Players Who Moved To Championship NBA Teams and Ended Up With Nothing?

Charles Barkley - moved to Rockets after they eliminated the Suns in '95

Let's separate out Karl Malone from the other three. Malone is arguably the best power forward of all time and deservedly a member of the Dream Team. The Mailman is a first ballot hall of Famer. 12 All Star Games and two league MVP's He played 18 seasons for the Jazz, fiercely loyal to his team. He played 1434 games for Utah, taking them to the NBA Finals along with John Stockton twice. Malone retired as the second leading scorer ever, only trailing Kareem Abdul Jabbar. When Stockton, Malone's long time running mate, retired after the 2003 season, the Jazz knew they were entering a rebuilding program. Instead of Malone deserting Utah, as you insinuate, they gave him their blessing to pursue a chance to join the Lakers for a third NBA Finals appearance and a possible Championship. Ultimately, they fell to the Pistons in five games.

So Malone ended up with nothing? Hardly! No championship ring, perhaps. But he retired knowing he gave it his all each and every year, each and every game. That makes him a winner in my book!