Top 10 Craziest NBA Trades That Never Happened

By Edcel Panganiban April 05, 2024 15:07

The NBA has seen its fair share of shocking trades over the years, but perhaps equally intriguing are the trades that were rumored or discussed but ultimately fell through.

These near-misses can leave fans and analysts alike wondering "what if?"

Here, we delve into the top 10 craziest NBA trades that never happened, exploring the reasons behind their failure to materialize.

1. Chris Paul to the Los Angeles Lakers

In 2011, the NBA famously vetoed a trade that would have sent Chris Paul from the New Orleans Hornets to the Los Angeles Lakers.

The league, which owned the Hornets at the time, cited "basketball reasons" for blocking the trade, sparking widespread controversy.

Many speculated that other team owners pressured the league to intervene, fearing a potential Lakers super team with Paul, Kobe Bryant, and Dwight Howard.

2. Kobe Bryant to the Detroit Pistons

Rumors swirled in the mid-2000s about a potential trade that would have sent Kobe Bryant to the Detroit Pistons.

Bryant's no-trade clause and the Lakers' reluctance to part ways with their franchise star ultimately derailed the deal.

The trade would have drastically altered the balance of power in the league, with Bryant joining a Pistons team fresh off an NBA championship.

3. Kevin Garnett to the Golden State Warriors

Before Kevin Garnett landed with the Boston Celtics in 2007, there were talks of a potential trade to the Golden State Warriors.

The deal never materialized due to Garnett's reported reluctance to commit to an extension with the Warriors.

Instead, he ultimately joined forces with Paul Pierce and Ray Allen in Boston, leading the Celtics to an NBA championship in 2008.

4. Scottie Pippen to the Seattle SuperSonics

In 1994, the Chicago Bulls reportedly explored a trade that would have sent Scottie Pippen to the Seattle SuperSonics in exchange for Shawn Kemp.

However, disagreements over contract extensions and financial considerations led to the deal falling through.

This trade could have drastically altered the landscape of the NBA in the mid-90s, potentially impacting the Bulls' second three-peat.

5. Tracy McGrady to the Philadelphia 76ers

In 1999, the Toronto Raptors and Philadelphia 76ers discussed a trade involving Tracy McGrady and Larry Hughes. The deal never materialized as the Raptors were unwilling to part ways with McGrady, who would later emerge as a prolific scorer and perennial All-Star.

6. Chris Webber to the Los Angeles Lakers

During the 1993 NBA Draft, the Orlando Magic selected Chris Webber with the first overall pick but promptly traded him to the Golden State Warriors for Penny Hardaway and three future first-round picks.

There were reports of discussions to send Webber to the Los Angeles Lakers. Ultimately, Webber was traded to the Washington Bullets, now Wizards, where he enjoyed significant success before being traded to the Sacramento Kings.

7. Carmelo Anthony to the New Jersey Nets

Before Carmelo Anthony was eventually traded to the New York Knicks in 2011, there were talks of a potential deal with the New Jersey Nets.

The Nets reportedly grew wary of including too many assets in the trade, and Anthony's desire to play in New York ultimately swayed the negotiations in favor of the Knicks.

8. Shaquille O'Neal to the Chicago Bulls

Following the 1996-1997 season, there were discussions of a potential trade that would have sent Shaquille O'Neal from the Orlando Magic to the Chicago Bulls in exchange for a package including Scottie Pippen.

The Bulls ultimately decided to retain Pippen, leading O'Neal to sign with the Los Angeles Lakers as a free agent, where he would go on to win multiple championships.

9. LeBron James to the Phoenix Suns

During the 2009 offseason, there were murmurs of a potential trade that would have sent LeBron James to the Phoenix Suns in a blockbuster deal.

The intricate logistics of such a trade, coupled with the Cleveland Cavaliers' efforts to surround James with a competitive roster, ultimately led to the deal falling through. James would later depart for the Miami Heat in 2010.

10. Hakeem Olajuwon to the Detroit Pistons

In the early 1990s, rumors surfaced about a potential trade that would have sent Hakeem Olajuwon from the Houston Rockets to the Detroit Pistons.

The Pistons' reluctance to part ways with key players such as Joe Dumars and the challenge of matching Olajuwon's salary led to the deal never materializing.

Ultimately, these near-miss trades serve as intriguing "what if" scenarios in NBA history, leaving fans to ponder the potential alternate realities had these deals come to fruition.

Whether due to contractual complexities, team dynamics, or other factors, the failure of these trades has undoubtedly shaped the course of NBA history in unexpected ways.