2004 NBA offseason
Franchise players switch conferences
Shaquille O'Neal went to Miami, Tracy McGrady reached Houston and Steve Nash returned to Phoenix in an offseason that redirected both Finals races.
Why this window matters
#7 in the Sportsboxd NBA offseasons ranking
Miami won a title within two years, Phoenix revolutionized offense and Houston created one of the era's defining star pairings.
In the order it happened
The transaction timeline
Major signings, trades and roster decisions are ordered by announcement or completion date. Open linked trades for the original package and every downstream asset.
June 29 · Trade
Tracy McGrady and Steve Francis swap teams
Houston paired McGrady with Yao Ming while Orlando reset around Francis and the newly drafted Dwight Howard.
July 14 · Trade
The Lakers send Shaquille O'Neal to Miami →The deal ended a three-title partnership and gave Dwyane Wade the superstar partner behind Miami's first championship.
July 14 · Free agency
Steve Nash returns to Phoenix
Nash's signing became the catalyst for the Seven Seconds or Less Suns and two consecutive MVP seasons.
July 30 · Free agency
Carlos Boozer joins Utah
The Jazz added a long-term frontcourt scorer as Cleveland lost a key young player from LeBron James's first supporting cast.