Because it meant that even if he left the Cavaliers, people would still treat him as a "second-tier Superstar," and the tactics assigned to him by the new team's coach would be more oriented toward a Main Player rather than the core of the strategy.
Most Superstars slowly deteriorate into ordinary Main Players, role players, and then gradually fade from the League.
This is an ancient rule of the NBA.
But those players were mostly aging, unable to maintain their condition, naturally deteriorating, or suffering major injuries.
Although he had also experienced Bowen stepping under him four times, losing his explosive power, his condition was absolutely fine, and there was no reason for his rapid downfall.
Remember, last season with the Brooklyn Nets, he was still the "top scorer" of the League.
He wouldn't accept such a fate!
