Out of curiosity, what are most players most loyal to (assuming money is equal)? The city The franchise (not one and the same with above, see: Seattle) The management The coach The teammates Not just speaking of the Harden situation, where 2 of the 5 are no longer present here from yesteryears, but for all the NBA players.
I would say the city and then maybe the coaching staff. I think Morey and Harden had a very unique relationship that doesn’t happen much throughout the league and in sports in general.
There is no loyalty nowadays. It's all about which team gives u the best chance of getting a ring. There might b a few players that r loyal to the city/team that drafted them and remains, but nowadays very few stay with the same team. Harden stayin with us for 8 years is quite long for one that didn't even drafted him.
Why should players be loyal when Teams can trade them any time they want? The only expectatioms should be that the player honors the contract terms and be professional about it.
There’s never been loyalty. Players used to be like prisoners with those awful contract constructions.,