With the NBA season almost here, fans were hit with big news—Adrian Wojnarowski, ESPN’s go-to NBA insider, is retiring. Woj, known for his legendary “Woj bombs,” is stepping away from reporting to take on a new role as general manager of the men’s basketball program at his alma mater, St. Bonaventure.
After years of breaking news at ESPN since 2017, Woj said, “I’m retiring from a dream job and am incredibly grateful for my time.” Before ESPN, he made his mark at Yahoo! Sports and The Record in New Jersey.
For years, Wojnarowski was the first to drop major news, from trades and signings to free-agent deals. His rivalry with The Athletic’s Shams Charania kept NBA Twitter on its toes. Woj’s updates sparked countless conversations online, and some moments were truly unforgettable. So, let’s look back at five of the best “Woj bombs” that set NBA Twitter on fire.
Adrian Wojnarowski’s Biggest “Woj Bombs” That Shook The NBA
5. Kevin Durant Joins Golden State Warriors (July 4, 2016)
Kevin Durant’s decision to join the Golden State Warriors sparked controversy in NBA history. Durant, a former MVP, had led the Oklahoma City Thunder to the Western Conference Finals. The Thunder lost to the Warriors after holding a 3-1 series lead. Fans and analysts were stunned by his choice to join the team that eliminated his Thunder. This decision ignited widespread debates across the sports world.
Adrian Wojnarowski broke the news on X (formerly Twitter), and it quickly became the hottest topic in the NBA. Fans flooded social media with opinions, questioning Durant’s decision to form what many considered a “super team.”
Even high-profile figures like ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith weighed in, calling it a weak move. This was one of the biggest stories Woj had ever dropped, and it left an indelible mark on the NBA. With Durant on board, the Warriors went on to win back-to-back championships in 2017 and 2018, further fueling the debate over his decision.
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4. Anthony Davis Trade to the LA Lakers (June 15, 2019)
After LeBron James joined the Los Angeles Lakers in 2018, the franchise knew they needed another superstar to pair with him in their pursuit of a championship. Enter Anthony Davis. In June 2019, Wojnarowski broke the news of a massive trade that sent Davis from the New Orleans Pelicans to the Lakers. The deal was a blockbuster, with the Lakers giving up a significant portion of their young core, including Lonzo Ball, Brandon Ingram, and Josh Hart, along with multiple first-round draft picks.
Woj’s tweet announcing the trade generated 119,000 retweets as fans speculated about how the trade would reshape both teams. While many questioned if the Lakers had given up too much for Davis, others believed the pairing of LeBron and Davis would be unstoppable.
They were right. In their first season together, the duo led the Lakers to the 2020 NBA Championship inside the Orlando bubble, proving the trade was well worth the cost.
3. LeBron James Signs with the LA Lakers (July 1, 2018)
LeBron James’ move to the LA Lakers was another monumental moment in NBA history, and Wojnarowski was the first to break the news. After four consecutive Finals appearances with the Cleveland Cavaliers, including a historic championship win in 2016, James’ second stint in Cleveland ended on a sour note. The Golden State Warriors swept the Cavaliers in the 2018 Finals, sparking speculation about James’ next move.
On July 1, 2018, Wojnarowski reported that LeBron had signed a four-year, $154 million deal with the Lakers. The tweet immediately went viral, amassing 146,000 retweets as fans reacted to one of history’s most significant free-agent moves.
LeBron’s arrival in Los Angeles marked a new era for the Lakers, a franchise with a rich history of superstar players. Although the Lakers missed the playoffs in his first season, James and Anthony Davis brought a championship to LA in 2020, cementing his legacy with yet another team.
2. The Death of Kobe Bryant (January 26, 2020)
The sudden and tragic death of Kobe Bryant shocked the world. Adrian Wojnarowski led the delivery of the heartbreaking news. On January 26, 2020, Bryant, his daughter Gianna, and seven others died in a helicopter crash in Calabasas, California. Initial reports were filled with confusion and speculation. However, Wojnarowski confirmed through his sources that Bryant, a five-time NBA champion and global icon, had died.
Woj’s tweet devastated the NBA community and beyond, receiving 152,000 retweets as fans, players, and sports personalities paid tribute to Bryant’s incredible legacy. The outpouring of grief was felt worldwide, and the impact of Bryant’s death still resonates today. His loss marked a somber chapter in NBA history, and Woj’s report remains one of the most emotionally impactful moments in his career as a reporter.
1. The NBA Season Suspension (March 11, 2020)
On March 11, 2020, the NBA decided to suspend the season due to the COVID-19 pandemic. As a result, it became the moment when the sports world fully grasped the pandemic’s seriousness. Additionally, Wojnarowski was the first to report the news, solidifying his status as the top NBA insider. His breaking news tweet sent shockwaves through the NBA community as fans, players, and teams grappled with the sudden halt to the season.
Woj’s tweet garnered 203,000 retweets and a staggering 332,000 likes, making it one of his most engaging posts ever. Fans were stunned as the NBA suspended operations, becoming the first major sports league to respond to the pandemic.
The league’s decision marked a turning point in the global response to COVID-19, and the eventual return of the NBA inside the Orlando bubble remains one of the most unique and memorable seasons in sports history. This “Woj bomb” was not just a significant moment in sports but was the most impactful tweet of his career.
