NBA trades always create a significant impact on the league. Every season, teams make moves that can either make or break their championship aspirations. This article examines a few key NBA trades from recent years and their tangible effects on the teams and the league as a whole.
The Blockbuster Trades
- One of the most significant trades in recent history involves the Los Angeles Lakers acquiring Anthony Davis from the New Orleans Pelicans in 2019. The trade had the Lakers send Lonzo Ball, Brandon Ingram, Josh Hart, and multiple first-round picks to the Pelicans. Davis instantly elevated the Lakers' defense and offense. This impact translated directly to success as the Lakers won the NBA Championship in 2020. Davis averaged 26.1 points, 9.3 rebounds, and 2.3 blocks per game during that season.
- The trade that sent Kawhi Leonard to the Toronto Raptors in 2018 also stands out. Leonard was traded from the San Antonio Spurs, along with Danny Green, in exchange for DeMar DeRozan, Jakob Poeltl, and a protected 2019 first-round draft pick. Leonard led the Raptors to their first-ever NBA Championship in 2019, averaging 30.5 points and 9.1 rebounds per game during the playoffs. The trade positioned the Raptors as a formidable team in the Eastern Conference.
Rebuilding Moves
- The Brooklyn Nets made a remarkable trade when they acquired James Harden from the Houston Rockets in a four-team deal in 2021. Harden joined forces with Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving, creating a super team in Brooklyn. Despite some challenges with injuries, this trio showed potential for dominance. Harden contributed significantly, averaging 24.6 points, 10.9 assists, and 8.5 rebounds per game in the 2020-21 season. Their combined performance makes the Nets a go-to team for future championships.
- Another key trade involves the Philadelphia 76ers acquiring Jimmy Butler in 2018 from the Minnesota Timberwolves. Butler provided the Sixers with a veteran presence and a powerful scorer. He averaged 18.2 points per game after joining the Sixers. Although Butler left for the Miami Heat in the 2019 offseason, his short tenure helped establish the Sixers as serious contenders in the Eastern Conference.
Surprising Outcomes
- The Paul George trade to the Los Angeles Clippers in 2019 sent shockwaves through the league. The Clippers traded Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Danilo Gallinari, and a record five first-round draft picks to the Oklahoma City Thunder. George's partnership with Kawhi Leonard created one of the most formidable duos in the NBA. George averaged 23.3 points and 6.6 rebounds per game in his first season with the Clippers. This trade signified a superstar era for the Clippers.
- The Phoenix Suns' trade for Chris Paul in 2020 had an unexpected but momentous impact. The Suns acquired Paul from the Oklahoma City Thunder in exchange for Kelly Oubre Jr., Ricky Rubio, Ty Jerome, Jalen Lecque, and a 2022 first-round pick. Paul's leadership and playmaking turned the Suns into championship contenders almost overnight. Paul's averages of 16.4 points and 8.9 assists per game in the 2020-21 season were pivotal in the Suns reaching the NBA Finals that year.
These trades showcase the unpredictable and often game-changing nature of the NBA. The decisions made in the front offices ripple through the seasons, reshaping the dynamics of the league.
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