The NBA is a sporting drama full of drama, and in recent years, the conflict between stars and teams has intensified. Here are 10 of the most high-profile superstar-team conflicts of NBA history:
10. Carmelo Anthony – New York Knicks (2017)
Carmelo Anthony and the New York Knicks were one of the most iconic partners of the 2010s, though not always successful. As a player, Melon Anthony was always a bit irritable.
In 2014, although Anthony later opted to renew his contract, they repeatedly had conflicts over the next few years, eventually causing Anthony to leave New York for good.
9. Kawaii Leonard – San Antonio Spurs (2018)
Leonard was a leading figure for the Spurs before he got injured, and during that time, he was unhappy with the way the injury was handled, seeking a second opinion and eventually requesting a trade.
Leonard's feud with the Spurs brought the Spurs dynasty era to an abrupt end, which was unexpected. Regardless, Leonard's decision proved right, as he won a one-season championship with the Toronto Raptors and was paid handsomely by moving to the Los Angeles Clippers.
8. Jimmy Butler – Minnesota Timberwolves (2018)
Jimmy Butler began his rise as an NBA legend in 2018 with his legendary training session with Minnesota, in which he blamed the team's starting lineup and management and then defeated them with a bench player that will never be forgotten.
In fact, Butler had already asked for a trade a few weeks ago, and fortunately, Butler was traded before the regular season began.
7. Anthony Davis – New Orleans Pelicans (2019)
Even though New Orleans was the No. 1 pick in the 2012 NBA Draft, it was the best thing for the team. However, Davis' patience finally ran out, and Davis requested a trade, and eventually he switched to the Lakers, followed LeBron James and won the championship.
To be fair, the Pelicans relied on his all-around ability on both ends for seven seasons and didn't accomplish much. Davis never had a qualified second choice, and for a player with a deep injury history, it was necessary.
6. Scottie Pippen – Chicago Bulls (1999)
From being ignored at crunch time, a situation that should have been the centerpiece of the team, to bringing in Dennis Rodman, a guy that Pippen didn't like, to always feeling underestimated, these emotions have built up at the height of the greatest dynasty in NBA history.
When everyone reached their limits after the sixth championship, Pippen was no exception, and he was happy to change the environment. Well, at least where the pay is higher.
5. Shaquille O'Neal – Los Angeles Lakers (2004)
Splitting Shaquille O'Neal and Kobe Bryant should be unthinkable, and for a while, it did.
Bryan and O'Neal began to argue openly and privately, and as their time together with the Lakers drew to a close, they disagreed about the team's role, coach, Xi and attitudes toward each other.
Although O'Neal recently claimed that the reason he asked for a trade was purely due to failed negotiations with the team, that was not what he said at the time, alluding to Bryan's involvement in certain organizational decisions.
4. James Harden – Philadelphia 76ers (2023)
Harden's choice to exercise his player option and then publicly call Morey a liar on China's brand tour is so clever and layered that it could be one of the most brilliant trade demands ever.
In the end, Harden got what he wanted, was traded to the Clippers, and is now leading the team to a high stride.
3. Kyrie Irving – Brooklyn Nets (2023)
If this were to be the list of the most contradictory NBA players and teams, Kyrie Irving would undoubtedly be at the top of the list. Irving left behind a long list of teams he had played for, and around teams willing to trade/pay him wages, he achieved legendary "buyers need to be cautious" status.
However, his lengthy and ongoing conflict with the Brooklyn Nets and eventual departure were arguably his most memorable experiences.
2. Kevin Durant – Oklahoma City Thunder (2016)
It shouldn't be a surprise that Kevin Durant left Oklahoma City, but it was all over when Durant left the Thunder for the Golden State Warriors, who had a 73-9 regular-season record and were reversed in the series.
Former teammate Willis represented the pain and anger of the entire city during the long altercation with Durant, and the fans wore cake shirts to welcome his return, and the argument became very ugly.
1. LeBron James – Cleveland Cavaliers (2010)
LeBron James' decision 1 broke the heart of an entire city, all of which was even broadcast on national television.
When you've been touted as the "chosen one" for years, playing for your hometown team, and breaking the hearts of fans like that...... You've seen those videos of fans burning James' jerseys, maybe James could do anything for the NBA championship.
These ten incidents of NBA superstars at odds with their teams demonstrate the drama and complexity of basketball both inside and outside of the basketball world, with the increase in player power and the impact on team dynamics that have become part of the modern NBA.
While these contradictions are shocking, they have also shaped the history of the league and have had a profound impact on players, teams, and fans. These events remind us that even in the world of sports, the relationship between a superstar and a team can be colorful and unpredictable.