If there’s one thing in sports that arguably gets people debating more than the games themselves, it's trades. Whether fans or ex-players, commentators or pundits, we all throw our two cents in on whether a trade is good or bad. The thing is, without hindsight, nobody has the faintest idea whether they’ll work out. 

Let’s face it, there’s no such thing as an equal trade where both teams get an equally good deal. Even if there is, it’s incredibly rare. No matter the trade, one sports team will almost always get the better deal, at least eventually. Sure, we’re talking hindsight here, but not many trades would happen if we could see into the future.

While all teams have been on the bum end of a deal, usually they can shrug it off. However, the following must be some of the most regrettable trades in sports history.

James Harden to the Rockets

It’s hard to fathom right now why the Oklahoma City Thunder thought it would be a good idea to trade away a player who would go on to become one of the most lethal scorers in NBA history. 

Back then, in 2012, he was considered a super sub by the Thunder, and thus surplus to requirements, or at least, a financial burden they could do without. Harden was traded for a couple of early picks from the Houston Rockets, which seemed a good deal at the time. However, looking at what Harden has achieved since then, you’d imagine that, looking back, the Thunder might regret that trade.

Steve Young to the 49ers

Switching sports, we now have the story of the quarterback Steve Young, who would eventually lead his new team to Super Bowl glory, throwing six touchdown passes in the process. 

At least in this instance, you can understand the decision at the time. After going on a 3-16 run with Young leading the Tampa Bay Buccaneers offense, we doubt would have backed him for a glittering career, even after checking out the latest information on the best bank transfer sportsbooks. 

As it proved, Young became the perfect successor to the legendary Joe Montana in the red of San Francisco. Oh, how it must have felt to be a 96ers fan back in those days, having back-to-back iconic quarterbacks in their ranks!

Pedro Martinez to the Expos

Before we start, it’s important to state that Pedro Martinez went on to become one of the most feared pitchers throughout the 1990s. We’re sure the Los Angeles Dodgers knew that would be the case, and they wouldn't have traded him away in 1994. 

Admittedly, he hardly tore up any trees during his Dodgers stint, but he certainly started to the moment he left for the Montreal Expos. His glittering award-studded career lasted another 16 seasons, 16 of those the Dodgers probably wished were with them.

Russell to the Celtics

We’re going a bit back in time with this one long before sports streaming, social media, and even color televisions. However, the 1956 trade of Bill Russell from the St.Louis Hawks to the Boston Celtics proves that bad trades are not just a modern phenomenon. 

Thinking back, the trade wasn’t as bad for the Hawks as you might think. Ed Macauley, the guy who went in the other direction, went on to become a Hall of Famer. Compare that to Russell's trophy cabinet full of 11 NBA titles, however, and you’d have to say they lost out overall. 

Favre to the Packers

This trade still gives Atlanta Falcons fans nightmares to this day. Understandably so, as well. Like the Steve Young trade, this story shows that sometimes it's a good idea to have patience with quarterbacks. 

Barely given a chance at the Falcons, he was traded for a first-round pick and was sent packing to the Green Bay Packers. If you’re an NFL fan, you probably know how this ends. Favre went on to become one of the greatest quarterbacks of all time and a Superbowl winner.

Did we miss any regrettable trades?

We’re sure we did, as there are many upon many trades over the years that have proved fruitful for one team and almost disastrous for another. That said, it just shows that what might have seemed a good idea at the time doesnt always work out like that. They also iron out, as all sports teams have their fair share of the good, the bad, and the ugly in terms of player trading!