When has a player passed up best chance at a title while still getting paid the max?

[Cleverness]

Kawhi's best chances at winning a title next year are with the Lakers, and he'll be offered a max contract.

Are there any memorable instances in which a player passed on his best title chances while still being paid the max?

[Marchesk]

Kawhi's best chances at winning a title next year are with the Lakers, and he'll be offered a max contract.

Are there any memorable instances in which a player passed on his best title chances while still being paid the max?

I'm not sure the Lakers next season have better title chances than Kawhi staying on Toronto.

Because Toronto has the advantage in depth and having won together already. East is tougher than the West now though, so there's that.

Lakers longer term is better for winning titles, but it might take them a couple seasons to have decent depth and for the big three plus Kuzma to play their best ball together.