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The 10 most shocking trades in sports history have left fans and analysts alike in disbelief, often altering the landscape of their respective leagues.
On a fateful Saturday night, NBA enthusiasts were caught off guard by rumors of a Luka Dončić-Anthony Davis blockbuster trade. The unexpected announcement confirmed that the Los Angeles Lakers and Dallas Mavericks had struck a three-team deal, sending shockwaves through the sports community.
But does this trade rank among the most surprising in sports history? Here is a list of ten trades that left fans astounded.
10 Most Shocking Trades
Ken Griffey Jr. was the face of baseball when he was traded by the Seattle Mariners in a shocking turn of events. At the time, he was a 10-time All-Star and a Gold Glove winner, seemingly on track to break home run records. However, his desire to return to Cincinnati for family reasons led to this unexpected move.
After the 1999 season, Griffey vetoed a trade to the New York Mets and was ultimately sent to the Reds in exchange for Mike Cameron and Brett Tomko. Unfortunately, injuries plagued Griffey’s later years, somewhat overshadowing the magnitude of this trade at the time.
The Oakland Raiders passed on Randy Moss during the draft, opting instead for JaMarcus Russell. This decision allowed the New England Patriots to acquire Moss for a mere fourth-round pick. Moss later recounted a surprise call from Bill Belichick, asking him to come to Foxborough for a physical.
Alex Rodriguez was just three years into a groundbreaking 10-year, $252 million deal with the Texas Rangers when they began shopping the reigning MVP. The surprise escalated when the Boston Red Sox attempted to orchestrate a massive three-team deal involving A-Rod and several other stars. However, the deal fell apart due to union objections regarding Rodriguez’s pay cut.
After remaining with the Rangers, Rodriguez found himself joining the New York Yankees when third baseman Aaron Boone suffered a season-ending injury. The Yankees traded young star Alfonso Soriano to Texas, marking a significant shift in baseball dynamics.
7. Shaquille O’Neal to Miami Heat (2004)
In 2004, the NBA landscape shifted dramatically when the Los Angeles Lakers traded Shaquille O’Neal to the Miami Heat. This decision followed years of tension between O’Neal and teammate Kobe Bryant. The Lakers received Caron Butler, Lamar Odom, Brian Grant, and a first-round pick in return.
O’Neal’s motivation propelled the Heat to their first NBA championship just two years later, while the Lakers struggled until they acquired Pau Gasol in another surprising trade.
Kevin Garnett’s departure from the Minnesota Timberwolves was inevitable as the team sought a rebuild. Initially, the Lakers and Phoenix Suns were frontrunners for Garnett’s services, but the Boston Celtics ultimately secured him in a historic trade that included a significant package centered around Al Jefferson and two first-round picks.
In the late 1980s, the Dallas Cowboys made a trade that would define their dynasty. By trading Herschel Walker to the Minnesota Vikings for an impressive haul of draft picks and players, the Cowboys set the stage for their future success. They capitalized on this trade, using the acquired draft capital to select future stars like Emmitt Smith and Darren Woodson.
The San Francisco Warriors made a trade that would haunt them when they dealt Wilt Chamberlain to the Philadelphia 76ers. This occurred during the 1965 All-Star weekend, with the Warriors parting ways with their superstar for a package that included three players and cash. Chamberlain went on to dominate with the 76ers, winning multiple MVP awards and leading them to a championship.
Wayne Gretzky’s trade from the Edmonton Oilers to the Los Angeles Kings was so controversial that it drew governmental attention. After winning his fifth Stanley Cup, Gretzky was traded due to financial issues faced by the Oilers. The deal, which included significant cash and players, stunned the hockey world and changed the trajectory of the NHL.
2. Babe Ruth to New York Yankees (1920)
The trade that sent Babe Ruth from the Boston Red Sox to the New York Yankees remains one of the most infamous in baseball history. Sold for cash to finance a Broadway play, this trade drastically altered the fortunes of both franchises. The Red Sox entered a long championship drought, while the Yankees became a powerhouse.
Ruth’s legacy in New York solidified him as one of the greatest players ever, while the Red Sox suffered under the weight of what would become known as the “Curse of the Bambino.”
1. Luka Dončić to Los Angeles Lakers (2025)
Luka Dončić’s recent trade to the Los Angeles Lakers marks a significant moment in basketball history. Widely regarded as one of the top players in the league, Dončić’s move came as a complete surprise, especially after leading the Mavericks to the NBA Finals and winning the scoring title. The trade involved future Hall of Famer Anthony Davis, and no prior speculation hinted at this monumental shift.
Dallas general manager Nico Harrison’s discreet outreach to the Lakers caught the entire league off guard, leaving fans and analysts reeling. The Mavericks’ decision to trade Dončić, especially with his potential $345 million extension looming, raises questions about the team’s future direction and their confidence in their new acquisitions.
HONORABLE MENTION
- Mike Piazza to the Marlins/Mets
- Kawhi Leonard to the Raptors
- Jon Gruden to the Buccaneers
- Matthew Stafford to the Rams
- Chris Paul to the Clippers
- James Harden to the Rockets
- Curt Schilling to the Red Sox
- Justin Verlander to the Astros
- Eric Dickerson to the Colts
- Kareem Abdul-Jabbar to the Lakers
- Chris Webber to the Bullets
- Marshall Faulk to the Rams
- Ricky Williams to the Saints
- Frank Robinson to the Orioles
- Tyreek Hill to the Dolphins
