The NBA is a commercial league, and players are exchanged equally between teams like commodities. Few players are not traded for their final careers, and there are few players who have left, especially superstars, who can retire from the team they joined first in their careers or the team they became famous for, so let's take a look at a few superstars who "returned to their roots".
I. "Answer" Iverson (NBA career 1996-2013)
NBA trajectory: 76ers→ Nuggets→ Grizzlies→ Pistons→76ers
As one of the greatest players in 76ers history, Iverson is an era maker for contemporary fans. Allen Iverson was selected by the Philadelphia 76ers in the first round of the 1996 NBA Draft. During his career, Allen Iverson played for four NBA teams: the 76ers, Nuggets, Grizzlies and Pistons.
In the 1996 NBA Draft, Allen Iverson was selected by the Philadelphia 76ers with the first pick in the first round.
On December 20 , 2006 , Iverson was traded to the Denver Nuggets , and was married to star Cameron Anthony.
In November 2008, Iverson was traded to the Detroit Pistons.
In September 2009, Iverson accepted an offer from the Memphis Grizzlies to join the Grizzlies.
On December 3 , 2009 , Iverson announced the signing of a one-year non-guaranteed contract with the Philadelphia 76ers to re-wear the Philadelphia No. 3 jersey.
On October 30, 2013, Allen Iverson officially announced his retirement.
"The Flash" Wade (NBA career 2003-2019)
NBA Trajectory: Heat→ Bulls→ Cavaliers→ Heat
"The Flash" Wade is the greatest player in Heat history, winning three championships for the Heat.
He was selected by the Miami Heat with the fifth pick in the first round of the 2003 NBA Draft to enter the NBA.
In July 2016, Wade joined the Chicago Bulls.
In September 2017, Wade joined the Cleveland Cavaliers.
In February 2018, Wade returned to the Heat.
In April 2019, Wade announced his retirement after completing the final game of his career.
"Batman" Pippen (NBA career 1987-2004)
NBA Trail: Bulls→ Rockets→ Trail Blazers→ Bulls
As the former NBA second, Pippen led the Bulls to six NBA championships with Michael Jordan; Named to the NBA's 50 Superstars and Top 75. He has played for the Chicago Bulls, Houston Rockets and Portland Trail Blazers.
In the 1987 NBA Draft, Pippen was selected by the Seattle SuperSonics with the fifth pick in the first round and traded to the Chicago Bulls.
In the 1998-99 season, the NBA was suspended due to labor disputes, Jordan announced his retirement for the second time, and Pippen left the 11-year Bulls to sign with the Houston Rockets.
In the 1999-2000 season, Pippen joined the Portland Trail Blazers.
In the 2003–04 season, Pippen returned to his former club, the Chicago Bulls.
In 2004, Pippen announced his retirement.
Garnett the "Wolf King" (NBA career 1995-2016)
NBA Trajectory: Timberwolves→ Celtics→Nets→ Timberwolves
In the 1995 NBA Draft, Kevin Garnett was selected by the Minnesota Timberwolves with the fifth pick in the first round.
In August 2007, Garnett joined the Boston Celtics.
In June 2013, Garnett moved to the Nets.
In February 2015, Garnett returned to the Timberwolves.
On September 24, 2016, "Wolf King" Kevin Garnett officially announced his retirement.