2008 NBA trade deadline
Contenders trade haymakers
The Lakers acquired Pau Gasol, Phoenix countered with Shaquille O'Neal, Dallas added Jason Kidd and Cleveland rebuilt around LeBron James.
Why this window matters
#3 in the Sportsboxd NBA trade deadlines ranking
Gasol immediately helped Los Angeles reach three straight Finals and win two titles, while every West contender revealed its answer.
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.
February 1 · Trade
Pau Gasol changes the championship race →The Lakers acquired Gasol from Memphis, pairing him with Kobe Bryant and creating the core of three straight Finals teams.
February 6 · Trade
Phoenix answers with Shaquille O'Neal
The Suns sent Shawn Marion and Marcus Banks to Miami in a dramatic stylistic bet.
February 19 · Trade
Jason Kidd returns to Dallas
The Mavericks completed a reworked package after the first version stalled, bringing their former draft pick back as a veteran lead guard.
February 21 · Deadline day
Cleveland rebuilds around LeBron
An 11-player, three-team deal brought Ben Wallace, Wally Szczerbiak, Joe Smith and Delonte West to the Cavaliers.