13 NBA Players Who Became Instant Superstars After Getting Traded

Sometimes, all it takes is a change of scenery for a player to go from being just another guy on the roster to an absolute superstar. In the NBA, trades can make or break careers, and for these 13 players, getting traded was the best thing that ever happened to them. Whether they needed a fresh start, a new role, or just the right system, these guys took their game to the next level the moment they put on a different jersey. Let’s dive into the stories of how these players went from solid contributors to household names almost overnight.

1. James Harden

Thunder Stats: 12.7 PPG, 3.4 RPG, 2.5 APG, 1.1 SPG, 0.3 BPG

Rockets Stats: 29.6 PPG, 6.0 RPG, 7.7 APG, 1.8 SPG, 0.6 BPG

James Harden’s trade from the Oklahoma City Thunder to the Houston Rockets in 2012 wasn’t just a career shift—it was a full-blown transformation. In OKC, Harden was the ultimate sixth man, coming off the bench to provide a scoring punch and winning the NBA Sixth Man of the Year award in 2012. That season, he put up 16.8 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 3.7 assists per game. Despite these strong numbers, he was still playing in the shadows of Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook, limiting his opportunities to fully showcase his talent.

When Harden was traded to Houston, everything changed. The Rockets handed him the keys to the offense, and he didn’t disappoint. In his first season with Houston, Harden exploded, averaging 25.9 points per game. But that was just the beginning. Over his entire career with the Rockets, he became one of the most prolific scorers and playmakers in NBA history, averaging 29.6 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 7.7 assists per game. Harden's time in Houston was marked by individual accolades, including seven consecutive All-Star appearances, six All-NBA First Team selections, and the crowning achievement of his MVP season in 2018, where he averaged an incredible 30.4 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 8.8 assists per game.

Harden led the league in scoring three times and was the assist leader in 2017. His unique style of play, characterized by his deadly step-back three, exceptional ball-handling, and ability to draw fouls, revolutionized offensive basketball during his tenure in Houston. Harden didn’t just transform into a superstar—he became a franchise cornerstone, turning the Rockets into perennial contenders and securing his place among the greatest players in NBA history. The trade didn’t just change Harden’s life; it altered the course of the NBA for nearly a decade.

2. Tracy McGrady

Raptors Stats: 11.1 PPG, 5.5 RPG, 2.5 APG, 1.0 SPG, 1.3 BPG

Magic Stats: 28.1 PPG, 7.0 RPG, 5.2 APG, 1.5 SPG, 1.0 BPG

Tracy McGrady’s journey from the Toronto Raptors to the Orlando Magic is a classic example of a player blossoming into a superstar after a change of scenery. In Toronto, McGrady showed flashes of his immense potential, particularly in his third season where he averaged 15.4 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 3.3 assists per game. However, he was often overshadowed by his cousin Vince Carter, who was the face of the franchise. McGrady needed a new environment to truly shine.

That opportunity came when he signed with the Orlando Magic in 2000. Immediately, McGrady transformed into one of the league’s elite players. In his first season with the Magic, he averaged 26.8 points per game, a significant leap from his time with the Raptors. Over his four years in Orlando, McGrady averaged 28.1 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 5.2 assists per game, establishing himself as one of the most dominant scorers in the NBA. He won back-to-back scoring titles in 2003 and 2004, with his peak season coming in 2003 when he averaged a league-high 32.1 points per game.

McGrady’s time with the Magic was marked by incredible individual achievements, including four consecutive All-Star selections and two All-NBA First Team honors. He also carried the Magic to the playoffs three times, despite often lacking a strong supporting cast, as Grant Hill was sidelined with injuries for much of McGrady's tenure. His electrifying performances and ability to take over games made him one of the most feared players in the league, cementing his legacy as a true NBA superstar.

When McGrady was eventually traded to the Houston Rockets in 2004, he continued to excel, but it was in Orlando where he truly became a superstar, etching his name among the greatest scorers in NBA history.

3. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

Clippers Stats: 10.8 PPG, 2.8 RPG, 3.3 APG, 1.2 SPG, 0.5 BPG

Thunder Stats: 26.1 PPG, 5.3 RPG, 5.3 APG, 1.4 SPG, 0.8 BPG

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's journey from the Los Angeles Clippers to the Oklahoma City Thunder is a prime example of a young player seizing the opportunity to become a star. Drafted by the Clippers in 2018, Shai showed potential as a promising guard, averaging 10.8 points, 3.3 assists, and 2.8 rebounds per game in his rookie season. However, the Clippers were focused on winning immediately, and in 2019, they made a blockbuster trade, sending Shai to the Thunder as part of the deal to acquire Paul George.

For Shai, this trade was a turning point. In OKC, he was given the freedom to lead a rebuilding team, and he embraced the role. Over his time with the Thunder, Shai’s game has soared to new heights. By the end of the 2023-24 season, he was averaging an impressive 26.1 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 5.3 assists per game, as his last two seasons have been over 30 points in the scoring department. His ability to score, facilitate, and defend has made him one of the top guards in the league. The past season also saw him earn his second All-Star appearance and another spot on the All-NBA First Team.

Shai’s growth has been instrumental in transforming the Thunder into a competitive and exciting young team. His leadership on the court and ability to take over games have made him the face of the franchise, and he’s quickly becoming one of the most respected players in the league. The trade that was supposed to secure the Clippers’ future with Paul George instead turned Shai into a superstar, making it one of the most impactful deals in recent NBA history.

4. Isaiah Thomas

Kings Stats: 15.3 PPG, 2.5 RPG, 4.8 APG, 1.0 SPG, 0.1 BPG

Celtics Stats: 24.7 PPG, 2.7 RPG, 6.0 APG, 0.9 SPG, 0.1 BPG

Isaiah Thomas’ rise to stardom is one of the most inspiring stories in recent NBA history. Drafted dead last in 2011 by the Sacramento Kings, Thomas quickly proved that size doesn’t always matter in basketball. During his time with the Kings, he showed flashes of his potential, averaging 15.3 points and 4.8 assists per game. However, it wasn’t until he was traded to the Phoenix Suns in 2014, and shortly after to the Boston Celtics, that his career truly took off.

Once he landed in Boston, Thomas became a revelation. Despite being just 5'9", he played with the heart of a giant, regularly torching defenses with his scoring ability. His breakout moment came during the 2016-17 season, where he averaged a staggering 28.9 points per game, leading the Celtics to the Eastern Conference Finals. That year, Thomas finished fifth in MVP voting and earned his second All-Star selection.

Known as the “King in the Fourth” for his clutch performances, Thomas became a beloved figure in Boston. His ability to dominate games, particularly in the fourth quarter, was nothing short of spectacular. Unfortunately, a hip injury during the playoffs that year slowed him down and eventually led to his departure from the Celtics. Despite the setbacks, Thomas' time in Boston solidified his status as an NBA superstar, showing that determination and skill can overcome even the greatest of odds.

5. Jalen Brunson

Mavericks Stats: 11.9 PPG, 3.0 RPG, 3.7 APG, 0.6 SPG, 0.0 BPG

Knicks Stats: 26.5 PPG, 3.6 RPG, 6.5 APG, 0.9 SPG, 0.2 BPG

Jalen Brunson’s move from the Dallas Mavericks to the New York Knicks in 2022 was a career-defining shift that turned him from a solid starter into a bona fide superstar. In Dallas, Brunson was a reliable contributor, playing alongside Luka Dončić and averaging 16.3 points per game in his final season with the Mavericks. However, his role was somewhat limited as he wasn’t the primary ball-handler, which kept him from fully showcasing his potential.

When Brunson signed with the Knicks, everything changed. New York gave him the keys to the offense, and he quickly proved that he was more than ready for the responsibility. In his first season with the Knicks, Brunson averaged 24.0 points and 6.2 assists per game, leading the team to the playoffs and solidifying his reputation as a clutch performer. By the 2023-24 season, he took his game to even greater heights, averaging an impressive 28.7 points and 6.7 assists per game. His playmaking, leadership, and scoring ability have made him the face of the Knicks and earned him his first All-Star selection.

Brunson’s impact in New York has been nothing short of transformative. He led the Knicks to back-to-back playoff appearances and became one of the top point guards in the league, finishing fifth in MVP voting in 2024. His ability to take over games, combined with his tough, resilient mentality, has endeared him to Knicks fans and established him as one of the NBA’s rising stars. What started as a free agency signing has turned into one of the most impactful moves in recent Knicks history, as Brunson continues to prove that he belongs among the league’s elite.

6. Victor Oladipo

Thunder Stats: 15.9 PPG, 4.3 RPG, 2.6 APG, 1.2 SPG, 0.4 BPG

Pacers Stats: 20.6 PPG, 5.2 RPG, 4.3 APG, 1.9 SPG, 0.5 BPG

Sometimes, it takes a couple of moves to find the right fit, and that was certainly the case for Victor Oladipo. After being traded from the Orlando Magic to the Oklahoma City Thunder, Oladipo was solid but far from the star he would become. He averaged 15.9 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 2.6 assists per game with the Thunder, playing alongside Russell Westbrook. But it wasn’t until he landed with the Indiana Pacers in 2017, as part of the trade that sent Paul George to OKC, that Oladipo truly blossomed.

In Indiana, Oladipo unlocked his full potential, becoming the go-to guy for the Pacers. He exploded in his first season, averaging 23.1 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 4.3 assists per game. His all-around game took a massive leap, as he led the league in steals with 2.4 per game and earned his first All-Star selection. His efforts didn’t go unnoticed—Oladipo was named the NBA’s Most Improved Player in 2018 and made the All-NBA Third Team and All-Defensive First Team, cementing his status as one of the league’s top two-way players.

Oladipo didn’t just elevate his game; he transformed the Pacers into a legitimate playoff contender, pushing LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers to seven games in the 2018 playoffs. His time in Indiana stands as the pinnacle of his career, showing just how much a change of scenery can impact a player's trajectory.

7. Lauri Markkanen

Bulls Stats: 15.6 PPG, 7.1 RPG, 1.2 APG, 0.6 SPG, 0.6 BPG

Jazz Stats: 24.5 PPG, 8.4 RPG, 1.9 APG, 0.8 SPG, 0.7 BPG

When a player finds the right situation, everything can change, and that’s exactly what happened when Lauri Markkanen joined the Utah Jazz. His early years with the Chicago Bulls were filled with promise, as he averaged 15.6 points and 7.1 rebounds per game, but injuries and inconsistency kept him from reaching his full potential. A short stint with the Cleveland Cavaliers didn’t do much to elevate his status either. However, when Markkanen was traded to the Jazz in 2022, everything started to fall into place.

In Utah, Markkanen quickly became the centerpiece of the offense. Right from the go, he was putting up career-best numbers, averaging 25.6 points and 8.6 rebounds per game in the 2022-23 season. His ability to stretch the floor, combined with his size and mobility, made him a perfect fit in the Jazz’s system. This breakout season earned him his first All-Star selection and the NBA’s Most Improved Player award in 2023, solidifying his place as one of the top forwards in the league.

Recognizing his immense value, the Jazz signed Markkanen to a five-year, $238 million extension in August after another great performance in 2023-24, where he put up 23.2 points a night. This deal not only ensures that he remains the face of the franchise but also quashes all the trade rumors that had been circulating during the offseason linking him to the Warriors. With this new contract, Markkanen is set to lead the Jazz for years to come, anchoring their ambitions in the highly competitive Western Conference. Utah has clearly found its star, and they’re committed to building a future around him.

Related: 5 NBA Stars Ready To Make Huge Comebacks Next Season

8. Tyrese Haliburton

Kings Stats: 13.6 PPG, 3.4 RPG, 6.3 APG, 1.5 SPG, 0.5 BPG

Pacers Stats: 19.9 PPG, 3.9 RPG, 10.5 APG, 1.5 SPG, 0.6 BPG

Tyrese Haliburton’s trade to the Indiana Pacers in 2022 was a game-changer, both for him and the team. With the Sacramento Kings, Haliburton was a promising young guard, averaging 13.6 points and 6.3 assists per game. However, it wasn’t until he arrived in Indiana that he truly flourished. Taking the reins as the Pacers' primary playmaker, Haliburton’s stats soared to 19.9 points and 10.5 assists per game, instantly transforming into one of the league’s premier point guards.

After his first full season with the Pacers in 2022-23, Haliburton’s impact was undeniable. He then led the NBA in assists and became the centerpiece of a revitalized Indiana squad that made a surprising run to the Eastern Conference Finals in 2024. His leadership on the court, combined with his ability to elevate the play of those around him, earned him a spot on the All-NBA Third Team, underscoring his emergence as a legitimate superstar.

Looking ahead, the Pacers are fully committed to building around Haliburton. His combination of scoring, playmaking, and basketball IQ has given Indiana a true franchise cornerstone. As the team continues to improve and build around his talents, Haliburton is poised to keep leading the Pacers deep into the playoffs, with the ultimate goal of bringing a championship to Indiana.

9. Jermaine O'Neal

Trail Blazers Stats: 3.9 PPG, 3.1 RPG, 0.3 APG, 0.4 SPG, 1.0 BPG

Pacers Stats: 18.6 PPG, 9.6 RPG, 1.6 APG, 0.5 SPG, 2.4 BPG

Jermaine O'Neal's transformation from a benchwarmer with the Portland Trail Blazers to a franchise cornerstone with the Indiana Pacers is one of the most dramatic turnarounds in NBA history. Drafted straight out of high school by the Blazers, O'Neal struggled to find playing time, averaging just 3.9 points and 3.1 rebounds per game over four seasons. He was often buried deep on the bench, overshadowed by veterans and more experienced players.

Everything changed when O'Neal was traded to the Pacers in 2000. Given a starting role and the chance to develop, he quickly became one of the best big men in the league. In his first season with Indiana, O'Neal's stats jumped to 12.9 points and 9.8 rebounds per game. Over the course of his eight seasons with the Pacers, he averaged 18.6 points, 9.6 rebounds, and 2.4 blocks per game, earning six All-Star selections and the NBA’s Most Improved Player award in 2002.

O'Neal was the centerpiece of the Pacers' success in the early 2000s, leading them to multiple playoff appearances and becoming one of the league’s premier power forwards. His time in Indiana solidified his legacy as a true NBA star, a far cry from his days on the bench in Portland.

10. Adrian Dantley

Lakers Stats: 18.3 PPG, 6.4 RPG, 2.8 APG, 1.1 SPG, 0.2 BPG

Jazz Stats: 29.6 PPG, 6.2 RPG, 3.7 APG, 1.1 SPG, 0.1 BPG

A trade can sometimes be the catalyst for a player to reach their full potential, and that was the case when Adrian Dantley was sent from the Los Angeles Lakers to the Utah Jazz in 1979. Before the trade, Dantley was a solid performer for the Lakers, putting up respectable numbers—18.3 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 2.8 assists per game—but he was one of many talented players on a stacked roster.

In Utah, Dantley found the perfect environment to thrive. The Jazz put the ball in his hands and built their offense around his scoring ability. Over seven seasons with the Jazz, Dantley averaged an impressive 29.6 points per game, becoming one of the league’s most efficient and prolific scorers. His consistent production not only earned him six All-Star selections but also helped elevate the Jazz from a struggling team to a legitimate contender in the Western Conference.

Dantley’s time with the Jazz is remembered as the pinnacle of his career. He transformed from a good player into a true superstar, showcasing how the right situation can make all the difference for an NBA player.

11. Dale Ellis

Mavericks Stats: 8.2 PPG, 3.1 RPG, 0.7 APG, 0.6 SPG, 0.1 BPG

Sonics Stats: 20.9 PPG, 3.9 RPG, 2.0 APG, 1.0 SPG, 0.2 BPG

When Dale Ellis was traded from the Dallas Mavericks to the Seattle SuperSonics in 1986, his career took a turn into superstardom that no one saw coming. Before the trade, Ellis struggled to find consistent minutes in Dallas, averaging just 8.2 points per game over three seasons. However, everything changed when he joined the SuperSonics, where he was given the chance to shine as a primary scoring option.

In Seattle, Ellis became a scoring machine, averaging 20.9 points per game during his six seasons with the team. His breakout year came in 1988-89, when he averaged 27.5 points per game, earning his first and only All-Star selection and establishing himself as one of the NBA’s elite shooters. Ellis's performance that season also earned him the NBA’s Most Improved Player award in 1987, as his ability to score from anywhere on the court made him a nightmare for defenders. His sharp shooting, particularly from three-point range, helped him lead the league in three-pointers made during that period.

Ellis's time with the SuperSonics marked the peak of his career, where he was not only a consistent scoring threat but also a key player in Seattle’s playoff runs. His ability to deliver in big moments and his evolution into one of the league’s top shooters solidified his legacy as a true NBA star, proving that sometimes all a player needs is the right situation to reach their full potential.

12. Ben Wallace

Wizards Stats: 3.5 PPG, 5.2 RPG, 0.3 APG, 0.8 SPG, 1.2 BPG

Pistons Stats: 6.6 PPG, 11.1 RPG, 1.5 APG, 1.4 SPG, 2.3 BPG

Ben Wallace’s path to becoming an NBA legend took a major turn when he was traded from the Washington Wizards to the Detroit Pistons in 2000. Before the trade, Wallace was known for his defensive hustle and work ethic, but his role in Washington was limited. He averaged just 3.5 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks per game, and his potential seemed capped as a role player. However, the trade to Detroit opened up a new chapter in his career.

In Detroit, Wallace transformed into the anchor of one of the most dominant defenses in NBA history. His impact was immediate and game-changing—he averaged 11.1 rebounds and 2.3 blocks per game with the Pistons, becoming a four-time NBA Defensive Player of the Year and a four-time All-Star. Wallace’s relentless defense and leadership on the court led the Pistons to six consecutive Eastern Conference Finals appearances and the 2004 NBA Championship, where his defensive performance was key in defeating the Los Angeles Lakers.

Wallace’s move to Detroit didn’t just change his career—it redefined it. From being undrafted and underappreciated in Washington, Wallace became a Hall of Famer and one of the most iconic defensive players in NBA history. His story is a testament to how the right environment can allow a player to maximize their potential and leave a lasting legacy.

13. Kevin Johnson

Cavaliers Stats: 7.3 PPG, 3.7 APG, 1.3 RPG, 1.3 SPG, 0.3 BPG

Suns Stats: 18.7 PPG, 9.5 APG, 3.4 RPG, 1.5 SPG, 0.2 BPG

A change of scenery can often unlock a player's true potential, and that was the case when Kevin Johnson was traded from the Cleveland Cavaliers to the Phoenix Suns in 1988. During his time with the Cavaliers, Johnson was limited by a crowded backcourt that included established stars like Mark Price, which kept him from fully showcasing his abilities. He averaged 7.3 points and 3.7 assists per game in Cleveland, solid for a rookie but far from what he would eventually achieve.

Once he arrived in Phoenix, Johnson's career took off. In his first full season with the Suns, he averaged an impressive 20.4 points and 12.2 assists per game, earning the NBA’s Most Improved Player award in 1989. His playmaking and scoring ability quickly established him as one of the league’s top point guards. Over his time with the Suns, Johnson became a three-time All-Star and received multiple All-NBA selections, including four Second Team honors. His leadership on the court was a key factor in turning the Suns into a perennial playoff team, culminating in a trip to the NBA Finals in 1993.

Johnson’s tenure with the Suns solidified his status as one of the best point guards of his generation. Averaging 18.7 points and 9.5 assists per game during his time in Phoenix, he consistently led the team to success in both the regular season and playoffs. The trade to the Suns didn’t just elevate Johnson’s game—it made him the cornerstone of one of the most competitive teams of the late '80s and '90s.

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