Is the Concept of Franchise Stars Disappearing in the NBA?

 

The concept of the franchise star in the NBA is gradually fading. Recently, the Dallas Mavericks made the shocking decision to trade Luka Dončić to the Los Angeles Lakers. This move is more than just a trade; it symbolizes how much the idea of franchise players has weakened in today’s NBA. Just a few years ago, Dončić was considered the future of the Mavericks and was expected to become a legendary figure for the franchise. However, he will now wear a Lakers jersey, demonstrating how fluid player-team relationships have become.

In the past, it was common for players to spend their entire careers with one team, shaping its history and culture. Legends such as Kobe Bryant, Tim Duncan, and Dirk Nowitzki all spent their entire careers with a single franchise, becoming the defining figures of their respective teams. However, this level of loyalty is becoming increasingly rare in today’s NBA.

The league’s current trend revolves around rapid change and immediate championship contention. Even LeBron James, despite his greatness, did not finish his career with a single team. Russell Westbrook, once the face of the Oklahoma City Thunder, has since played for multiple teams as a journeyman. Similarly, Damian Lillard, who was long considered the epitome of loyalty with the Portland Trail Blazers, has now moved on to the Milwaukee Bucks.

The Dončić trade further underscores this shift. Previously, teams and players built long-term relationships and grew together, but now, short-term success and immediate championship opportunities take precedence. As a result, teams are more willing to part ways with franchise stars if it means improving their chances of winning in the near future.

Despite this trend, a few players remain as franchise cornerstones. Stephen Curry continues to be the heart of the Golden State Warriors, Giannis Antetokounmpo remains committed to the Milwaukee Bucks, and Nikola Jokić has solidified his place as the face of the Denver Nuggets. Jayson Tatum is also emerging as a long-term star for the Boston Celtics. However, these cases are becoming increasingly rare, making it more difficult to expect players to remain with one team for their entire careers.

The decline of franchise stars may be a natural evolution of the NBA, but it also raises questions about the future of player-team relationships. If this trend continues, the bond between teams and players may become nothing more than a business contract rather than a true partnership. Will the NBA ever return to an era where franchise stars are common again, or is that era now a thing of the past?