Few moments in NBA history are more likely to get a vitriolic response when brought up to fans of the Los Angeles Lakers than the infamously vetoed Chris Paul trade. The ripple effect from the decision David Stern made about that trade will be felt for decades to come.
In a great profile of Stern by Chris Ballard of Sports Illustrated, Stern was asked about the deal that was never to be and, well, his answer was peak David Stern.
How about Chris Paul, whose trade to the Lakers, Stern vetoed in 2011 during his time as de facto owner of the New Orleans franchise (then the Hornets, now the Pelicans)?