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Franchises’ trajectories changed overnight with these NBA Draft Night trades.
The NBA Draft is upon us. Another set of exciting young talent is about to enter the league, adding more up-and-coming stars to an already stacked group of players. Many of these prospects are highly sought after by teams around the league.
That’s why, on draft night, fans not only look forward to the selections but also anticipate blockbuster trades. Several draft-night deals over the past two decades have changed the trajectories of franchises overnight. Asset management is crucial in building a championship team, and much of that process begins with the draft. Here are some of the biggest draft-night trades in the NBA over the past 20 years.
Luka Doncic for Trae Young (2018)
Back in 2018, the pool of franchise point guards was deep. The class included Luka Doncic, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Trae Young, and even Jalen Brunson in the second round. There were also prospects like Collin Sexton and Anfernee Simons, along with several talented big men and wings.
Enter the Atlanta Hawks and Dallas Mavericks, who were both in the middle of their respective rebuilds. The Hawks traded the third pick, which became Doncic, in exchange for the Mavericks’ fifth pick, which became Young, and a future first-round pick that eventually became Cam Reddish.
The trade looked like a win-win for both teams, as both Doncic and Young found success with their respective franchises. Each earned multiple All-Star appearances and All-NBA selections while leading their teams deep into the playoffs. Looking back, it remains one of the most fascinating draft-night trades in recent memory.
Kawhi Leonard to San Antonio (2011)
Kawhi Leonard entered the league as a raw prospect, but the tools were there. In a league dominated by stars such as LeBron James, Carmelo Anthony, and Kevin Durant, perennial contenders like the Spurs were missing a wing capable of matching up against the league’s elite.
San Antonio was quick to make its move. On draft night in 2011, the Indiana Pacers selected Leonard with the 15th overall pick and immediately traded him to the Spurs. The Pacers sent Leonard’s draft rights, the 42nd pick (Davis Bertans), and Erazem Lorbek to San Antonio in exchange for point guard George Hill.
Leonard developed into one of the greatest two-way forwards of his generation. Under the guidance of Gregg Popovich and the Spurs’ Big Three, he blossomed into a superstar. He won multiple Defensive Player of the Year awards and earned Finals MVP honors during San Antonio’s championship run in 2014.
Although his relationship with the organization eventually ended on a sour note, Leonard’s tenure with the Spurs was highly successful and helped extend the franchise’s championship window.
Ray Allen to Boston (2007)
The Big Three era of the Boston Celtics resulted in Banner No. 17 and re-established the franchise as a title contender. One of the key moves that made it possible was acquiring Ray Allen on draft night in 2007.
Boston acquired Allen from the Seattle SuperSonics in exchange for Wally Szczerbiak, Delonte West, and the draft rights to Jeff Green.
Despite no longer being the explosive scorer he was earlier in his career, Allen fit perfectly alongside Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce. The trio won an NBA championship in their first season together and remained contenders for years until Allen’s departure in 2012.
It was one of the most competitive eras for the Celtics in the 21st century. Allen further cemented his legacy as one of the greatest shooters in NBA history during his time in Boston.
Jimmy Butler to Minnesota (2017)
After years of establishing himself in Chicago during the post-Derrick Rose era, Jimmy Butler became one of the league’s premier two-way stars. However, on draft night in 2017, the Bulls moved on.
Chicago traded Butler and the 16th overall pick to the Minnesota Timberwolves in exchange for Zach LaVine, Kris Dunn, and the seventh overall pick, which became Lauri Markkanen.
The trade worked out reasonably well for both teams at the time. Minnesota addressed its need for veteran leadership as Karl-Anthony Towns and Andrew Wiggins continued to emerge as young stars, while Chicago received a solid package of young talent and assets. LaVine eventually developed into an All-Star, while Markkanen would also earn All-Star honors later in his career.
Butler’s tenure in Minnesota lasted just over a season as tensions within the organization eventually led to his departure. Nevertheless, his lone full season with the Timberwolves helped end the franchise’s lengthy playoff drought.
Looking back, the trade served as a short-term solution for Minnesota and a long-term rebuilding move for Chicago. Although neither team became a championship contender as a direct result of the deal, it significantly altered the direction of both franchises for years to come.
LaMarcus Aldridge and Brandon Roy to Portland (2006)
The Portland TrailBlazers had quite a haul in the 2006 NBA Draft. On that night, they ended up with both LaMarcus Aldridge and Brandon Roy. Portland originally held the 4th pick and selected Tyrus Thomas, while Chicago held the 2nd pick and selected Aldridge. The teams immediately swapped the players’ rights. They also swapped Randy Foye for Roy later in the lottery.
The two will become the foundation of the franchise as both players will become multiple-time All-Stars in the stacked Western Conference. Although the era was ultimately cut short by Roy’s chronic knee injuries, Aldridge remained the franchise cornerstone for years afterward.
Following Roy’s retirement, Aldridge helped keep Portland competitive and later formed a successful partnership with Damian Lillard, leading the Blazers into a new era and extending the team’s playoff relevance well into the 2010s.
In hindsight, Portland’s acquisition of Roy and Aldridge on draft night in 2006 stands as one of the most successful draft-night hauls in NBA history, even if injuries prevented the franchise from reaching its full championship potential.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Atlanta traded the third pick (Doncic) to Dallas for the fifth pick (Trae Young) and a future first-rounder that became Cam Reddish.
Indiana selected Leonard 15th overall in 2011 and immediately traded him to San Antonio in exchange for George Hill.
The Celtics sent Wally Szczerbiak, Delonte West, and the draft rights to Jeff Green to Seattle for Allen.
Chicago sent Butler and the 16th pick to Minnesota for Zach LaVine, Kris Dunn, and the seventh pick (Lauri Markkanen).
Portland swapped Tyrus Thomas for Aldridge with Chicago, then acquired Roy in a separate lottery swap involving Randy Foye.