The lead-up to the NBA trade deadline has always produced a great number of blockbuster moves. In fact, the Los Angeles Lakers made a shocking trade for Dallas Mavericks superstar Luka Don
ić on Sunday morning, sending nine-time All-Star Anthony Davis and a future first-round draft pick, among other assets, to Dallas.
Here are the 10 biggest NBA swaps to happen near the trade deadline:
10. Miami Heat acquire Goran Dragić (2015)
The Heat traded for Dragić and his brother with seconds to spare at the 2015 trade deadline. Dragić gave the Heat a composed floor general who could both score off the dribble and sink perimeter shots, and he ultimately played six-plus seasons in Miami.
9. New Orleans Pelicans acquire DeMarcus Cousins (2017)
The Pelicans traded for Cousins, arguably the best scoring center in the NBA, in 2017. Cousins formed an overwhelming frontcourt duo with Anthony Davis, and the Pelicans made the playoffs the ensuing season.
8. Brooklyn Nets acquire Deron Williams (2011)
The Nets traded for Williams, one of the best point guards in the NBA, in 2011. Williams averaged a combined 16.6 points and 7.5 assists per game across his four-plus seasons with the Nets.
7. Dallas Mavericks acquire Jason Kidd (2008)
The Mavericks traded for Kidd, who was in his second stint with the team, in 2008. Kidd was the slick floor general who helped the Mavericks win their first title in franchise history in 2011.
6. Philadelphia 76ers acquire James Harden (2022)
The 76ers traded for Harden, who formed a tantalizing offensive duo with future MVP Joel Embiid. Harden led the NBA in assists in the 2022-23 season and ultimately sought to be traded yet again.
5. Seattle SuperSonics acquire Ray Allen (2003)
The SuperSonics traded for Allen, who took his game to the next level in Seattle. Allen averaged 24.6 points per game across four-plus seasons with the SuperSonics.
4. Los Angeles Lakers acquire Pau Gasol (2008)
The Lakers traded for Gasol, one of the best big men of his generation, in 2008. Gasol averaged 17.7 points, 9.9 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks per game across his six-plus seasons in Los Angeles.
3. New York Knicks acquire Carmelo Anthony (2011)
The Knicks traded for Anthony, who helped lead the team to three consecutive playoff appearances. Anthony led the NBA in scoring in the 2012-13 season and finished his six-plus-year career with the Knicks seventh in franchise history with 10,186 points.
2. Phoenix Suns acquire Kevin Durant (2023)
The Suns traded for Durant, who has been everything the team could’ve asked for. Durant has averaged a combined 27.0 points per game in his time with the franchise alongside Devin Booker.
1. Los Angeles Lakers acquire Luka Don
ić (2025)
The Lakers pulled off one of the most historic trades in the history of professional sports for a 25-year-old who has already claimed five All-NBA honors. Don
ić is one of the most prolific scorers the sport has to offer, and the Lakers acquired their future, if not already the new face of their franchise to succeed LeBron James when he retires.