The 10 NBA players who could make their former teams suffer from the 'law of the ex'

Kevin Durant is the most significant case, although many others will follow, like Anthony Davis, who has already played against the Lakers but not in Los Angeles.

Víctor LF | Mon, 08/18/2025 - 22:54
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Kevin Durant will face the Phoenix Suns in the 2025/26 season.
Kevin Durant will face the Phoenix Suns in the 2025/26 season.

The NBA calendar is already on the table, and as always, attention first turns to the big rivalries. However, some of the most anticipated matchups do not stem from tradition but from the excitement generated by player returns. The so-called revenge games add drama and tension: players returning to the courts they once defended, now wearing a different jersey, filled with motivation and the opportunity to make their former teams pay.

Kevin Durant leads this list of special reunions. After two and a half seasons in Phoenix marked by inconsistency and the Suns failing to even make the play-in, the forward returns to Arizona donning the Houston Rockets jersey. His departure was amicable, but every Durant comeback is an event in itself, turning that matchup into a must-see.

Similar emotions await Bradley Beal. His stint in Phoenix was brief and forgettable, to the extent that the franchise extended his contract to move forward. Now, with the Clippers, he will return to the Footprint Center in early November with an extra spark of motivation. An early-season clash, but with a unique flavor.

The case of Anthony Davis is among the juiciest. The trade sending him to Dallas in exchange for Luka Dončić was one of those deals that shake the league's foundations. Davis already faced the Lakers last spring, albeit away from Los Angeles. This time, the return will be to Crypto.com Arena, where cheers and boos will mingle on a night full of mixed emotions.

Anthony Davis will play against the Los Angeles Lakers in 2025/26

Other Examples

Norman Powell will experience a similar context in his return to the Clippers. His time there was positive, but the lack of a contract extension led him to seek a future in Miami. The first reunion will be his chance to prove that the franchise's decision was a mistake. A similar situation will unfold with Kristaps Porziņģis, who left Boston after helping the team clinch a championship and will now wear the Atlanta jersey upon his return to TD Garden. He will likely be received warmly, yet the desire to shine will not be lacking. Jrue Holiday, also part of that championship team, will return just two days before playing with Portland, in another reunion promising defensive intensity and excitement.

The conclusion of Deandre Ayton's time in Portland was more contentious. His departure was plagued by rumors of work ethics issues and culminated in a buyout that set him free. Now with the Lakers, the center will have a golden opportunity to redeem himself against the Blazers. Another high-voltage return will be that of Myles Turner, who dedicated a decade of his career to the Pacers before signing with Milwaukee. The direct showdown, with both teams vying for the postseason, will add an even stronger competitive edge.

The list is rounded out by Jalen Green. His time in Houston yielded solid stats but also raised doubts about his impact on building a winning team. Now, with Phoenix, he will be part of a new backcourt alongside Devin Booker, and his return to Texas promises tension in the air. The story of Desmond Bane remains a bitter one: traded from Memphis to Orlando, his return to FedEx Forum will have to wait as the teams will only face off this season in Europe.

The revenge games always add an extra spice to the calendar. Beyond the historic rivalries, these matches are filled with excitement and often inspire remarkable performances. From Durant in Phoenix to Powell in Los Angeles this year, fans will have several of these marked-in-red clashes, adding drama and spectacle to the regular season routine.

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Los 10 jugadores NBA que podrían hacer sufrir a sus antiguos equipos "la ley del ex"