The 20 Worst Trades in NBA History

7. Dirk Nowitzki to the Mavericks

Former Dallas Mavericks head coach Don Nelson made the best move in the history of the franchise when he acquired Dirk Nowitzki on draft day in 1998. It took a series of trades, but Nelson accomplished his goal of getting Nowitzki along with established point guard Steve Nash from the Phoenix Suns.

That duo would combine to have great seasons together with Dallas, but it was all made possible by the Milwaukee Bucks decision to trade Nowitzki after drafting him. Dirk became the greatest player in Mavericks franchise history and delivered them their first championship in 2011.