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NBA Blockbuster Trade Weekend Sends Giannis, Morant, Kawhi Away

7/2/2026

30 5 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

The Milwaukee Bucks sent Giannis Antetokounmpo to the Miami Heat for picks.
The Charlotte Hornets traded LaMelo Ball to Minnesota and Miles Bridges to Phoenix, adding rookies.
The Memphis Grizzlies dealt Ja Morant to Portland for Jerami Grant and Kris Murray, centering rookie Cameron Boozer.
The Utah Jazz sent Walker Kessler to the Los Angeles Lakers for picks.
The Los Angeles Clippers traded Kawhi Leonard to Toronto for players and draft picks.

History

Historical Context

After the 2011-12 lockout shortened the season to 66 games, the Los Angeles Lakers responded by assembling a super-team: they signed Steve Nash in July 2012 and, on August 10 2012, completed a four-team deal that sent Dwight Howard from Orlando to Los Angeles. The moves echoed the league’s vetoed 2011 Chris Paul trade and sparked a wave of roster-shaking deals that reshaped NBA parity.

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Story summary

The Milwaukee Bucks sent Giannis Antetokounmpo to the Miami Heat for picks.
The Charlotte Hornets traded LaMelo Ball to Minnesota and Miles Bridges to Phoenix, adding rookies.
The Memphis Grizzlies dealt Ja Morant to Portland for Jerami Grant and Kris Murray, centering rookie Cameron Boozer.
The Utah Jazz sent Walker Kessler to the Los Angeles Lakers for picks.
The Los Angeles Clippers traded Kawhi Leonard to Toronto for players and draft picks.

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