US media ranks the top 25 trades of the 21st century: Thunder acquiring Alexander takes the top spot, Lakers getting Doncic ranks 15th

On August 26th Beijing time, renowned US media CBS evaluated the 25 most influential trades of the 21st century so far, placing the Thunder’s acquisition of Alexander at number one, and the Lakers obtaining Doncic at 15th. CBS noted that this selection excludes draft pick swaps and mainly considers two core factors—

First,Immediate championship impact: Whether the player helped the team achieve short-term championship goals and brought an instant boost to the team’s competitiveness;

Second,Long-term team-building value: Whether the player became a “cornerstone” for the team—especially if he drives cultural change and establishes sustained competitiveness, the weight is higher.

Winning is certainly the primary criterion, but whether a player can become a “franchise icon” is equally important. Not every team can instantly contend after a slump; in such cases, a player who leads the team out of hardship and keeps them consistently in the playoffs is invaluable.

“Trade value efficiency” is also a key factor: the list includes many “win-win trades,” but if one side clearly “profits greatly,” that trade’s ranking is boosted.

Many fans might be surprised why the Lakers’ acquisition of Doncic ranks only 15th. CBS’s interpretation of this trade is as follows—

If this list were about the “most surprising trades,” the Lakers-Dallas deal would undoubtedly top it. If we reassess in ten years, this trade could rank much higher; but for now, it sits mid-list—because how much success the Lakers achieve with Doncic remains to be seen.

Even though the trade’s value is more about future potential, the Lakers securing Doncic by giving up Davis and other assets is definitely a “win”—especially since Doncic has already signed a contract extension to stay long-term in Los Angeles this summer.

Currently, Doncic is unquestionably one of the top five active NBA stars, while the Lakers faced an existential crisis in the “post-LeBron era.” For this team, Harrison and the Mavericks not only offered a “lifeline” but also handed over a “luxury yacht” to carry them into the future.

Below is the detailed ranking of the top 10 trades—

1. Thunder acquired Alexander from Clippers (July 2019)

2. Lakers acquired Gasol from Grizzlies (February 2008)

3. Celtics traded Garnett and Pierce to Nets for future assets (July 2013)

4. Celtics acquired Garnett from Timberwolves (July 2007)

5. Raptors “rented” Leonard for one year (July 2018)

6. Clippers acquired Paul from Hornets (December 2011)

7. Heat acquired O’Neal (July 2004)

8. Lakers acquired Davis (July 2019)

9. Pistons acquired Rasheed Wallace (February 2004)

10. Rockets acquired Harden from Thunder (October 2012)

Below are the trades ranked 11th to 25th—

11. Nets acquired Kidd for Marbury (July 2001)

12. Nuggets acquired Aaron Gordon from Magic (March 2021)

13. Bucks acquired Holiday via trade (November 2020)

14. Mavericks brought Kidd back to Dallas (February 2008)

15. Lakers traded with Mavericks to get Doncic (February 2025)

16. Cavaliers acquired Love (August 2014)

17. Thunder acquired Caruso for Giddey (June 2024)

18. Cavaliers traded Mo Williams and Moon to secure the pick that became Irving (February 2011)

19. Pacers traded Sabonis for Haliburton (February 2022)

20. Celtics acquired White, Porzingis, and Holiday (February 2022 to August 2023)

21. Mavericks and Hawks swapped Trae Young and Doncic on draft night (June 2018)

22. Grizzlies acquired Zach Randolph for Quentin Richardson (July 2009)

23. Suns acquired Paul via trade (November 2020)

24. Warriors acquired Wiggins and a first-round pick for Russell (February 2020)

25. Knicks brought Anthony to New York (February 2011)