The Art of Trading All-Stars: A Look at the Most Recent Examples
As the 2025 NBA trade deadline approaches, teams are evaluating their rosters and considering potential moves. But how often do All-Stars actually get traded? To answer this question, we’ll examine the most recent examples of All-Stars who were traded to a different team after the All-Star break.
A Blockbuster Deal: Kevin Durant to the Suns
In February 2023, the Brooklyn Nets traded Kevin Durant and T.J. Warren to the Phoenix Suns in exchange for a package of players and draft picks. This deal was one of the biggest in recent NBA history, as Durant is a two-time champion, two-time NBA Finals MVP, and 14-time All-Star. Despite his impressive resume, Durant’s time in Brooklyn was marked by discontent, leading to two trade requests in eight months.
A Rebuild in Brooklyn: Kyrie Irving to the Mavericks
Just days before the Durant trade, the Nets dealt Kyrie Irving and Markieff Morris to the Dallas Mavericks. Irving, an All-Star starter with the Nets, finished the 2022-23 season with the Mavs, averaging 27 points, 6 assists, 5 rebounds, and 1.3 steals. He ultimately signed a three-year contract to remain in Dallas.
A Disgruntled Star: James Harden to the 76ers
In February 2022, the Nets traded James Harden and Paul Millsap to the Philadelphia 76ers in exchange for Ben Simmons, Seth Curry, Andre Drummond, and two first-round picks. Harden, who had requested a trade from Brooklyn, finished the 2021-22 season with the Sixers, averaging 21 points, 10.5 assists, 7.1 rebounds, and 1.2 steals.
Other Notable Trades
- Nikola Vucevic was traded from the Orlando Magic to the Chicago Bulls in March 2021.
- DeMarcus Cousins was traded from the Sacramento Kings to the New Orleans Pelicans in February 2017.
- Deron Williams was traded from the Utah Jazz to the New Jersey Nets in February 2011.
- Carmelo Anthony was traded from the Denver Nuggets to the New York Knicks in February 2011.
What Can We Learn from These Trades?
While each situation is unique, there are some common themes that emerge from these trades. Discontent and unhappiness can be major factors in a player’s desire to be traded. Additionally, teams may be willing to make significant moves to acquire a star player, even if it means giving up valuable assets.
As the 2025 NBA trade deadline approaches, teams will be weighing their options and considering potential moves. Will we see another blockbuster deal involving an All-Star player? Only time will tell.
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