Tracy McGrady Traded to Rockets in Historic 2004 Deal

Tracy McGrady was traded to the Houston Rockets from the Orlando Magic on Feb 19 2004, a move that instantly shifted the balance of power in the Western Conference and gave Houston a future Hall‑of‑Famer.

The Rockets sent a package of players and draft picks-including future first‑round selections-to Orlando in exchange for McGrady and a 2004 first‑round pick. The deal was finalized at the NBA trade deadline, and McGrady suited up for Houston just days later, debuting against the Dallas Mavericks.

McGrady had spent six seasons in Orlando, earning two scoring titles but never advancing past the first round of the playoffs. Moving to Houston paired him with Yao Ming, creating a dynamic duo that promised a deep postseason run. The trade also elevated McGrady’s marketability, leading to a new endorsement deal with Nike.

Houston instantly became a contender. With McGrady averaging 25.7 points per game that season, the Rockets clinched the Southwest Division and secured the No. 2 seed in the West. The acquisition also spurred a surge in ticket sales, with arena attendance rising 12 % in the months following the deal.

McGrady’s first full season in Houston (2004‑05) saw him post 24.6 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 5.7 assists per game, earning his third All‑Star selection. The Rockets advanced to the Western Conference semifinals, falling to the San Antonio Spurs in a seven‑game series. The trade’s legacy endures, as both McGrady and Yao remain iconic figures in Rockets history.

Orlando used the acquired draft picks to select future talents, including a 2005 first‑rounder who became a reliable role player. While the Magic missed McGrady’s scoring punch, the assets helped rebuild a younger roster that reached the playoffs in 2009.

The 2004 trade remains a benchmark for blockbuster NBA moves, illustrating how a single player can transform a franchise’s trajectory.