I think the internet has also changed things drastically. LeBron/Durant/Giannis all rose to being gigantic stars in small markets.
True, but Lebron left Cleveland to go win chips in Miami. He left Cleveland a 2nd time to chase rings in L.A. Durant choked a playoff series against the Warriors and then went and joined them. Giannis is the only guy who carried his original franchise all the way. The only reason Lebron went back to Cleveland is because Miami met some resistance, DWade was declining, and he could team up with Kyrie and Kevin Love in his home state.
It's not about becoming a star. It's about sticking around with your first franchise after the 2nd contract.