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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EL SEGUNDO, CA – SEPTEMBER 25: Kobe Bryant #24 of the Los Angeles Lakers laughs as he holds two NBA Finals Larry O’Brien Championship Trophy’s as he poses for a photograph with teammates Pau Gasol #16 and Derek Fisher #2 during Media Day at the Toyota Center on September 25, 2010 in El Segundo, California. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images) /

2008: Pau Gasol to the Los Angeles Lakers

Marc Gasol’s emergence as one of the Association’s preeminent forces has altered opinions, but at the time of this trade, it was viewed as a heist. Pau Gasol had limited NBA accolades, but it was clear that he was worth more than what the Memphis Grizzlies received in return for his departure.

The Los Angeles Lakers never took time to worry about Memphis, and rightfully so; Gasol’s arrival revitalized the organization.

Los Angeles was 29-16 leading up to Gasol’s debut in a Lakers uniform. That was a very strong record, but it wasn’t the all-time mark that fans had become accustomed to seeing from this championship haven of an organization.

The Lakers proceeded to go 28-9 with Gasol, closing the regular season at 57-25 before making a run to the 2008 NBA Finals.

Had that been the extent of their success, Gasol would’ve been included as an Honorable Mention, a la Dikembe Mutombo. What followed 2008, however, were back-to-back championship runs in 2009 and 2010, respectively.

Gasol was admittedly traded for before the trade deadline, but as a February acquisition, Gasol makes the list with ease.

Next: 2012