Player loyalty isn’t a common thing in today’s NBA because player movement and looking around for selfish reasons are at the core of players’ minds. Some players value winning, while others want money, fame, or being the first option on their team. The days of sticking with one franchise through thick and thin are over, as evidenced by how LeBron James and Kevin Durant changed the league in that regard. However, some players have remained with one franchise for their entire careers, and when analyzing their tenures with their respective franchises, it is clear to see which players will be loyal for life.
- Detroit Pistons – Rodney McGruder, Hamidou Diallo, Cory Joseph, Saddiq Bey, Killian Hayes, and Isaiah Stewart (3 Seasons)
- Charlotte Hornets – Terry Rozier, P.J. Washington (4 Seasons)
- New Orleans Pelicans – Zion Williamson, Brandon Ingram, Jaxson Hayes (4 Seasons)
- Oklahoma City Thunder – Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Luguentz Dort, Mike Muscala, Darius Bazley (4 Seasons)
- Utah Jazz – Jordan Clarkson, Mike Conley Jr (4 Seasons)
- New York Knicks – Mitchell Robinson (5 Seasons)
- Los Angeles Clippers – Ivica Zubac (5 Seasons)
- San Antonio Spurs – Jakob Poeltl (5 Seasons)
- Los Angeles Lakers – LeBron James (5 Seasons)
- Memphis Grizzlies – Dillon Brooks (6 Seasons)
- Sacramento Kings – De’Aaron Fox (6 Seasons)
- Atlanta Hawks – John Collins (6 Seasons)
- Chicago Bulls – Zach LaVine (6 Seasons)
- Brooklyn Nets – Joe Harris (7 Seasons)
- Orlando Magic – Terrence Ross (7 Seasons)
- Houston Rockets – Eric Gordon (7 Seasons)
- Toronto Raptors – Fred VanVleet (7 Seasons)
- Indiana Pacers – Myles Turner (8 Seasons)
- Phoenix Suns – Devin Booker (8 Seasons)
- Minnesota Timberwolves – Karl-Anthony Towns (8 Seasons)
- Denver Nuggets – Nikola Jokic (8 Seasons)
- Dallas Mavericks – Dwight Powell (9 Seasons)
- Boston Celtics – Marcus Smart (9 Seasons)
- Cleveland Cavaliers – Kevin Love (9 Seasons)
- Philadelphia 76ers – Joel Embiid (9 Seasons)
- Milwaukee Bucks – Giannis Antetokounmpo, Khris Middleton (10 Seasons)
- Washington Wizards – Bradley Beal (11 Seasons)
- Portland Trail Blazers – Damian Lillard (11 Seasons)
- Golden State Warriors – Stephen Curry (14 Seasons)
- Miami Heat – Udonis Haslem (20 Seasons)
We have compiled a list of every NBA franchise with each of its most tenured players. Some inclusions may be surprising due to constant roster changes, while others won’t be surprising at all. The name that sticks out is Udonis Haslem, a player who has been in the league for so long that he is mainly considered a player-coach at some point. But there are also two top-ten talents that have proven to be the most loyal to their franchises. Without further ado, here is the longest-tenured player per team in the NBA right now.
Detroit Pistons – Rodney McGruder, Hamidou Diallo, Cory Joseph, Saddiq Bey, Killian Hayes, and Isaiah Stewart (3 Seasons)
The Detroit Pistons are tanking, but they already have 6 players who have played a minimum of 3 seasons with the franchise. Rodney McGruder, Hamidou Diallo, Cory Joseph, Saddiq Bey, Killian Hayes, and Isaiah Stewart have all been on the Pistons for 3 seasons, including this one. McGruder is on the team for shooting, Diallo is a bundle of athleticism, Joseph is a veteran, and the trio of Bey, Hayes, and Stewart are all long-term pieces. Hopefully, Cade Cunningham and Jaden Ivey can kickstart an era of success in Detroit someday.
Charlotte Hornets – Terry Rozier, P.J. Washington (4 Seasons)
The Charlotte Hornets are not doing well this season, but that is because LaMelo Ball missed time at the start of the year. Regardless, only Ball is considered untouchable, as the rest of the team could be made available in an effort to improve the roster. Terry Rozier is a pit bull of a guard that plays both ends, and P.J. Washington is a 24-year-old big man that can space the floor and score points consistently. Rozier is one of the veterans of the team, so time will tell if his place on the team is secure long-term.
New Orleans Pelicans – Zion Williamson, Brandon Ingram, Jaxson Hayes (4 Seasons)
Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram are the two best players on the New Orleans Pelicans, and they are both the longest-tenured players on the team. Zion is a beast inside the paint, and even if injuries have derailed the start of his career, his potential as the future face of the NBA is clear to see. Ingram has already made an All-Star Team as a member of the Pelicans and can be Zion Williamson’s sidekick going forward. Jaxon Hayes, a 22-year-old center who is effective inside, has also lasted 4 years with the Pelicans.
Oklahoma City Thunder – Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Luguentz Dort, Mike Muscala, Darius Bazley (4 Seasons)
The Oklahoma City Thunder are unapologetically tanking, and they have a host of young players, including Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who is the favorite for Most Improved Player. The star guard is the longest-tenured player on the team alongside Luguentz Dort, Mike Muscala, and Darius Bazley. Gilgeous-Alexander is the star for the Thunder right now, and the future looks bright when Josh Giddey continues to gain experience, and Chet Holmgren returns to health.
Utah Jazz – Jordan Clarkson, Mike Conley Jr (4 Seasons)
The Utah Jazz will be rebuilding after Donovan Mitchell, and Rudy Gobert were traded, meaning that Jordan Clarkson and Mike Conley Jr are the longest-tenured players. Clarkson won the 2021 6th Man of the Year and has been an effective scorer over the last few years as a bench player. Meanwhile, Conley Jr was supposed to be the point guard for a championship team in Utah, but that never panned out, as the point guard could be heading elsewhere very soon.
New York Knicks – Mitchell Robinson (5 Seasons)
Mitchell Robinson is one of the best shot-blockers in the NBA when healthy, and he has a proven track record as a rim protector, even if he lacks offensive ability. Robinson made the All-Rookie Team in 2019, and his numbers have been consistent when it comes to rebounding and shot-blocking. This season for the New York Knicks, Mitchell Robinson is averaging 7.7 PPG and 8.9 RPG to go along with 1.8 BPG.
Los Angeles Clippers – Ivica Zubac (5 Seasons)
Ivica Zubac has to be one of the biggest steals in modern NBA history because the Los Angeles Clippers acquired him from the Los Angeles Lakers for next to nothing. The center is an active rebounder, defender, and post-scorer who can start for most NBA teams. Zubac is averaging a double-double in the NBA right now, posting 10.2 PPG and 10.8 RPG on 62.4% from the field. The man from Bosnia and Herzegovina is only 25 years old, so he could continue to improve his game as the center for the Clippers.
San Antonio Spurs – Jakob Poeltl (5 Seasons)
Jakob Poeltl has been a stalwart at center for the San Antonio Spurs over the last 5 seasons, and he has done an admirable job considering the franchise is in rebuild mode. The 7’1” center weighs 245 lbs, meaning his size and length can make it difficult for opposing players to score. The Austrian is putting up solid numbers in the 2023 season, averaging 12.1 PPG and 9.3 RPG on 64.6% from the field and 55.6% from the free-throw line. As a defender, Poeltl is considered an above-average player.
Los Angeles Lakers – LeBron James (5 Seasons)
LeBron James, The King, is the longest-tenured player for the Los Angeles Lakers. James will never be accepted into Los Angeles on the level of Kobe Bryant, Magic Johnson, Shaquille O’Neal, or even Jerry West, but there is no doubt that he has had success. James won the 2020 championship for Lakers Nation alongside Anthony Davis and has brought the fun back to the franchise since Kobe Bryant retired. A top-10 player at age 38, LeBron James will also be breaking the all-time scoring record this season as a Laker.
Memphis Grizzlies – Dillon Brooks (6 Seasons)
Talented scorer and perimeter defender Dillon Brooks has been in Memphis for 6 seasons, the longest of any player playing for the Grizzlies. Gone are the days of Mike Conley Jr and Marc Gasol upholding the loyalty gene, as there is a new era in Memphis spearheaded by superstar Ja Morant. Brooks has done well in Memphis, playing 28.5 MPG and averaging 14.8 PPG for his career so far. As the Grizzlies are building a title contender, Brooks’ two-way play will be critical.
Sacramento Kings – De’Aaron Fox (6 Seasons)
Speedster and likely first-time All-Star De’Aaron Fox is the best player in Sacramento and also their longest-tenured. Fox is only 25 years old, so he is beginning to show improvements in his game as a playmaker and offensive option who is benefitting from the presence of Domantas Sabonis down low. The Kings could make the playoffs finally this year, meaning there is progress being made in California.
Atlanta Hawks – John Collins (6 Seasons)
Although the gifted offensive forward has been the longest-tenured Atlanta Hawk, trade discussions have swirled around him over the last few years. Collins is a pro at scoring the ball inside, and he is also getting better all-around when it comes to defense and rebounding. The 25-year-old, who is averaging 12.9 PPG and 7.9 RPG this season, is a valuable addition to an emerging Hawks team if his role can be more defined going forward. Collins is best suited as a partner to a traditional center like Clint Capela when the big man is healthy.
Chicago Bulls – Zach LaVine (6 Seasons)
Zach LaVine is one of the best shooting guards in the world, and he is also the longest-tenured player for the Chicago Bulls. Things aren’t going so great in Chicago, as the team is not good enough to win a title, and LaVine could be spinning his wheels by missing the playoffs or losing in the first round. Making 2 All-Star Teams in Chicago so far, LaVine has had a solid career so far, but at 27 years old, greener pastures could be available for the player to elevate his game even more.
Brooklyn Nets – Joe Harris (7 Seasons)
Since he was selected in the second round of the 2014 NBA draft, Joe Harris has advanced significantly. Prior to the 2018 season, Harris’ scoring average was never double digits, but he eventually developed into one of the top shooters in the league and signed a big contract with Brooklyn. Harris will have many open looks playing alongside Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant, but his time could be coming to an end because injuries have ended his prime.
Orlando Magic – Terrence Ross (7 Seasons)
Terrence Ross has been in the NBA for 11 years so far, starting the 2017 season with the Toronto Raptors and Orlando Magic. Counting his 2017 season, Ross is the longest-tenured Magic player on a team that is in complete rebuild mode. When looking at the Magic, no player will be on the roster long-term except Jonathan Isaac and frontrunner for Rookie of the Year Paolo Banchero. A scoring veteran, Ross has carved a nice career as a backup in Orlando.
Houston Rockets – Eric Gordon (7 Seasons)
Eric Gordon has always been a solid wing scorer and defender, and he has been doing it reliably for the Rockets for 7 seasons in a row. In order to strengthen Houston’s bench, Gordon was acquired from New Orleans in 2015, and former general manager Daryl Morey made one of his better decisions with that deal. Eric Gordon won 6th Man of the Year and was critical to the Rockets team that almost won the championship in 2018. Gordon has been a Rocket for the longest time, and his time could be coming to an end on a rebuilding side.
Toronto Raptors – Fred VanVleet (7 Seasons)
The Toronto Raptors team is building around Scottie Barnes and Pascal Siakam, but Fred VanVleet is the longest-tenured player on the team. The guard was exceptional during the Raptors’ 2019 championship run, and that is why the player is so highly regarded by fans of the franchise. VanVleet is a talented scorer and playmaker, and by making his first All-Star Team last year, he could be a Raptors player in the future.
Indiana Pacers – Myles Turner (8 Seasons)
Myles Turner has seemingly been in the NBA for a very long time. But he is only 26 years old, and the center who was selected by the Pacers as the No. 11 overall choice in the 2015 NBA Draft has established a reliable position for himself. Because the franchise has moved on from talented players with a new regime coming in place thanks to Tyrese Haliburton and Bennedict Mathurin, Turner is the Pacer with the longest tenure.
Phoenix Suns – Devin Booker (8 Seasons)
Devin Booker, at 26 years old, has been a member of the Phoenix Suns for the longest. That demonstrates both how young the team is and how quickly Devin Booker has developed his game. Chris Paul only became a Phoenix Sun in 2021, and the point guard’s presence has elevated the play of everyone else. One of the league’s top scorers already, the three-time All-Star appears to be a top-10 player who will stay in place for a very long time in Phoenix. After all, the Suns would be in a disastrous spot if Devin does leave town.
Minnesota Timberwolves – Karl-Anthony Towns (8 Seasons)
The longest-tenured player for Minnesota is superstar and franchise player Karl-Anthony Towns. In the 2015 draft, Towns was selected as the No. 1 overall pick, and he has since repaid the Timberwolves with exceptional play on both ends. The three-time All-Star is only beginning his career in the league, and Minnesota is doing everything it can to surround him with elite-level stars, including Anthony Edwards and Rudy Gobert. Hopefully, Towns can achieve more than All-Star appearances and 3-Point Contests in Minnesota because he is talented enough to do so.
Denver Nuggets – Nikola Jokic (8 Seasons)
The Nuggets’ unexpected selection of Nikola Jokic in the second round of the 2014 NBA draft caught everyone off guard. Jokic had a talent for being successful on the court despite being slow and out of shape, which he was to start his career. This proved to be a franchise-changing decision as Nikola Jokic has won back-to-back MVP awards in 2021 and 2022 and might be the most talented player in Nuggets history. As long as Denver keeps improving around him, Jokic should remain a Nugget for life.
Dallas Mavericks – Dwight Powell (9 Seasons)
Currently playing in his 9th NBA season with the Dallas Mavericks, Dwight Powell has been a Maverick for a very long time. The 6’10” big man was primarily a paint defender and rebounder, but as he gets older, he is gradually developing his attacking repertoire. There is no reason why Powell, who has consistently served as a role player for the Mavericks, shouldn’t remain in Dallas for the foreseeable future, given what he offers as a starting center or backup big man.
Boston Celtics – Marcus Smart (9 Seasons)
Back in 2014, the Boston Celtics selected Marcus Smart as the No. 6 overall pick. Due to his strong defense, the powerful guard was named to the All-Rookie Team and has since been named to three All-Defensive Teams while playing for the Celtics. Smart is one of the essential players in Boston’s system due to his tough defense and commitment to work on his outside shot. He will remain a Celtic player for some time considering the guard won Defensive Player of the Year last season and helped the team make the NBA Finals.
Cleveland Cavaliers – Kevin Love (9 Seasons)
As the longest-tenured player for a talented team right now, Kevin Love has spent more time with the Cleveland Cavaliers. Love was a top player for the Minnesota Timberwolves a few years ago and was an important member of the Big Three that captured the NBA championship in 2016. NBA fans were perplexed when Cleveland signed Love to a max contract after LeBron James left, but the Cavaliers were aware they would never again have the opportunity to sign an All-Star. In any case, Love’s experience has been critical to the rise of the Cavs in the East.
Philadelphia 76ers – Joel Embiid (9 Seasons)
Joel Embiid, the No. 3 overall pick in the 2014 draft, has overcome his slow start to his career to become a perennial MVP candidate and one of the top-five players in the world. Philadelphia’s outstanding center play has been rewarded by Embiid, who has been named to the last five All-Star Teams. Embiid is one of the best players in the league and is hungry for the MVP award and also his first NBA championship. With James Harden and Tyrese Maxey by his side, Embiid can be a superstar for the 76ers and have the help he needs to win it all in Philadelphia.
Milwaukee Bucks – Giannis Antetokounmpo, Khris Middleton (10 Seasons)
Not only is Giannis Antetokounmpo the best player in Milwaukee, but he has also played there the longest alongside his sidekick Khris Middleton. The Greek Freak, who has dominated in Milwaukee for 10 years, has sworn allegiance to the city that selected him with the No. 15 overall pick in the 2013 draft. With the Bucks, Giannis has already won the MVP award twice and won the title in 2021. Khris Middleton, an All-Star wing player, has been Giannis’ best teammate as they have spearheaded championship culture under head coach Mike Budenholzer.
Washington Wizards – Bradley Beal (11 Seasons)
Bradley Beal is the longest-tenured player for the Washington Wizards, unsurprisingly. Beal started as a raw shooting guard who made the All-Rookie Team in 2013 and blossomed into an All-Star 5 years later. One of the top scorers in the NBA, Bradley Beal, has made 3 All-Star Teams with the Wizards and has averaged over 22 PPG for 7 straight seasons. Beal seems to be content making max money and being the number one option, so he could be a Washington Wizards player for the foreseeable future as a result.
Portland Trail Blazers – Damian Lillard (11 Seasons)
The superstar and franchise player of the Portland Trail Blazers, Damian Lillard, is also one of the longest-tenured stars in the league. Lillard is also considered the most loyal player in the NBA because he has stuck with Portland at all costs and does not wish to join other stars to take the easy road. Damian Lillard is a 6-time All-Star who has been a Trail Blazer for 11 seasons, and he would probably remain there for the rest of his career. The Trail Blazers are trying to build a contender around Lillard, but it might never happen.
Golden State Warriors – Stephen Curry (14 Seasons)
Stephen Curry, the greatest shooter of all time, has served Golden State with loyalty for more than a decade. Curry, a two-time MVP, is without a doubt the best point guard in the NBA and a franchise player in Golden State. Curry has rewarded the Warriors for taking a risk on a thin and injury-prone guard by bringing four NBA championships to the city. Curry is most likely a Warrior for life because he is one of the greatest players in franchise history, if not the greatest, for how he changed the game.
Miami Heat – Udonis Haslem (20 Seasons)
Udonis Haslem is the longest-active player in the NBA right now, playing two decades with one franchise. In his prime, Haslem was the tough defender with a mid-range jumper during the 2006 title run in Miami and has been the locker room veteran ever since. As he has aged, people are wondering why the veteran still has a roster spot. But the reason is simple: Haslem is the ultimate glue guy in the locker room, and he has been the main guy upholding Pat Riley’s philosophies for all these years. The result? A Finals appearance in 2020 and almost another one in 2022 in the “Jimmy Butler” era.
