NBA Teams Get Tougher On Star Extensions: 'Being Unhappy Is Not A Negotiating Position Anymore'

NBA Teams Get Tougher On Star Extensions: 'Being Unhappy Is Not A Negotiating Position Anymore'

NBA teams are taking a tougher approach with star players who want contract extensions. This offseason, the New York Knicks, Washington Wizards and Detroit Pistons all refused to give in to unhappy stars. "A year or two ago, I don't think you'd have seen that," said an Eastern Conference executive. "The teams would've felt too much pressure. Being unhappy is not a negotiating position anymore." Karl-Anthony Towns said publicly that he wanted an …

NBA superstars still hold considerable leverage despite tougher contract negotiations

Although several NBA franchises have become less willing to accommodate unhappy players, the league’s biggest stars continue to exercise considerable influence over organizational decisions. The Los Angeles Lakers and Minnesota Timberwolves took different approaches from teams such as the Knicks and Wizards, making significant roster moves designed to satisfy their franchise players. Los Angeles acquired […]

NBA teams playing hardball with stars: ‘Being unhappy is not a negotiating position anymore’

Karl-Anthony Towns and Anthony Davis were willing to discuss extensions below their maximum salaries. Their teams still decided to wait. That’s getting attention around the NBA, according to ESPN’s Brian Windhorst and Tim MacMahon, who detailed how some front offices are becoming more comfortable letting contract uncertainty follow their stars into the season. “A year […]