Throughout sports history, numerous trades have fundamentally changed the landscape of professional athletics. These moves often involve high-profile athletes being swapped between teams, leading to significant impacts on the franchises involved, the players’ careers, and sometimes even the leagues as a whole.
In this article, we explore some of the most monumental and controversial trades in sports history, examining the circumstances and outcomes that make them unforgettable.
15. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar to Lakers (1975)
The Lakers acquired Kareem Abdul-Jabbar from the Bucks in a blockbuster trade, sending four players and cash in return. This move reshaped both franchises, with Abdul-Jabbar leading the Lakers to five championships. The trade remains controversial due to allegations that the Lakers misled rookie Junior Bridgeman about their intentions to keep him.
14. Herschel Walker to Vikings (1989)
The Cowboys traded Walker to the Vikings for a package including five players and six draft picks. This deal is often considered the most lopsided in NFL history, as it helped build the Cowboys’ 1990s dynasty while setting the Vikings back for years. Walker’s performance in Minnesota never justified the hefty price paid.
13. Babe Ruth to Yankees (1920)
The Red Sox sold Babe Ruth to the Yankees for $100,000, forever altering baseball history. This trade launched the Yankees dynasty while cursing the Red Sox for 86 years. Ruth’s impact was immediate, helping New York win seven pennants and four World Series in the following 15 seasons.
12. Wayne Gretzky to Kings (1988)
The trade that sent Wayne Gretzky from the Edmonton Oilers to the Los Angeles Kings in 1988 shocked the hockey world. This blockbuster deal not only reshaped two franchises but also had a profound impact on the NHL’s expansion into non-traditional markets. The move devastated Oilers fans while energizing the Kings’ fanbase, forever changing the landscape of professional hockey.
11. LeBron James to Heat (2010)
LeBron’s infamous “Decision” to join Miami in 2010 sent shockwaves through the NBA. Fans were divided, with many criticizing James for leaving Cleveland to form a superteam. The move altered the league’s competitive landscape and ushered in the era of player empowerment, forever changing how stars approach free agency.
10. Neymar to PSG (2017)
Neymar’s €222 million transfer from Barcelona to PSG shattered records and sparked controversy. The move raised questions about Financial Fair Play regulations and PSG’s Qatari ownership. Recently, French authorities raided the economy ministry over suspicions of special tax treatment for the transfer, putting pressure on government officials and reigniting debates about the deal’s legitimacy.
9. Cristiano Ronaldo to Manchester United (2021)
Ronaldo’s return to Old Trafford initially sparked excitement, but quickly turned sour. Despite scoring 24 goals in his first season, his presence disrupted team dynamics and tactics. The relationship deteriorated, leading to a controversial interview and mutual contract termination in 2022, leaving fans divided on his legacy.
8. Kawhi Leonard to Raptors (2018)
The Raptors’ acquisition of Kawhi Leonard for DeMar DeRozan shocked fans. Despite concerns over Leonard’s health and commitment, the gamble paid off with Toronto’s first NBA championship in 2019. The trade’s success vindicated the Raptors’ front office but left some fans conflicted about DeRozan’s departure.
7. Odell Beckham Jr. to Browns (2019)
The Giants shocked fans by trading star receiver Odell Beckham Jr. to the Browns for safety Jabrill Peppers and draft picks. This move divided opinions, with some praising the Giants for acquiring assets, while others criticized them for parting with a generational talent. Beckham’s tenure in Cleveland was short-lived, further fueling debate about the trade’s impact.
6. Kyrie Irving to Mavericks (2023)
The Mavericks’ acquisition of Kyrie Irving in 2023 initially sparked controversy due to his off-court issues. However, Irving’s on-court performance, including leading Dallas to the 2024 NBA Finals, silenced critics. The trade’s success was further cemented when Irving helped recruit Klay Thompson in 2024, forming a formidable trio with Luka Doncic.
5. Deshaun Watson to Browns (2022)
The Browns’ acquisition of Deshaun Watson from the Texans for six draft picks and a record $230 million guaranteed contract remains contentious. Watson’s limited playtime due to suspension and injuries, coupled with the Texans’ successful rebuilding using the acquired picks, has left many questioning the trade’s wisdom.
4. Russell Wilson to Broncos (2022)
The Broncos’ acquisition of Russell Wilson from Seattle for multiple players and draft picks initially excited fans. However, Wilson’s poor performance and massive contract extension led to his benching and impending release after just two seasons. This trade is now considered one of the worst in NFL history, leaving Denver with significant salary cap issues.
3. Kevin Durant to Suns (2023)
The Suns’ acquisition of Kevin Durant from the Nets in 2023 initially excited fans but has since become contentious. Despite Durant’s elite play, Phoenix’s underwhelming performance and recent trade rumors have divided the fanbase. Durant’s ominous comments about his future with the team have only fueled speculation, leaving Suns supporters uncertain about the trade’s long-term impact.
2. James Harden to 76ers (2022)
The Sixers acquired James Harden from the Nets in exchange for Ben Simmons, Seth Curry, and Andre Drummond. This trade sparked debate due to Harden’s declining performance and Simmons’ potential. Harden’s subsequent trade request to the Clippers in 2023 further intensified the controversy, leaving fans divided on the long-term impact of the deal.
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1. Luka Doncic to Lakers (2025)
The Dallas Mavericks shocked the NBA world by trading superstar Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers. In return, they received Anthony Davis, Max Christie, and a 2029 first-round pick. This blockbuster deal has left Mavericks fans devastated and Lakers supporters ecstatic, sparking intense debates about the long-term implications for both franchises.
