NBA trades usually generate a lot of attention and excitement, as they can reshape team rosters and alter the league’s competitiveness. The speculation around them is also a huge part of the fun. Fans, sports analysts, and even bettors worldwide dive into rumors and speculations about potential moves, creating a buzz that keeps everyone on edge.
Some trades are pretty predictable, judging from team strategies, player situations, contract situations, etc. On the other hand, some trades are entirely unexpected, and fans would never have seen them coming. This article ranks the top five most shocking NBA trades in history. But before we dive in, you can click here to wager on your favorite games.
Wilt Chamberlain (Philadelphia 76ers to Los Angeles Lakers)
First on our list is the famous 1968 NBA trade that brought Wilt Chamberlain to the LA Lakers. Back then, Chamberlain was a superstar for the Philadelphia 76ers. In fact, he had won three consecutive MVPs and an NBA championship a year before this trade. However, despite these impressive achievements, the 76ers traded him away for cash and a few role players.
The news of Wilt Chamberlain’s departure from Philadelphia shocked most fans. Many speculated that it was due to his age and perceived decline. However, that turned out not to be the case. He went on to prove his value by leading the Lakers to an NBA championship in 1972.
Charles Barkley (Philadelphia 76ers to Phoenix Suns)
Another surprising trade by the Philadelphia 76ers was Charles Barkley’s move to the Phoenix Suns in 1992. Well, this time, the trade wasn’t entirely the 76ers’ fault, as Barkley personally wanted out because he wasn’t happy. Given that he had spent his entire career with the 76ers, this decision was shocking, especially to the Philadelphia 76ers fans.
Barkley went on to have a pretty successful stint with the Phoenix Suns. Although he didn’t win a championship with them, he managed to lead them to the NBA Finals, where the Chicago Bulls defeated them in six games. Although it has been 32 years, Barkley’s move to the Suns remains one of the most shocking and controversial trades of all time.
Kawhi Leonard (San Antonio Spurs to Toronto Raptors)
In this case, many already expected that Kawhi Leonard would eventually leave the San Antonio Spurs. He had been with them his entire career and was a key player on their roster. However, after a conflict with the Spurs organization over his injury management and rehabilitation, he was traded in 2018 in exchange for a player and a draft pick.
This deal was particularly shocking because Kawhi Leonard had just one year left on his contract. It was unexpected that any team would trade away a player and a draft pick under those circumstances, especially considering Leonard’s fitness was highly uncertain then.
This trade felt like a big gamble for the Raptors, but it turned out to be a great move. Kawhi Leonard led them to their first and only NBA championship, delivering one of the best performances of his career that season.
Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce, and Jason Terry (Boston Celtics to Brooklyn Nets)
In 2013, the Brooklyn Nets made a surprising move by trading three first-round and one second-round draft pick for Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce, and Jason Terry, who were 37, 36, and 36 years old. Although these Celtics stars were great players with championship pedigree, they were aging. It was, therefore, surprising to see the Brooklyn Nets give up four draft picks for three aging players who were clearly past their prime.
The Brooklyn Nets hoped to win immediately with these aging stars, but things didn’t go as planned. Instead, they went through a long stretch of poor performance, and all three players were gone within just three seasons.
Kyrie Irving (Cleveland Cavaliers to Boston Celtics)
Kyrie Irving’s trade to the Boston Celtics stunned Cleveland Cavaliers fans. Having spent his entire career with the team and even winning a championship in 2016, Irving’s decision to leave in 2017 was unexpected.
What made it even more shocking was that Irving chose to leave for a rival team just as the Cavaliers aimed to cement their dominance in the NBA. That trade signaled the end of the championship window as they struggled to stay.
Boston, on the other hand, gave up valuable draft picks, only for Irving to be gone within two seasons after struggling with injuries. Irvin would later express his regret on how he handled his exit from the Cavaliers.
Over the years, the NBA has delivered surprising trades that caught everyone off guard. These deals often betray rumors and speculations, showcasing just how unpredictable the league can be and adding to its overall excitement.
