9. 2009 – Blake Griffin, Clippers

(Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images)

The high-flying Griffin became an instant star with the Clippers, won the Rookie of the Year award, and was named to five All-Star teams. It looked like he would be a Clipper for life (or close to it) when he signed a max deal with the team last year but then midway through the season he was traded to the Pistons.