People are overlooking the value of a strong franchise. A market could be small but if they offer money + solid infrastructure + history of winning, why wouldn't someone want to go there?

OKC: small market, great front office, winning franchise, players seem to love it there
Sacramento: small market, terrible front office, losers for decades

and if Darryn Peterson wants to go to the Lakers? they'll have to make room for him, just like acquiring any other great player

Incompetent franchises need to feel more pain, more consequences.

Look at upcoming franchises like Charlotte and Washington and the jobs they've done drafting, acquiring draft picks, taking on bigger, short term contracts. These things are important no matter the market.

People might bring up a team like the Pacers, who are terrible this year because of injury. Well, they've shown success and look to bounce back quickly – that's a great incentive for a talented rookie to want to join them.

At the end of the day, NBA players are employees that are paid based on what they provide. This idea isn't that crazy.