NBA TRADE HISTORY
2021 NBA Trades
57 canonical NBA trades from 2021.
← All transaction yearsBrooklyn Nets / Houston Rockets
The Nets acquired $110K cash from Rockets in exchange for Sekou Doumbouya; 2024 second-round pick (#39, Jaylen Wells).
Brooklyn Nets / Indiana Pacers
The Nets acquired Edmond Sumner; 2025 second-round pick (Heat pick) (#41, Koby Brea) from Pacers in exchange for rights to Juan Pablo Vaulet.
Boston Celtics / Memphis Grizzlies
Boston acquired Juancho Hernangómez and 2026 second-round swap rights from Memphis in September 2021, sending Kris Dunn, Carsen Edwards and reciprocal swap rights. Hernangómez made only a short Celtics stop before another trade, while the departing guards did not become important Memphis contributors. Both clubs received limited immediate basketball value, leaving Even Trade B- grades.
Los Angeles Lakers / Memphis Grizzlies
Grizzlies Win. Memphis earns B for obtaining a 2024 second-round asset and roughly $250,000 while helping resolve Marc Gasol's Lakers contract; Gasol did not begin another long NBA Memphis tenure. Los Angeles receives B- for payroll relief and Wang Zhelin's draft rights. Harrison Ingram's eventual draft identity is not proof of direct Grizzlies NBA playing production. The Lakers sent veteran center Marc Gasol, cash consideration of approximately $250,000 and a 2024 second-round pick to Memphis on September 10, 2021. In return Los Angeles obtained the NBA draft rights to Chinese center Wang Zhel
Brooklyn Nets / Detroit Pistons
The Nets acquired Jahlil Okafor; Sekou Doumbouya from Pistons in exchange for DeAndre Jordan; 2022 second-round pick (#46, Ismael Kamagate); 2024 second-round pick (more favorable of Grizzlies, Wizards picks) (#32, Kyle Filipowski); 2025 second-round pick (more favorable of Warriors, Wizards picks) (#32, Noah Penda); 2027 second-round pick; cash.
Chicago Bulls / Cleveland Cavaliers / Portland Trail Blazers
Slight Cavaliers Edge. Cleveland receives A for useful direct production and a strong role in the later Mitchell acquisition. Chicago earns A- for Jones plus a first-round pick that eventually conveyed. Portland receives B+ because Nance helped the rotation and retained enough value to be used in the McCollum trade. Slight Cavaliers Edge captures the small separation between three productive outcomes. Cleveland earns the narrow edge because Markkanen supplied useful size and shooting immediately and then remained valuable enough to become a central player component of the 2022 Donovan Mitchell trade. Cleveland cannot credit this 2021 move with the entire value of Mitchell because the later package also included Collin Sexton, Ochai Agbaji, multiple firsts and swaps. Still, Markkanen's direct inclusion proves that the Cavaliers preserved significant transactional value after his one season on the floor.
Memphis Grizzlies / Minnesota Timberwolves
memphis-grizzlies-trade-2021-08-25-0102 historical trade review: Wolves Win. Minnesota earns A- for Patrick Beverley’s defensive guard minutes and contribution to its 2022 playoff season. Memphis receives C for Jarrett Culver’s limited opportunity and the short-lived rights to Juancho Hernangómez, who moved again. Beverley’s prior Clippers years and Culver’s original Timberwolves tenure are excluded; the exchange is judged by what each receiving team actually obtained. The August 25, 2021 transaction brought Patrick Beverley to Minnesota from Memphis in exchange for Jarrett Culver and Juancho Hernangómez. Beverley had been acquired by the Grizzli
Boston Celtics / New York Knicks
The Knicks acquired Evan Fournier and two conditional second-round assets through an August 17, 2021 sign-and-trade, sending cash to Boston. Fournier started 80 games for the Knicks in 2021-22 and averaged 14.1 points, though his rotation role later diminished. Boston generated an exception and moved draft obligations rather than receiving comparable on-court help.
LA Clippers / Memphis Grizzlies
los-angeles-clippers-trade-2021-08-16-0180 historical trade review: Slight Clippers Edge. Los Angeles earns B for Eric Bledsoe’s 2021-22 guard service and later contract mobility. Memphis receives C+ for obtaining Patrick Beverley, Rajon Rondo and Daniel Oturu, with Beverley quickly moved to Minnesota in a separate exchange. The later Wolves season and any additional players acquired by the Clippers in 2022 are not automatic direct returns from the August transaction. On August 16, 2021, Los Angeles sent Patrick Beverley, Rajon Rondo and Daniel Oturu to Memphis in exchange for veteran guard Eric Bledsoe. The Clippers were reorganizing their back
Chicago Bulls / San Antonio Spurs
Chicago acquired DeMar DeRozan from Spurs for Thaddeus Young, Al-Farouq Aminu, 2022 second round pick (#38-Kennedy Chandler), plus 2 additional assets, producing a clear realized-value win.
Chicago Bulls / New Orleans Pelicans
Chicago received Lonzo Ball for Garrett Temple, Tomas Satoransky, 2024 second round pick (#41-Adem Bona), plus 1 additional asset, but the partner generated modestly stronger realized value.
Atlanta Hawks / Boston Celtics / Sacramento Kings
In an August 2021 three-team transaction, Boston acquired Kris Dunn, Bruno Fernando and a 2023 second-round right, Atlanta obtained Delon Wright from Sacramento, and the Kings received Tristan Thompson from Boston. The Celtics pursued guard and frontcourt depth, the Hawks acquired a veteran reserve playmaker, and the Kings added an experienced big. The inherited slight Celtics edge grades Boston B+, Atlanta B and Sacramento C+.
Charlotte Hornets / Memphis Grizzlies / New Orleans Pelicans
Charlotte, Memphis and New Orleans redistributed veterans, prospects and draft rights in an August 2021 transaction. Charlotte's package included Wes Iwundu and a protected first later used on Mark Williams; Memphis acquired Steven Adams and multiple draft assets; New Orleans took Devonte' Graham, Jonas Valančiūnas and rights linked to Trey Murphy III. The inherited slight Charlotte edge grades Charlotte A, New Orleans A- and Memphis D.
Chicago Bulls / Houston Rockets
Chicago sent Daniel Theis for traded player exception, cash, and the outgoing package produced materially greater realized value.
Golden State Warriors / Utah Jazz
Jazz Win. Utah receives B- for Eric Paschall's usable 2021-22 reserve frontcourt games. Golden State gets C+ for roster flexibility and a protected 2026 second-round right whose terms did not guarantee a selection. Paschall's earlier Warriors output belongs to Golden State before the trade; no unverified future draftee is assigned to the Warriors' incoming asset. On August 7, 2021, Golden State moved forward Eric Paschall to Utah in exchange for a protected 2026 second-round draft selection. The pick's protection covered positions thirty-one through forty-two, meaning the Warriors were not
LA Clippers / New Orleans Pelicans
The Clippers acquired the rights to No. 51 pick Brandon Boston Jr. from New Orleans for cash and a protected 2022 second-round pick that did not convey. Boston played 105 regular-season games over three seasons for Los Angeles, giving the Clippers the stronger realized return from a small-cost transaction.
Memphis Grizzlies / Utah Jazz
Grizzlies Win. Memphis earns A after the No. 30 rights to Santi Aldama became a productive NBA rotation forward. Utah receives C+ for Jared Butler's rights and two future second-round selections, including the 2022 No. 57-linked pick and a protected 2026 asset. Later draftees' games away from Utah and uncertain pick conveyances aren't misrepresented as direct Jazz production. The Grizzlies obtained the draft rights to Spanish forward Santi Aldama, selected thirtieth overall in 2021, while Utah received the rights to Baylor guard Jared Butler and two second-round draft assets. Those future selections in
Memphis Grizzlies / Milwaukee Bucks
Milwaukee clearly won the Grayson Allen trade. The Bucks acquired a starting-caliber shooter for Sam Merrill and two second-round picks, received two productive seasons and then retained Allen's value as part of the multi-team Damian Lillard transaction.
Brooklyn Nets / Phoenix Suns
The Nets acquired Jevon Carter; rights to Day'Ron Sharpe from Suns in exchange for Landry Shamet.
Brooklyn Nets / Indiana Pacers / Los Angeles Lakers / San Antonio Spurs / Washington Wizards
An August 2021 five-team agreement involved Washington, the Lakers, Brooklyn, Indiana and San Antonio. Washington obtained Spencer Dinwiddie and a broad package including Kyle Kuzma, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and Montrezl Harrell; the Lakers acquired Russell Westbrook; Indiana took Isaiah Jackson's rights. The inherited slight Wizards edge grades Washington B+, Indiana B, Spurs B, Nets C- and Lakers D.
Charlotte Hornets / Detroit Pistons
Charlotte acquired Mason Plumlee; rights to J.T. Thor from Detroit Pistons for rights to Balsa Koprivica.
Miami Heat / Toronto Raptors
Kyle Lowry gave Miami veteran playmaking for another deep-contending window, while Toronto received a useful young big in Precious Achiuwa.
Cleveland Cavaliers / Minnesota Timberwolves
Cleveland acquired Ricky Rubio for Taurean Prince, 2022 second round pick (#40-Bryce McGowens) and cash considerations, producing a clear Cavaliers win on realized player, draft and roster value.
Boston Celtics / Dallas Mavericks
Boston acquired Josh Richardson from Dallas for center Moses Brown on July 31, 2021, with trade exceptions recorded for both clubs. Richardson supplied wing depth for the Celtics' 2021-22 season before Boston moved him in a separate deal for Derrick White. Brown saw limited Mavericks playing time. Celtics Win, Boston B+ and Dallas C+.
Charlotte Hornets / New York Knicks
Charlotte acquired rights to Kai Jones from New York Knicks for conditional future first-round pick obligation.
Houston Rockets / Oklahoma City Thunder
Houston converted protected future draft capital into two-time All-Star Alperen Şengün, while Oklahoma City’s return became Joan Beringer and secondary picks.
Indiana Pacers / Milwaukee Bucks
The 2021-07-30 trade leans slightly toward Milwaukee Bucks, though Indiana received useful value led by rights to Isaiah Todd.
LA Clippers / New York Knicks
The 2021-07-30 trade leans slightly toward New York Knicks, although Los Angeles Clippers still received useful value led by rights to Keon Johnson.
New Orleans Pelicans / Portland Trail Blazers
New Orleans acquired 2026 second round pick (outcome unresolved); cash from Portland Trail Blazers for rights to Greg Brown III.
New York Knicks / Oklahoma City Thunder
New York acquired rights to Rokas Jokubaitis; rights to Miles McBride from Thunder for rights to Jeremiah Robinson-Earl. New York ultimately received the stronger realized value.
Oklahoma City Thunder / Utah Jazz
Even Trade. Oklahoma City receives B- for Favors's limited frontcourt minutes and a protected obligation that did not convey as a first through 2026, leaving later second-round fallback value. Utah earns B- for cash and roster flexibility while retaining its top-eight-protected 2026 selection. Neither side is awarded an invented Thunder lottery pick or Favors's earlier Jazz production. Utah traded Derrick Favors and a heavily protected future first-round obligation to Oklahoma City at the end of July 2021. The Jazz received cash and the right to a later second-round pick,
LA Clippers / Orlando Magic
Even Trade. The Clippers receive C+ for Jason Preston's draft rights and limited eventual NBA playing time following an injury delay. Orlando also earns C+ for cash and a future 2026 second-round choice. Neither side acquired a proven starter, and no unverified 2026 draftee is treated as an Orlando player without checking the final pick lineage. Los Angeles acquired the rights to Ohio University guard Jason Preston, picked thirty-third in the 2021 draft, from Orlando on July 29. The Magic received cash and a future 2026 second-round
New Orleans Pelicans / Philadelphia 76ers
New Orleans acquired cash considerations from Philadelphia 76ers for 2021 second round pick (#53-Charles Bassey).
Boston Celtics / Oklahoma City Thunder
Boston reacquired Al Horford in June 2021, receiving Moses Brown and a 2023 second-round asset from Oklahoma City in return for Kemba Walker, a 2021 first-rounder and a 2025 second. Horford became central to the Celtics' subsequent deep playoff runs and 2024 championship, while Oklahoma City redirected the incoming picks as part of its rebuild. Boston's inherited A- leads the Thunder's B.
Atlanta Hawks / LA Clippers
Atlanta sent Rajon Rondo to the Clippers in March 2021 and received Lou Williams, cash and two second-round picks. Williams provided familiar bench scoring in his return to Atlanta, while Rondo's Clippers tenure was brief. A 2023 pick later became associated with Julian Phillips, and the 2027 pick remains future draft value. The Hawks received the broader return.
Boston Celtics / Orlando Magic
Boston obtained Evan Fournier from Orlando at the March 2021 trade deadline, sending two future second-round picks and Jeff Teague. Fournier provided a brief Celtics scoring boost and appeared in the postseason before leaving in free agency. Orlando collected draft capital and a trade exception without losing a long-term contributor. Magic Win, Orlando B+ versus Boston D.
Boston Celtics / Chicago Bulls / Washington Wizards
In a March 25, 2021 three-team deal, Boston obtained Luke Kornet and Moritz Wagner, Chicago gained Daniel Theis, Javonte Green, Troy Brown Jr. and cash, while Washington acquired Daniel Gafford and Chandler Hutchison. The inherited slight Bulls edge assigns B+ each to Chicago and Boston and C+ to Washington. All three club returns are now represented in the repaired canonical ledger.
Charlotte Hornets / Golden State Warriors
Charlotte acquired Brad Wanamaker; 2022 second round pick (protected top 54) (not exercised); cash considerations from Golden State Warriors for 2025 second round pick (protected top 55) (not exercised).
Chicago Bulls / Orlando Magic
Chicago acquired Nikola Vučević and Al-Farouq Aminu for Wendell Carter Jr., Otto Porter Jr. and two first-round picks, which Orlando used on Franz Wagner and Jett Howard.
Cleveland Cavaliers / Denver Nuggets
Cleveland acquired Isaiah Hartenstein, 2023 second round pick (protected top 46) (pick forfeited) and 2027 second round pick (outcome pending) for JaVale McGee, producing a clear Cavaliers win on realized player, draft and roster value.
Dallas Mavericks / New Orleans Pelicans
Dallas received J.J. Redick; Nicolo Melli from New Orleans Pelicans and sent James Johnson; Wesley Iwundu; 2021 second-round pick (#53-Charles Bassey); cash in return.
Denver Nuggets / Orlando Magic
Denver received Aaron Gordon; Gary Clark Jr. from Orlando Magic, sending RJ Hampton; Gary Harris; first-round pick (2 years after Nuggets transfer first-round pick to Thunder, protected top 5 in 2025-27) (2025 #25-Jase Richardson) in return.
Detroit Pistons / Sacramento Kings
Detroit came out slightly ahead, acquiring Cory Joseph, 2021 second round pick (#52 – Luka Garza) for Delon Wright.
Charlotte Hornets / Golden State Warriors
Charlotte Win. The Hornets earn B- for Brad Wanamaker's reserve guard minutes and cash consideration. Golden State receives C for salary and roster flexibility. The protected 2022 and 2025 second-round selections did not convey, so neither team can claim an NBA draftee from those conditional rights. Previous player careers and later team success aren't credited to this deal. The March 25, 2021 exchange sent veteran point guard Brad Wanamaker from Golden State to Charlotte together with cash and a 2022 second-round selection protected through No. 54. The Warriors
Golden State Warriors / San Antonio Spurs
Golden State acquired rights to Cady Lalanne from San Antonio Spurs for Marquese Chriss; cash considerations.
Houston Rockets / Miami Heat
Houston extracted a modest edge when it moved Victor Oladipo to Miami.
New York Knicks / Oklahoma City Thunder / Philadelphia 76ers
New York acquired Ferguson, Poirier, rights to Emir Preldžić and future second-round consideration in a March 2021 three-team arrangement. Oklahoma City took Austin Rivers; Philadelphia received Ignas Brazdeikis. A pick ultimately connected to No. 58 Jericho Sims produced the clearest direct Knicks return. The inherited Knicks Win grades New York B+, Thunder C+ and 76ers B-.
Portland Trail Blazers / Toronto Raptors
On March 25, 2021, Portland acquired Norman Powell from Toronto Raptors in exchange for Gary Trent Jr.; Rodney Hood.
Toronto Raptors / Utah Jazz
On March 25, 2021, Utah Jazz acquired Matt Thomas from Toronto Raptors in exchange for 2021 second round pick (#47-David Johnson (Ricardo)).
LA Clippers / Sacramento Kings
The long-term outcome favored Sacramento Kings; Los Angeles Clippers' return led by 2022 second-round pick (protected #31-54) (not exercised) did not match the value it surrendered.
Houston Rockets / Milwaukee Bucks
Milwaukee acquired P.J. Tucker, Rodions Kurucs, and related pick adjustments from Houston for D.J. Augustin, D.J. Wilson, improved 2021 draft position, and a 2023 first-round pick.
Milwaukee Bucks / Phoenix Suns
Milwaukee acquired traded player exception; cash considerations while sending out Torrey Craig in the 2021-03-18 transaction with Suns.
Miami Heat / Oklahoma City Thunder
Miami held the better side in the 2021-03-17 transaction with Oklahoma City Thunder, receiving Trevor Ariza for Meyers Leonard; 2027 second-round pick (outcome unknown); traded player exception.
Detroit Pistons / Oklahoma City Thunder
Detroit acquired Hamidou Diallo from Oklahoma City Thunder for Svi Mykhailiuk; 2027 second round pick (outcome unknown).
Detroit Pistons / New York Knicks
Detroit lost the deal, sending Derrick Rose for Dennis Smith Jr., 2021 second round pick (#42 – Isaiah Livers), traded player exception.
Cleveland Cavaliers / Houston Rockets
Cleveland exchanged Kevin Porter Jr. for 2024 second round pick (protected top 55) (not exercised), with the two sides generating broadly comparable realized value.
Brooklyn Nets / Cleveland Cavaliers / Houston Rockets / Indiana Pacers
Brooklyn acquired James Harden in a four-team blockbuster, while Houston received three first-round picks and four swaps, Cleveland acquired Jarrett Allen and Indiana acquired Caris LeVert.