From Luka Dončić’s stunning trade for Anthony Davis to surprise deals involving DeMarcus Cousins and John Wall, several NBA trades featuring Kentucky basketball alumni have sent shockwaves through the league and left lasting effects.
The NBA is no stranger to dramatic trades, but a few stand out for their sheer unpredictability. One of the most jaw-dropping moments came in February 2025, when Luka Dončić was dealt to the Los Angeles Lakers in a blockbuster move.
That trade, however, was just one of several involving former Kentucky standouts that blindsided fans. Anthony Davis’s rocky transition to Dallas and DeMarcus Cousins’ sudden departure from Sacramento also rank among the most talked-about trades of recent memory.
Here’s a breakdown of the most surprising NBA trades featuring Kentucky legends—and why many turned out to be high-profile disappointments.
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