Sports Icons Who Left Their Long-Time Franchises For New Teams

Source: Houston Chronicle/Hearst Newspapers via Getty Images / Getty

Klay Thompson is reportedly leaving the Golden State Warriors to sign a 3-year, $50 million deal with the Dallas Mavericks . This will conclude a stellar 13-year career with the Warriors, which includes 4 NBA titles, five NBA All-Star appearances, and two-time member of the all-NBA team.

While it may be strange to see Klay in a Mavs uniform, this could be a smart move for one of the best shooters in NBA history.

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For sports fans and history buffs, it’s always fascinating to see how the careers of sports legends unfold. While many stars spend most of their careers with a single team, a surprising number have ended their illustrious journeys elsewhere.

Kobe Bryant and Dirk Nowitzk i are iconic examples of players who spent their entire careers with one team. Kobe’s loyalty to the Los Angeles Lakers and Dirk’s commitment to the Dallas Mavericks made them legends not just for their skills but also for their dedication.

Hakeem Olajuwon and Patrick Ewing are two of basketball’s greatest players, yet they ended their careers with different teams. Olajuwon finished with the Toronto Raptors , and Ewing played his final games with the Seattle Supersonics and the Orlando Magic . Seeing these legends in different uniforms was undoubtedly weird for fans.

Source: DAN LEVINE / Getty

Not all transitions are smooth. Joe Namath and Johnny Unitas both struggled in their final seasons with different teams. Namath ended his career with the Los Angeles Rams , and Unitas finished with the San Diego Chargers . These final chapters didn’t diminish their legendary statuses, but they were certainly strange to witness. Even Michael Jordan wasn’t immune to the late-career team switch. After his incredible run with the Chicago Bulls , Jordan returned to the NBA with the Washington Wizard s. While he still displayed flashes of brilliance, seeing him in a Wizards uniform always felt peculiar.

These legendary players have left indelible marks on their sports and fans worldwide. If you’re passionate about sports history or looking for inspiration from these greats, remember that a career’s end doesn’t diminish the legacy built along the way.

Let’s explore some more iconic athletes, their moves, and how they performed with their final teams.

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