The NBA has seen several players move from team to team frequently, whether due to trades, free agency, or team dynamics. Some players built legendary careers despite never finding a permanent home, while others struggled to settle. Let’s explore some of the most traveled players in NBA history and their journeys across multiple franchises.
1. Trevor Ariza – The Ultimate Journeyman 🌍
One of the most well-traveled players in NBA history, Trevor Ariza played for 11 different teams during his career. Known for his defense, three-point shooting, and veteran leadership, Ariza was often a trade asset for teams looking for a solid role player.
Teams Played For:
📌 New York Knicks, Orlando Magic, Los Angeles Lakers, Houston Rockets, New Orleans Hornets, Washington Wizards, Phoenix Suns, Sacramento Kings, Portland Trail Blazers, Miami Heat, Oklahoma City Thunder
🔹 Fun Fact: Ariza won an NBA Championship with the Lakers in 2009 but was traded soon after.
2. Ish Smith – The Definition of a Journeyman 🚀
Ish Smith might not be the biggest name in the NBA, but he holds the record for most teams played for with 13 franchises. Known for his quickness and playmaking, Smith carved out a career as a solid backup point guard.
Teams Played For:
📌 Houston Rockets, Memphis Grizzlies, Golden State Warriors, Orlando Magic, Milwaukee Bucks, Phoenix Suns, Oklahoma City Thunder, Philadelphia 76ers, New Orleans Pelicans, Detroit Pistons, Washington Wizards, Charlotte Hornets, Denver Nuggets
🔹 Fun Fact: Smith is the only player in NBA history to play for 13 different teams!
3. Shaquille O’Neal – A Superstar on the Move 💪
While most superstars stay with a handful of teams, Shaquille O’Neal played for six different franchises in his legendary career. Despite his dominance, injuries and contract disputes led to multiple trades.
Teams Played For:
📌 Orlando Magic, Los Angeles Lakers, Miami Heat, Phoenix Suns, Cleveland Cavaliers, Boston Celtics
🔹 Fun Fact: Shaq won four NBA Championships with two different teams (Lakers and Heat).
4. Chucky Brown – The Record-Tying Traveler ✈️
Chucky Brown shares the record with 12 teams played for in his career. Though not a superstar, Brown was a reliable role player and won a championship with the Houston Rockets in 1995.
Teams Played For:
📌 Cleveland Cavaliers, Los Angeles Lakers, New Jersey Nets, Dallas Mavericks, Houston Rockets, Phoenix Suns, Milwaukee Bucks, Atlanta Hawks, Charlotte Hornets, San Antonio Spurs, Golden State Warriors, Sacramento Kings
🔹 Fun Fact: Brown became a fan favorite for multiple teams due to his hardworking attitude.
5. Jamal Crawford – Sixth Man Legend 🎯
Known for his elite scoring ability and ball-handling, Jamal Crawford played for nine different teams and won the Sixth Man of the Year Award three times.
Teams Played For:
📌 Chicago Bulls, New York Knicks, Golden State Warriors, Atlanta Hawks, Portland Trail Blazers, Los Angeles Clippers, Minnesota Timberwolves, Phoenix Suns, Brooklyn Nets
🔹 Fun Fact: Crawford is the only player to have multiple 50-point games with different franchises.
6. Mike James – The Forgotten Journeyman 🎭
Though not a household name, Mike James played for 11 different teams during his career as a point guard.
Teams Played For:
📌 Miami Heat, Boston Celtics, Detroit Pistons, Milwaukee Bucks, Houston Rockets, Toronto Raptors, Minnesota Timberwolves, New Orleans Hornets, Washington Wizards, Chicago Bulls, Dallas Mavericks
🔹 Fun Fact: James won an NBA Championship with the Detroit Pistons in 2004.
7. Kevin Durant – A Superstar Who Moves 🏆
Unlike most players on this list, Kevin Durant has moved frequently but remained a top superstar. He has played for four teams and won multiple championships.
Teams Played For:
📌 Seattle SuperSonics (now OKC Thunder), Golden State Warriors, Brooklyn Nets, Phoenix Suns
🔹 Fun Fact: Durant won two NBA Championships with the Golden State Warriors and was Finals MVP both times.
8. Dwight Howard – Superstar Turned Journeyman 🤯
Dwight Howard started as a franchise player with Orlando Magic, but later became a player who frequently changed teams, playing for seven different franchises.
Teams Played For:
📌 Orlando Magic, Los Angeles Lakers, Houston Rockets, Atlanta Hawks, Charlotte Hornets, Washington Wizards, Philadelphia 76ers
🔹 Fun Fact: Howard won an NBA Championship with the Lakers in 2020.
9. DeMarcus Cousins – Once a Star, Now a Traveler 🎭
Once one of the most dominant centers in the league, injuries derailed DeMarcus Cousins’ career, leading to him playing for seven different teams.
Teams Played For:
📌 Sacramento Kings, New Orleans Pelicans, Golden State Warriors, Los Angeles Lakers, Houston Rockets, Denver Nuggets, Milwaukee Bucks
🔹 Fun Fact: Despite being a four-time All-Star, Cousins has never won an NBA Championship.
10. Carmelo Anthony – A Scoring Legend on the Move 🏀
Carmelo Anthony is one of the greatest scorers in NBA history but played for six different teams.
Teams Played For:
📌 Denver Nuggets, New York Knicks, Oklahoma City Thunder, Houston Rockets, Portland Trail Blazers, Los Angeles Lakers
🔹 Fun Fact: Melo is a 10-time All-Star but never won an NBA Championship.
Why Do NBA Players Switch Teams Often? 🤔
Many factors contribute to players frequently switching teams:
✔️ Trades – Teams trade players for assets, draft picks, or salary cap space.
✔️ Free Agency – Players sign with new teams for better contracts or championship opportunities.
✔️ Injuries – Teams may not want to commit long-term to injury-prone players.
✔️ Coaching & Management Changes – New management can lead to roster overhauls.
✔️ Championship Aspirations – Players move to contenders for a chance at a title.
Conclusion 🎯
The NBA is a league full of dynamic movement, and some players have switched teams more than others. Whether role players like Ish Smith or superstars like Kevin Durant, these players have left their mark despite moving around. While some found success with multiple teams, others struggled to settle into a single franchise.
One thing is certain—NBA history is full of players who kept fans guessing about their next move! 🔥🏀
