In the nearly 50-year history of free agency in professional sports, fans and even team executives have become accustomed to star athletes — the ones for whom playing time is assured — making their decision based on a few considerations.
The most money.
Playing for a contender.
Returning to their hometown/state.
Market size/weather/historical success of franchise.
Baseball, basketball, football … it doesn’t matter. It’s why the New York Yankees and the Los Angeles Lakers always seem to do well. And while it may frustrate fans of non-traditional or small-market teams, all of it makes sense.