Denver Traded Willis Thomas for Jeff Congdon
The Rockets sent Willis Thomas to Anaheim for Jeff Congdon on December 11, 1967. The exchange quickly became a comparison between one partial season for the Amigos and a multi-year Denver backcourt piece.
NBA Trade Verdict
Rockets Win
Denver traded Willis Thomas to Anaheim for Jeff Congdon on December 11, 1967. Congdon gave the Rockets 41 games after the trade, then stayed for 59 games in 1968-69 and all 83 games in 1969-70. His role grew substantially in that third Denver season, when he averaged 9.8 points and 5.4 assists in 29.7 minutes. Thomas played 38 games for Anaheim at 6.9 points in 13.8 minutes, and that was his final professional season. Denver therefore received 183 regular-season games and multiple years of backcourt depth from Congdon against one partial season from Thomas.
December 11, 1967 Denver Nuggets / LOS Angeles Stars Record confidence: High
Denver Nuggets Received
- Player Jeff Congdon
LOS Angeles Stars Received
- Player Willis Thomas
Trade Analysis
Congdon Stayed with Denver for Three Seasons
Congdon played 41 games after the trade, then 59 in 1968-69 and all 83 in 1969-70. His role expanded in that third season, when he averaged 9.8 points and 5.4 assists in 29.7 minutes.
Thomas’ Anaheim Run Ended After 38 Games
Thomas appeared in 38 games for the Amigos at 6.9 points in 13.8 minutes. That was his final professional season, leaving Anaheim without a second year of value from the exchange.
The Multi-Year Return Makes Denver the Winner
Denver’s A- versus Anaheim’s C+ reflects 183 regular-season games and growing backcourt responsibility from Congdon against one partial season from Thomas.
Final Verdict
Rockets Win — Denver A-, Anaheim C+. Denver traded Willis Thomas to Anaheim for Jeff Congdon on December 11, 1967. Congdon gave the Rockets 41 games after the trade, then stayed for 59 games in 1968-69 and all 83 games in 1969-70.