20 Biggest Betrayals in Sports Trades or Transfers
Some trades and transfers change the game, but others leave fans and players feeling completely betrayed.
- Chris Graciano
- 5 min read
Loyalty in sports is often an illusion, as franchises and athletes make cutthroat decisions in pursuit of success. Whether it’s a beloved star getting traded without warning or a player abandoning their team for a hated rival, some moves sting more than others. Here are 20 of the biggest betrayals in sports history.
1. LeBron James to the Miami Heat (2010)
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LeBron’s infamous “Decision” to leave Cleveland for Miami devastated Cavs fans. The televised announcement felt like a public humiliation for the franchise.
2. Kevin Durant to the Golden State Warriors (2016)
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Durant leaving Oklahoma City was bad enough, but joining the very team that had just eliminated him in the playoffs? That felt like treason to Thunder fans.
3. Babe Ruth Sold to the Yankees (1919)
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The Red Sox selling Babe Ruth to the Yankees for cash became the most infamous deal in baseball history. It led to the “Curse of the Bambino,” with Boston failing to win a World Series for 86 years.
4. Brett Favre Joins the Minnesota Vikings (2009)
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After years with the Green Bay Packers, Favre retired, unretired, and eventually landed with the rival Vikings. Packers fans, who had once worshiped him, felt betrayed by his decision to join their biggest enemy.
5. Neymar Leaves Barcelona for PSG (2017)
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Neymar’s record-breaking transfer from Barcelona to Paris Saint-Germain stunned the soccer world. He had been seen as Lionel Messi’s heir, but the move felt like a money grab.
6. Johnny Damon Joins the Yankees (2006)
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Damon was a hero in Boston after helping break the Red Sox’s World Series drought in 2004. However, when he signed with the Yankees, Boston’s most hated rival, fans felt completely betrayed.
7. Alex Rodriguez to the Yankees (2004)
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A-Rod had originally been set to join the Red Sox, but when the deal fell through, he ended up in the Bronx. His move to the Yankees only fueled baseball’s biggest rivalry.
8. Deion Sanders Switches to the 49ers, Then the Cowboys
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Sanders helped the 49ers win a Super Bowl, and then immediately left for their biggest rival, the Dallas Cowboys. Niners fans saw it as a selfish move, while Cowboys fans gladly embraced their new superstar.
9. Vince Carter Forces His Way Out of Toronto (2004)
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Carter was once the face of the Raptors, but when he forced a trade to the New Jersey Nets, he soured his relationship with Toronto. Fans felt betrayed, especially after rumors surfaced that he had stopped giving full effort.
10. Wayne Gretzky Traded to the Kings (1988)
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Edmonton Oilers fans were devastated when the greatest hockey player ever was sent to Los Angeles. Gretzky himself was heartbroken, but the trade happened anyway.
11. Kawhi Leonard Leaves the Spurs (2018)
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Once seen as the future of the Spurs, Leonard forced his way out due to disagreements over injury treatment. His exit felt cold and unexpected, especially for a franchise built on loyalty.
12. Peyton Manning Cut by the Colts (2012)
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After over a decade as the face of the Colts, Manning was released to make room for Andrew Luck. Despite his injuries, fans felt he deserved a better send-off.
13. Paul George Bails on Indiana (2017)
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George was supposed to be the Pacers’ cornerstone, but when he made it clear he wanted out, fans turned on him. His trade to the Thunder wasn’t as shocking as some others, but Indiana supporters felt abandoned.
14. Claude Lemieux Switches from Canadiens to the Avalanche
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Lemieux was once a Montreal Canadiens star, but his move to Colorado led to one of hockey’s ugliest rivalries. His bad blood with the Detroit Red Wings escalated into all-out brawls.
15. Dwight Howard’s Messy Orlando Exit (2012)
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Howard’s drawn-out departure from the Magic left a sour taste. He flip-flopped between wanting to stay and forcing a trade, ultimately landing in Los Angeles.
16. Luis Figo’s Controversial Move from Barcelona to Real Madrid (2000)
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Few betrayals in soccer history match Figo’s switch from Barcelona to archrival Real Madrid. When he returned to Camp Nou, fans threw pig heads onto the field.
17. Isaiah Thomas Traded After Playing Through Injury (2017)
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Thomas had played his heart out for the Celtics, even playing through family tragedy. However, when Boston saw a chance to trade him for Kyrie Irving, they did so without hesitation.
18. Shaquille O’Neal Leaves Orlando for LA (1996)
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Shaq was supposed to lead the Magic to a championship, but when contract negotiations soured, he bolted for the Lakers. Orlando fans were crushed, feeling they had lost a generational talent.
19. Betrayal of Derrick Rose by the Bulls (2016)
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Rose was the hometown hero, bringing hope to Chicago after the Jordan era. Injuries derailed his career, but when the Bulls traded him to the Knicks, it felt like an unceremonious goodbye.
20. Robin Van Persie to Manchester United (2012)
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Van Persie was Arsenal’s captain and best player, yet he left for their hated rivals, Manchester United. Gunners fans felt utterly betrayed, especially when he won a Premier League title in his first season there.