Player empowerment has been one of the biggest topics in basketball over the last couple of years. Unlike many other sports, basketball players have the ability to request trades seemingly at random and end up getting what they want. Players are able to create superteams and get massive contracts compared to their teammates. Over the years, it has become clear that the players have all the power and the general managers are simply sitting ducks who must do everything to keep their stars happy.

Kawhi Leonard is a solid example of this trend. Back in 2018, Leonard was able to force his way out of San Antonio after they mishandled his injury. This inciting incident was recently talked about by Tom Haberstroh of NBC Sports. In his report, he notes that this particular issue had GM’s clutching their pearls.

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Per NBC Sports:

“So, what’s going on here? Polling some executives over the past few weeks, it’s clear that the league over the years has shifted the power structure to appear more player-centric, erring on the side of caution to protect their star player and also demonstrate a certain appreciation for the player’s long-term career.

As for the origin of this recent trend, several pointed to a single event: Kawhi Leonard forcing his way out of San Antonio in 2018 after a disagreement over how to handle his quad issue.

“Kawhi scared the living hell out of everyone,” said one GM. “If it can happen to the Spurs, it can happen to anybody.””

Kawhi eventually got traded to the Toronto Raptors and helped them win a championship. Now, he’s on the Los Angeles Clippers and is about to the same. Clearly, player empowerment is working as long as you’re not the GM on the wrong side of it.

Antonio Brown’s tenure with the Oakland Raiders was both short and tumultuous. Things seemed to be going great until Brown decided he would retire from the game of football if he couldn’t wear the helmet of his choice. After numerous helmet grievances and general antics, Brown was released by the Raiders and eventually picked up by the New England Patriots. Brown’s tenure with the Patriots was even shorter although at least he was able to play a game.

Now, Brown is without a team and next month, he will technically become a free agent although it remains to be seen whether or not he will actually get picked up. AB has expressed interest in a Raider reunion but according to Levi Damien of the Raiders Wire, Raiders GM Mike Mayock has much different plans.

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“Antonio Brown, I have very little comment about,” Mayock said. “I think he had his time with the Raiders and I think his time there is up.”

Brown didn’t end on good terms with the Raiders as Mayock made his frustrations with the wide receiver, very clear. Mayock became fed up with AB’s antics and eventually released him after somewhat of a public dispute that was mediated through the media. A reunion wouldn’t make sense for either side and if it were to happen, it would surely end in disaster.

Needless to say, Mayock is well-aware of the types of players he wants within his organization, moving forward.