The NBA trade landscape is known for its drama, but some trades have left fans stunned. Here are three shocking NBA trades involving Kentucky basketball legends that remain some of the biggest flops.
1. Luka Dončić for Anthony Davis (2025): A Trade that Stunned the World
The Dallas Mavericks traded Luka Dončić to the Los Angeles Lakers in exchange for Anthony Davis, Max Christie, and a future 2029 first-round pick. The deal also involved the Utah Jazz, who received Jalen Hood-Schifino and a pair of second-round picks.
Why It Was a Flop: The trade was a massive misfire for the Mavericks. Dončić, a generational talent, averaged 28.6 PPG and 8.7 RPG, while Davis, despite being a 10-time All-Star, is 32 and has a history of injuries.
-Kentucky Connection: Davis, drafted by the New Orleans Pelicans in 2012, became the centerpiece of the trade for Dallas. However, his defensive prowess couldn’t make up for Dončić’s offensive brilliance.
2. DeMarcus Cousins to New Orleans (2017): The King’s Mistake
The Sacramento Kings traded DeMarcus Cousins to the New Orleans Pelicans for Buddy Hield, Tyreke Evans, and two future draft picks. Cousins, a four-time All-Star, was averaging 27.8 PPG and 10.6 RPG but found himself on the move after Sacramento’s mismanagement.
Why It Was a Flop: Cousins, paired with Anthony Davis in New Orleans, should have been a dominant duo. Instead, injuries and lack of chemistry limited their success.
Kentucky Connection: Cousins, like Davis, was a dominant force at Kentucky. His prime years were squandered by Sacramento’s lack of direction.
3. John Wall to Houston (2020): The Decline of a Star
The Washington Wizards traded John Wall to the Houston Rockets in exchange for Russell Westbrook. Wall, recovering from an Achilles injury, never returned to his All-Star form, while Westbrook struggled in Washington.
Why It Was a Flop: Wall’s return to full strength never materialized, and the Wizards traded away a franchise cornerstone for an aging Westbrook.
Kentucky Connection: Wall, the 2010 No. 1 pick out of Kentucky, was a major player for Washington before the trade.
Why These Trades Stand Out
These trades showcase the high stakes and high regrets involved when Kentucky players are on the move. The Luka Dončić-Anthony Davis trade remains the most shocking, swapping a 25-year-old MVP candidate for a 30+-year-old star with injury concerns. The DeMarcus Cousins and John Wall trades share a common thread: mismanagement of Kentucky talent.
