I know there is a lot of Lebron banter going on, so consider this is sincere question (I watch the NBA, but it is my least favorite of the major 4 sports):

Back in the 80s, were any of the megastars (Jordan, Magic, Bird, etc) in the same situation as Lebron right now? I can't remember ever thinking about them leaving their respective teams (not that Lebron is leaving). What changed free agency over the past, say, 25 years? I honestly don't know the answer, would love a lesson here from the NBA fans.

Shaq leaving Orlando at the age of 24 would be about the closest example of a player that caliber leaving their team.

IggyPride00 wrote: Shaq leaving Orlando at the age of 24 would be about the closest example of a player that caliber leaving their team.

Agreed, I immediately thought of him as well, but that happened around 1996 or so. I was thinking more of the 80s. Was free agency different then? Did MJ, Magic, Bird etc just keep re-signing mid contract to avoid a media frenzy? I simply can't remember anything similar to what we are seeing now