20 Important Draft Pick Trades That Changed the Futures of NBA Franchises

Before tonight's NBA Draft, here's a look at what might have happened had some other huge draft night trades occurred

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Image via Complex Original
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The NBA Draft is often referred to as a momentous event that can shift the fortunes of an entire franchise. And, undoubtedly, that is true, just not always in the way you’d think. On draft night, teams will make huge decisions on trades that have a ripple effect across the entire league, altering the landscape of the entire NBA for years to come.

Simple decisions like swapping Ray Allen for Jeff Green or Kobe Bryant for Vlade Divac can alter the history of the league and affect things like other trades, team dynasties, and even the existence of other franchises. As the rumor mill surrounding tonight’s draft continues to churn out potential trades, it’s tempting to think ahead about how every transaction can impact both your favorite team and the NBA as a whole.

If history is any indication, something big will probably go down tonight. Before we start thinking about those moves and their potential effects, let’s take a look at 20 Important Draft Pick Trades That Changed the Futures of NBA Franchises.

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20. New York Knicks trade Nene, Marcus Camby, and Mark Jackson to Denver Nuggets.

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19. Chicago Bulls trade Elton Brand to Los Angeles Clippers.

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18. Houston Rockets trade Richard Jefferson to New Jersey Nets.

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17. Houston Rockets trade Rudy Gay to Memphis Grizzlies.

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16. Golden State Warriors trade Vince Carter to Toronto Raptors for Antawn Jamison.

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15. Minnesota Timberwolves trade Brandon Roy to Portland Trail Blazers.

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14. Philadelphia 76ers trade Brad Daugherty to Cleveland Cavaliers.

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13. Orlando Magic trade Chris Webber to Golden State Warriors for Anfernee Hardaway.

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12. Dallas Mavericks trade Mark Price to Cleveland Cavaliers.

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11. Atlanta Hawks trade Pau Gasol to Memphis Grizzlies.

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10. Chicago Bulls trade LaMarcus Aldridge to Portland Trail Blazers.

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9. Memphis Grizzlies trade Kevin Love to Minnesota Timberwolves.

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8. Minnesota Timberwolves trade Ray Allen to Milwaukee Bucks.

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7. Phoenix Suns trade Rajon Rondo to Boston Celtics.

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6. Seattle SuperSonics trade Ray Allen to Boston Celtics.

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5. Milwaukee Bucks trade Dirk Nowitzki to Dallas Mavericks.

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4. Seattle SuperSonics trade Scottie Pippen to Chicago Bulls.

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3. Golden State Warriors trade Kevin McHale and Robert Parish to Boston Celtics.

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2. Charlotte Hornets trade Kobe Bryant to Los Angeles Lakers.

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1. St. Louis Hawks trade Bill Russell to Boston Celtics.

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