“This is now way business is done in NBA, and why NFL is still so much more popular” - Skip Bayless says players forcing trades with 4 years left on contract is not good for NBA's image in wake of Kevin Durant’s trade request
The NBA landscape was turned on its head hours before the start of free agency, when it emerged that Kevin Durant had formally requested a trade from the Brooklyn Nets. The Nets were already in the headlines due to their stalemate with Kyrie Irving, and it may have cost them the services of the former MVP.
This is not the first time an NBA star has requested a trade, but Durant's situation is certainly unique. For starters, he is still one of the top talents in the league. This past season, he averaged 29.9 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 6.4 assists.
Kevin Durant has requested a trade out of Brooklyn, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium.
What stands out most about this storyline is the fact that Durant still has four years left on his contract. This means that whichever team acquires him will have his services long-term.
FS1's Skip Bayless took to Twitter to share his thoughts on the matter. He thinks this is a bad look for the NBA and is a clear indicator as to why the NFL is the more popular sports league.
It's not good for the NBA's image (and ratings) that superstars can force trades even when they have 4 YEARS LEFT ON A CONTRACT, as Kevin Durant does. But this is now the way business is done in the NBA - and why the NFL is still so much more popular.
"It's not good for the NBA's image (and ratings) that superstars can force trades even when they have 4 YEARS LEFT ON A CONTRACT, as Kevin Durant does. But this is now the way business is done in the NBA - and why the NFL is still so much more popular," he tweeted.
Is Skip Bayless right about the NBA being less popular than the NFL?
Bayless is right about one thing, this is how the NBA conducts business now. Teams are at the mercy of their star players, who have more control over their destiny now than ever before. That being said, there is no justification that it has hurt the league from an image or ratings standpoint. One could even argue that pro basketball has grown in popularity during the player empowerment era.
One thing fans love in sports is drama, whether it's in or outside the parameters of the game. When it comes to juicy storylines, the NBA is by far the most intriguing sports league. How things unfolded following the news about Durant is a testament to that. The moment word got around, it instantly became the biggest topic of conversation among all American sports.
The NFL is a close rival, but pro basketball is without a doubt the most popular league. Between thrilling matchups on the court and endless drama off it, there is never a shortage of excitement.
In his rant, Bayless did bring up a valid point about the league and it's changing landscape. As players continue to request trades in long-term deals, the league could have a growing problem on its hands.
In the past, players typically asked out when they had a year or two left on their deal. Now, guys are doing it fresh off of signing big contracts and getting their wish. There is no telling what ripple effect this might cause for the next generation of stars when their time comes to secure big paydays.