The competition for AI talent has reached unprecedented levels, with major tech companies like Meta engaging in aggressive recruitment strategies, including offers exceeding $1 billion. Notably, Mira Murati, former CTO of OpenAI and now leading her own AI startup, recently rejected a staggering $1 billion offer from Mark Zuckerberg to join Meta AI. Her decision, along with others from her team at Thinking Machines Lab, highlights the increasing salaries in the field, comparable to those of NBA stars. As industry giants like Google and Meta continue to vie for top researchers, experts are raising questions about the true motivations behind these lucrative offers, suggesting that many highly skilled individuals are prioritizing ethical ventures and collaborative work environments over financial gain.