Luka Dončić and Kevin Durant headline the conversation around the biggest NBA trade deadline moves in history. The anticipation surrounding the trade deadline, set for February 6 this season, consistently brings forth a flurry of significant player exchanges.
In an unexpected twist, the Los Angeles Lakers executed a stunning trade for Dallas Mavericks’ superstar Luka Dončić early on Sunday morning. The Lakers sent nine-time All-Star Anthony Davis, along with a future first-round draft pick and additional assets, to Dallas. This monumental trade has sent shockwaves through the league.
Here are ten of the most impactful NBA trades that took place around the trade deadline (trades made more than a month before the deadline are excluded):
10. Miami Heat acquire Goran Dragić (2015)
Heat receive: Goran Dragić and Zoran Dragić
Suns receive: Danny Granger, John Salmons, and two first-round draft picks
Pelicans receive: Norris Cole, Justin Hamilton, and Shawne Williams
As the trade market heated up, Miami seized the opportunity to acquire Dragić and his brother just moments before the 2015 deadline. A skilled point guard, Dragić provided the Heat with a steady presence on the court, complementing Dwyane Wade’s explosive style. Following the season, Dragić signed a five-year, $90 million deal with Miami, where he played for over six seasons, averaging 16.2 points and 5.2 assists per game, and even started during the Heat’s 2020 NBA Finals run.
9. New Orleans Pelicans acquire DeMarcus Cousins (2017)
Pelicans receive: DeMarcus Cousins and Omri Casspi
Kings receive: Buddy Hield, Tyreke Evans, Langston Galloway, and a first- and second-round draft pick
With Anthony Davis as their centerpiece, the Pelicans aimed to maximize his potential by trading for Cousins, viewed as one of the premier scoring centers in the league. Together, Davis and Cousins formed a formidable frontcourt, showcasing their scoring prowess and rebounding skills. Although New Orleans missed the playoffs in 2017, they returned to postseason play the following year. Before suffering a season-ending Achilles injury, Cousins averaged 25.2 points and 12.9 rebounds for the Pelicans in the 2017-18 season.
8. Brooklyn Nets acquire Deron Williams (2011)
Nets receive: Deron Williams
Jazz receive: Derrick Favors, Devin Harris, two unprotected first-round draft picks, and cash considerations
Seeking a strong identity, the Nets made a bold move to bring in Williams, one of the league’s elite point guards. The trade required parting with two first-round picks, along with Favors and Harris, both former top-five selections. Despite missing the playoffs in 2011 and 2012, Williams led the Nets to three consecutive playoff appearances after the addition of Joe Johnson. During his tenure in Brooklyn, he averaged 16.6 points and 7.5 assists per game.
7. Dallas Mavericks acquire Jason Kidd (2008)
Mavericks receive: Jason Kidd, Malik Allen, and Antoine Wright
Nets receive: Devin Harris, DeSagana Diop, Trenton Hassell, Maurice Ager, Keith Van Horn, two first-round draft picks, and cash
The Mavericks, aiming to break through in the playoffs, traded for Kidd, who became a key contributor to their 2011 championship run. His experience and playmaking abilities complemented the talents of Dirk Nowitzki, Jason Terry, and Caron Butler. Over his second stint with the Mavericks, Kidd averaged 8.2 assists per game, solidifying his status as a vital piece of the championship puzzle.
6. Philadelphia 76ers acquire James Harden (2022)
76ers receive: James Harden and Paul Millsap
Nets receive: Ben Simmons, Seth Curry, Andre Drummond, an unprotected first-round draft pick, and a protected first-round draft pick
As the deadline approached, Harden’s desire to play in Philadelphia led to a significant trade that resolved the ongoing Simmons saga for the 76ers. This move allowed the Nets to gain assets in return for a player they anticipated would leave. Harden quickly formed a dynamic partnership with Joel Embiid, showcasing his scoring and playmaking skills. While Harden continued to perform at an All-Star level, he sought another trade in 2023.
5. Seattle SuperSonics acquire Ray Allen (2003)
SuperSonics receive: Ray Allen, Kevin Ollie, Ronald Murray, and a conditional first-round draft pick
Bucks receive: Gary Payton and Desmond Mason
After proving himself as a top player in Milwaukee, Allen was traded to Seattle, where he elevated his game. During his four-plus seasons with the SuperSonics, he averaged 24.6 points per game, shooting impressively from the field. Although Seattle made the playoffs only once with Allen, he played a pivotal role in their success before being traded to the Boston Celtics in 2007, where he won a championship the following season.
4. Los Angeles Lakers acquire Pau Gasol (2008)
Lakers receive: Pau Gasol and a second-round draft pick
Grizzlies receive: Marc Gasol, Kwame Brown, Javaris Crittenton, Aaron McKie, and two first-round draft picks
This trade, involving brothers, was pivotal for the Lakers’ success. Acquiring Pau Gasol helped the Lakers reclaim their status as title contenders. Following a narrow defeat in the 2008 Finals, the Lakers secured back-to-back championships and reached the playoffs consistently during Gasol’s tenure. He averaged 17.7 points, 9.9 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks per game over six-plus seasons, forming a formidable duo with Kobe Bryant. The Lakers honored Gasol by retiring his No. 16 jersey in 2023.
3. New York Knicks acquire Carmelo Anthony (2011)
Knicks receive: Carmelo Anthony, Chauncey Billups, Anthony Carter, Shelden Williams, and Renaldo Balkman
Nuggets receive: Danilo Gallinari, Wilson Chandler, Raymond Felton, Timofey Mozgov, Corey Brewer, a future New York first-round draft pick, and two second-rounders
Timberwolves receive: Anthony Randolph, Eddy Curry, and cash
After extensive negotiations, the Knicks orchestrated a blockbuster deal to bring Anthony to New York. Teaming up with Amar’e Stoudemire, Anthony propelled the Knicks to three consecutive playoff appearances. An All-Star in each of his six full seasons with the Knicks, he led the league in scoring during the 2012-13 season. Despite his scoring prowess, the Knicks struggled to return to the playoffs in his final years with the team.
2. Phoenix Suns acquire Kevin Durant (2023)
Suns receive: Kevin Durant and T.J. Warren
Nets receive: Mikal Bridges, Cameron Johnson, Juan Pablo Vaulet, four unprotected first-round draft picks, a first-round pick swap, and two second-rounders
Bucks receive: Jae Crowder
Pacers receive: George Hill, Serge Ibaka, Jordan Nwora, three second-round draft picks, and cash
In a bold move shortly after Mat Ishbia became the new owner, the Suns made headlines by trading for Durant, one of the league’s most prolific scorers. Durant’s arrival has been met with high expectations, averaging 27.0 points per game alongside Devin Booker. However, the Suns have faced challenges since the trade, struggling to advance past the quarterfinals of the Western Conference playoffs and navigating coaching changes.
1. Los Angeles Lakers acquire Luka Dončić (2025)
Lakers receive: Luka Dončić, Maxi Kleber, and Markieff Morris
Mavericks receive: Anthony Davis, Max Christie, and Los Angeles’ 2029 first-round draft pick
Jazz receive: Jalen Hood-Schifino and two second-round draft picks
The Lakers have executed one of the most groundbreaking trades in NBA history by acquiring Luka Dončić, a 25-year-old player with five All-NBA selections. Despite facing injury issues this season, Dončić remains a dynamic scorer, averaging 28.6 points per game throughout his career. This trade positions Los Angeles for the future, as Dončić is poised to take over as the franchise’s face following LeBron James’ eventual retirement. Conversely, the Mavericks made a bold decision, trading a young superstar for the seasoned Anthony Davis, who carries injury concerns. This high-stakes gamble reflects the Mavericks’ ambition, especially after their recent Finals appearance.
