Every NBA team’s best trade in franchise history

Trades shape the NBA, and every team has won their fair share of deals.

By Jack Simone · Behind the Buck Pass

Published: Monday, 5 October 2026 at 9:33 PM

Key Things to Know

Jack Simone evaluates the best trade in franchise history for NBA teams.
The Boston Celtics landing Bill Russell in 1956 is named the franchise's top deal.
The Los Angeles Lakers trading for Kareem Abdul-Jabbar in 1975 edges out other historic moves.

The Story in 60 Seconds

Jack Simone of Behind the Buck Pass analyzes the best trade in the franchise history of NBA teams, looking through historical transactions alphabetically. The ranking highlights pivotal franchise-altering acquisitions, including draft-night trades that secured foundational legends as well as blockbusters that yielded championships for their new clubs.

Among the top trades listed, Simone highlights Boston's 1956 acquisition of Bill Russell, the Lakers' 1975 deal for Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Chicago landing Scottie Pippen in 1987, and Dallas trading for Dirk Nowitzki in 1998.

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Every NBA team’s best trade in franchise history

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