NBA History: Top 5 free agency moves since 2010 that altered the narrative of the league

NBA history has been replete with seismic moves that ended up altering the league landscape, resulting in major power shifts. More recently, the NBA has been all about super teams, a trend that was largely started by the 2008 Boston Celtics.

The Miami Heat took that one step further, uniting two of the five best players of their era. Meanwhile, the Golden State Warriors have enjoyed some staggering success in recent years after successfully implementing the same model.

The Brooklyn Nets, Milwaukee Bucks and the LA Lakers are three teams that can certainly claim to be the current-era super teams. But all these teams couldn't have been assembled without some powerful NBA free agency moves.

---

Five biggest free agency moves in the last decade that changed the NBA landscape

Free agency is one of the most important periods in the NBA calendar for the front offices. That's because teams vie for the best free agents in the market to build the optimum roster.

The Golden State Warriors and the Brooklyn Nets are some of the teams that have done extremely well in that regard in the last few years. On that note, here's a look at the five most powerful moves in the last decade:

---

#5 LeBron James to Cleveland Cavaliers (2014)

2018 NBA Finals - Game Four

Four years after making the 'Decision', LeBron James made a return to his home team, signing with the Cleveland Cavaliers in free agency. James was stupendous throughout his second tenure with the Cavaliers, leading the franchise to a championship win against the Golden State Warriors in 2016.

James and the Cavs reached four Finals, losing three of them. Nevertheless, LeBron James' move is regarded as one of the most impactful ones of all time. That's because it effectively established his legacy as one of the greatest players of all time.

---

#4 Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving to Brooklyn Nets (2019)

Kyrie Irving (left) and Kevin Durant

After being strongly linked with the New York Knicks for months, Kyrie Irving decided to join forces at the Brooklyn Nets in 2019. Durant came from the Golden State Warriors after a successful stint with Dub Nation, winning two championships. However, Irving had a forgettable three years with the Boston Celtics.

Durant and Kyrie's decision led to other franchises consolidating their rosters as well. The Nets later also added 2018 NBA MVP James Harden to the mix, essentially forming arguably one of the best teams in NBA history.

#3 Kevin Durant joining the Golden State Warriors (2016)

Men's Basketball Medal Ceremony: Day 15

After failing multiple times to win the NBA championship with the OKC Thunder, Kevin Durant joined the Golden State Warriors in 2016.

The move came after the Warriors succumbed to a brutal loss to the Cavs in the 2016 Finals. Durant joined a team that had a 73-9 record in the 2015-16 season, so his move drew considerable flak.

In the three years, Durant was a part of the Warriors, they made the Finals all three times, winning two and losing one to the Toronto Raptors. Durant's last season with the Warriors ended on a bitter note, though.

He had an on-court tiff with Draymond Green and was injured in the Finals. It was speculated that the franchise had forced him to play through injury, which made matters worse.

---

#2 Kawhi Leonard to LA Clippers (2019)

Kawhi Leonard (#2) moved to the LA Clippers in 2019.

After helping the Toronto Raptors to the NBA championship in 2019, Kawhi Leonard chose to come closer home and joined the LA Clippers. Leonard's arrival enabled the Clippers to land Paul George as well. The two forwards joined hands to form one of the most dangerous teams in the NBA.

The Clippers have been touted as championship favorites since Leonard arrived. But he has not enjoyed much success with the team. However, going by their performances last season, the Clippers should be a force to be reckoned with in the 2021-22 season.

---

#1 LeBron James to Miami Heat (2010)

Oklahoma City Thunder vs Miami Heat

LeBron James took the NBA fraternity by storm when he decided to join the Miami Heat in the 2010 free agency, forming one of the most devastating trios of all time alongside Chris Bosh and Dwyane Wade. The Miami Heat made four NBA finals in James' four years with them, winning two.

James parting ways with the Cleveland Cavaliers and joining a solid Miami Heat roster is considered to be the biggest power move in the modern NBA. That move was followed by several instances of star players joining many win-now teams.