Luka Doncic to Shaquille O’Neal: 5 Most jaw-dropping trades in NBA history | NBA News
The NBA has a history of delivering blockbuster trades that leave fans on the edge of their seats. Who went where? Who picked whom? Which player will represent which team? Did he really go there — and why? These are the questions that light up WhatsApp chats and social media the moment an NBA trade drops. Fans track every move of their favorite stars with eagle eyes. As soon as a player is picked or traded, discussions around playing style, fit, stats, and impact explode across platforms. Let’s take a look at five of the most jaw-dropping trades in NBA history.
NBA trades which sent shockwaves through the basketball world
Luka DoncicThe biggest shocker of this year? The Los Angeles Lakers pulled off a stunning trade, acquiring Dallas Mavericks star Luka Doncic in exchange for nine-time All-Star Anthony Davis and a future first-round pick. The news hit like a thunderbolt — fans across the globe were left stunned, double-checking to see if it was real.Luka Doncic’s move to the Los Angeles Lakers this year is being called one of the most historic trades in NBA history. At just 25, Doncic won the scoring title and led the Dallas Mavericks to the NBA Finals. Despite his spectacular performance, the Mavericks’ decision to trade their superstar to the Lakers came as a big shock to fans. And their rage was visible all over social media.Shaquille O’Neal
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The summer of 1996 brought the heat in more ways than one when the Orlando Magic traded superstar Shaquille O’Neal to the Los Angeles Lakers. The decision sent shockwaves through the NBA world. Orlando traded O’Neal just four years after drafting him as the No. 1 pick. But he took it in his stride and went on to become a legend with the Lakers.Kevin Garnett
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After winning MVP and leading the Minnesota Timberwolves to the playoffs, Kevin Garnett parted ways with the team. Garnett had spent over a decade with the Timberwolves. In 2007, the Boston Celtics traded for him after acquiring All-Star Ray Allen. In his first season with the Celtics, Garnett led the team to 66 wins and an NBA title, defeating the Lakers in the Finals.Wilt ChamberlainThe 1965 trade of Wilt Chamberlain is often compared to Doncic’s trade this year. Once again, fans were stunned. The San Francisco Warriors traded Chamberlain to the Philadelphia 76ers just a year after he had led the team to the NBA Finals in 1964.Also Read: Where to watch the 2025 NBA draft- Date, time, streaming details and moreKevin DurantOne of the most shocking trades in NBA history happened just days after Mat Ishbia became the new owner of the Phoenix Suns in 2023. The Suns went all-in to acquire Kevin Durant. The move sent shockwaves across the league, and this has been called one of the biggest trades of the decade.The new draft is expected to be no different, with a few trades likely to blow the minds of NBA fans.
