Image via Complex Original
Today is the NBA trade deadline and as 3 P.M. draws nearer, you will hear practically every player's name get brought up in one deal or another. Every analyst will tell you that "their sources" heard so-and-so going to this place or that place and in the end, us, the fans are forced to ride along on this roller coaster of emotion that each rumor brings about. From the joy of potentially landing a big asset to feeling anger towards the possibility of a ridiculously idiotic deal getting done, it's a necessary evil that every fan must go through as their favorite team either begins planning for the future or hopefully adding the missing piece that will help them make a push for the playoffs.
So, instead of focusing on the trades that do/will get done, let's take a look at the most absurd ones that ever surfaced. Remember the many times that the Chicago Bulls nearly sent Scottie Pippen packing? Or, when a last-minute decision by Los Angeles Clippers owner Donald Sterling prevented Michael Jordan from heading to the West Coast? Yeah, sorry Clips fans. Anyway, here are The 10 Craziest Trade Rumors in NBA History That Never Came to Fruition.
RELATED: The Best Fake NBA Trades That Work on ESPN's Trade Machine
RELATED: The Most Lopsided Trades in NBA History
Amar'e Stoudemire to the Warriors for Steph Curry
Year: 2009
In the summer of 2009, the Phoenix Suns knew that their tandem of Amar'e Stoudemire and Steve Nash was getting up in years, so then-general manager Steve Kerr was looking to score a young, franchise player in the draft. Kerr wanted to get Stephen Curry, who he called "the next Nash" and "the point guard of the future" and he knew that Curry wasn't going to fall all the way to the Suns' spot at No. 14. So, after the Warriors selected the Davidson shooter with the seventh overall pick, Kerr tried working out a deal for Steph in exchange for Stoudemire.
Of course, Kerr knew that it was going to be difficult convincing the Warriors to deal Curry for someone like STAT with his balky knees. The Suns continued to try prying Steph away in a trade, but once Golden State introduced him to the media, Kerr realized that Curry was going to stay in put. Even though the Suns still had Goran Dragic at the time, they knew a player like Curry doesn't come around that often. Nowadays, they're reminded of that fact time and time again.
Isiah Thomas to the Knicks
Year: 1994
In what became his final season in the NBA, Isiah Thomas was nearly sent packing by the Detroit Pistons to the New York Knicks, who were looking for a veteran point guard after Doc Rivers went down with a season-ending knee injury. After a dispute over money, the Pistons were prepared to part ways with Zeke and in a total Knicks move, New York was going to send over Tony Campbell, Tim McCormick, and a 1994 first-round draft pick (of course!) for a 32-year-old Isiah. Eventually, Thomas decided it would be in his best interest to stay with the Pistons and finish his career in the Motor City. Of course, you know what happens when Thomas does find himself in the Big Apple, right?
8. Chris Paul to the Trail Blazers
Year: 2010
In 2010, rumors started circulating that the New Orleans Hornets wouldn't be able to resign Chris Paul because of financial problems. So teams starting contacting the Hornets, inquiring about Paul's availability. While New Orleans maintained that CP3 wasn't on the trading block, one deal nearly got then-general manager Jeff Bower to pull the trigger. In a huge multi-player deal, the Portland Trail Blazers would’ve sent Andre Miller, Joel Przybilla, Nicolas Batum, Jerryd Bayless and the 2010 22nd pick to New Orleans for Paul and Emeka Okafor. Eventually, Bower turned down the offer, claiming that their owner wasn't ready to get rid of Paul at the time.
Oh, and in case you're wondering, the Trail Blazers took Elliot Williams of Memphis with that 22nd overall pick, whoever that is.
7. Tracy McGrady to the Bulls for Scottie Pippen
Year: 1997
On the night of the 1997 NBA Draft, Chicago Bulls general manager Jerry Krause was negotiating a trade with the Toronto Raptors for the 4th overall pick in exchange for a 32-year-old Scottie Pippen. Krause planned on using that pick to select Tracy McGrady out of Mt. Zion Christian Academy. Everything seemed to be a go for Krause until he pulled the plug on the deal at the last minute. Why? Because Michael Jordan threatened to retire if the deal was completed. Was that a smart move by MJ? We'll let y'all debate that one.
6. Shawn Kemp to the Bulls for Scottie Pippen
Year: 1994
Following Michael Jordan's decision to pursue a career in baseball, the Chicago Bulls felt as though they needed to use this time to rebuild their team. And their first order of business was getting rid of Scottie Pippen. After shopping him around for a bit, the Bulls found a suitor in the Seattle SuperSonics, who were willing to offer a package deal centered around Shawn Kemp. The Sonics' offer included Kemp, 35-year-old Ricky Pierce and their 1994 No. 11 overall pick for Pippen, Will Perdue and the Bulls' No. 21 pick.
The trade was definitely appealing for Chicago, as Kemp was four years younger than Pippen at the time. But it was then Sonics head coach George Karl who squashed the deal, saying, "I have tremendous respect for Scottie Pippen but I have tremendous respect for Shawn Kemp, too. It's not very often you get the opportunity to talk about a great player," Karl said. "But we think Shawn is a great player, too, and he's going to be a great player for many, many years." While Kemp probably appreciates the vote of confidence at the time, nowadays, he still wishes Karl didn't strike down the deal because then it would Reign Man celebrating a Finals victory in 1996 instead of the other way around.
5. Larry Bird to the Pacers
Year: 1988
In 1988, the Indiana Pacers took a stab at bringing Larry Bird back to his home state by offering a package deal of Chuck Person and the No. 2 overall pick in that year's NBA Draft. But then president and vice chairman Red Auerbach turned down the offer. The Pacers treated the rejection as a blessing in disguise, saying, "We made our pitch, but I'd have to say we were very fortunate that they (the Celtics) didn't accept it." So, who eventually became the No. 2 pick in 1988? Rik Smits.
4. Charles Barkley to the Lakers for James Worthy
Year: 1991
Could you imagine seeing Charles Barkley in purple and gold and playing alongside Magic Johnson? It almost happened. In 1991, the Philadelphia 76ers were growing tired of Barkley and his antics, and they became hellbent on dealing him. Then, in what looked like a "done deal," the Sixers were prepared to send Chuck and Ron Anderson to the Los Angeles Lakers for James Worthy and Elden Campbell. But somehow talks broke down and Barkley stayed in Philly for one more season.
After posting a dismal 35-47 record and failing to reach the playoffs, Barkley demanded a trade and this time, they got the job done and dealt him to the Phoenix Suns.
Michael Jordan to the Clippers
Year: 1987
Los Angeles Clippers fans may want to just skip over this one. It may be too much for the heart to take. Just thought we should give y'all some fair warning. Anyway, in 1987, the Chicago Bulls started to question whether or not Michael Jordan was the right man to lead their franchise. Sounds crazy, right? Sure, Jordan was putting up the numbers and he already had two All-Star selections to his name, but MJ wasn't bringing in the chips. That's when the Clippers came calling in an effort to make a splash in a city dominated by the Lakers.
The Clippers offered two first-rounders, which would've given the Bulls a solid three first-round picks to help build their roster back up in the absence of Jordan. It really looked like MJ was really headed to West Coast...until Bulls owner Jerry Reinsdorf called off the deal at the last minute. Now, could you imagine the what if on that one?
Kobe Bryant to the Bulls
Year: 2007
Kobe Bryant has always idolized Michael Jordan, right down to his own game. But, could you imagine if Kobe went as far as actually playing for the Chicago Bulls? It almost turned out that way in 2007. Fed up with his lack of a supporting cast, the Black Mamba wanted out of L.A. and that's when the Bulls came calling with a huge deal involving Luol Deng, Ben Gordon, Tyrus Thomas and Joakim Noah.
Whether or not, the Lakers wanted to pursue the deal, it was Kobe who held up the process because he threatened to veto any trade with Deng in it. Bryant wanted help and if the Bulls were going to give up practically their entire starting five for him, it was like being on the current Lakers squad all over again. So, Kobe decided to stay in L.A. and it turned out to be a smart choice because two years later, the Black Mamba helped lead the Lake Show to back-to-back titles.
Ralph Sampson to Trail Blazers for Clyde Drexler and Michael Jordan
Year: 1984
Yes, you read that right. Now just imagine for a second, seeing a Big 3 of Clyde Drexler, Michael Jordan, and Hakeem Olajuwon. Crazy, right? In 1984, Ralph Sampson had just been awarded the NBA Rookie of the Year, but for some reason, the Houston Rockets were throwing around the idea of trading him to the Portland Trail Blazers for Drexler and the No. 2 overall pick in the 1984 Draft. The Trail Blazers wanted a center and instead of taking a chance on, say, Sam Bowie, the Rockets would've given up somebody already proven in Sampson for their pick.
If the trade were to go down, Houston would've had the No. 1 and 2 picks in the 1984 Draft. They probably would've selected Hakeem Olajuwon and Michael Jordan at No. 1 and No. 2, respectively. And they probably would've won a ridiculous amount of NBA titles together.