Ranking The NBA's Biggest Regret Trades Of The 2020s
It only takes one trade to turn a franchise around, just like it only takes one wrong move to undo years of planning. Here are five of the worst trades in the NBA so far in the 2020s
NBA front offices are judged on what they do. It only takes one trade to turn a franchise around, just like it only takes one wrong move to undo years of planning.
Some blockbuster trades gone wrong in the 2020s have left teams with depleted rosters, lost draft picks or the regret of giving up elite talent.
Here are five of the worst trades in the NBA so far in the 2020s
Luka Dončić traded from the Dallas Mavericks to the Los Angeles Lakers in 2025.
There are few trades in NBA history that have been more maligned than the Mavericks sending Luka Dončić to the Los Angeles Lakers. In return, the Mavericks got Anthony Davis, Max Christie and a 2029 first-round pick.
Dončić was just entering his prime after leading Dallas to the 2024 NBA Finals and Davis was still one of the best defenders in the league even in his 30s.
But it’s so unusual for a franchise player at Dončić’s age and talent to be traded
It’s already being viewed as one of the largest gambles and, possibly one of the biggest mistakes, in the history of the league.
The Phoenix Suns fully commit to Kevin Durant in 2023
The Phoenix Suns’ acquisition of Kevin Durant from the Brooklyn Nets was seen as the final piece in a championship puzzle.
The Suns pulled off a blockbuster trade, shipping Mikal Bridges, Cameron Johnson, four unprotected first-round picks and a first-round pick in 2028.
Durant continued to be an elite player, but the Suns were unable to reach the NBA Finals during his tenure in Phoenix.
Injuries, a shallow roster and a lack of financial flexibility kept the franchise from surrounding him with a sustainable contender.
Read other basketball articles here
Hakeem Olajuwon: The Center Who Mastered Everything
When talking about the greatest centers to play the game. Hakeem stands on top
Greatest NBA Finals performances
The NBA Finals are where legends are truly made, and only a few players have delivered performances that changed history under the greatest pressure. From Jordan and LeBron to Shaq and Giannis, these iconic Finals runs defined careers and reshaped the league’s greatest moments.
Kawhi Leonard: The Silent Star Who Wins When It Matters
The story of a silent star
Meet Steph Curry: The Three-Point Specialist Who Rewired Basketball’s Value System
Prior to Stephen Curry, the three-point shot was a luxury. Now it's a necessary skill.
Jaylen Brown traded from Boston Celtics to Philadelphia 76ers in 2026
Two years later, Jaylen Brown, who was the MVP of the 2024 NBA Finals when he led the Celtics to the championship, was traded to the Philadelphia 76ers in a surprising move.
In return, Boston got two first-round picks, two second-round picks and veteran forward Paul George. Many questioned why the Celtics would trade a 29-year-old All-NBA player in his prime.
George is 36 years old with one of the biggest contracts in the league and a long history of injuries. Brown will now play alongside Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey, bolstering one of Boston's most formidable rivals.
Russell Westbrook traded to the L.A. Lakers in 2021
The Lakers traded Kyle Kuzma, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Montrezl Harrell and the No. 22 pick in the 2021 NBA Draft to the Washington Wizards for Russell Westbrook, believing they were adding a superstar to extend their championship window.
The Lakers had problems with turnovers, spacing and chemistry. The loss of valuable role players hurt the team’s overall depth, and Westbrook’s ball-dominant style was never the right fit.
Westbrook's first year with the Lakers ended with the team missing the playoffs and the team traded him in 2023, making it one of the franchise's most expensive mistakes.
Damian Lillard traded to the Milwaukee Bucks in 2023
The Bucks traded for Damian Lillard in a three-team trade with the Portland Trail Blazers in one of the biggest trades of the decade. Milwaukee sent away Jrue Holiday, Grayson Allen, Toumani Camara, an unprotected first-rounder and future picks
The deal was set up to give Giannis Antetokounmpo the best chance to win a title, but it didn’t work out.
Injuries and defensive struggles kept Milwaukee from another deep playoff run, and Holiday quickly became a crucial piece of Boston’s 2024 NBA championship.
The NBA has always been a place that rewards boldness, but these trades prove that aggression can be a dangerous game
Those trades will probably become cautionary tales of how one decision can shape the fortunes of a team for years to come
Check out other Basketball stories
LeBron James 23rd Season: Where Does He Rank Among the Longest Primes in Sports History?
LeBron James dominates in his 23rd season. We explore his surreal longevity and rank him among the elite sports stars who played at the highest level longest.
NBA Records that are Nearly Impossible to Break
Built across different eras and conditions, these NBA records stand as near impossible feats that modern basketball may never be able to touch.
The NBA's Ongoing Battle Between Player Health and Fan Experience
Injuries have become very common in the NBA today, and the league's rules surrounding availability haven't been helping. The fewer games played, the fewer chances the players have to win awards
Nikola Jokic: The Genius That Altered Basketball
Nikola Jokić is a rare basketball genius who rose from an overlooked draft pick to become a multiple-time NBA MVP and champion with the Denver Nuggets.
Comments (0)
Latest Posts
Five Reasons Lamine Yamal Will Never Become Barcelona’s Next Ansu Fati
Lamine Yamal scored twice in Barcelona’s 5-2 win over Rayo on Monday, yet the body language debate from last week’s Elche game refuses to go away. Here are five reasons why the Ansu Fati comparison completely misses the point.
Put the Phone Down: PSG Academy’s Digital Detox for Football’s Next Stars
PSG have introduced a digital detox at their Poissy academy, limiting 140 young players to one hour of phone use per day. Here is what it means.
PSG, Ligue 1 and the Rest Advantage: How France’s System Helps Champions League Success
Ligue 1 has postponed PSG fixtures before Champions League knockout ties twice this season alone. Here is how that privilege works, why it matters, and how much it has contributed to PSG winning back-to-back European titles.
Man City 2-1 Bournemouth: Five Things We Learned from Maresca’s First Premier League Game
Manchester City came from behind to beat Bournemouth 2-1 in Enzo Maresca’s first Premier League game since replacing Pep Guardiola. Here are five things the match revealed about the new era at the Etihad.
Hull City 2-0 Manchester United: Five Things That Went Wrong for Carrick’s Side on Opening Day
Manchester United lost their Premier League opener to newly promoted Hull City at the MKM Stadium. Here are five reasons why Michael Carrick’s side were beaten on a chastening afternoon in Yorkshire.
Everything to Know About Christos Tzolis, Arsenal’s Premier League Debutant
Christos Tzolis set up two goals on his Premier League debut as Arsenal beat Coventry 3-0. Here is everything to know about the Greek winger.
More from this Category
The Next Generation of NBA Superstars: Who Will Take Over the League?
LeBron James, Stephen Curry and Kevin Durant are already close to the end of their careers and the next generation is already making its presence felt in the NBA.
5 NBA Stars Under Pressure to Deliver in the 2026-27 Season
The NBA landscape has completely changed this offseason with blockbuster moves changing the balance of power throughout the league. These are 5 stars that must deliver this coming season
Ja Morant's Fresh Start: What a Portland Reset Really Solves
Ja Morant is a Trail Blazer, and it ends the book on a run that once seemed like it was the foundation of a contender.
Are the Sixers Now a Championship Team? LeBron's Arrival Changes Everything
LeBron James signing with Philadelphia has done more than shake up the NBA offseason, it’s fundamentally rewritten the 76ers’ championship math
Yaxel Lendeborg Just Answered The Only Question Golden State Had This Summer
Golden State has desperately been looking for a young player they can build the team around. And after this Summer League outing, Yaxel Lenderborg might be the answer
NBA Teams To Look Forward To Ahead of 2026/2027 Season
The Knicks title has caused a shift in mentality around the league and teams are now making trades that fans wouldn't have expected just to get a title shot this coming season
More on analysis
Premier League VAR Changes 2026-27: Referee Audio, KMI Panel and What They Mean
The Premier League is introducing some major VAR transparency changes this season. Here is what is changing, how each one works, and whether it will make a real difference.
Trophies, Youth and Luis Enrique: Can PSG Win a Champions League Threepeat?
PSG won back-to-back Champions Leagues in 2025 and 2026. Only Real Madrid and Bayern Munich have ever won three in a row. Here is whether Luis Enrique's side can join them.
FIFA Presidency: Six Candidates Who Could Replace Infantino
Norway has formally called for Gianni Infantino's resignation. UEFA, CONCACAF and AFC have joined the revolt. With a March 2027 election approaching, Sportsbuzzfeed looks at who could lead world football next.
La Liga and Spanish Football’s New IFAB Rules for 2026-27: Everything You Need to Know
La Liga adopts some major IFAB rule changes for 2026-27, covering substitutions, goalkeeper injuries, penalties, time-wasting, and expanded VAR. Here is what each rule means and why it was introduced.
Try These Trivia
Only True NBA fans will Pass these Trivia
These are easy trivia question on NBA; come here and prove how well you know the basketball teams and their players.
Tell us how deep your Arsenal ties go with this Trivia
Arsenal fans are known for their loyalty; they are also known for being among the best players and team that is always hopeful for a trophy. Prove your loyalty to arsenal by passing this simple Trivia test.
