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NBA Players Who Will Want Revenge On Their Former Teams In 2025-26

There aren't many better NBA storylines than revenge games. After all, the league thrives on personal rivalries and the raw emotion that comes with them. It is only natural that some players mark dates on the calendar to exact revenge against the teams that wronged them.

It’s not just about bragging rights; it’s about sending a message and making sure the past doesn’t define the future. The 2025-26 season is shaping up to be full of these grudge-match moments. We expect superstars with names as big as Kevin Durant and even the still-upset Luka Doncic to exact more revenge, and we can't wait to see it. Here are the 10 NBA stars who will want revenge on their former teams next season.

1. Luka Doncic

Mar 10, 2025; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) reacts after a three point shot against the Brooklyn Nets during the second quarter at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images

Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images

We know Luka got some revenge last season, but it isn't enough. For years, Luka Doncic was the face of the Dallas Mavericks, carrying them to playoff runs (including an NBA Finals appearance) and rewriting their record books at just 25 years old.

But his exit from Dallas was still very messy. He is in the best shape of his life as a member of the Lakers, and with a fresh start, Luka will relish every opportunity to show his old team just how much they squandered by letting him leave just to draft Cooper Flagg.

When Dallas pops up on the schedule, expect Luka to come in with fire. Every step-back three, every behind-the-back dime, and every game-clinching shot will feel like a pointed reminder that the Mavericks had a generational talent and let him slip away. We can't wait.

2. Kevin Durant

Nov 6, 2024; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant (35) celebrates a basket against the Miami Heat during the second half at Footprint Center.

Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images

Kevin Durant has played for enough teams to have multiple revenge games circled, but in 2025-26, it’s the Phoenix Suns who may feel his wrath. Durant’s stint in Phoenix ended in disappointment, with a roster overloaded with stars but lacking balance, and the front office deciding to blow it up rather than fully commit to him as the centerpiece.

For a player still capable of putting up 30 on any given night, that decision might come back to haunt them once they meet. Durant’s legacy talk is louder than ever, and dominating against the Suns gives him the perfect chance to prove he is still a top-10 talent in the world.

He’ll want to torch Phoenix’s defense with his signature midrange pull-ups, showing them they abandoned a weapon who could’ve delivered a title if properly supported. The Rockets can't wait to have him step on the floor for them and see what KD can do against the Suns.

3. Jalen Green

Feb 3, 2025; New York, New York, USA; Houston Rockets guard Jalen Green (4) dribbles up court during the first half against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images

Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images

Jalen Green’s time in Houston was defined by flashes of brilliance mixed with questions about consistency and maturity. When the Rockets pivoted toward a win-now model and shipped him out for the legendary Kevin Durant, it was a clear message: they didn’t see him as the cornerstone he believed himself to be.

That kind of rejection can fuel a player like Green, who has always carried a chip on his shoulder from draft night comparisons to peers who broke out faster. Against the Rockets, Green will want to go off for highlight dunks and scoring outbursts that remind Houston of the dynamic offensive talent they gave up on.

If he drops 40 in a return game, expect him to make it clear. However, if he doesn't perform, Rockets fans might look away for good and be glad he isn't with them anywhere. For Green, revenge is about re-establishing his star power and proving the Rockets may have acted too soon.

4. Michael Porter Jr.

Mar 10, 2025; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Denver Nuggets forward Michael Porter Jr. (1) walks down the court after a play against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the second quarter at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images

Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images

We kind of saw it coming, but Michael Porter Jr.’s tenure with Denver was bittersweet. He won a championship alongside Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray, but persistent back injuries and questions about his defense made him expendable in the Nuggets’ long-term plans.

When Denver decided to move him for financial flexibility and depth, Porter Jr. was left feeling like the odd man out despite his shooting and scoring pedigree. That’s motivation baked in for every matchup with the Nuggets.

Porter Jr. has always believed he’s capable of more than the “third option” role he had in Denver. Facing his old team gives him the platform to show that when unleashed as a primary scorer, because the player truly believes he can reach the next level with the Brooklyn Nets.

5. Anthony Davis

Apr 18, 2025; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; Dallas Mavericks forward Anthony Davis (3) reacts during the second quarter against the Memphis Grizzlies at FedExForum.

Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images

Anthony Davis is synonymous with the Lakers’ 2020 championship, but as the years wore on, durability concerns and inconsistency shifted the franchise’s long-term vision. That's why they were more than happy to include him in a swap deal for superstar Luke Doncic. Davis is still an elite two-way superstar, but he wants to prove it against the Lakers.

That means when Davis faces L.A. next season, it won’t just be about offense; it’ll be about locking down the paint, swatting shots, and controlling the boards in ways that force the Lakers’ new core to feel his absence. AD is at his best when motivated, and we hope to see that next season.

6. Desmond Bane

Memphis Grizzlies guard Desmond Bane (22) reacts in the second half against the Denver Nuggets at Ball Arena.

Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

Desmond Bane’s rise with the Memphis Grizzlies was one of the league’s great success stories, a late first-round pick who blossomed into a high-level two-way guard. But Memphis’ decision to prioritize other pieces and move him to Orlando could easily be perceived as them not believing in him. In fact, they valued four first-round picks for him.

Against the Grizzlies, expect Bane to play with extra edge. His physical defense, shooting, and underrated playmaking will be directed squarely at proving Memphis wrong. Every bucket against Ja Morant’s squad will feel like a personal reminder that he was a perfect fit for their identity, but the Grizzlies didn't appreciate the team's growth.

7. Myles Turner

Indiana Pacers center Myles Turner (33) walks downcourt during the third quarter against the New York Knicks during game three of the Eastern Conference Finals for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.

Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images

For nearly a decade, Myles Turner was the trade rumor king, despite being an invaluable member of the Indiana Pacers. When the eventual split finally happened, it was a shock considering he helped them make the NBA Finals. But after years of being dangled in talks and never fully embraced as the undisputed big man, Turner now has all the reasons in the world to show Indiana what they missed.

Turner is one of the league’s best rim protectors and a capable stretch big, and when he faces the Pacers, he’ll want to dominate both ends of the floor alongside Giannis Antetokounmpo with the Milwaukee Bucks. For Turner, revenge is about proving he should have received the contract he deserved.

8. Kristaps Porzingis

May 7, 2025; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Celtics center Kristaps Porzingis (8) warms up before the start of game two of the second round for the 2025 NBA Playoffs against the New York Knicks at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-Imagn Images

Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-Imagn Images

Kristaps Porzingis’ tenure with the Celtics brought stretches of brilliance but was cut short by injuries and frustrations last season. If the Celtics ultimately moved on from him, it would likely be due to durability concerns rather than talent, and that's exactly what happened this offseason.

Against the Celtics, Porzingis will want to unleash his full bag: deep threes, post fades, and rim protection that changes the flow of the game. Every strong outing against Boston will reinforce the idea that he was worth being over the second apron for. With the Hawks, the big man will look to stay healthy alongside Trae Young.

9. Norman Powell

Los Angeles Clippers guard Norman Powell (24) brings the ball up court during the third quarter against the Utah Jazz at Intuit Dome.

Mandatory Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images

Norman Powell has built his career on being underestimated, and since the Clippers moved on from him, it added another chapter to that story. After carving out a role as one of the NBA’s most reliable scorers and just missing out on the All-Star Team last season, Powell’s scoring punch could be exactly what L.A. ends up missing if Bradley Beal's presence doesn't cut it.

When Powell faces the Clippers, don’t be surprised if he treats it like a personal showcase. Even if he is with the Miami Heat now, Powell would like to put up at least 25 points and at least, outscore Beal and any of the Clippers' current guards.

10. John Collins

Dec 8, 2024; Sacramento, California, USA; Utah Jazz forward John Collins (20) during the third quarter against the Sacramento Kings at Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images

Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images

John Collins’ exit was expected, but his revenge will be about proving he was never the problem. The Utah Jazz decided that he doesn’t fit their timeline, and for Collins, who put up strong numbers last year, that would be something for the player to gain motivation from.

Against Utah, Collins will want to dominate the glass, run the floor, and use his athleticism to torch defenders who once wore the same jersey. A monster double-double in Salt Lake City would be the perfect revenge statement, especially since he is on a Clippers roster that features multiple All-Stars.

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