All-Stars that were traded before the trade deadline in NBA history…

All-Stars that were traded before the trade deadline in NBA history…

Thursday, February 8 at 3 p.m. ET is the deadline for 2024 NBA trades. Though a ton of rumors are usually swirling around before the deadline, how often are All-Stars truly traded? Here are some recent instances of All-Stars who left their team to play for another following the All-Star break (source: Elias Sports Bureau).

Suns → Kevin Durant, Nets (2022–23)

The Phoenix Suns acquired Kevin Durant, T.J. Warren, Mikal Bridges, Cam Johnson, Jae Crowder, four unprotected future first-round picks, and a first-round pick swap from the Brooklyn Nets on February 9, 2023. Considering that Durant is a 14-time All-Star, two-time NBA Finals MVP, two-time champion, and previous NBA MVP, this was one of the biggest blockbuster moves in recent NBA history. Disgruntled in Brooklyn, he requested two trades in eight months. The Denver Nuggets defeated the Phoenix Suns in six games during Durant’s debut postseason with the team in the Western Conference semifinals. Currently averaging 28.3 points, 6.3 rebounds, 5.7 assists, and 1.3 blocks per game, Durant is still with the Suns.

The Brooklyn Nets were prepared to start again and move their remaining stars, Irving and Durant, after dealing James Harden a year earlier. Three days later, Irving would be dealt, and then Durant. The Nets sent Irving and Markieff Morris to the Dallas Mavericks on February 6, 2023, in exchange for Dorian Finney-Smith, Spencer Dinwiddie, a first-round pick, and two second-round picks. When they participated in the 2023 All-Star Game, Irving and Durant had already left the Nets after being chosen as All-Star starters. After averaging 27 points, 6 assists, 5 rebounds, and 1.3 steals during the 2022–2023 Mavericks season, Irving decided to sign a three-year contract to stay in Dallas.

76ers → James Harden, Nets (2021–22)

Ben Simmons, Seth Curry, Andre Drummond, and two first-round picks were obtained by the Brooklyn Nets from the Philadelphia 76ers on February 10, 2022, in exchange for James Harden and Paul Millsap. Every team had a star player who wasn’t happy and wanted to transfer; Harden asked for a trade from Brooklyn, and Simmons asked for one from Philadelphia (where he sat out several months). Harden concluded the 2021–22 season averaging 21 points, 10.5 assists, 7.1 rebounds, and 1.2 steals after joining the Sixers. But his time in Philadelphia would only endure 102 games (postseason included) before he finally asked to be traded. In yet another big trade earlier in the season, Philadelphia sent Harden to the Los Angeles Clippers.

Magic → Bulls, Nikola Vucevic (2020–21)

Wendell Carter Jr., Otto Porter Jr., and two first-round selections were sent by the Orlando Magic to the Chicago Bulls on March 25, 2021, along with Nikola Vucevic and Al-Farouq Aminu. Hours earlier, the Magic had also traded Aaron Gordon to the Denver Nuggets, signaling the start of a reconstruction. Before being traded, Vucevic participated in his second NBA All-Star Game a few weeks before. Following his trade to the Bulls, Vucevic averaged 21.5 points, 11.5 rebounds, and 3.9 assists per game by the end of the 2020–21 campaign. He is still in Chicago, where this season he has averaged 17.1 points, 10.6 rebounds, and 3.5 assists per game.

On February 19, 2017, the Sacramento Kings acquired Buddy Hield, Tyreke Evans, Langston Galloway, a first-round selection, and a second-round pick from the New Orleans Pelicans in exchange for DeMarcus Cousins and Omri Casspi. At the 2017 NBA All-Star Game in New Orleans, where Cousins was a member of the West All-Star team, the Kings and Pelicans reached an agreement on a trade. During the 2016–17 season, Cousins averaged 24.4 points, 12.4 rebounds, 3.9 rebounds, 1.5 steals, and 1.1 blocks in New Orleans, where he played some of his finest basketball. The following season, Cousins averaged 25.2 points, 12.9 rebounds, 5.4 assists, 1.6 blocks, and 1.6 steals per game. However, an Achilles tendon tear would terminate his season after only 48 games.

The Utah Jazz sent Deron Williams to the New Jersey Nets on February 23, 2011, in exchange for financial considerations, Derrick Favors, Devin Harris, and two first-round draft picks. After the Nets lost the Carmelo Anthony sweepstakes, they switched to Williams. At the time, Williams was a two-time All-Star. When negotiations for a new contract stalled, the Jazz made the decision to move Williams. After spending four more seasons with the Nets, Williams averaged 16.7 points, 7.3 assists, 3.1 rebounds, and 1.1 steals while earning a third selection to the All-Star team.

Nuggets → Knicks, Carmelo Anthony (2010–11)
The Denver Nuggets acquired Wilson Chandler, Raymond Felton, Danilo Gallinari, Timofey Mozgov, and a first-round selection from the New York Knicks on February 21, 2011, along with Carmelo Anthony, Chauncey Billups, Shelden Williams, Anthony Carter, and Renaldo Balkman. (The Minnesota Timberwolves, who acquired Anthony Randolph and Eddy Curry in return for Corey Brewer, assisted in facilitating the trade). The Nuggets decided to trade the All-Star after Anthony declined to sign a contract deal over the offseason. During his six seasons in New York, Anthony was chosen as an All-Star each year.