Some of the biggest NBA superstars were once moments away from being traded in moves that would completely alter NBA history. For every trade that happens, there are at least fifty that fall through. These are the craziest trades that almost happened.
The Craziest Trades Almost Happened
He is a two-time MVP, four-time champion, and the best shooter in NBA history. But what nobody talks about is how Steph Curry was almost traded from the Warriors. Not once, not twice, but three times.
The Almost Trades of Steph Curry
A few days before the 2009 NBA draft, the Warriors agreed to trade their number seven pick in a package for Amar’e Stoudemire. However, when the pick turned out to be Steph, the Warriors backed out at the last second.
Just two years later, the Warriors offered Curry in an attempt to lure Chris Paul from New Orleans, but that deal collapsed. In 2012, the Dubs wanted to trade Curry to Milwaukee, but the Bucks’ medical staff pulled the plug on the trade.
Before the Warriors won their first title, they nearly traded for Kevin Love in 2014. The deal was inches away from happening, but Jerry West threatened to quit if they traded Klay Thompson. The deal never went through, and the rest is history.
Key Takeaways
- Steph Curry was almost traded multiple times before becoming a Warriors legend.
- Jerry West’s decision to keep Klay Thompson proved crucial for the Warriors’ success.
- NBA history could have been drastically different if certain trades had gone through.
When Kobe Almost Left LA
In 1996, Jerry West orchestrated one of the biggest steals in NBA history by acquiring Shaquille O’Neal and Kobe Bryant for the Lakers. However, Kobe later demanded a trade in search of individual success.
The Lakers nearly traded Kobe to the Pistons, but he vetoed the deal. Meanwhile, Kevin Garnett was looking to team up with Kobe in LA, creating a potential super team that never materialized.
The Almost Bryant-Garnett Duo
Kevin Garnett wanted to leave the Timberwolves after a decade of playoff disappointments. There were talks of Garnett teaming up with Kobe in LA, but the trade never came to fruition.
While the Lakers’ near trades had fans on edge, another franchise was on the brink of forming a dynasty that never happened.
Key Takeaways
- Kobe Bryant’s desire for success almost led to a trade away from the Lakers.
- A potential Kobe Bryant-Kevin Garnett duo could have reshaped the NBA landscape.
- Near trades often have ripple effects on player legacies and team dynamics.
The Chris Paul Veto
Amidst the chaos of the 2011 lockout, Chris Paul was on the verge of joining the Lakers in a trade that would’ve paired him with Kobe Bryant. However, NBA commissioner David Stern vetoed the trade, shocking the basketball world.
Less than a week later, Paul was traded to the Clippers in a deal that was perceived as inferior to the Lakers trade. The vetoed trade highlighted the business side of the NBA, where decisions are influenced by financial considerations.
The Controversial CP3 Trade
The vetoed Chris Paul trade exemplified the power dynamics between team owners and the league’s commissioner, showcasing the intricate web of interests at play in professional sports.
Key Takeaways
- The Chris Paul trade saga shed light on the business aspects of the NBA.
- The impact of trades extends beyond player movement to franchise values and league dynamics.
- Commissioner intervention can alter the course of NBA history.
From Steph Curry to Kobe Bryant, the NBA has seen its fair share of near-miss trades that could have reshaped the league’s landscape. These almost trades serve as reminders of the delicate balance between player legacies, team dynamics, and business interests in professional basketball.