A trade in the NBA isn’t complete the moment it’s reported by insiders or journalists. Before becoming official, every deal must go through several mandatory steps: league approval, document verification and, most importantly, the physical examinations of the players involved.
Throughout league history, several blockbuster trades that seemed destined to reshape the NBA collapsed just before the finish line. The latest example involves Kawhi Leonardwhose unusual situation has once again brought attention to one of the league’s rarest storylines: what are the biggest canceled or voided trades in NBA history?
Kawhi Leonard to the Raptors (2026)
The most recent case is unlike any that came before it. The trade that would have sent Kawhi Leonard to the Toronto Raptors is on hold not because of medical concerns or contractual issues, but because of an NBA investigation into the legitimacy of the transaction.
The Canadian franchise chose to wait for the outcome of the investigation before finalizing the deal. At this point, the trade cannot be considered officially canceled, but neither can it be considered complete, making it a unique precedent that highlights just how many different factors can influence the fate of an NBA trade.
Mark Williams to the Lakers (2025)
One of the most talked-about trade reversals in recent years involved Mark Williams and the Los Angeles Lakers. At the 2025 trade deadline, the Lakers identified the Charlotte Hornets center as the ideal big man to complete a roster built around LeBron James and newly acquired Luka Doncic. The deal included Dalton Knecht, Cam Reddish, a first-round pick and a second-round pick swap.
Everything appeared to be finalized until Williams underwent his physical. During the examination, the Lakers discovered concerns regarding the center’s medical condition and decided not to move forward with the trade. The deal was voided, and every player involved returned to his original team. It was a major setback for Los Angeles, which remained thin in the frontcourt after moving on from AD, while Charlotte suddenly found itself welcoming back a player who had already said his goodbyes and was preparing for a fresh start elsewhere.
Trevor Ariza to the Wizards (2018)
Among trades that never became official, few are as legendary as the one involving Trevor Ariza in December 2018. The Phoenix Suns forward was at the center of a three-team trade involving the Washington Wizards and Memphis Grizzlies. The framework appeared complete: Ariza would head to Washington, Kelly Oubre Jr. would join Memphis, while Phoenix would receive Austin Rivers, Wayne Selden and a Grizzlies player identified only as “Brooks.”
That last name caused the entire deal to collapse. The Suns believed they were acquiring Dillon Brooksthen a promising second-year forward, while Memphis had always intended to send MarShon Brooksa veteran with significantly lower value. The two teams had negotiated indirectly through Washington, creating one of the most famous misunderstandings in NBA history. The trade was ultimately scrapped before a revised version was completed a few days later without Memphis’ involvement.
Chris Paul to the Lakers (2011)
When discussing canceled trades, none is more famous than the one involving Chris Paul. In December 2011, the Los Angeles Lakers and the then-New Orleans Hornets reached an agreement as part of a three-team trade. The deal would have sent Pau Gasol to the Rockets, while Lamar Odom, Luis Scola, Kevin Martin, Goran Dragic and a 2012 first-round pick would have gone to the Hornets.
The trade, however, was never finalized because the Hornets were temporarily owned by the NBAwhich had taken control of the franchise due to its financial difficulties. Commissioner David Stern vetoed the deal, arguing that it was not in the best interests of the team. A few days later, Paul was traded to the Los Angeles Clippershelping launch the “Lob City” era. The Lakers, meanwhile, lost the opportunity to pair one of the greatest point guards of his generation with Kobe Bryant, potentially altering the course of recent NBA history.
Tyson Chandler to Oklahoma City (2009)
In 2009, the Oklahoma City Thunder were a young team built around Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook and Jeff Green, but they still lacked a defensive anchor in the middle. Their solution was Tyson Chandlerand a deal with the New Orleans Hornets appeared to be complete before concerns surfaced during Chandler’s physical because of issues with his toe.
General manager Sam Presti decided not to take the risk and canceled the trade. In hindsight, Chandler went on to revive his career, becoming the defensive cornerstone of the Dallas Mavericks’ 2011 championship team before winning Defensive Player of the Year the following season. For Oklahoma City, it remains one of the biggest “what ifs” in franchise history.
Sean Elliott to the Rockets (1994)
Not every failed physical has consequences limited to basketball. In 1994, Sean Elliott was traded from the Detroit Pistons to the Houston Rockets. During his medical examination, doctors discovered a serious kidney condition that had previously gone undetected, prompting the Rockets to immediately void the trade.
What initially seemed like a professional disappointment ultimately became a life-changing moment. A few years later, Elliott underwent a kidney transplant before making an incredible return to the NBA, becoming the first player in league history to appear in a game after receiving a transplanted organ.
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