Is the NBA’s player empowerment era coming to an end?

“I think it’s about run its course, because so many just haven’t worked out,” said a source from the East.

According to sources within the NBA, there is a sense among team owners that the era of player empowerment, where athletes have significant influence over their destinations, may be coming to an end, per new reporting from Heavy’s Steve Bulpett. Granted, these owners may be projecting a bit even as some power swings back in their own direction.

“I think the whole player empowerment piece that has been running in the league for the last couple of years? I think it’s about run its course, because so many just haven’t worked out,” said a source from the league’s Eastern Conference.

“The poster child for that failure and the way in which guys force their ways to different teams at premium prices, you know, the James Harden effect, I do believe that owners are talking to each other, and they’ve had enough.”