A week later, no less.
to what was perceived as a "small market" team, which is what they wanted. They didn't want a "Super Team", although the NBA was totally complicit in allowing Bosh, James, and Wade to go to Miami. And before anyone says that "Well, they were free agents", Miami had to make lopsided trades in order to facilitate these moves in order to get under the cap to get all three, and the NBA, and its owners, knew full well what the endgame was after all was said and done, and played along with it.
They didn't have an issue with a Super Team. They had an issue with the Lakers forming a Super Team. That much is obvious.
And you know what is funny? Everyone complained that the Lakers were getting the best player in the deal, while totally forgetting that they were giving up the 2nd AND 3rd best players in the deal.
Lamar 14.4 8.0 3.3 while shooting 53% from the field the previous year, after he had won the 6th man award
Gasol 18.8 10.2 3.3 while also shooting 54% form the field, and 83% from the free throw line. Who was also an NBA All 2nd team player that year and an all-star
And the hue and cry that "They could go and get Dwight Howard after this trade".
Ok. So you are going to stop one trade because you are afraid that it could lead to another?
And they didn't want Paul going to the Big Market "Los Angeles" Lakers, but were totally cool with him going to the small market "Los Angeles" Clippers.
The fact that the NBA, ESPN, and every major media outlet is excited about 2 super teams now in Cleveland and Golden State is just a little ironic here. The same thing that the owners wanted to avoid when they did the CBA back then, it is happening now
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Hornets were owned by the NBA, different scenario. It's like an owner not wanting to give away their best player.
And in hindsight, the Hornets ended up getting a worse package in the deal.