The NBA landscape changes more rapidly than ever these days. Players have been empowered to switch teams at a moment’s whim, even if it means forcing their way out via trade. This is a trend the Golden State Warriors have benefitted greatly from over the last decade.
The idea of Kevin Durant leaving the Oklahoma City Thunder to join his rival would have seemed impossible back in the early 2000s. To be frank, it sounded ridiculous even in the summer of 2016 when it became a real possibility. Now, however, the process of a star player jumping to another franchise has become nothing unusual.
There are a few star players who could be gearing up to force their way to a different team. Can the Golden State Warriors take advantage?
I just want to say, I’m actually a fan of the player empowerment movement. These are real human beings and though they ultimately signed their own contracts — at the end of the day, no one should be stuck in an unfavorable position if they don’t have to be.
Besides, it’s not like this is an easy decision for anyone. I don’t think Anthony Davis, Kawhi Leonard, or any other star who forced a trade in the last decade necessarily enjoyed the public backlash they received from their original fan bases.
Nonetheless, this offseason is a prime opportunity for star players to voice their frustration and force a trade. The Warriors should be keeping an especially close on eye on these three players.