Relationships matter
Relationships have always mattered in the NBA. That much was clear this offseason. Specifically, just look at the situation that transpired between PJ Tucker, the Miami Heat, and the Philadelphia 76ers. It was one of the most head-scratching moves of the offseason.
Tucker, who seemed like a perfect fit in Miami, decided to opt out and sign with Philadelphia. You can’t tell me that the move was not about his relationship with James Harden (which dates back to their time in Houston).
And there was another example of that when Brunson decided to leave Luka Doncic and join the Knicks. Even with the addition of Brunson, no one is considering the Knicks as a contender in the East. But it was more so a relationship that delivered Burnson to New York.