The hell it's not.
How good was Orlando before T-Mac and Grant Hill signed with them? (They were 41-41 the year before; not terrible, but DARRELL ARMSTRONG led the team in scoring, assists, steals and minutes. Not very tempting.)
Gilbert Arenas signed with the Wizards.
Scottie Pippen signed with Chicago.
Stephen Jackson signed with Atlanta, the year after he'd won an NBA title.
Lamar Odom signed with Miami.
Pippen wanted to go home?
Stephen Jackson's agent screw him over and Atlanta was the last resort.
Lamar Odom just wanted to leave the Clippers no matter what.
I believe Grant Hill joined the Magic from a trade that involved Ben Wallace and others.