10 NBA superstar acquisitions that went wrong

More often than not, NBA superstars naturally raise the level of the team. Their presence further enhances the team’s star power, which often looks great on paper. However, what’s great on paper doesn’t always translate into gameplay. In fact, some superstars may fail in terms of form, chemistry, etc.

With many NBA stars set to be on the move in the 2024 NBA offseason, such as Paul George heading to the Philadelphia 76ers and Karl-Anthony Towns reportedly heading to the New York Knicks, here are 10 past NBA superstar acquisitions that went wrong.

Paul George – Oklahoma City Thunder

After several deep runs with the Indiana Pacers, George soon wanted a change of scenery. The All-Star forward eventually joined Russell Westbrook and Carmelo Anthony at Oklahoma. Unfortunately, George and the Thunder never even made it past the first round in two seasons.

Ben Simmons – Brooklyn Nets

Ben Simmons was once a promising all-around player who was even considered a cornerstone of the 76ers franchise at one point. However, after an altercation with the Sixers, he was traded to the Brooklyn Nets.

However, Simmons has yet to approach his All-Star form in Philadelphia. With Simmons’ contract expiring, Simmons’ NBA career may be in jeopardy. Simmons desperately needs a healthy season in the near future.

Steve Nash – Los Angeles Lakers

After leading a Suns team fighting for the playoffs, Steve Nash has decided to end his career in Los Angeles. Here he worked with stars such as Kobe Bryant, Dwight Howard, Pau Gasol and Metta World Peace. Unfortunately, age and injuries plagued Nash’s career with the Lakers. Although they barely made the playoffs, the Lakers were crushed in the first round.

After suffering an Achilles tendon injury, Kevin Durant signed a contract with the Brooklyn Nets, creating a powerful duo with Kyrie Irving on paper. With the Nets, Durant showed his old form. However, he failed to provide Brooklyn with any playoff success, never advancing beyond the second round.

Unfortunately, it turns out the same story applies to Durant in Phoenix after the Suns were eliminated by the Timberwolves. However, considering that Durant is still with the Suns, the two-time NBA champion could yet change history.

Kyrie Irving – Boston Celtics and Brooklyn Nets

Things haven’t been looking so promising for Kyrie Irving since leaving Cleveland. He failed to lead the promising Boston Celtics core as the Celtics became more successful when Irving left the team. Moreover, Irving’s partnership with Durant did not bear any fruit in Brooklyn.

Now in Dallas, Irving has a good chance to make something happen with Luka Doncic and the Mavericks. However, they are still part of the unforgiving Western Conference playing field.

James Harden – Brooklyn Nets and Philadelphia 76ers

After success with the Oklahoma City Thunder and Houston Rockets, James Harden passed various rivals in his pursuit of the NBA title. the former MVP failed to get anything going in Brooklyn with Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving.

Moreover, his dramatic move to Philadelphia was equally dramatic and unproductive. Now, after a hugely successful trade to the Clippers, Harden hopes that working with Kawhi Leonard can change the trajectory of his championship quest.

Dwight Howard – Los Angeles Lakers, Washington Wizards, Atlanta Hawks, Charlotte Hornets

When Dwight Howard grew tired in Orlando, the three-time Defensive Player of the Year demanded a trade, which took him to Los Angeles. Howard’s first stint with the Lakers was a disaster. After that, Howard’s NBA career took a turn for the worse.

With the exception of an appearance in the Western Conference Finals against the Houston Rockets, Howard failed to get past the Wizards, Hawks and Hornets. Howard reconciled with Lakers fans after helping the Purple and Gold win the 2020 NBA title as a reserve.

Chris Paul – Los Angeles Clippers and Oklahoma City Thunder

The NBA Championship almost eluded Chris Paul. He came close to a Finals appearance with the Rockets and a Finals appearance with the Suns, but still never won a championship.

However, compared to his other performances, Paul failed to lead the Lob City Clippers past the second round. Moreover, when he was unexpectedly traded to Oklahoma City for Russell Westbrook. CP3 simply couldn’t lead a young Thunder squad into a deep playoff run.

Carmelo Anthony – New York Knicks, Houston Rockets and Oklahoma City Thunder

Carmelo Anthony couldn’t wait to leave Denver, so he basically forced his way out by demanding a trade that forced both Denver and the New York Knicks to sacrifice their depth.

Melo achieved great individual success in New York, but did not translate it into team victories, which resulted in an early exit from the playoffs. Melo then bounced around various opponents, trying to be the second or third option. However, the All-Star forward simply couldn’t adjust.

Russell Westbrook – Los Angeles Lakers, Washington Wizards and Houston Rockets

Russell Westbrook practically became a true star in Oklahoma City, winning MVP honors while averaging a triple-double. However, after leaving Oklahoma City, Westbrook was in the hunt for a championship.

He failed in Washington with Bradley Beal and disappointed in Houston when he teamed up with fellow MVP James Harden. However, his most disappointing period came with the Lakers. Despite forming a trio with LeBron James and Anthony Davis, the Lakers didn’t even make the playoffs.