I can't believe that an employee, dissatisfied with the lack of a clear future with his employer would use one of his few recourses to assure that future. OUTRAGEOUS!
Well, it's not like we are talking about a factory worker who is concerned about the future of his company. We are talking about a multi-million dollar athlete, who, if he is the least bit responsible is already set for life.
This isn't about stabilizing your future at a job, it's about greed. He is good enough to sign easily somewhere else if Atlanta doesn't meet his demands.
Why should anyone continue to work at a place where they feel unwanted and underappreciated? That's nonsense. Regardless of how much money is being paid, if a person feels the place where they work is unfulfilling and unrewarding then they absolutely should be allowed to seek new employment elsewhere by whatever means don't violate their contract. The amount the person is being paid doesn't enter in to this situation.
This isn't a perfect world. All 7 billion people can't wake up to a job of unicorns and rainbows. It would certainly be nice if everybody could have their dream job but most can't and never will. Several million would just like to have a job anywhere at this point. Maybe if Mr. Crawford stood in an unemployment line for a little while he might be humbled and be more appreciative of his lot in life.
Having someone who is set for life, playing basketball for a living with a winning team to say, 'Guarantee me $30-$40 million more dollars or I don't want to play with you anymore' is a bit petty. If Atlanta doesn't want to give him an extension he will still be paid his current contract and they would likely trade him before letting him walk for nothing anyway.
I understand your viewpoint and all. I just would like to see some of these professional athletes be a little more grateful for the wonderful situations they are in. Only a professional athlete could feel unwanted and under-appreciated at $10 million a year playing a major role for a winning team.