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The shelf-life of an NBA player is short. Most players face a maximum of 15 years in the league, and due to the physical demands of the game, careers are often prematurely ended by injury. This means that active players are now increasingly preparing for life after their retirement.
Some ex-players go into coaching, whereas others choose to focus on a career as a TV analyst, however, owning an NBA franchise is seen as the ultimate goal among active players. The finances involved mean that it is an ambition that is incredibly difficult to achieve, although Michael Jordan has notably achieved this dream, as he is the current owner and chairman of the Charlotte Hornets.
It will be a number of years until we see more superstars who are able to successfully own their own franchise, however, here are three of the NBA's biggest current stars that harbor dreams of owning their own organization.
#3 Dwyane Wade
Dwyane Wade has been among the most popular players in the NBA for well over a decade, although he is now aware that his career is nearing the end. The 3-time NBA Champion is already planning for life after Basketball, and he already owns wine, sock, and shoe businesses.
The Miami Heat guard has also stated that he'd like to eventually become a part-owner of an NBA franchise, and he has even name-dropped Seattle as a potential location. The 36-year-old has been quick to acknowledge that he doesn't have enough money to purchase a team outright, however, Wade is confident that he could lead an organization while being a part-owner.
#2 Kevin Durant
Despite still being one of the best Basketball players in the world, Kevin Durant is already known for his acute business ventures. Since his move to Los Angeles two years ago, Durant has focused on investing in tech products within Silicon Valley, and the 30-year-old has already made investments in 30 different companies.
ESPN has reported that the recent business dealings form part of Durant's ultimate goal of owning an NBA franchise. The Golden State star is reportedly eager to become the NBA's second former player to own a franchise, and Durant has spoken about his desire to see the NBA return to Seattle.
KD was drafted by the Seattle Supersonics back in 2007, however, the team moved to Oklahoma the following year and became the OKC Thunder. It would be an incredible story if the 2014 MVP was able to successfully bring back Basketball to Seattle, and Durant is already making big moves to make it a reality.
#1 LeBron James
As the biggest star to grace the NBA since Michael Jordan, LeBron James seems a realistic candidate to be the next player to own a franchise. James first revealed in 2016 that he dreamed of owning his own NBA team, and speculation has only increased since his initial announcement.
In July of 2018, James' business partner, Maverick Carter, revealed that the Lakers superstar would be running an NBA team within the next 10 years. The 34-year-old has already invested heavily in various business ventures, and James is among the wealthiest athletes in the world.
LeBron's dream looks on course to becoming a reality, and we now face the tantalizing prospect of the King and Jordan facing off through their respective NBA franchises.
Guess the Lakers players!
