Ranking the 10 biggest superstars moved at the NBA Trade Deadline
03/24/2025 05:36 PM
The NBA Trade Deadline is an annual spectacle in the middle of a season that allows teams to make last-minute changes to their roster. This opens the doors for NBA superstars to change their teams, as well. Here are the 10 biggest superstars moved at the NBA Trade Deadline, ranked.
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1. Kevin Durant (2022-23 Suns)
Kevin Durant has been struggling to win titles ever since he left the Golden State Warriors. After several playoff disappointments with the Brooklyn Nets, Durant decided to request for a trade. The two-time NBA Finals MVP also wasn’t a fan of the team’s stability. As a result, the Nets traded Durant to the Phoenix Suns, changing the landscape of the Western Conference.
2. Luka Doncic (2024-25 Lakers)
Luka Doncic is being penciled in to be the next face of the NBA. As a result, it was an ultimate shocker that the Dallas Mavericks opted to trade Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers, especially when Doncic had just led the team to an appearance in the 2024 NBA Finals. In fact, it was even more surprising that he was actually made available because, at 25 years old, Doncic was supposed to carry the franchise for years to come.
Mavericks general manager Nico Harrison cited the need for more defense, hence, swapping Doncic for a much older Anthony Davis. The acquisition of Doncic by the Purple and Gold ultimately altered the trajectory of the Lakers team that once faced uncertainly for life after LeBron James.
3. Jimmy Butler (2024-25 Warriors)
Another NBA superstar who was moved at the NBA Trade Deadline this year was Jimmy Butler. After leading the Miami Heat to a pair of NBA Finals appearances, Butler became disgruntled in South Beach. As a result, an ugly spat against the front office ensued, as it became obvious that the six-time NBA All-Star wanted out. In order to unload Butler, the Heat traded Butler to the Golden State Warriors. This paved the way for Butler to team up with the best shooter in the world in Stephen Curry.
4. Kyrie Irving (2022-23 Mavericks)
Like Durant, Kyrie Irving grew frustrated in Brooklyn. Aside from not winning any rings, it could be remembered that Irving’s tenure was marred with controversy from his COVID-19 vaccine stance to the promotion of antisemitic material. At the 2023 NBA Trade Deadline, Irving was also traded away by the Nets, but to the Dallas Mavericks. Irving’s acquisition would propel the Mavs to an NBA Finals appearance a season later.
5. Zach LaVine (2024-25 Kings)
The Chicago Bulls took a gamble on Zach LaVine, hoping that he would transform into a superstar. While he did live up to the bill as the face of the franchise, LaVine’s stint in the Windy City never resulted in competitive playoff runs. Signaling a rebuild, the Bulls tried their hardest to unload LaVine. However, with a lucrative contract, it was difficult to find a trade partner. Fortunately, the Bulls engaged in a three-team exchange that saw LaVine land with the Sacramento Kings.
6. De’Aaron Fox (2024-25 Spurs)
Speaking of the Kings, De’Aaron Fox was anointed as the face of the Kings. Besides, he played a key role in ending the franchise’s record-breaking playoff drought. However, with Fox’s contract about to expire, the Kings’ front office was listening to proposals. As a result, this led them to include Fox in the three-team trade that involved LaVine. The onetime NBA All-Star was acquired by the San Antonio Spurs, paving the way for a promising team-up with reigning NBA Rookie of the Year Victor Wembanyama.
7. Carmelo Anthony (2010-11 Knicks)
Carmelo Anthony lost patience with the Denver Nuggets. Despite nearing the expiration of his contract, Melo wanted out as early as the 2010-11 season. As a result, the team sent him as part of a massive package to the New York Knicks at the NBA Trade Deadline that also involved the Minnesota Timberwolves. It was a clearing of rosters for all parties involved. The disgruntled superstar got his wish and went on to star for the Knicks, becoming the superstar that the city was waiting for.
8. Clyde Drexler (1994-95 Rockets)
The Houston Rockets were looking for ways to defend their title. As a result, they decided to facilitate a move at the NBA Trade Deadline with the Portland Trail Blazers, who were desiring for a rebuild. Clyde Drexler was an elite point guard who’s services weren’t needed by the Blazers. So it was a win-win situation when he was dealt to the Rockets. The move not only reunited him with college teammate Hakeem Olajuwon, but it was enough to propel Houston towards a second-straight title.
9. Pau Gasol (2007-08 Lakers)
Pau Gasol transformed into an international NBA star with the Memphis Grizzlies. However, the front office was also convinced that building around Gasol wasn’t going to win titles. So the team accepted an underwhelming haul from the Lakers, headlined by Kwame Brown and Javaris Crittenton with the rights to Marc Gasol being the lone bright spot. Nonetheless, the elder Gasol was the missing piece for the Lakers, as the Kobe Bryant-led Lakers secured back-to-back championships.
10. James Harden (2021-22 76ers)
It’s not so often that former NBA MVPs get moved at the NBA Trade Deadline. But in the midst of the 2021-22 season, James Harden joined the club. After a disappointing tenure with the Brooklyn Nets, The Beard requested a trade at the deadline, paving the way for him to take his talents to the Philadelphia 76ers. Joining a Sixers team with playoff aspirations, Harden and Embiid elevated the Sixers into a legitimate threat. However, the partnership never amounted into so much as an NBA Finals appearance.
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