In an era where player movement is the norm and jersey swaps happen more frequently than ever, it’s rare to see NBA players stick together over the years—let alone grow up together in the league. But every once in a while, a handful of players defy the trend, forming bonds that go beyond basketball and becoming fixtures in each other’s personal and professional evolution.
We’re talking about those duos—or even trios—who entered the league at the same time, developed side by side, endured wins, losses, and locker room drama together, and still manage to show love for each other like family. They might not always stay on the same team, but the connection never fades.
Here are a few of the most heartwarming examples of NBA friendships that have stood the test of time, through all the movement and madness.
Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown
Drafted in 2016 and 2017 respectively, Tatum and Brown are the rare pair of young stars who not only came up together but have remained with the same franchise: the Boston Celtics. From the early playoff runs to coming within inches of a championship, they’ve been through it all. While rumors have swirled for years about whether the Celtics might eventually split the duo, their chemistry on the court and mutual respect off of it continue to anchor Boston’s core identity.
Tatum once described their relationship as “more like brothers than teammates,” and it shows. From joking around during All-Star Weekend to picking each other up during postgame pressers, the bond is genuine. In a league of shifting alliances, their growth—both as players and people—has been intertwined in a way that fans can’t help but root for.
Devin Booker and D’Angelo Russell
Though they’ve never played on the same NBA team, Booker and Russell (along with Karl-Anthony Towns) formed a tight-knit trio early in their careers. Drafted within a year of each other, the three bonded over offseason workouts, Team USA camps, and endless late-night hangouts in the offseason.
What makes Booker and Russell’s connection special is that their friendship has never needed the same jersey to be real. They FaceTime each other after games. They show up to each other’s milestones. And when Russell made his return to the Lakers, Booker was one of the first to text him: “Full circle.”
Despite the trades, team changes, and different roles, they’ve supported each other through rough patches and celebrated each other’s successes—just like lifelong friends do.
Giannis Antetokounmpo and Khris Middleton
When Giannis was still a lanky teenager trying to adapt to life in Milwaukee, it was Khris Middleton who took him under his wing. The two have been teammates since 2013—an almost unheard-of stretch in today’s league.
Through losing seasons, coaching changes, and growing expectations, they’ve stuck together, improving year after year until they led the Bucks to the 2021 NBA Championship. Middleton has always been Giannis’ go-to guy, both in crunch time and in life. Giannis, in return, never hesitates to credit Middleton as one of the biggest reasons for his success.
Their partnership isn’t flashy, but it’s built on trust, loyalty, and years of shared battles. And in a league where superstars often jump ship in search of brighter lights, that kind of longevity feels almost romantic.
Steph Curry, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green
If any trio epitomizes growing up together in the NBA, it’s the Warriors’ big three. Since 2012, Steph, Klay, and Draymond have been the foundation of Golden State’s dynasty. They’ve evolved from promising youngsters to championship leaders, weathering injuries, criticism, and even a brief rebuilding phase together.
There’s a special kind of love in the way Draymond defends Klay after a cold shooting night, or how Steph beams with pride when talking about Draymond’s impact. They’ve shared MVP seasons, title runs, and heart-wrenching losses—and they’ve done it all side by side.
Even when the roster around them has changed drastically, the trio has stayed intact, like a family refusing to be separated. The Warriors’ culture? That’s just an extension of their bond.
More Than Just Teammates
What makes these relationships so beautiful is how they reflect something deeper than basketball. It’s the long bus rides, the shared hotel rooms, the rookie years full of doubt, the late-night texts after a rough game, the tears after a season-ending injury. It’s being there for each other when the world turns on you and still sticking around when the applause gets loud.
These players didn’t just build chemistry on the hardwood—they built lifelong friendships, brotherhoods that transcend franchises and contracts. In a league fueled by business decisions, these connections feel like something money can’t buy.
So yes, there’s a lot of movement in the NBA. But every now and then, we get to watch something rare: players who came in together, grew up together, and still ride for each other today.
❤️
