PORTLAND, OREGON - JANUARY 24: Austin Rivers #8 of the New York Knicks reacts in the fourth quarter against the Portland Trail Blazers at Moda Center on January 24, 2021 in Portland, Oregon. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images)
The NBA has entered strange times. More than ever before, players are securing buyout agreements to leave bottom-dweller teams in favor of joining contenders. The player empowerment era is upon us and the Golden State Warriors don’t want to miss this opportunity to re-up for next season.