The NBA trade landscape is constantly shifting, with teams making bold moves to reshape their futures. The recent trade deadline saw the shocking move of Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers, a move that instantly changed the dynamics of the Western Conference.
Throughout the league’s history, several trades have been discussed, nearly completed, and ultimately abandoned. Each of these could have drastically altered the trajectory of franchises, players, and championships. In light of recent developments, here are some of the most significant trades that nearly happened but never materialized.
James Harden to the Golden State Warriors (2012)
In 2012, the Oklahoma City Thunder faced financial constraints and needed to make a critical decision about James Harden. While they ultimately traded him to the Houston Rockets, there was a strong chance he could have ended up with the Golden State Warriors.
Oklahoma City initially approached Golden State with a trade offer that included Harden in exchange for Klay Thompson and a future draft pick. Concerned about Harden’s future salary and the luxury tax, the Warriors decided to pass on the deal.
Trades like this have a significant impact on betting markets. When a star player moves, sportsbooks quickly adjust championship odds to reflect the shift in team strength. If Harden had joined the Warriors, odds would have likely favored Golden State even more in future title races.
This decision shaped the NBA for years to come. Thompson became a core piece of the Warriors’ dynasty, helping secure multiple championships, while Harden established himself as one of the league’s top scorers in Houston.
Kobe Bryant to the Chicago Bulls (2007)
Kobe Bryant’s legacy is tied to the Los Angeles Lakers, but there was a moment in 2007 when he was on the verge of joining the Chicago Bulls. At the time, Bryant was frustrated with the Lakers’ roster and requested a trade. A deal was nearly finalized that would have sent Bryant to Chicago in exchange for Tyrus Thomas, Ben Gordon, Joakim Noah and Luol Deng.
However, Bryant had a no-trade clause and insisted that Deng remain in Chicago if he was to approve the move. The Lakers refused, and the trade fell apart. Bryant remained in Los Angeles and went on to win two more championships, solidifying his place as one of the franchise’s greatest players.
Stephen Curry to the Phoenix Suns (2009)
The Golden State Warriors’ dynasty might never have existed if a trade between the Warriors and Phoenix Suns had been completed during the 2009 NBA Draft. At the time, Suns executive Steve Kerr was eager to acquire Curry and offered Amar’e Stoudemire and the 14th pick to Golden State in exchange for the seventh pick, which was used to draft Curry.
The Warriors initially considered the deal but ultimately decided to keep Curry. This decision altered the history of both franchises, as Curry went on to lead Golden State to multiple championships, while Phoenix Suns endured years of struggles before eventually returning to title contention.
Paul George and Carmelo Anthony to the Cleveland Cavaliers (2017)
Before Paul George and Carmelo Anthony joined forces in Oklahoma City, they were nearly part of a blockbuster trade that would have sent both players to the Cleveland Cavaliers. In this proposed five-team trade, George and Anthony would have teamed up with LeBron James, while Kyrie Irving and Kevin Love would have been moved to other teams.
The deal fell apart because the Indiana Pacers refused to trade George to a division rival. Instead, George ended up with the Thunder, and Anthony was traded separately to the same team. The Cavaliers eventually lost to the Warriors in the NBA Finals that season, and LeBron left for the Lakers the following year.
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