1972 NBA Trades

Cleveland acquired second round pick (1973 #26-Allan Hornyak) and cash for Walt Wesley, with the completed returns remaining broadly comparable.

Cleveland acquired Bob Rule for Dave Sorenson, but the outgoing package produced a modestly stronger realized return.

Detroit acquired John Mengelt from Sacramento Kings for 1973 second round pick (#20 – Mike D'Antoni).

The realized outcome leaned slightly toward Sacramento Kings: Houston received cash from Sacramento Kings for Dick Gibbs.

Los Angeles Lakers finished with a modest realized-value edge in the 1972-11-02 transaction with Philadelphia 76ers, receiving Mel Counts; Bill Bridges for LeRoy Ellis; John Trapp.

Atlanta acquired 1973 second round pick (#27-Tom Ingelsby) from Pistons in exchange for Don Adams.

The realized outcome leaned slightly toward Portland Trail Blazers: Houston received Stan McKenzie from Portland Trail Blazers for Gregory Darnell Smith (b. 1947-01-28).

Cleveland exchanged Charlie Davis for 1974 third-round pick (No. 38, Foots Walker) and cash, with the realized return ultimately favorable to Cavaliers.

Chicago acquired Garfield Heard / Gar Heard, 1973 third round pick (#39-Martin Terry) from Sonics for Kennedy McIntosh, producing a clear realized-value win.

Chicago sent 1973 second round pick (#32-Caldwell Jones), cash for Dennis Awtrey, and the outgoing package produced materially greater realized value.

Milwaukee acquired Gary Gregor from Philadelphia for cash and a 1973 second-round pick that became No. 33 Gary Melchionni. Phoenix was downstream pick lineage, not a Bucks trade partner.

Milwaukee acquired 1973 fourth round pick (#59-Clyde Turner); cash while sending out Toby Kimball in the 1972-10-09 transaction with Kings.

Atlanta acquired Eddie Mast from Knicks in exchange for 1973 second round pick (#28-Pat McFarland).

On October 2, 1972, the Philadelphia 76ers acquired Dale Schlueter from the Portland Trail Blazers in exchange for Dave Wohl.

Detroit acquired 1973 second round pick (#20 – Mike D'Antoni) from LA Clippers for Howie Komives.

Cleveland surrendered Lenny Wilkens for draft pick (outcome unknown) and cash, leaving the partner with a clear realized-value win.

Cleveland acquired 1973 third round pick (#41-Jim Lister) and cash for Steve Hawes, but the outgoing package produced a modestly stronger realized return.

Denver acquired Wayne Hightower from Carolina Cougars (ABA) for cash.

Golden State received the better side of a relatively competitive exchange, led by Milt Williams.

The long-term value clearly favored New York Knicks: Houston received cash from New York Knicks for John Gianelli.

The long-term result was ultimately favorable to Bucks: Houston received cash from Milwaukee Bucks for Dick Cunningham.

The long-term result was broadly balanced: Houston received Zaid Abdul-Aziz from Oklahoma City Thunder for cash.

Houston finished with a modest realized-value edge: Houston received Don White (a) from Oklahoma City Thunder for cash.

The Nets acquired Art Becker from Conquistadors (ABA) in exchange for cash.

Cleveland acquired Jim Cleamons for undisclosed draft pick (probably 1974 #21-Billy Knight); the completed outcomes give the Cavaliers a modest realized-value edge.

Indiana captured the stronger realized return, led by Donnie Freeman, in the 1972-08-24 transaction with San Antonio Spurs.

Cleveland acquired Lenny Wilkens and Barry Clemens for Butch Beard, producing a clear Cavaliers win on realized player, draft and roster value.

Indiana bought Don Buse's rights from Virginia for cash and acquired a signature two-way guard whose value carried from the ABA into the NBA.

On August 9, 1972, Baltimore Bullets acquired cash from Chicago Bulls in exchange for Dorie Murrey.

Seattle received Jim Fox / Sonny Fox; future considerations (Dick Gibbs on 1973-05-14) and sent Don Kojis; Pete Cross. The counterpart finished with the modest hindsight edge.

Denver acquired cash from Indiana Pacers (ABA) for rights to Bill Newton.

Detroit acquired Stu Lantz from Houston Rockets for Jimmy Walker.

Detroit acquired Fred Foster from Philadelphia 76ers, Portland Trail Blazers for Terry Dischinger.

The long-term outcome favored Kentucky Colonels; Indiana's return led by cash did not match what it surrendered.

The long-term outcome favored San Antonio Spurs; Indiana's return led by draft pick (outcome unknown) did not match what it surrendered.

Baltimore acquired Elvin Hayes from Houston for Jack Marin and future considerations. Hayes became a durable All-NBA anchor, paired with Wes Unseld and helped the Bullets win the 1978 championship.

The realized return strongly favored Houston: Houston received Otto Moore from Phoenix Suns for 1972 first-round pick (#4-Corky Calhoun).

On March 14, 1972, the Phoenix Suns acquired rights to Charlie Scott from the Boston Celtics in exchange for future considerations (Paul Silas on 1972-09-18); cash.

Boston acquired Paul Silas (future consideration); cash from Suns in exchange for rights to Charlie Scott.

The Nets acquired rights to Brian Taylor from Cougars (ABA) in exchange for rights to Bill Chamberlain; draft pick.