Boston has witnessed some absolute blockbuster moves over the years!
On Saturday, the Dallas Mavericks stunned everyone with the astonishing choice to trade superstar Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers.
It’s likely one of the most surprising trades in sports history, prompting us to consider the most astonishing trades in Boston sports history.
Time for a conversation.
Alex Rodriguez is traded to the New York Yankees.
Rodriguez has now become one of the greatest antagonists in Boston’s rich sports history, but there was a period when he appeared fated to be the city’s top star.
In 2004, the Red Sox arranged to obtain the star shortstop from the Texas Rangers, but the agreement ultimately collapsed because the MLBPA did not agree to a change in his contract. The Yankees subsequently rushed to finalize a deal, driven to act after third baseman Aaron Boone injured his knee while playing pickup basketball — a surprisingly unexpected result at that moment.
Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen are exchanged to the Boston Celtics.
Garnett and Allen were obtained through two distinct trades, but one had to occur before the other could take place.
The Los Angeles Lakers and Phoenix Suns were initially leading the chase to obtain the former, who needed to approve any potential move from the Minnesota Timberwolves. The Celtics were not considered a serious choice but became contenders after they obtained Ray Allen from the Seattle SuperSonics. KG subsequently reassessed the situation and approved a deal to form a new Big Three.
Randy Moss is traded to the New England Patriots.
Moss was the top wide receiver in the NFL, but two underwhelming seasons with the Oakland Raiders (along with some personal issues) dropped him on the list of sought-after trade options. The Patriots embraced the challenge and exchanged a fourth-round selection for the wide receiver who would eventually achieve the best season ever recorded for that position.
Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce are sent to the Brooklyn Nets in a trade.
Garnett’s time in Boston began and concluded with surprising trades.
By the time 2013-14 arrived, the Celtics had reached three conference finals in six seasons; however, it was clear that Garnett and Pierce had seen their best days. The Nets were not notified, though, and took the surprising step to trade several unproven players and the rights to four first-round picks, which effectively sped up the rebuilding process in Boston.
Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum proved to be quite impressive.
Josh Beckett, Adrián González, and Carl Crawford are traded to the Dodgers in Los Angeles.
By the time 2012 arrived, the Red Sox needed to escape the burdensome contracts they had given to Beckett, González, and Crawford, and they managed to do it in a very inventive manner.
The Dodgers were open to assuming significant finances back then, but since the trade deadline had already occurred when this agreement happened, all players needed to be put on waivers initially. LA subsequently assembled a sufficiently appealing deal for Boston to fully commit, resulting in almost a quarter billion dollars changing hands — all for the team that aimed to reset and secure multiple championships in the next six years.
Nomar Garciaparra is traded to the Chicago Cubs.
Garciaparra’s tenure in Boston plummeted towards the end, as various controversies highlighted his last season with the team. The Red Sox had to progress, but making that move at the deadline during a wild card chase was surprising.
We all understand how it turned out ultimately, however.
Bill Russell (sort of) is traded to the Boston Celtics.
Russell was clearly the top prospect heading into the 1956 NBA Draft, so it had to get somewhat wild for him to land with the Boston Celtics.
Red Auerbach understood that, so he not only dealt Ed Macauley, Cliff Hagan, and the No. 7 selection to the St. Louis Hawks for the No. 2 pick, but he needed to ensure that the player would still be there. Auerbach guaranteed this outcome by leasing “The Ice Capades” to the Rochester Royals, causing them to overlook the greatest victor in basketball history.
Indeed, that is an accurate tale. At the moment, it may not have been surprising, but it definitely is when reflecting on it now.
DISTINGUISHED RECOGNITION
Bruins: Joe Thornton is traded to the San Jose Sharks.
Patriots: Lawyer Milloy is traded to the Buffalo Bills.
Celtics: Marcus Smart is dealt to the Memphis Grizzlies.
Red Sox: Babe Ruth is traded to the Yankees.