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CeeZar
Well it does matter if the dispute is about money. Because history shows that disputes about money usually get worked out and disputes about playing time and other on-field issues usually don't.

Regardless, the key word here is forced, as if the Rams would have no other options. They would have options and history would be their guide. Does that mean they wouldn't trade AD to the Browns for three 1st round picks if offered? No, they very well might...

I see where you're going with the distinction. Valid point...two counter points.

First, the disputes about money do get resolved because one side or the other eventually caves. For instance, in 2016 Von Miller threatened to not sign the franchise tag and sit out the entire season. The sides had agreed in principle on the amount to pay him per year but were for apart in guaranteed money.

Well, two days before the deadline to work out a long term deal, the Broncos caved. They doubled the guaranteed money and met Miller's demands. And that happened with only the threat.

In this example the player won. But sometimes the player caves early. But here's the important part, since the context for this discussion is AD's leverage, whether he caves or not is fully in his control.

IF, IF, IF, he's determined to play his card which is hold out and demand to be traded, the result is inevitable. They. Will. Trade. Him.... or pay him. Now is he prepared to actually push the nuclear button and go through with a hold out / trade demand? I don't know.

Secondly, there is one thing really unique about Donald's situation. There is a HUGE gap between his franchise tag amount and his market value amount. Because the tag amount of $14M is so low compared to what he's worth, he has incentive to NOT play under it. This has the makings of turning into a nasty contract dispute which would suggest that there is great potential for this dispute to not resolve peacefully.

Having history be our guide is great, but if If we're gonna do that, we need to know: how often do star players demand to be traded and aren't? Instead of getting caught up on the technical definition of the word forced, let's explore what usually happens when star players demand trades.

If the term "forced" is what's causing you problems, let's use a different word. There are always options. But has a team ever done them? Maybe instead, we should say: if he demanded to be traded, the Rams wouldn't be forced to trade him but not trading him is an unpalatable option and it is overwhelmingly likely that they will.