Trades spice up the NBA drama. Some have its effect felt instantly. Others have ramifications that aren't realized until long after the trade itself. These are the parts of trades that weren't thought much of at the time but eventually went on to have a big presence in the league.
1. Kawhi Leonard for George Hill
After falling victim to a major upset at the hands of the Memphis Grizzlies in the first round of the 2011 playoffs, the San Antonio Spurs felt the need to upgrade their small forward position. That's rare considering their very friendly history with sustaining current players.
At 30 years old, Richard Jefferson was not living up to expectations, averaging only 11 points in 81 games played that season. So, the Spurs turned to the draft to infuse the team with some much-needed youth.
They wound up trading George Hill, their backup point guard who had developed a special relationship with coach Greg Popovich, to the Indiana Pacers for the 15th pick, a prospect named Kawhi Leonard. Hill was one of Popovich's favorite players on the Spurs' roster, making it hard for him to see Hill go.
Most within the Spurs organization pictured Leonard as the next Bruce Bowen. They figured he'd lock down opponents with his long arms and massive hands while fixing his broken jumper along the way. He was supposed to do two things only — play defense and knock down open shots. The Spurs knew it was a process and they were willing to develop Leonard.
Little could anyone predict that Kawhi would turn into the two-way force he is today.
Already a two-time Defensive Player of the Year and Finals MVP, Kawhi finished top three in MVP voting the past two seasons. Last season he averaged over 25 points per game and he looks to continue his dominance for years to come.
And all the Spurs had to give up was George Hill.
2. Dirk Nowitzki and Pat Garrity for Robert Traylor
In 1998, The Mavericks took a big risk by trading Robert Traylor, the 6th pick, to the Bucks for Pat Garrity and the 10th pick, a gangly seven-footer out of Germany named Dirk Nowitzki.
Why was it such a risk? Well, the track record for international prospects at that time wasn't promising.
There's just no way to tell whether or not a player from overseas will adjust to the NBA game. So when the Mavericks decided to take a risk on Nowitzki, there was no way they could've predicted what would follow.
13 All-Star appearances, one NBA MVP, 12 All NBA Selections, a Finals MVP trophy, and the first and only championship in franchise history.
Worth the risk.
3. Lamar Odom to the Lakers for Shaquille O'Neal
In 2004, the Lakers shipped O'Neal to Miami for Caron Butler, Lamar Odom, Brian Grant, a 1st rounder in 06′, and a 2nd rounder in 07′.
The year before the trade, he averaged 17.1 points, 9.7 rebounds, and 4.1 assists nightly. Odom would go on to average similar numbers from then on. In the Shaq-to-Kobe transition, Odom was a godsend.
He afforded them with a 6'10 point forward, capable of executing Phil Jackson's triangle offense. He was also a terrific 6th man, often serving as a starter due to Andrew Bynum's chronic injury history.
Sure, losing Shaq hurt both the team and their fans, but Odom's versatility turned out to be an important piece for the Lakers back to back titles in 09′ and 10′.
4. Magic Johnson to the Lakers
This wasn't a standard trade. In 1976, Gail Goodrich signed with the Jazz. Consider it a sign and trade as the Lakers were given a first-rounder.
The pick was for the 1979 draft, where the top selection was determined by a coin flip. The Lakers won the flip and went on to select Magic Johnson.
When a team acquires a first-round pick, the expectation is to get a young player who can hopefully turn into an important contributor. Sometimes, teams end up getting an All-Star.
Five championships, 12 All-Star appearances, three MVPs, and three Finals MVPs later, and the Lakers ended up with one of the greatest players in NBA history.
5. Baron Davis and a 1st round pick to the Cavaliers
During the 2010-2011 season, the Cavaliers lost a record 26 straight games.
Midway through that season, they decided ship Mo Williams and Jamario Moon to the Clippers for Baron Davis and a 1st round pick in the 2011 Draft.
With only a 2.8 chance of winning the lottery, that Clippers pick did just that, as the Cavaliers would select then-Duke point guard Kyrie Irving.
6. Andrew Bogut to the Warriors for Monta Ellis
In March of 2012, the Golden State Warriors took a huge risk, sending fan favorite Monta Ellis to Milwaukee for Bucks center Andrew Bogut.
This trade was controversial because Bogut was injury prone and was hurt at the time of the trade. He wouldn't play for the Warriors until the next season.
Fans hated this deal so much, they booed Warriors owner Joe Lacob at Chris Mullin's jersey retirement.
Needless to say, this deal had to work out, and it did.
Not only did Bogut provide the Warriors with stifling rim protection and terrific passing out of the high post, but the trade ended up being addition by subtraction.
With Ellis gone, Stephen Curry had the ball in his hands more often and Klay Thompson was given more minutes, allowing him to grow alongside Curry in what would end up becoming the greatest shooting backcourt of all time.
7. Isaiah Thomas to Boston for Marcus Thornton
When Isaiah Thomas was traded to Boston at the 2015 trade deadline, Celtics fan assumed they were getting a player who would win multiple 6th Man of the Year Awards.
After all, the Celtics already had a young backcourt in Marcus Smart and Avery Bradley, and Thomas, at 5'9, didn't seem able to matchup with other starting point guards.
Couple that with his ability to score in bunches, and he seemed suited for the 6th man role.
And yet, he would end up starting 79 games for the C's the following season, averaging 22.2 points per game and earning his first All-Star berth.
The following season he would average 28.9 points, make the All-Star team, lead the Celtics to the 1st seed in the East, and finish 5th in MVP voting.
Then, even after losing his sister in a tragic car accident right before the playoffs, Thomas played on, only being shut down after a hip injury suffered in game two of the Eastern Conference Finals.
Even though he never achieved postseason success, Thomas is still beloved in the city of Boston for the heart and hustle that he played with every single game.
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