The best player moved at each NBA trade deadline this century
raul barrigon
·7-min read
DALLAS, TX - MARCH 5: Kevin Durant #35 of the Phoenix Suns goes to the basket as Luka Doncic #77 of the Dallas Mavericks defends in the second half of the game at American Airlines Center on March 5, 2023 in Dallas, Texas. The Suns won 130-126. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ron Jenkins/Getty Images)
The NBA trade deadline is one of the most exciting times of the year for basketball fans, giving supporters of every team feelings of hope and intrigue that their squads might be able to add immediate improvements that’ll help out during the stretch run of the campaign.
Oftentimes, however, the hype is greater than the reality, as many trade deadlines end up without an exciting move being made.
Other trade deadlines, though, include legitimate blockbuster moves made and huge names switched teams mid-season. The Luka-Doncic-for-Anthony-Davis trade would be a great example.
Below, check out the best player moved at each trade deadline week this century.
2025: Luka Doncic acquired by LA Lakers from Dallas
Dec 12, 2023; Dallas, Texas, USA; Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic (77) drives to the basket past Los Angeles Lakers forward Anthony Davis (3) during the second half at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Dallas traded Luka Doncic, Maxi Kleber and Markieff Morris to the LA Lakers for Anthony Davis, Max Christie and one first-round pick. Jazz acquired Jalen Hood-Schifino from the LA Lakers and two second-round picks
2024: PJ Washington acquired by Dallas from Charlotte
Jan 23, 2025; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Dallas Mavericks forward P.J. Washington (25) laughs after a play against Oklahoma City Thunder guard Alex Caruso (9) during the second half at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
Charlotte traded him and two second-round picks to Dallas for Seth Curry, Grant Williams, and a first-round pick
Washington is averaging 13.3 ppg, 7.5 rpg and 2.0 apg in 71 games since the trade
2023: Kevin Durant acquired by Phoenix from Brooklyn
Jan 31, 2025; San Francisco, California, USA; Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant (35) reacts after having his jersey pulled during action against the Golden State Warriors in the first quarter at the Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-Imagn Images
Phoenix acquired him and TJ Warren from Brooklyn in a four-team trade with Milwaukee and Indiana. Brooklyn received Mikal Bridges, Cam Johnson, four first-round picks, a first-round pick swap in 2028 from Phoenix, and second-round picks from Milwaukee. Phoenix traded Jae Crowder to Milwaukee, and Indiana acquired second-round picks.
Durant is averaging 27.0 ppg, 6.4 rpg and 4.7 apg in 121 games since the trade
2022: Kyrie Irving acquired by Dallas from Brooklyn
Dec 27, 2024; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Dallas Mavericks guard Kyrie Irving (11) shoots the ball against Phoenix Suns forward Josh Okogie (2) during the third quarter at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Brooklyn traded him and Markieff Morris to Dallas for Dorian Finney-Smith, Spencer Dinwiddie, a first-round pick and two second-round picks.
Irving is averaging 25.4 ppg, 4.9 rpg, 5.2 apg in 117 games since the trade
2021: Nikola Vucevic acquired by Chicago from Orlando
Dec 21, 2024; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bulls center Nikola Vucevic (9) shoots against Boston Celtics center Al Horford (42) during the first half at United Center. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images
Orlando traded him and Al-Farouq Aminu to Chicago for Otto Porter, Wendell Carter and two first-round picks
Vucevic is averaging 18.4 ppg, 10.8 rpg, 3.4 apg in 303 games since the trade
2020: Andre Drummond acquired by Cleveland from Detroit
Mar 8, 2020; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; San Antonio Spurs forward Keldon Johnson (3) tries to steal the ball from Cleveland Cavaliers center Andre Drummond (3) during the second half at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
Detroit traded him to Cleveland for John Henson, Brandon Knight and a 2023 second-round draft pick
Drummond averaged 17.5 points, 12.9 rebounds and 1.2 blocks in 33 games with the Cavaliers
2019: Marc Gasol acquired by Toronto from Memphis
Feb 11, 2019; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Raptors center Marc Gasol (33) passes the ball against Brooklyn Nets in the first half at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports
Memphis traded him to Toronto for CJ Miles, Jonas Valanciunas, Delon Wright and a 2024 second-round draft pick
Averaged 8.1 points, 6.4 rebounds and 3.5 assists in 70 games with the Raptors
2018: Dwyane Wade acquired by Miami from Chicago
Dec 28, 2018; Miami, FL, USA; Miami Heat guard Dwyane Wade (3) prior to the game against the Cleveland Cavaliers at American Airlines Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports
Chicago traded him to Miami for a 2024 second-round draft pick
Averaged 22.7 points, 4.7 rebounds and 5.6 assists in 948 games with the Heat after the trade
2017: DeMarcus Cousins acquired by New Orleans from Sacramento
Oct 26, 2017; Sacramento, CA, USA; Sacramento Kings forward Zach Randolph (50) is defended by New Orleans Pelicans forward DeMarcus Cousins (0) during the first quarter at Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Sergio Estrada-USA TODAY Sports
Sacramento traded him with Omri Casspi to New Orleans for Tyreke Evans, Langston Galloway, Buddy Hield, a 2017 first-round and a 2017 second-round draft pick
Averaged 25.0 points, 12.7 rebounds and 5.0 assists in 65 games with the Pelicans
2016: Lance Stephenson acquired by Memphis from LA Clippers
Mar 11, 2016; Memphis, TN, USA; Memphis Grizzlies forward Lance Stephenson (1) reacts after the play against the New Orleans Pelicans during the second half at FedExForum. Memphis Grizzlies defeated the New Orleans Pelicans 121 - 114 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports
LA Clippers traded him with a 2019 first-round draft pick to Memphis for Jeff Green
Averaged 14.2 points, 4.2 rebounds and 2.8 assists in 26 games with the Grizzlies
2015: Isaiah Thomas acquired by Boston from Phoenix
May 15, 2017; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Celtics guard Isaiah Thomas (4) looks on during player introductions prior to game seven of the second round of the 2017 NBA Playoffs against the Washington Wizards at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports
Phoenix traded him to Boston in a three-team deal with Detroit for Marcus Thornton and a 2016 first-round draft pick
Averaged 24.7 points, 2.7 rebounds and 6.0 assists in 179 games with the Celtics
2014: Evan Turner acquired by Indiana from Philadelphia
BOSTON - MARCH 1: The Indiana Pacers' Evan Turner drives to the basket on the Boston Celtics' Chris Johnson during second quarter action at TD Garden on March 1, 2014. (Photo by Matthew J. Lee/The Boston Globe via Getty Images)
Philadelphia traded him with Lavoy Allen to Indiana for Danny Granger and a 2015 second-round draft pick
Averaged 7.1 points, 3.2 rebounds and 2.4 assists in 27 games with the Pacers
2013: Tobias Harris acquired by Orlando from Milwaukee
Jan 4, 2016; Auburn Hills, MI, USA; Orlando Magic forward Tobias Harris (12) is defended by Detroit Pistons guard Reggie Jackson (1) during the first quarter at The Palace of Auburn Hills. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports
Milwaukee traded him with Doron Lamb, Beno Udrih and cash to Orlando for Gustavo Ayon, JJ Redick and Ish Smith
Averaged 15.6 points, 7.0 rebounds and 1.8 assists in 205 games with the Magic
2012: Monta Ellis acquired by Milwaukee from Golden State
BOSTON, MA - DECEMBER 21: Milwaukee Bucks point guard Monta Ellis (11) drives past Boston Celtics center Jason Collins (98) during the Milwaukee Bucks 99-94 overtime victory over the Boston Celtics at TD Garden on December 21, 2012 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Chris Elise/Getty Images)
Golden State traded him with Kwame Brown and Ekpe Udoh to Milwaukee for Andrew Bogut and Stephen Jackson
Averaged 18.9 points, 3.8 rebounds and 6.0 assists in 103 games with the Bucks
2011: Carmelo Anthony acquired by New York from Denver
NEW YORK, NY - MAY 06: Carmelo Anthony #7 of the New York Knicks reacts in the second half against the Miami Heat in Game Four of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals in the 2012 NBA Playoffs on May 6, 2012 at Madison Square Garden in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement (Photo by Jeff Zelevansky/Getty Images)
Denver traded him with Renaldo Balkman, Chauncey Billups, Anthony Carter, Shelden Williams and a 2016 first-round draft pick to New York in a three-team trade with Minnesota for Wilson Chandler, Raymond Felton, Danilo Gallinari, Timofey Mozgov, cash, two first-round and two second-round draft picks
Averaged 24.7 points, 7.0 rebounds and 3.2 assists in 412 games with the Knicks
2010: Antawn Jamison acquired by Cleveland from Washington
MEMPHIS, TN - APRIL 23: Dante Cunningham #44 and Marreese Speights #5 of the Memphis Grizzlies rebound against Antawn Jamison #4 of the Cleveland Cavaliers on April 23, 2012 at FedExForum in Memphis, Tennessee. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2012 NBAE (Photo by Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images)
Washington traded him to Cleveland in a three-team trade with LA Clippers for Zydrunas Ilgauskas, Emir Preldzic and a 2010 first-round draft pick
Averaged 17.3 points, 6.7 rebounds and 1.8 assists in 146 games with the Cavaliers
2009: Kyle Lowry acquired by Houston from Memphis
HOUSTON - APRIL 30: Kyle Lowry #7 of the Houston Rockets shoots the ball over Joel Przybilla #10 of the Portland Trail Blazers in Game Six of the Western Conference Quarterfinals during the 2009 NBA Playoffs at the Toyota Center on April 30, 2009 in Houston, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2009 NBAE(Photo by Bill Baptist/NBAE via Getty Images)
Memphis traded him to Houston in a three-team trade with Orlando; Houston traded Rafer Alston to Orlando for Brian Cook and Orlando traded Adonal Foyle, Mike Wilks and a 2009 first-round draft pick to Memphis
Averaged 11.5 points, 3.9 rebounds and 5.6 assists in 218 games with the Rockets
2008: Jason Kidd acquired by Dallas from New Jersey
Dirk Nowitzki (L) and Jason Kidd (R) of the Dallas Mavericks hold the MVP and Larry O'Brien Trophies after defeating the Miami Heat in Game Six of the 2011 NBA Finals, at the AmericanAirlines Arena in Miami, Florida on June 12, 2011. (Photo credit should read MARK RALSTON/AFP via Getty Images)
New Jersey traded him with Malik Allen and Antoine Wright to Dallas for Maurice Ager, DeSagana Diop, Devin Harris, Trenton Hassell, Keith Van Horn and two first-round draft picks
Averaged 8.7 points, 5.2 rebounds and 8.2 assists in 318 games with the Mavericks after the trade
2007: Juan Dixon acquired by Toronto from Portland
MILWAUKEE - NOVEMBER 6: Juan Dixon #3 of the Toronto Raptors lays the ball up during the game against the Milwaukee Bucks on November 6, 2007 at the Bradley Center in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The Bucks won 112-85. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2007 NBAE (Photo by Gary Dineen/NBAE via Getty Images)
Portland traded him to Toronto for Fred Jones and cash
Averaged 7.1 points, 1.9 rebounds and 1.7 assists in 62 games with the Raptors
2006: Steve Francis acquired by New York from Orlando
TORONTO - APRIL 15: Steve Francis #1 of the New York Knicks stretches before a game against the Toronto Raptors on April 15, 2007 at the Air Canada Centre in Toronto, Canada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2007 NBAE (Photo by Ron Turenne/NBAE via Getty Images)
Orlando traded him to New York for Trevor Ariza and Anfernee Hardaway
Averaged 11.1 points, 3.4 rebounds and 3.7 assists in 68 games with the Knicks
2005: Baron Davis acquired by Golden State from New Orleans
OAKLAND, CA - NOVEMBER 26: Baron Davis #5 of the Golden State Warriors shoots over Shawn Marion #31 and Amare Stoudemire #1 of the Phoenix Suns on November 26, 2007 at Oracle Arena in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images)
New Orleans traded him to Golden State for Speedy Claxton and Dale Davis
Averaged 20.1 points, 4.4 rebounds and 8.1 assists in 227 games with the Warriors
2004: Rasheed Wallace acquired by Detroit from Atlanta
Photo by Brian Bahr/Getty Images
Atlanta traded him to Detroit in a three-team trade with Boston; Boston traded Chris Mills to Atlanta; Boston traded Mike James to Detroit; Detroit traded Zeljko Rebraca, Bob Sura and a 2004 first-round draft pick to Atlanta; Detroit traded Chucky Atkins, Lindsey Hunter and a 2004 first-round draft pick to Boston
Averaged 13.4 points, 7.2 rebounds and 1.8 assists in 399 games with the Pistons
2003: Ray Allen acquired by Seattle from Milwaukee
LOS ANGELES, CA - NOVEMBER 03: Ray Allen #34 of the Seattle SuperSonics drives by Smush Parker #1 of the of the Los Angeles Lakers as Parker runs through a screen in the fourth quarter on November 3, 2006 at Staples Center in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Lisa Blumenfeld/Getty Images)
Milwaukee traded him with Ronald Murray, Kevin Ollie and a 2003 first-round draft pick to Seattle SuperSonics for Desmond Mason and Gary Payton
Averaged 24.6 points, 4.6 rebounds and 4.2 assists in 296 games with the SuperSonics
2002: Joe Johnson acquired by Phoenix from Boston
Phoenix Suns guard Joe Johnson (R) looks for an opening around Chicago Bulls guard Trenton Hassell in the first half 24 February, 2003 at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois. AFP PHOTO/John ZICH (Photo by JOHN ZICH / AFP) (Photo by JOHN ZICH/AFP via Getty Images)
Boston traded him with Randy Brown, Milt Palacio and a first-round pick to Phoenix for Tony Delk and Rodney Rogers
Averaged 14.0 points, 4.3 rebounds and 3.5 assists in 275 games with the Suns
2001: Dikembe Mutombo acquired by Philadelphia from Atlanta
09 APR 2002: Dikembe Mutombo #55 of the Philadelphia 76ers holds the ball away from the reaching Ervin Johnson #40 of the Milwaukee Bucks during the first half of the NBA game at the Bradley Center in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. DIGITAL IMAGE. NOTE TO USER:Mandatory User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory copyright notice: Copyright 2002 NBAE. Mandatory credit: Gary Dineen/NBAE/Getty Images
Atlanta traded him with Roshown McLeod to Philadelphia for Toni Kukoc, Nazr Mohammed, Theo Ratliff and Pepe Sanchez
Averaged 11.5 points, 11.2 rebounds and 2.4 blocks in 106 games with the Sixers
