For a while now, trades in the NBA have been quite popular and can significantly alter a player’s career. Some athletes thrive in a new environment, but for others, the move can derail their momentum. Here are some current NBA players whose careers faltered after a significant move and have yet to find their way back to stardom.
Russell Westbrook
During his time with the Oklahoma City Thunder, Russell Westbrook dominated the NBA, earning MVP in 2017. Despite his elite athleticism, he has struggled to find a long-term home, bouncing between teams like the Houston Rockets, Washington Wizards, and Denver Nuggets.
Victor Oladipo
Injuries can derail a player’s trajectory, a reality Victor Oladipo knows all too well. During his time with the Indiana Pacers, the dynamic guard earned two All-Star nods. However, a 2019 quad injury significantly impacted his career, which led to stints with multiple teams, including the Miami Heat, in 2023.
Isaiah Thomas
Once a lively force in the NBA, Isaiah Thomas saw his career take a sharp turn after a devastating hip injury. He led the Boston Celtics to the 2017 Eastern Conference Finals but has struggled to regain his form. Now, after brief stints with various teams, he’s aiming for a fresh start with the Phoenix Suns.
Derrick Rose
Rose made history when he became the youngest player ever to snag the MVP award at 22 years old when he plied his trade for the Chicago Bulls. Yet, his rise to stardom was cut short when he suffered an injury in the 2012 playoffs, and he has not rediscovered his form since.
Ben Simmons
Before 2021, Ben Simmons seemed destined for stardom, showing glimpses of his talent with the Philadelphia 76ers. Once touted as the face of the franchise, his journey took a sharp turn. Injuries, confidence struggles, and fractured relationships led to a trade to the Brooklyn Nets, leaving his future uncertain.
D’Angelo Russell
Despite some notable achievements, Russell’s career has been marred by injuries and inconsistent play. This left many feeling he hadn’t fully realized his potential. The one-time All-Star started with the Lakers, then moved to the Nets, Warriors, and Timberwolves before returning to Los Angeles.
Collin Sexton
Collin burst onto the NBA scene with the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2018, showcasing remarkable talent and stats. However, his ascent was hampered by injuries, leading to a trade to the Utah Jazz. Though he performs solidly on the court, he has yet to fulfill the high expectations of a franchise star.
John Wall
Once hailed as one of the top point guards of his era, Wall’s career has been a turbulent ride. Injuries stalled the progress of the 5-time All-Star, with his most recent game played for the Los Angeles Clippers in 2023. Now a free agent, fans eagerly await his next move.
Lamar Odom
When Lamar was with the LA Lakers, he was among the most loved players by teammates and fans. He helped his team win the championship in 2009 and 2010, but that wasn’t enough, so he was traded to Dallas. Unfortunately, Odom’s performance dipped drastically, and he retired in 2013.
Joakim Noah
Known for his defensive prowess, Noah is an outright legend in the Chicago Bulls’ books and has several records to show for it. Still, despite his successful career with the Bulls, things took a different turn when he signed for the Knicks, and injuries plagued his progress.
Josh Smith
Fondly known as “J-Smoove,” he was unplayable with the Atlanta Hawks. He dazzled with his performances, and after a while, the forward earned a move to the Detroit Pistons. While Josh’s first season with the Pistons was a success, his stats dropped, and he moved around teams before retiring in 2017.
Allen Iverson
Widely considered among the best ball handlers in the sport, Iverson had an incredibly successful career with the Philadelphia 76ers and Denver Nuggets. However, the star’s move to the Detroit Pistons in 2008 didn’t work out, and after a year, he left for the Memphis Grizzlies to try to revive his dwindling career.
Kemba Walker
Kemba thrived when he played for the Charlotte Hornets, where he became one of the most influential players on the team and earned three All-Star appearances. In 2019, he went to the Boston Celtics, and sadly, his career took a hit, with recurring injuries reducing his game time.
Deron Williams
At the peak of his career, Deron was undoubtedly one of the best point guards in the game, with the star putting in insane numbers for the Utah Jazz. Still, injuries derailed his progress despite carrying his fine form to the New Jersey Nets. After playing for several teams at home and abroad, he retired in 2017.
Dwight Howard
Dwight Howard lit up the NBA for eight seasons when he was on Orlando Magic’s roster, leading them to the finals in 2009. Wanting to achieve more, the player went to the LA Lakers, where he was expected to dazzle alongside Kobe Bryant, but after a dismal season, he was traded to the Rockets.
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