It's not just endorsement deals at the local level, it's all of the exposure to movers ans shakers at the "epicenter of humanity" Deron has more chances for guest appearances on TV shows, more contacts to make that could help him out after he's done with basketball, etc. The bottom line of playing in New York vs. Portland is that there are going to be a lot more eyeballs on him playing in the market (time zones and TVs and all of that) that helps him build his brand.
I was thinking the opposite. Check the angles. The people in the upper left can't see over the people in the upper center to see the players in the middle of the court or farther downcourt.