NBA Trade Deadline 2016: 5 worst trades of all-time

PHOENIX - JUNE 1: Joe Johnson #2 of the Phoenix Suns walks on the court during the final moments of their loss to the San Antonio Spurs in Game five of the Western Conference Finals during the 2005 NBA Playoffs at America West Arena on June 1, 2005 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Spurs defeated the Suns 101-95, winning the series 4-1 and will advance to the NBA Finals. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /

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LOS ANGELES – DECEMBER 20: Joe Johnson /

3) Boston Celtics trade Joe Johnson to the Phoenix Suns for Tony Delk and Rodney Rogers

Over the years, NBA teams have become reluctant to part with their young players or draft picks because they don’t know what could become of them. Those players could either become the next Kobe Bryant or fall off the map like Kwame Brown.

Unfortunately for the Boston Celtics, they learned the hard way by giving up an asset at the 2002 NBA Trade Deadline.

In 2002, the Celtics traded Joe Johnson to the Phoenix Suns for Tony Delk and Rodney Rogers. While not terrible role players, trading a rising shooting guard for players to fill out the bunch may not have been the best move.

Despite making it to the Eastern Conference Finals with these players, Rogers left after the season and Delk departed one year later.

Johnson would go on to become one of the NBA’s best shooting guards, improving year by year with the Suns before having some great years with the Atlanta Hawks, including six All-Star Game appearances.

It probably wasn’t the best idea for the Celtics to give up the 10th overall pick in the 2001 draft. If they kept him, he could have been around with Paul Pierce to lead the team. Would they have ever acquired Ray Allen, though?

Next: No. 2 Baron Davis to the Cavs

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