The motivation behind NBA free-agent moves
As I sat down and think of possible topics to discuss during my first post, I was initially stumped.
While I have ideas about future posts, I wanted my first post to be something that would set the tone for future posts, and attract attention to a side of the sports world that often goes unnoticed.
Sports Psychology has always caught my attention since I first heard about it. If you aren't completely familiar with Sports Psychology, there are many websites that help describe it, and I would be more than happy to answer any questions you may have (I do not claim to be an expert on the subject, but I am currently pursuing a degree in the field so I can do my best).
As you know, every person is motivated by something different. In athletics, motivation can be directly related to off-field decisions, and performance during the sport. Some athletes want paid the most money, while others want to perform the best statistically and some athletes just want to win. Obviously, most athletes have a great blend of all of these, but each athlete has one motivation that is above all, even if that athlete is not aware of which motivation that is.
For this post, I want to examine the recent NBA free agency frenzy that took the league by storm. With the leagues new collective bargaining agreement, players were offered contracts with more guaranteed money than ever before. Many of the world best players left their teams for new situations, and more money. Others values loyalty over money, and cut their hometown team a discount in order to help that team perform. Other players made their decision based solely on basketball, and where they would be able to win the most games while being in a good situation for themselves. Let's examine three players and the decisions they made this offseason, and take a look at what influenced them to make these decisions.
1. Kevin Durant (2 yrs $54 million) Golden State Warriors
Before his highly anticipated free agency, Durant said his decision would be a "basketball decision." Durant, who spent nine seasons with the Oklahoma City Thunder decided it was time to branch out and create a super-team with the Golden State Warriors.
Durant was motivated by seasons of coming up short. He decided that it was time for him to move on from OKC, and he actually took less money to sign with Golden State. For Durant, it was never about money. Durant is ready to win championships, and he is going to the right place to do so. Durant has already found individual success, and he was ready to take bring that individual success to a team that won an NBA record 73 games last season, and an NBA championship the year prior.
Durant was also motivated by the style of basketball in Golden State. In OKC, the Thunder played a lot of isolation basketball. Now, Durant will be part of one of the best passing teams in the league, and the best shooting team in NBA history. When it all is added up, its tough to not see why KD was motivated to sign with the Warriors. Durant will have the opportunity to be the face of a possible dynasty, and it is hard to turn down that opportunity. Durant valued his chance to win, and compete at a high level over the chance of making more money, and being loyal to the franchise that drafted him.
2. David West (1 yr $1.3 million) Golden State Warriors
David West is chasing rings in the Bay Area
Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports
David West's aspirations became crystal clear last season whenever he turned down $12 million per season to sign for $1.3 million with the San Antonio Spurs. West took a reduced pay, and a less significant role to sign with the team favorited to win the NBA title during the offseason. Once the Spurs were eliminated from the playoffs this season, West was left without the elusive first title.
Now, he is not playing any games.
Instead of sticking with San Antonio (who is in great shape to compete for an NBA title next season) West will sign the league minimum with the Golden State Warriors, who as mentioned will boast four all-stars and the leagues last three MVP's.
West really wants a championship ring, and that is an understatement. He spent last season chasing a title, and will spend this season doing the same in a small role. For a guy who has had a successful career like West, it's not hard to see why he does not do this. He has made plenty of money over his career, and has performed at a high level. Now all he needs is a ring to help solidify his career. West probably could have earned around $6-8 million this season, but instead chose to sign with the team most likely to win a title. Can't say I blame him.
3. Dwayne Wade (2 yrs $47.5 million) Chicago Bulls
The Miami Heat disrespected Wade, now he will wear a different Red & black
Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports
Well, not many people anticipated this move. Wade, the face of the Miami Heat franchise for over ten years, left for his hometown Chicago Bulls. Many people have debated the strange departure, but I feel like it can be broken down by looking at what motivated Wade to leave.
Wade was motivated by money, (the Bulls offered him about $7.5 million more than Miami) but Wade was also motivated by the disrespect Miami gave him. Deep down, I think Wade wanted to be loyal to Miami. But how could he be loyal, when they did not honor everything he had done for them? A guy like Wade should be able to set his price, and he realized that. Miami did not honor his wishes, and Wade had to make the difficult decision to leave the franchise that he helped win three NBA championships.
Wade gave his all to the franchise, and felt like it should be appreciated by giving him the money he desired. Wade will be able to go to Chicago, with a similar role that he played in Miami, and be in his hometown. All of these facts led to Wade leaving Miami, and returning home for the end of his storybook career.
