Who is Sick of the "I Want to Play in NY or LA" Trade Demand

You're right. Paxson and company are smarter than I give them credit for.

"We're not going to trade Andre because he wants the max. We know Andre. We aren't winning with him. Nobody's coming to our building to see Andre Miller play. I'm not putting Andre down. It's just a fact. You say it's not a basketball decision, but in the future it is."

Link

 

1. If FA's really want to play in NY or LA for more money in endorsements, I can't blame them. In any normal job, who the heck wouldn't re-locate to a place that could pay 30% more.

2. It's often a smoke screen. Especially with LA, a lot of players insisted they'd take the exception to win a ring. Doesn't happen nearly as often as players talk about it.

3. Sometimes it does happen, and it's natural. There's a pecking order of cities when they compete for any service. If you live in Pittsburgh, don't expect to get the Olympics. Similarly, if you live in Vancouver, don't expect people who like low taxes and warm weather to play for you.

Sure, it sucks for the fans. But I can't blame the players. They're just doing what anyone else (almost) would do in their places.