio McDyess.

Iverson's stint with the Pistons was fraught with on-court struggles and off-court issues, and the trade signaled the end of an era of success for the Pistons, making it a move that the team and its fans wish they could take back.

These trades serve as cautionary tales of the potential consequences of ill-advised player transactions in the NBA.

They highlight the importance of strategic decision-making and the long-term implications of trades on a team's success.

As the league continues to evolve, these trades will stand as reminders of the high stakes involved in player acquisitions and the lasting impact they can have on a franchise.

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