NBA Trade Verdict
Seattle SuperSonics Win
Seattle acquired the first-round pick that became Shawn Kemp while moving Tim McCormick and Danny Vranes.
September 29, 1986 New York Knicks / Sonics Record confidence: High
New York Knicks Received
- Player Tim McCormick
- Player Danny Vranes
Sonics Received
- Player Clemon Johnson
- Draft Pick 1989 first round pick (#17-Shawn Kemp)
Sonics
A+
Trade Analysis
This 1986 deal became franchise-altering because the incoming first-round pick turned into Shawn Kemp. Kemp developed into one of the defining stars of the 1990s SuperSonics, made repeated All-Star teams and formed the core of the 1996 Finals roster with Gary Payton. Clemon Johnson provided additional immediate frontcourt value. Tim McCormick and Danny Vranes were legitimate NBA contributors, but neither approached Kemp’s eventual impact. The result is not merely a win created by draft luck; Seattle acquired premium future equity and converted it into a cornerstone. That combination warrants an A+.