NBA teams are taking a tougher approach with star players who want contract extensions. This offseason, the New York Knicks, Washington Wizards and Detroit Pistons all refused to give in to unhappy stars.

"A year or two ago, I don't think you'd have seen that," said an Eastern Conference executive. "The teams would've felt too much pressure. Being unhappy is not a negotiating position anymore."

Karl-Anthony Towns said publicly that he wanted an extension and would accept less than a maximum contract. The Knicks issued a statement ending talks, and Towns started the season unhappy. Towns holds a $61 million player option for 2027-28 and could become an unrestricted free agent next summer.

Anthony Davis also wanted an extension with the Wizards and can opt out next summer. Agent Rich Paul made it known that Davis would take less than a max deal. But the Wizards put talks on hold to see how the first 20 to 30 games go, ESPN's Shams Charania reported. Davis then said he would wait until after the season.

Jalen Duren, coming off All-Star and All-NBA selections, agreed on the eve of training camp to a $200 million deal with Detroit, $87 million less than his maximum.

Other teams went the opposite way showing the power that the NBA's true superstars continue to wield.

The Los Angeles Lakers sent two first-round picks and two pick swaps to the Utah Jazz in a sign-and-trade for Walker Kessler, giving him a four-year, $130 million contract. The Lakers had promised Luka Doncic a rim-running big man and the 2026 offseason was their best opportunity to acquire one due to their vanishing cap space.

The Minnesota Timberwolves rebuilt their roster largely to please Anthony Edwards. Edwards wanted to play shooting guard and pair with LaMelo Ball. Both teams hope to sign their stars to extensions next summer.

A Western Conference general manager said unhappiness still works for top stars, as he pointed to Giannis Antetokounmpo, who left the Milwaukee Bucks without publicly demanding a trade.

"He actually did them a favor," said the GM. "He gave them a list of five teams. He could have given them only one."

Another West GM said the second apron gives teams more reason to say no.

"I know the fans are tired of hearing about the aprons, but this is just another example of how they are changing the league," said the GM. "The aprons give the owners a reason to take a harder line. Before, it was just about money."

The lasting power of the trend lasts may depend on how the Towns and Davis situations play out over the next few months for the Knicks and the Wizards.