Former Kentucky star Patrick Patterson has written an incredible article about what it feels like to be traded in the NBA.
Patterson, who has been traded twice, is currently a solid player for the Toronto Raptors.
I highly recommend that you read Patterson’s insightful article.
Here is an excerpt:
I didn’t comprehend right away. I paused for what felt like a while, then just blurted out the first thing that popped into my head:
“Who did y’all trade me for?”
“Thomas Robinson.”
I hear a record scratch in my head.
Is this April Fool’s? Thomas Robinson? No disrespect to him, I understand he was a top-five draft pick, but still, he’s a rookie who hasn’t gotten consistent minutes on a struggling team! I’m a starter averaging career-highs on a team in playoff contention. We’re winning! Are you serious? This is bullshit.
That’s what I wanted to say, but it’s not what I said.
What actually happened was I thanked them for the opportunity to be a part of the organization, they told me to let them know if there’s anything else I need, and then I left the office.
When you’re traded, you can’t help but compare yourself to the guy you’re traded for. It’s partly an ego thing, but it’s also related to your perceived value in the league. The truth is, while it was tough to be traded for a rookie, there probably weren’t many people who would have softened the blow for me. It stung.
I walked back to the locker room for the last time. A couple of the guys asked what happened. When I told them, they were sure I was messing around.
As the rest of the team prepared for the game — a game I thought I’d be starting in — I left the arena in a car that was arranged to take me home. Immediately, my phone started blowing up — my agent, my family, friends. But I didn’t want to talk to anybody. I was furious. The hardest part might have been sitting at home that night watching the Rockets win the game.
A trade feels like a breakup. But like a tough breakup, my bitterness towards the Rockets faded over time. I understand now that it was strictly a business decision. And I respect the guys in the front office for doing their jobs. But how can you not take it personally?
Complete Article (HIGHLY recommended)
