4 Times Miami Heat's Pat Riley has fleeced another team in a trade

2. Shaquille O’Neal trade (2004)

On July 14, 2004, Riley pulled off a blockbuster offseason trade with his former team, the LA Lakers. Shaquille O’Neil, another disgruntled star, was ready to move on from his partnership with Kobe Bryant. The superstar big man landed in South Florida, where he paired with another talented young guard in Dwyane Wade. 

This swap involved O'Neal in exchange for Lamar Odom, Caron Butler and Brian Grant. Although Odom would eventually become a big piece for the Lakers, this trade fleece led to an almost instant two-year championship window for the Heat. With Wade still on his rookie contract, just the presence of O'Neal elevated the franchise to contending status.

Miami made a deep run in the 2005 playoffs that fell just short but responded by winning it all the following year. This acquisition led the Heat to the franchise’s first-ever championship and the Lakers to a rough couple of seasons before becoming contenders again.