Current NBA Players Who Lost Their Level After A Trade And Never Got Back To Stardom

Trades can make or break a player's career. Some guys get a fresh start and go on to bigger and better things, but others, well, they’re not so lucky. They get moved, and it’s like their skills got lost in transit. Today, we’re diving into those NBA players who were once stars but saw their careers take a downward spiral after getting traded, struggling to find that magic again.

1. Russell Westbrook

Russell Westbrook’s career, once defined by his explosive athleticism and relentless drive, has seen a noticeable decline since his peak with the Oklahoma City Thunder. In OKC, he was the face of the franchise, leading the league in scoring with 31.6 points per game during his MVP season in 2017 and averaging a triple-double for three consecutive seasons (2016-2019). He left OKC after the 2018-19 season, where he averaged 22.9 points, 11.1 rebounds, and 10.7 assists.

Westbrook was traded to the Houston Rockets in 2019, where he paired up with James Harden. While he put up impressive numbers, averaging 27.2 points, 7.9 rebounds, and 7.0 assists during the 2019-20 season, his fit with the team was often questioned, particularly in the playoffs, where Houston was eliminated in the second round.

After one season in Houston, Westbrook was traded to the Washington Wizards, where he once again averaged a triple-double (22.2 points, 11.5 rebounds, and 11.7 assists). However, his efficiency continued to dip, particularly his shooting percentages, and the Wizards barely made it to the playoffs.

His move to the Los Angeles Lakers in 2021 marked the beginning of a steep decline. Despite averaging 18.5 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 7.1 assists, his fit alongside LeBron James and Anthony Davis was far from smooth. Westbrook’s shooting woes, particularly from beyond the arc (29.8%), and his turnover issues became glaring weaknesses. His tenure with the Lakers was marred by criticism, leading to a trade to the Utah Jazz in 2023, where he was quickly waived and signed by the Los Angeles Clippers.

This offseason, Westbrook signed with the Denver Nuggets , hoping to contribute to a championship contender. However, his role is expected to be more limited coming off the bench. His 2023-24 season with the Clippers saw him average career lows of 11.1 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 4.5 assists, indicating that his days as a dominant force in the NBA are likely behind him. At this point, Westbrook's focus will be on adapting to a supporting role, using his experience and leadership to contribute to Denver’s title aspirations.

2. Victor Oladipo

Victor Oladipo’s career has been marked by a series of setbacks, primarily due to injuries that have significantly hindered his ability to return to the form that once made him an All-Star. Oladipo was at the peak of his powers during his time with the Indiana Pacers, especially in the 2017-18 season when he averaged 23.1 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 4.3 assists per game, earning him the Most Improved Player award and two All-Star appearances.

Regardless, his career has taken a downward spiral since suffering a major quad injury in 2019. After a brief stint with the Houston Rockets and a trade to the Miami Heat, Oladipo struggled to stay healthy and consistent. During the 2022-23 season with Miami, he averaged 10.7 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 3.0 assists over 42 games, but his season was once again cut short by injury.

In April 2023, Oladipo suffered a torn patellar tendon in his left knee during the playoffs, which required surgery and forced him to miss the remainder of the season. The Miami Heat traded him to the Oklahoma City Thunder, who then moved him to the Memphis Grizzlies as part of a larger deal. However, Oladipo never suited up for Memphis, as the Grizzlies waived him in February while he was still in the recovery process from his knee surgery.

As of now, Oladipo remains a free agent, with his future in the NBA uncertain. The continuous injuries and the latest setback with his knee have cast significant doubt on whether he can return to the court at a high level. Oladipo's story has become one of perseverance, but it’s clear that the player who once electrified crowds and led his team as an All-Star is now struggling to find his place in the league.

3. Isaiah Thomas

Isaiah Thomas’ career has been one of the most dramatic rises and falls in recent NBA history. Standing at just 5’9”, Thomas defied the odds to become one of the league's most electrifying scorers. His peak came during the 2016-17 season with the Boston Celtics, where he averaged 28.9 points and 5.9 assists per game, leading the Celtics to the Eastern Conference Finals. His heroics earned him a spot on the All-NBA Second Team, and he finished fifth in MVP voting.

However, that magical season was followed by a series of setbacks. A hip injury that he played through during the 2017 playoffs turned out to be much more severe than initially thought. Thomas was traded to the Cleveland Cavaliers as part of the blockbuster deal for Kyrie Irving, but he was never the same player. The injury severely limited his explosiveness, and after just 15 games with the Cavaliers, where he averaged 14.7 points on 36.1% shooting, he was traded again, this time to the Los Angeles Lakers.

Thomas' journey through the NBA became a whirlwind after that, with short stints in Denver, Washington, and New Orleans. Despite his best efforts, he could never regain his All-Star form. His 2019-20 season with the Washington Wizards showed flashes of his old self, as he averaged 12.2 points and 3.7 assists per game, but it was clear that the hip injury had permanently impacted his game.

In 2021, Thomas signed a series of 10-day contracts with teams like the Los Angeles Lakers and Dallas Mavericks, but none led to a permanent spot on a roster. His last substantial run was with the Charlotte Hornets during the 2021-22 season, where he played 17 games, averaging 8.4 points in 12.9 minutes per game. Despite his scoring ability, teams were hesitant to commit to him long-term due to his defensive liabilities and lingering injury concerns.

As of 2024, Isaiah Thomas has not officially retired but remains unsigned, his days as an NBA star far behind him. The hip injury that derailed his career serves as a cautionary tale of how quickly things can change in professional sports. Thomas’ fall from being an MVP candidate to struggling to find a spot on an NBA roster has been one of the most unfortunate storylines in recent memory. Although he continues to train and express a desire to return to the NBA, it seems unlikely that Thomas will ever recapture the form that made him one of the league’s most beloved underdog stories.

4. Derrick Rose

Derrick Rose’s career is one of the most poignant what-ifs in NBA history. Rose burst onto the scene as the first overall pick in the 2008 NBA Draft and quickly became one of the league's brightest young stars. By his third season, Rose was the youngest player ever to win the MVP award at just 22 years old, leading the Chicago Bulls to the best record in the NBA during the 2010-11 season. He averaged 25.0 points, 7.7 assists, and 4.1 rebounds per game, dazzling fans with his explosive athleticism and ability to take over games.

Rose's career trajectory took a turn for the worst during the 2012 playoffs when he tore his ACL in the first round. That injury marked the beginning of a series of knee problems that would drastically alter his career. Rose missed the entire 2012-13 season and struggled to stay on the court in the years that followed. Despite several comeback attempts, he could never quite return to the form that made him an MVP.

In 2016, Rose was traded to the New York Knicks, where he had a solid season, averaging 18.0 points and 4.4 assists per game. However, his performance was a far cry from his MVP days, and it became clear that the explosive player who once dominated the league was gone. Rose’s stints with the Cleveland Cavaliers and Minnesota Timberwolves were marked by flashes of brilliance, including a 50-point game with the Timberwolves in 2018, but injuries continued to limit his impact.

Rose found a bit of a resurgence with the Detroit Pistons and later with the New York Knicks, where he became a valuable veteran presence and a productive scorer off the bench. During the 2020-21 season, Rose played a key role in helping the Knicks reach the playoffs, averaging 14.9 points and 4.2 assists per game in a rejuvenated role. However, injuries continued to plague him, and his playing time diminished significantly in the following seasons.

By the 2023-24 season, Rose's role had diminished further. With the Memphis Grizzlies, he served primarily as a mentor to younger players, averaging just 8.0 points and 3.3 assists in limited minutes. While Rose remains one of the most respected figures in the league for his perseverance and ability to adapt his game, it’s clear that his days as a star player are long behind him.

Rose's story is one of resilience and adaptation. Despite the numerous setbacks, he has managed to carve out a lengthy NBA career, far longer than many expected after his initial injuries. However, the explosiveness and dominance that once made him the best player in the league are memories of the past. Rose continues to contribute to his teams, but as a shadow of the player who once electrified the NBA.

Related: 13 NBA Players Who Became Instant Superstars After Getting Traded

5. Ben Simmons

Ben Simmons' career has taken a sharp turn from the high expectations set during his early years in the NBA. Drafted first overall by the Philadelphia 76ers in 2016, Simmons quickly established himself as one of the most versatile players in the league, earning Rookie of the Year honors in 2018 with averages of 15.8 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 8.2 assists per game. His defensive prowess and ability to facilitate the offense led to three All-Star selections by 2021, and he was considered a cornerstone of the 76ers' future.

The turning point in Simmons' career came during the 2021 Eastern Conference Semifinals against the Atlanta Hawks. His reluctance to shoot in crucial moments, particularly passing up a wide-open dunk in Game 7, led to widespread criticism and strained his relationship with the 76ers organization. The fallout from that series saw Simmons request a trade and sit out the majority of the 2021-22 season, citing mental health concerns and a deteriorating relationship with the team. Eventually, Simmons was traded to the Brooklyn Nets in a blockbuster deal that sent James Harden to Philadelphia.

Since joining the Nets, Simmons has struggled with injuries and confidence issues, significantly limiting his impact on the court. He missed the remainder of the 2021-22 season due to a back injury that required surgery. In the 2022-23 season, Simmons managed to play 42 games but posted career-low averages of 6.9 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 6.1 assists per game. His offensive game was notably diminished, with few attempts at scoring and a continued reluctance to shoot.

The 2023-24 season has shown little improvement for Simmons. He has played in only 15 games, averaging 6.1 points, 7.9 rebounds, and 5.7 assists per game, while shooting 58.1% from the field. His role with the Brooklyn Nets has become increasingly limited, and there are ongoing concerns about his long-term health and ability to return to the level that once made him one of the league’s most promising young talents.

As of now, Simmons remains a member of the Brooklyn Nets, but his future in the NBA is uncertain. Once seen as a potential MVP candidate, Simmons is now facing the reality of being a role player struggling to stay relevant in the league. The road ahead for Simmons will require both mental and physical recovery, but it remains to be seen if he can ever regain the form that once made him a star in the NBA.

6. D’Angelo Russell

D’Angelo Russell’s career has seen its fair share of ups and downs since his breakout season with the Brooklyn Nets in 2018-19. That year, he earned his first and only All-Star selection, averaging 21.1 points, 7.0 assists, and 3.9 rebounds per game while leading the Nets to the playoffs. Russell’s performance during that season showcased his scoring and playmaking abilities, establishing him as one of the promising young guards in the league.

Following that All-Star season, Russell was traded to the Golden State Warriors in a sign-and-trade deal, part of a larger transaction involving Kevin Durant. His time with the Warriors was brief, as he was later traded to the Minnesota Timberwolves. In Minnesota, Russell played solid basketball, but injuries and inconsistent performances kept him from reaching the All-Star level again. He posted good numbers, but the spark that had once made him an All-Star seemed to fade.

Russell’s return to the Los Angeles Lakers in 2023 was seen as an opportunity for him to regain some of his former glory. During the 2023-24 regular season, he averaged 18.0 points, 6.3 assists, and 3.1 rebounds per game, shooting an impressive 45.6% from the field and 41.5% from three-point range. His regular-season performance was strong, even setting a Lakers franchise record for three-pointers made in a season. Despite these accomplishments, his playoff struggles—where he averaged just 14.2 points on inefficient shooting—became a major talking point and cast doubt on his long-term fit with the team.

As Russell enters the final year of his contract with the Lakers after opting into his $18.7 million player option for the 2024-25 season, there are growing tensions regarding his future with the franchise. The Lakers have reportedly explored trading him, especially given the team’s commitment to other players like Austin Reaves. The uncertainty surrounding Russell’s future has left many wondering if he will finish the season in Los Angeles or if he will be moved to another team as the Lakers look to optimize their roster around LeBron James and Anthony Davis.

Russell’s situation reflects a player who has had a productive career but has struggled to recapture the form that once made him an All-Star. His time with the Lakers could be coming to an end, with his role and impact on the team hanging in the balance as trade rumors continue to swirl.

7. Collin Sexton

Collin Sexton’s career has taken an interesting turn from his early days as a rising star with the Cleveland Cavaliers to his current role with the Utah Jazz. Sexton showed immense promise during the 2020-21 season, where he averaged 24.3 points, 4.4 assists, and 3.1 rebounds per game, establishing himself as a primary scoring option and a potential All-Star candidate.

However, injuries began to impact his career, starting with a torn meniscus early in the 2021-22 season, which sidelined him for most of the year. This injury marked a turning point, leading to Sexton's trade to the Utah Jazz as part of the Donovan Mitchell deal in 2022.

In Utah, Sexton initially struggled to regain his previous form, playing more of a supportive role rather than being the go-to scorer he was in Cleveland. During the 2023-24 season, Sexton played 78 games, averaging 18.7 points, 4.9 assists, and 2.6 rebounds per game. While these numbers indicate a productive season, they also reflect his transition into a role player.

Although Sexton has found his place in Utah, his role has shifted from a potential franchise player to a reliable, yet less central, figure within the team. The injuries he has endured have clearly played a role in this change, impacting his explosiveness and consistency on the court. While he remains a valuable contributor to the Jazz, the trajectory of his career has certainly been altered by the challenges he has faced.

8. John Wall

John Wall's career has been a tale of what could have been, marked by early success and later struggles due to injuries. Wall was once one of the NBA’s top point guards, known for his speed, court vision, and playmaking ability. During his prime years with the Washington Wizards, Wall was a five-time All-Star, and his best season came in 2016-17 when he averaged 23.1 points, 10.7 assists, and 4.2 rebounds per game, leading the Wizards to the Eastern Conference Semifinals.

Unfortunately, Wall’s career has been plagued by injuries, including multiple knee surgeries and a devastating Achilles tear in 2018 that kept him out of the entire 2019-20 season. After recovering, Wall was traded to the Houston Rockets in 2020, where he showed flashes of his former self, averaging 20.6 points and 6.9 assists per game. However, injuries continued to limit his availability, and he played in only 40 games during that season.

The Rockets eventually decided to sit Wall out for the 2021-22 season as they focused on developing younger players, and Wall's career seemed to stall. In 2022, Wall signed with the Los Angeles Clippers, hoping to revive his career, but once again, injuries and inconsistent play prevented him from making a significant impact. He averaged 11.4 points and 5.2 assists per game in 34 appearances before being traded to the Houston Rockets and subsequently waived in February 2023.

As of 2024, Wall remains unsigned, with his future in the NBA uncertain. His story serves as a reminder of how quickly a player’s career can change due to injuries. Wall’s once-promising trajectory has been derailed, and while he continues to work towards a comeback, his days as an elite point guard appear to be behind him.

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