Let’s play a game: pretend for a moment that you’re the leader of a successful franchise, coming off four straight seasons winning at least 60 percent of your teams’ games. The greatest thorn in your side has just left your division, leaving you a pretty clear window to get to a championship game. You have your eye on a superstar you think could make a difference, but to get him, you’d have to give up your most popular player, as well as other talent.
Now, keep in mind, the player you’re thinking about acquiring hasn’t played in almost a year, and there are reports that he’s moody, and not communicating well with his current team. And he’s in the final year of his contract, which means you might not be able to resign him.