Most NBA fans are probably already heavily invested in the players’ transfer market, that’s why you’ll find plenty of sources going into detail about each athlete’s market value and potential moves you might see next season. However, if you’ve found yourself wondering whether the same process can be applied to coaches, you’re not alone. So, it’s time to settle this once and for all – can you trade a coach in the NBA?
You can trade a coach in the NBA. Though these kinds of transfers are rare, they still happen. However, in order for the move to be possible, the coach should be 100% willing to go through with it before any contracts are signed. Jason Kidd and Doc Rivers are two NBA coaches that have been traded.
Below, I’ll take you through two of the most famous coach trades in the NBA this last decade, so make sure to read on if you want to learn how the process is even possible. Below, I’ll also explore some of the federation’s rules and regulations regarding this kind of practice and if you’re interested in the topic at all, you won’t want to miss this one.
Instances Where NBA Coaches Have Been Traded
Now that you know it’s well within the rules to trade a coach in the NBA, it’s time to discuss two of the most famous instances when this type of move has actually happened. However, before I do that, I want to say a couple of words regarding the matter.
First of all, coach trading, though permitted, is still a rare occurrence in the NBA. Most coaches end their run either by resigning or by getting fired. A transfer like the ones explained below can only happen when all involved parties are 100% willing. Generally speaking, coaches get transferred when they receive an offer for a better or more lucrative position than the one they’re currently in.
Secondly, coaches can only be traded for cash or future draft picks, they can’t be traded for any players who are currently mid-season.
With all that said, let’s explore two of the most famous coach transfers in the NBA.
Doc Rivers
Doc Rivers made one of the earliest examples of coach trading in the NBA. His job did wonders for a then-struggling Celtics team, giving them the famous 2008 championship win. However, the team’s performance only went downhill from there, and when management required a rebuild, Rivers wanted out.
In 2015 he was traded to the Clippers, which would go on to become yet another team that excelled under Doc Rivers’ leadership.
Jason Kidd
Jason Kidd, a former NBA player, started his coaching career with the New Jersey Nets in 2013. However, he was unsatisfied with his pay with the Nets, so he started complaining about it to anyone who’d listen.
One thing led to another, and while the contract between Kidd and the Nets was still three years short of expiring, he was traded to the Bucks. The coach continued his run there for the next four years.
Conclusion
Though a rare occurrence, trading coaches in the NBA is 100% possible, in fact, there are several instances in which this type of move has actually happened. Hopefully, the examples I provided above can help you get some better insight into how the process work and which are the circumstances that usually surround it.