(Credit: Hoops Hype)
A switch is all these players needed to be great!
Sometimes, a change of scenery is all it takes for a player to transform from a regular roster spot to an undeniable superstar. In the NBA, trades can be career-defining, and for these five players, being traded was the turning point they needed. Whether it was a fresh start, a new role, or the right system, these players elevated their game the moment they donned a different jersey. Let’s explore how these athletes went from solid contributors to household names almost overnight.
James Harden’s trade from the Oklahoma City Thunder to the Houston Rockets in 2012 was a career-defining moment. In OKC, Harden was a standout sixth man, but in Houston, he became the focal point of the offense. He immediately flourished, averaging 25.9 points in his first season with the Rockets, and went on to become one of the NBA's most prolific scorers. Harden earned an MVP award in 2018 and led the league in scoring three times. His transformative impact turned the Rockets into perennial contenders and secured his legacy as one of the greatest players in NBA history.
James Harden in his Rockets Era!
Tracy McGrady's move from the Toronto Raptors to the Orlando Magic in 2000 was the catalyst for his transformation into an NBA superstar. In Toronto, he showed promise but was often overshadowed by Vince Carter. In Orlando, McGrady immediately became one of the league's elite players, averaging 26.8 points in his first season. Over four years, he averaged 28.1 points, won back-to-back scoring titles, and earned four consecutive All-Star selections. Despite limited support, he led the Magic to three playoff appearances. McGrady’s electrifying play in Orlando cemented his legacy as one of the greatest scorers in NBA history.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's trade from the Clippers to the Thunder in 2019 was a career-defining moment. In Los Angeles, Shai showed promise, but it was in Oklahoma City where he truly blossomed. Given the freedom to lead, Shai quickly evolved into one of the NBA's top guards, averaging 26.1 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 5.3 assists by the end of the 2023-24 season. His growth earned him two All-Star appearances and an All-NBA First Team spot. Shai’s leadership has transformed the Thunder into a competitive team, turning the trade into one of the most impactful in recent NBA history.
Isaiah Thomas' journey from the last pick in the 2011 draft to NBA stardom is inspiring. After showing promise with the Kings, Thomas' career soared when he joined the Boston Celtics in 2014. Despite his 5'9" frame, he became a scoring machine, averaging 28.9 points per game in the 2016-17 season and leading Boston to the Eastern Conference Finals. Nicknamed "King in the Fourth" for his clutch play, Thomas earned two All-Star selections and finished fifth in MVP voting. Though a hip injury eventually derailed his time in Boston, his determination made him an NBA superstar.
Jalen Brunson’s move to the New York Knicks in 2022 was transformative, elevating him from a solid player to a superstar. In Dallas, he averaged 16.3 points but was overshadowed by Luka Dončić. With the Knicks, Brunson took charge, averaging 24.0 points and 6.2 assists in his first season, leading the team to the playoffs. By 2023-24, he became one of the league's top point guards, posting 28.7 points and 6.7 assists per game and finishing fifth in MVP voting. Brunson’s leadership and scoring have made him the face of the Knicks and a rising NBA star.
Victor Oladipo, Tyrese Haliburton, Lauri Markkanen, Jermaine O'Neal and Adrian Dantley are also players who thrived after being traded!
