Top 5 Big NBA Trades That Never Went Through

NBA trades are easily one of the most exciting and dramatic aspects of the league, given how big of an impact can cause to the winning chances of a franchise in the NBA championship odds, much like what Anthony Davis and Jrue Holiday did when they were dealt with the Los Angeles Lakers and Milwaukee Bucks to help them win a title during the 2020 and 2021 season.

However, we have also witnessed a few big trades that never happened throughout history as NBA odds are too gigantic to permit it. Several other factors also hindered the teams’ transactions. From Scottie Pippen’s almost suiting up for the Seattle Supersonics jersey in 1994 to Stephen Curry nearly teaming up with the ‘’Greek Freak’’ in 2012, we will be diving at the top five NBA trades that never went through.

Chris Paul to the Lakers – 2011

In 2011, we almost saw another dynamic duo be formed in Los Angeles after the Lakers, Rockets and New Orleans agreed for a three-team trade. The deal could have sent Chris Paul to the Lakers, the Rockets receiving Pau Gasol, and the Hornets getting a bunch of players and a draft pick. But because of the veto that the then-commissioner David Stern applied, this trade never went through to maintain the ‘’balance of power in the league’’.

(2011) Six years ago today, David Stern vetoed the trade that sent Chris Paul to the Lakers … What if? pic.twitter.com/US7gLSwx21

— Timeless Sports (@timelesssports_) December 9, 2017

Kevin Garnett to the Lakers – 2007

Before the Chris Paul trade fell off in 2011, there was another big deal in 2007 that the Lakers failed to push through. With Kevin Garnett requesting to be traded to another team, the purple and gold franchise offered Andrew Bynum and Lamar Odom for him. Still, Boston won the Garnett lottery and ultimately landed him that season. A tandem of Bryant-Garnett could have worked wonders for the franchise.

Scottie Pippen to the Sonics – 1994

In 1994, Scottie Pippen nearly got a homecoming to the Seattle Supersonics as the Chicago Bulls offered him to acquire Shawn Kemp via trade. The deal almost went through until George Karl stopped the agreement to retain Kemp with the team. If the deal had happened, we could have seen Michael Jordan team up with the ‘’Reignman’’ during his return to the NBA, and the Bulls dynasty might have changed in the late 1990s.

Stephen Curry to the Bucks – 2012

Because of his early problems with his ankle, Stephen Curry was about to be traded away by the Golden State Warriors in 2012. This ankle issue was also the exact reason why the Milwaukee Bucks backed out of this proposed deal that would send their star center Andrew Bogut to the Bay Area. The biggest What-If to this scenario is the possible team-up of Giannis Antetokounmpo and Stephen Curry in Milwaukee, which we only see during NBA All-Star games, a scary sight for the inside and outside dominance of both players.

Kobe Bryant to the Bulls – 2007

Kobe Bryant was involved in a tumultuous standoff against the Lakers in an effort to get away from the team because of their inability to surround him with decent teammates. This led to a trade talk with the Chicago Bulls that almost got the services of the hall-of-famer. 

The Bulls will be sending four players (Luol Deng, Joakim Noah, Ben Gordon and Tyrus Thomas) in exchange for Bryant. However, Kobe wanted Deng to stay with him in Chicago, but the franchise refused to grant his wish. Another significant factor in the failed agreement was Bryant’s no-trade clause in his contract.

2007: Kobe Bryant requests trade from the Lakers with four years remaining under contract. Walked it back and went on to reach three NBA Finals in the next four seasons + two rings.

2022: Kevin Durant requests trade from the Nets with four years remaining under contract. pic.twitter.com/ljtLTAp775

— Billy Reinhardt (@BillyReinhardt) July 1, 2022