NBA Trade Deadline Deals That Led to Championships

Jan 16, 2016; Auburn Hills, MI, USA; (Left to Right) Larry Brown and William Wesley and Tayshaun Prince and Richard Hamilton and Mehmet Okur and Chauncy Billups and Rasheed Wallace and Ben Wallace and Lindsey Hunter pose for a photo after the game against the Golden State Warriors at The Palace of Auburn Hills. The Pistons won 113-95. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports /

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Mar 19, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; Former Houston Rockets Clyde Drexler waves to the crowd as he is introduced during halftime of the Houston Rockets and Denver Nuggets game at Toyota Center in honor of the 20th anniversary the Rockets were honoring their 1993-94 and 1994-95 Champion NBA teams. Rockets won 118 to 108. Mandatory Credit: Thomas B. Shea-USA TODAY Sports /

1995: Clyde Drexler to the Houston Rockets

Hakeem Olajuwon effectively put the Houston Rockets on the map by leading the organization to its first NBA championship in 1994. A year later, Clutch City looked to win back-to-back titles, but appeared to be lacking the necessary perimeter talent to do so.

In one of the most influential trades in NBA history, Houston acquired perennial All-Star and Hall of Fame shooting guard Clyde Drexler.

Drexler was in the later stages of his career, but he made two All-Star Game appearances in a Rockets jersey. He was named to the All-NBA Third Team the year he was acquired, as well, which is a testament to how great of a player he still was in 1995.

Drexler didn’t just shine for the Rockets; he helped Olajuwon and company win an NBA championship.

Drexler averaged 21.4 points on 50.6 percent shooting during the regular season with Houston, and poured in 20.5 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 5.0 assists during the 1995 NBA Playoffs. His presence was vital in Rudy Tomjanovich’s system, and there’s no telling if Houston would’ve won the title that year without him.

Admittedly, Drexler wasn’t acquired at the trade deadline; the deal was made 10 days beforehand. Nevertheless, that’s clearly close enough to be included.

Next: 2004