Loyalty in the NBA is a complex thing. It is sometimes tough for players and franchises to pledge loyalty to one another since, at the end of the day, it is simply business. However, a number of players and teams in the league have displayed commitment to one another and defined the statement “it’s not just a game.”
ESPN made a post to shift our focus to these teams and players, whose commitment to one another overflows. They shared a photo of 5 active players who have spent most seasons with a single franchise. And, as one might expect, the Golden State Warriors’ fearsome trio dominated this lineup. The loyal list of players featured Stephen Curry, Draymond Green, Klay Thompson, Damian Lillard, and Bradley Beal.
At least a decade with the same team 😮 pic.twitter.com/UiX6m1xRdF
— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) July 9, 2022
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The Warriors have become a dynasty, led by their sharpshooters, Curry and Thompson. Both of these individuals will be forever associated with the most successful period at a franchise that has developed a habit of stockpiling silverware.
Stephen Curry has been with the Warriors for 13 years, while Klay Thompson has been with them for 11. And, over the years, both have provided Warriors fans with jaw-dropping moments. Splash Brothers are more than a moniker. It portrays the feelings and delights that these magicians brought to the Bay Area.
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Draymond Green has also been an integral part of the Warriors franchise. He has been with the team for a decade and in all these years; he has carved a niche for himself. While many would get lost in the shadows of Curry and Thompson, Green defied the odds through his “swiss army knife” game.
Green has beautifully complimented Curry, and Thompson’s wizardry, and in some ways, strengthened them. The trio has delivered 4 championships to the Bay Area and shows no signs of slowing down.
Damian Lillard and Bradley Beal join Stephen Curry and company on this list
In addition to the Warriors trio, there are 2 other players who have bled loyalty for their team. Damian Lillard and Bradley Beal are these players who, despite all the setbacks, continue to don the colors of the teams that drafted them.
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Damian Lillard has spent the previous 10 years with the Portland Trail Blazers. The standout player has done everything he can to help the squad reach new heights. The Conference Finals, however, were the furthest Dame could carry them.
Most points in a playoff loss:
63 — Michael Jordan vs Celtics
57 — Donovan Mitchell vs Nuggets
55 — Damian Lillard vs Nuggets pic.twitter.com/5sPhURX2iG— StatMuse (@statmuse) June 2, 2021
Despite everything, he hasn’t even hinted at abandoning Rip City. Therefore, the franchise recently decided to reward his loyalty with a massive contract extension. The extension would keep Lillard under contract until the 2026-27 season and is said to be valued at around $122 million.
Damian Lillard’s contract breakdown:
Current contract:
2022-23: $42.5M
2023-24: $45.6M
2024-25: $48.8MExtension:
2025-26: $58.5M
2026-27: $63.3M (player option)(via @BobbyMarks42) https://t.co/QXYS6XV9sc
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) July 8, 2022
Bradley Beal, like Lillard, has spent his entire 10-year NBA career with the franchise that drafted him. To be honest, his tenure with the Washington Wizards has been fruitless.
In the last decade, the Wizards have only made the playoffs 5 times, reaching the Conference Semifinals 3 times. Beal, however, has consistently demonstrated his exceptional scoring ability and continues to perform for the Wizards at a high level.
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Beal, just like Lillard, was rewarded for his commitment with a five-year, $251 million supermax deal extension. Interestingly, his contract has an incredibly rare no-trade clause that allows him to decline any trade in which he is involved. Fair to say, we should expect to see Beal in the same hues for quite some time.
Leaving a legacy.@RealDealBeal23 has signed a new five-year deal to remain in D.C. 💪#DCFamily
— Washington Wizards (@WashWizards) July 6, 2022
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Both players have been loyal to the franchise; however, have been unable to add a ring to their resumes. What does the future hold for Beal and Lillard? Let us know in the comments section down below.