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

#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.