NBA TRADE VERDICTS
NBA Trade Disasters
The all-in swings and severe long-term value losses that produced the archive's harshest grade splits.
60 curated recordsSELECTION METHOD
What qualifies
A disaster requires at least a B+ result on one side, a D+ or worse result on another, and a substantial canonical grade gap. Qualifying transactions are listed newest first.
CURATED NBA TRADE ARCHIVE
NBA Trade Disasters
Trae Young to the Washington Wizards
Washington acquired four-time All-Star guard Trae Young from Atlanta on January 9, 2026, for CJ McCollum and Corey Kispert. Young's elite passing and ability to create offense supplied the Wizards with a much larger…
Caleb Martin to the Dallas Mavericks
Dallas received Caleb Martin; 2030 second-round pick (pick not identified in source) from Philadelphia 76ers and sent Quentin Grimes; 2025 second-round pick (more favorable of 76ers, Nuggets picks) (#35-Johni Broome) in…
Anthony Davis to the Dallas Mavericks
In a 3-team transaction, Dallas received Anthony Davis; Max Christie; 2029 Los Angeles Lakers first-round pick; $55,000 cash from Utah and sent Luka Dončić; Maxi Kleber; Markieff Morris; 2025 Dallas second-round pick…
Rights to Quinten Post to the Golden State Warriors
On July 6, 2024, Portland acquired cash from Golden State Warriors in exchange for rights to Quinten Post.
Vasa Micić to the Charlotte Hornets
Charlotte acquired Vasa Micić; Tre Mann; Davis Bertans; 2024 second round pick (Rockets pick) (#42-K.J. Simpson); 2025 second round pick (76ers pick) (#35-Johni Broome); cash considerations from Oklahoma City Thunder for…
Kyle Lowry to the Charlotte Hornets
Charlotte acquired Kyle Lowry; future first-round pick from Miami Heat for Terry Rozier.
Cameron Payne to the San Antonio Spurs
On July 17, 2023, San Antonio Spurs acquired Cameron Payne; 2025 second round pick (#34-Ryan Kalkbrenner); cash from Phoenix Suns in exchange for 2024 second round pick (protected #31-49 and #55-59) (not exercised).
Richaun Holmes to the Dallas Mavericks
On July 6, 2023, Sacramento Kings acquired cash considerations from Mavericks in exchange for Richaun Holmes; rights to Olivier-Maxence Prosper.
James Wiseman to the Detroit Pistons
In February 2023 Detroit acquired James Wiseman from Golden State, Atlanta obtained Saddiq Bey from Detroit, and Portland received Kevin Knox II and a package of second-round selections. Golden State received Gary Payton II…
Danny Green to the Memphis Grizzlies
On June 24, 2022, the Philadelphia 76ers acquired De'Anthony Melton from the Memphis Grizzlies in exchange for Danny Green and rights to David Roddy.
Rights to Jalen Duren to the New York Knicks
Charlotte received a package of future first- and second-round draft rights from New York in a June 2022 draft-rights exchange for the rights to Jalen Duren. The package later linked to selections including Nick Smith Jr.,…
Rights to Sasha Vezenkov to the Sacramento Kings
On June 23, 2022, Sacramento Kings acquired rights to Sasha Vezenkov; cash considerations from Cleveland Cavaliers in exchange for 2022 second round pick (#49-Isaiah Mobley).
Ben Simmons to the Brooklyn Nets
The Nets acquired Ben Simmons; Seth Curry; Andre Drummond; 2023 first-round pick (#28, Brice Sensabaugh); 2027 first-round pick (top-eight protected in 2027 and 2028, otherwise converts to a 2028 second-round pick and cash)…
Thaddeus Young to the Toronto Raptors
On February 10, 2022, Toronto acquired Thaddeus Young; Drew Eubanks; 2022 second round pick (more favorable of Bulls, Pistons picks) (#33-Christian Koloko) from San Antonio Spurs in exchange for Goran Dragic; draft picks…
Norman Powell to the LA Clippers
On February 4, 2022, Portland acquired Eric Bledsoe; Justise Winslow; Keon Johnson; 2025 second round pick (Pistons pick) (#47-Bogoljub Markovic) from Los Angeles Clippers in exchange for Norman Powell; Robert Covington.
Jahlil Okafor to the Brooklyn Nets
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…
Derrick Jones Jr. to the Chicago Bulls
Chicago sent Lauri Markkanen for Derrick Jones Jr., 2023 second round pick (from Cavaliers) (protected top 46) (pick forfeited), draft pick (from Blazers) (first round pick protected top 14 in 2022-28, else 2028 second round…
Wes Iwundu to the Charlotte Hornets
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…
Daniel Theis to the Houston Rockets
Chicago sent Daniel Theis for traded player exception, cash, and the outgoing package produced materially greater realized value.
Russell Westbrook to the Los Angeles Lakers
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…
Rights to Kai Jones to the Charlotte Hornets
Charlotte acquired rights to Kai Jones from New York Knicks for conditional future first-round pick obligation.
Evan Fournier to the Boston Celtics
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…
Nikola Vucevic to the Chicago Bulls
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.
J.J. Redick to the Dallas Mavericks
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.
James Harden to the Brooklyn Nets
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.
Ed Davis (Adam) to the New York Knicks
On November 23, 2020, Utah Jazz acquired cash considerations from New York Knicks in exchange for Ed Davis (Adam), 2023 second round pick (#39-Mouhamed Gueye (a)), and 2024 second round pick (more favorable of Cavaliers,…
Trevor Ariza to the Houston Rockets
On November 22, 2020, Portland acquired Robert Covington from Houston Rockets in exchange for Trevor Ariza; rights to Isaiah Stewart; draft pick (first round pick protected top 14 in 2021-27, else 2027 second round pick)…
Enes Kanter to the Portland Trail Blazers
Memphis sent two future second-round picks to acquire Desmond Bane’s draft rights in the 2020 three-team deal, while Boston received the seconds and Portland acquired Enes Kanter.
Ricky Rubio to the Minnesota Timberwolves
The Knicks acquired the rights to Immanuel Quickley and Mathias Lessort, plus a 2023 second, in a three-team 2020 draft transaction. Minnesota gained Leandro Bolmaro, Ricky Rubio and Jaden McDaniels's rights; Oklahoma City…
Josh Richardson to the Dallas Mavericks
On November 18, 2020, the Philadelphia 76ers acquired Seth Curry and traded player exception from the Dallas Mavericks in exchange for Josh Richardson and rights to Tyler Bey.
Rights to Xavier Tillman to the Memphis Grizzlies
On November 18, 2020, Sacramento Kings acquired rights to Robert Woodard II; 2022 second round pick (less favorable of Bulls, Pistons picks) (#49-Isaiah Mobley) from Memphis Grizzlies in exchange for rights to Xavier Tillman.
Keita Bates-Diop to the Denver Nuggets
Denver acquired Keita Bates-Diop; Shabazz Napier; Noah Vonleh; Gerald Green; 2020 first-round pick (from Rockets) (#22-Zeke Nnaji) from Atlanta Hawks, Houston Rockets, Minnesota Timberwolves for Malik Beasley; Juancho…
Dante Exum to the Cleveland Cavaliers
On December 23, 2019, Utah Jazz acquired Jordan Clarkson from Cleveland Cavaliers in exchange for Dante Exum, 2022 second round pick (#39-Khalifa Diop), and 2023 second round pick (#49-Emoni Bates).
Russell Westbrook to the Houston Rockets
Houston traded Chris Paul, first-round picks in 2024 and 2026, and swap rights in 2021 and 2025 for Russell Westbrook, whose Rockets tenure lasted one season before another major reset.
Kevin Durant to the Brooklyn Nets
The Nets acquired Kevin Durant; draft pick (first-round pick protected top 20 in 2020, else 2025 second-round pick) (2025 #48, Javon Small) from Warriors in exchange for D'Angelo Russell; Shabazz Napier; Treveon Graham;…
Julian Washburn to the Golden State Warriors
Golden State surrendered the more valuable outcome. The Warriors acquired Julian Washburn from Memphis Grizzlies for Andre Iguodala; first round pick (protected top 4 in 2024, top 1 in 2025, unprotected in 2026) (2024…
Aron Baynes to the Phoenix Suns
Phoenix obtained center Aron Baynes and the rights to guard Ty Jerome from Boston in July 2019; Boston received a future first-rounder and a trade exception. The choice eventually became associated with No. 30 Desmond Bane,…
Dario Saric to the Phoenix Suns
On July 6, 2019, the Phoenix Suns acquired Dario Saric; rights to Cameron Johnson from the Minnesota Timberwolves in exchange for rights to Jarrett Culver.
Rights to Alen Smailagic to the Golden State Warriors
Golden State surrendered the more valuable outcome. The Warriors acquired rights to Alen Smailagic from New Orleans Pelicans for 2021 second round pick (#47-David Johnson (Ricardo)); 2023 second round pick (#49-Emoni Bates);…
Justin Jackson to the Dallas Mavericks
On February 7, 2019, Sacramento Kings acquired Harrison Barnes from Mavericks in exchange for Justin Jackson (Aaron); Zach Randolph.
James Ennis III to the Philadelphia 76ers
On February 7, 2019, the Philadelphia 76ers acquired James Ennis III and Rockets' option to swap 2021 second round picks with 76ers (not exercised) from the Houston Rockets in exchange for Rockets' option to swap 2021 second…
Michael Beasley to the LA Clippers
Ivica Zubac for Mike Muscala became one of the Clippers' cleanest modern wins: Zubac developed into a long-term starting center and valuable two-way asset at minimal acquisition cost.
Markelle Fultz to the Orlando Magic
Orlando acquired Markelle Fultz from Philadelphia for Jonathon Simmons, a 2019 second (Carsen Edwards No. 33) and a 2020 first that became Tyrese Maxey (No. 21).
Landry Shamet to the LA Clippers
On February 6, 2019, the Philadelphia 76ers acquired Tobias Harris, Boban Marjanovic and Mike Scott from the Los Angeles Clippers in exchange for Landry Shamet, Wilson Chandler, Mike Muscala, and 4 additional assets.
Markieff Morris to the New Orleans Pelicans
On February 6, 2019, Washington Wizards acquired Wesley Johnson from New Orleans Pelicans in exchange for Markieff Morris; 2023 second round pick (#37-Hunter Tyson).
Kelly Oubre Jr. to the Phoenix Suns
On December 17, 2018, Washington Wizards acquired Trevor Ariza from Phoenix Suns in exchange for Kelly Oubre Jr.; Austin Rivers.
Robert Covington to the Minnesota Timberwolves
On November 12, 2018, the Philadelphia 76ers acquired Jimmy Butler and Justin Patton from the Minnesota Timberwolves in exchange for Robert Covington, Dario Saric, Jerryd Bayless and 2022 second round pick (more favorable of…
Richaun Holmes to the Phoenix Suns
On July 20, 2018, the Philadelphia 76ers acquired $1M cash from the Phoenix Suns in exchange for Richaun Holmes.
Wilson Chandler to the Philadelphia 76ers
On July 6, 2018, the Philadelphia 76ers acquired Wilson Chandler, 2021 second round pick (#55-Aaron Wiggins) and 76ers' option to swap 2022 second round picks with Nuggets (#50-Matteo Spagnolo) from the Denver Nuggets in…
Rights to Devonte' Graham to the Charlotte Hornets
Charlotte obtained draft rights to Devonte' Graham from Atlanta in 2018 for two future second-round choices, subsequently identified with the 2019 No. 44 and 2023 No. 34 selections. Graham developed into a productive Hornets…
Rights to Miles Bridges to the Charlotte Hornets
Charlotte acquired rights to Miles Bridges; 2020 second round pick (#32-Vernon Carey Jr.); 2021 second round pick (#56-Scottie Lewis) from Los Angeles Clippers for rights to Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
Rights to Gary Trent Jr. to the Portland Trail Blazers
On June 21, 2018, Portland acquired rights to Gary Trent Jr. from Sacramento Kings in exchange for 2019 second round pick (more favorable of Lakers, Timberwolves picks) (#40-Justin James); 2021 second round pick (#48-Sharife…
Elfrid Payton to the Phoenix Suns
On February 8, 2018, the Phoenix Suns acquired Elfrid Payton from the Orlando Magic in exchange for 2018 second-round pick (second least favorable of Grizzlies, Heat, Hornets picks) (#41-Jarred Vanderbilt).
Jahlil Okafor to the Brooklyn Nets
On December 7, 2017, the Philadelphia 76ers acquired Trevor Booker from the Brooklyn Nets in exchange for Jahlil Okafor, Nik Stauskas and 2019 second round pick (#31-Nic Claxton).
DeMarre Carroll to the Brooklyn Nets
On July 13, 2017, Toronto acquired Justin Hamilton from Brooklyn Nets in exchange for DeMarre Carroll; draft picks (first round pick protected top 14 in 2018-23, else 2023 second round pick and 2024 second round pick) (2018…
Rights to Jordan Bell to the Golden State Warriors
Chicago sent rights to Jordan Bell for $3.5M cash, and the outgoing package produced materially greater realized value.
Trey Lyles to the Denver Nuggets
On June 22, 2017, Utah Jazz acquired rights to Donovan Mitchell from Denver Nuggets in exchange for Trey Lyles and rights to Tyler Lydon.
Rights to Dillon Brooks to the Memphis Grizzlies
Memphis clearly won the completed-value comparison with Houston Rockets, receiving rights to Dillon Brooks for 2018 second-round pick (least favorable of Grizzlies, Heat, Hornets picks) (#46-De'Anthony Melton).
draft rights to Josh Hart to the Los Angeles Lakers
On June 22, 2017, Utah Jazz acquired rights to Tony Bradley from Los Angeles Lakers in exchange for rights to Josh Hart and rights to Thomas Bryant.
Rights to Anzejs Pasecniks to the Philadelphia 76ers
At the June 22, 2017 draft, Philadelphia acquired the No. 25 draft rights to Latvian center Anžejs Pasečņiks from Orlando, sending a conditional 2020 first-round pick and a 2020 second-round pick. The assets eventually…