These NBA greats spread their talents across franchises!
Winning an MVP in the NBA is one of the most prestigious honours, assuring a player's legacy as one of the game's all-time greats. However, not every MVP winner spends their entire career with a single team. Many of these legends have played for multiple franchises, whether in pursuit of championships, seeking the right fit, or due to the league's unpredictable nature. In this article, we'll explore the careers of ten MVP winners who played for the most teams, proving that even the greatest players sometimes had to keep moving to sustain their careers.
Moses Malone wasn’t just an MVP; he was a basketball nomad, dominating across seven teams over two decades. His career began with a brief stint on the Clippers before becoming a star with the Houston Rockets, where he won his first MVP in 1979. Malone's legacy was cemented with the Philadelphia 76ers, winning back-to-back MVPs and leading them to an NBA championship in 1983. Despite later stints with teams like the Wizards and Spurs, Malone consistently posted double-doubles, finishing his career with averages of 20.6 points and 12.2 rebounds per game, proving his greatness everywhere he played.
Bob McAdoo’s career was proof of his scoring brilliance, as he played for seven teams while consistently delivering on the court. He burst onto the scene with the Buffalo Braves, winning the MVP in 1975 with averages of 34.5 points and 14.1 rebounds per game. Despite bouncing around, including stints with the Knicks and Celtics, McAdoo remained a potent offensive force. His greatest team success came with the Lakers, where he won two NBA championships in 1982 and 1985. Finishing his career with 22.1 points and 9.4 rebounds per game, McAdoo's impact was felt wherever he played.
Shaquille O’Neal was a dominant force across six NBA teams over his 19-year career, leaving a lasting impact wherever he played. Starting with the Orlando Magic, Shaq quickly became a superstar, but it was with the Los Angeles Lakers that he reached his peak, winning three consecutive championships and earning an MVP in 2000. He later added a fourth title with the Miami Heat in 2006. Even in the twilight of his career, with stints in Phoenix, Cleveland, and Boston, Shaq remained a formidable presence, finishing with averages of 23.7 points, 10.9 rebounds, and 2.3 blocks per game.
Derrick Rose’s career is a tale of triumph, heartbreak, and perseverance. As the youngest MVP in NBA history, he dazzled early with the Chicago Bulls, leading them to the league’s best record in 2011. However, injuries plagued Rose, derailing his time in Chicago. Despite these setbacks, Rose continued to fight, playing for five other teams, including the Knicks, Cavaliers, and Timberwolves, where he famously scored 50 points in a game. Now with the Memphis Grizzlies, Rose’s journey exemplifies resilience, as he continues to contribute with career averages of 17.4 points, 5.4 assists, and 3.2 rebounds per game.
Relentless energy, unmatched athleticism, and fiery competitiveness defined Russell Westbrook's career. After 11 seasons with the Oklahoma City Thunder, where he won MVP in 2017 by averaging a historic triple-double, Westbrook played for several teams, including the Rockets, Wizards, Lakers, and Clippers. Despite varying success, he consistently produced, averaging 21.7 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 8.1 assists per game. In 2024, Westbrook signed with the Denver Nuggets, aiming to bring veteran leadership and depth to a team with championship aspirations. His dynamic impact and intensity have made him one of the most polarising players in NBA history.
Other than these five players, former MVP’s like James Harden (5 Teams), LeBron James (4 Teams), Kevin Durant (4 Teams), and Allen Iverson (4 Teams) also switched franchises throughout their careers!
