Chris Paul
These days we know Paul as one of the greatest point guards in history. He doesn’t have a ring but he enjoyed brilliant personal success with the Clippers and the Suns. However, Paul expected to play on the other side of Los Angeles. But the NBA intervened and blocked a trade to the Lakers.

Then they tried to make a deal with the Clippers but it fell apart. This rumbled on for ages before the Hornets finally sent him out West. It was one of the most notable long-term dramas of the era. The Clippers didn’t achieve the success that they expected but they had some exciting moments (via Bleacher Report).