In NBA careers, it is common for players to be traded. But some players have suffered a major blow in their careers because they were traded. To this end, the US media "Fadeaway World" listed 10 players whose great careers were ruined because they were traded by the team. While being traded wasn't necessarily the main factor, it was one of the reasons that accelerated their decline.
10. Wei Shao
Wilson became a regular-season MVP player when he played for the Thunder, but since the arrival of Paul George, his position has become unstable, because his offensive efficiency is simply different from Paul George, even if he became the league's best triple-double king at the time, he still did not change the fate of being traded. He was traded to the Rockets in 2019, but his cooperation with former teammate James Harden did not go well, and he was eventually traded to the Wizards, and his partner Bradley Beal was also not very smooth, and he was finally traded to the Lakers. In the 2022-23 season, the Lakers traded him to the Jazz, and finally negotiated a buyout to join the Los Angeles Clippers.
9. Iverson
Iverson was a core player for the 76ers, leading the team to the Finals, and winning MVP and scoring honors. But his career took a turn for the worse after being traded to the Nuggets, especially in the Western Conference, where stars such as Bryant, Duncan and Garnett competed. After Iverson was traded to the Detroit Pistons, it changed completely.
8. Lance Stephenson
Lance Stephenson was a key role player for the Pacers, but after being traded to the Hornets, Clippers and Cavaliers in 2014, he never found his place, resulting in him having to play in China for a time. He returned to the Pacers in 2021-22 and averaged 9 points, 2 rebounds and 3 assists per game. Lance Stephenson, currently 32, is still trying to find a way to return to the NBA, but no team seems willing to sign him.
7. Josh Smith
Josh Smith played nine seasons with the Hawks, leading the team to six playoff runs. After being traded by the Hawks to the Pistons, he was traded to the Rockets because of poor performance, when Josh Smith was only 29 years old and at the peak of his career, but he could not play to his strengths with the Rockets and was eventually traded again. Even now, Josh Smith is 37 years old.
6. Kemba Walker
Kemba Walker was once a core player for the Hornets, but after being traded to the Celtics in 2019, his average points and shooting percentage have declined. Kemba Walker played 8 seasons for Michael Jordan's Charlotte Hornets, was once one of the best point guards in the league, and he is regarded by many as the first in Charlotte Hornets history. Kemba Walker has been looking for an opportunity to return to the NBA after being waived by the Lone Rangers this season.
5. Jokinoa
Jokinoah used to be a big role for the Bulls, but his career began to decline after being traded to the Knicks. His average points, rebounds and assists have all declined. As one of the greatest centers in Chicago Bulls history, he is a very good defensive center and has won a Defensive Player of the Year award in his career.
4. Odom
Odom was once the Lakers' most important role player, but after being traded to the Mavericks in 2011, his career began to decline, and his points per game and rebounding statistics dropped significantly. Odom was one of the Los Angeles Lakers' 2009 and 2010 championship core players and was the Super Sixth Man in 2011. In 2011, the Lakers intended to trade him for Chris Paul, but was ultimately vetoed. About Odom, we are more familiar with the Kardashian curse.
3. Isaiah Thomas
Isaiah Thomas was once a core player for the Celtics and was once the strongest on the ground at 1.75 meters. But after being traded to the Cavaliers by the Boston Celtics in 2017, he suffered a poor performance over the next two seasons due to a serious injury, plus height problems. The final move from MVP candidate to player seeking a 10-day contract was the biggest drop of any player traded in NBA history.
2. DeLong Williams
DeLong Williams used to be an important core player for the Utah Jazz Nets, but his performance began to decline after being traded to the Nets by the Jazz in 2010. His average points, assists and shooting percentage per game have all decreased. One of the best point guards of the '00s, Delon Williams averaged 17.3 points and 9.1 assists per game during his six seasons with the Jazz.
1. Dwight Howard
Dwight Howard used to be an important star for the Magic and Lakers, but after being traded to the Lakers in 2012, his performance and competitive mentality were not very popular. Soon, after only one season, he left the Lakers. However, when Dwight Howard returned to the Lakers in 2020, he completed redemption and won a championship. Howard, who recently played in the Taiwan Provincial League of China, is also because of a lot of trouble off the field.