Owners like control. That’s why they’re owners. Many of them will do most anything to win, including spending outrageous sums of money on mediocre player salaries, new arenas, whatever it takes to create a winning environment. What they usually won’t do is give up that control. Steve Ballmer (Clippers), James Dolan (Knicks), Micky Arison (Heat), Jerry Reinsdorf (Bulls) and their colleagues like to reserve the right to push the buttons. So the gold standard of player accomplishment–even beyond the money–is to be granted the ability to control your own career destiny.
There are only six players in the NBA that have a no-trade clause in their contracts. There names are: Kobe Bryant, Tim Duncan, Kevin Garnett, Dirk Nowitzki, Dwyane Wade and Carmelo Anthony.
