Core players are important for NBA teams. They serve as the heart of the roster that will decide how far a team goes in its pursuit of an NBA title. More often than not, it takes plenty of time and effort to develop a core that will someday make the team a legitimate championship contender.

But while every team invests in a core group of players, there are times when an NBA team decides to blow it all up in return for a franchise player who can immediately help the franchise win a championship. Other times, some teams just didn't have enough patience to wait. Let's take a look at 10 young NBA core groups that were broken up too soon.

Post-Kobe Bryant Lakers

Players: Julius Randle, D'Angelo Russell, Brandon Ingram, Jordan Clarkson, Lonzo Ball, Kyle Kuzma

The Los Angeles Lakers had plenty of young talent when the franchise was preparing for the retirement of the late Kobe Bryant. There's no doubt that the Purple and Gold had plenty of potential in their hands.

However, like building a championship team, things weren't easy. Julius Randle suffered injuries while D'Angelo Russell was caught up in controversy. However, it was the acquisition of LeBron James that convinced the franchise to go from developing young talent to winning a championship within James' closing window.

The Lakers immediately blew up the rest of their young core by bringing in Anthony Davis, leaving only Kyle Kuzma in the roster. Although the Lakers won a championship in 2020, fans can't help wonder about what if the Lakers had kept their young core.

After leaving LA, Randle, Russell, and Brandon Ingram became All-Stars. Jordan Clarkson also became a Sixth Man of the Year winner, while Lonzo Ball was the Bulls' main starting guard.

The up-and-coming Sacramento Kings

Players: De'Aaron Fox, Tyrese Haliburton, Buddy Hield

Things weren't always smooth in Sacramento. In fact, it took more than a decade for the franchise to return to playoff relevancy.

But before making history, the Sacrament Kings did have something cooking, especially with a surplus of young talent at their disposal, particularly Tyrese Haliburton. The Kings, however, gave the keys to De'Aaron Fox and traded away Haliburton to the Indiana Pacers for Domantas Sabonis.

While the Kings accomplished their mission, fans can't overlook that what if Haliburton had developed the way he did in Indiana. Haliburton became an All-Star-caliber guard and even led the team to the NBA In-Season Tournament Final.

The rising Suns

Players: DeAndre Ayton, Devin Booker, Mikal Bridges, Cameron Payne

There's no question that the Phoenix Suns had a lot of young guns in their roster. In fact, they even tapped Chris Paul to help lead them to the 2021 NBA Finals.

However, it seemed like the Suns couldn't wait any longer, especially when Kevin Durant's services were available after his falling out in Brooklyn. The Suns blew up their entire core for KD and only kept Booker from their 2021 Finals team. Since then, the Suns have yet to return to the Finals.

Post-Process era

Players: Joel Embiid, Ben Simmons, Markelle Fultz

One of the biggest what-ifs for Philadelphia 76ers fans is what would've happened if the team's lottery picks had stayed together at full health. Markelle Fultz was a promising prospect who suffered a serious injury that hampered his performance. With the Sixers not wanting to wait, they immediately traded the young guard to Orlando.

With Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons leading the Sixers to several playoff exits, it's worth wondering if Fultz was the missing piece. Unfortunately, we'd never know, especially after Simmons made his dramatic exit from Philly.

Post-Kevin Durant Thunder

Players: Russell Westbrook, Victor Oladipo, Domantas Sabonis, Jerami Grant, Steven Adams

Since Durant left the Oklahoma City Thunder, there was no doubt that the team now belonged to Russell Westbrook. After trading away Serge Ibaka and a draft pick, the team managed to snag young talents in Victor Oladipo, Domantas Sabonis, and Jerami Grant. This was a promising core led by an NBA MVP.

Unfortunately, the Thunder opted to surround Westbrook instead with more proven talents, acquiring Paul George and Carmelo Anthony. While the Thunder faced another early playoff exit, Oladipo and Sabonis went on to become All-Stars for Indiana. On the other hand, Grant developed into one of the best two-way players in the league.

The Mavericks' European duo

Players: Luka Doncic, Kristaps Porzingis, Jalen Brunson

Related NewsArticle continues below
Rutgers Scarlet Knights guard Ace Bailey (4) celebrates during the second half against the UCLA Bruins at Jersey Mike's Arena.
Ace Bailey sends message to Rutgers ahead of 2025 NBA Draft
Auburn Tigers guard Tahaad Pettiford (0) controls the ball against Florida Gatorsguard Denzel Aberdeen (11) during the second half in the semifinals of the men's Final Four of the 2025 NCAA Tournament at the Alamodome.
Tahaad Pettiford makes bold statement at NBA Draft Combine scrimmage

If there's another core that probably needed a little more time, it would be the Dallas Mavericks. Partnering Luka Doncic with Kristaps Porzingis drew mixed reactions, especially with a string of repeated early playoff exits.

But in 2022, things were looking promising, especially with the rise of Jalen Brunson. Unfortunately, the Mavs weren't willing to pay Brunson's asking price. On the other hand, Porzingis was growing unhappy in Dallas, causing the franchise to break up the core.

Dark days of Sacramento

Players: DeMarcus Cousins, Tyreke Evans, Isaiah Thomas

The Sacramento Kings were longtime cellar dwellers in the NBA for a good reason. While they had the talent, the Kings just couldn't find a way to either keep them together or use them effectively. They eventually let go Rookie of the Year winner Tyreke Evans to the Pelicans.

On the other hand, they also let go of Isaiah Thomas, who was a surprise second-round pick, just because he didn't fit the “mold.” But worst of all, they also gave up their face of the franchise and All-Star center, DeMarcus Cousins.

Pre-Kawhi and PG Clippers

Players: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Tobias Harris, Montrezl Harrell, Ivica Zubac

The Los Angeles Clippers were piecing together something great. In the 2018-19 season, the team finished with a 48-34 record thanks to a young core led by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.

However, with Kawhi Leonard and Paul George teaming up in Los Angeles, the team basically let go of their top rookie. Moreover, they also let go of Tobias Harris, who went on to star in Philadelphia. The aftermath saw SGA become the franchise player for the Thunder.

The Triple J in Dallas

Players: Jason Kidd, Jamal Mashburn, Jim Jackson

There's no question that Dallas had something cooking because of The Triple J. With the trio putting up elite production on the court, it initially looked like the Mavericks would rise to contender status.

However, rumors persisted that the trio faced a dramatic off-court problem concerning singer Toni Braxton. On the other hand, Kidd started to fight the Mavericks coaching staff, forcing the franchise to disband its promising trio.

Pre-Carmelo Anthony Knicks

Players: Danilo Gallinari, Wilson Chandler, Nate Robinson

While the Knicks were seemingly in a rebuilding process, they did have exciting young pieces that they could've worked with. However, after failing to bring LeBron James to New York, the team was going all-in to convince any superstar to play in Madison Square Garden.

After bringing in Amar'e Stoudemire, the team just couldn't pass up a disgruntled Carmelo Anthony in Denver. This forced the Knicks to gut their roster to make room for the All-Star forward.