10 Most Impactful Trades In NBA History

#7 LeBron James (Cleveland Cavaliers to Miami Heat)

Miami Heat Introduce LeBron James, Chris Bosh and Dwyane Wade

Most people think that this was a free-agent signing. This actually was a sign-and-trade for one of the greatest players of all time.

In 2010, the Miami Heat sent two first-round picks, 2012 second-round pick (from Pelicans), future second-round pick (from Thunder), option to swap 2012 first round pick and a large trade exception ($15 million) to Cleveland in exchange for LeBron James.

The results of the trade were felt immediately. Miami, who hadn't reached the Finals since 2006, made the Finals four times in a row, winning it twice in the process.

The Cleveland Cavaliers, on the other hand, went from being title contenders to holding the first pick in the draft in the season following James' departure.

The trade eventually benefited Cleveland too. They held the first pick for three of the next four years. They picked Kyrie Irving in 2011. They also were able to trade Andrew Wiggins for Kevin Love. The Wiggin-Love deal was eventually the final piece that LeBron required to move back to his hometown in 2014.