The NBA's Absolute Dominance

Chapter 208 Game
On August 30, at the National Labor Relations Committee, NBA players held the first phase of a vote on whether to dissolve the NBA Players Association.

The second phase of voting took place on September 7th, and was conducted by secret ballot. Tang Bei voted to dissolve the players' union.

On the 8th, after Eric Fleischer telegraphed Tang Bei, the union failed to dissolve. A total of 370 people participated in the vote, with 226 opposing the dissolution of the players' union and only 134 voting in favor.

"So what do we do now?" Tang Bei asked.

Eric Fleischer said, "It's okay. Although the union didn't dissolve, the players' attitude is very clear: they oppose the previous agreement."

"Star players are the foundation of the NBA's survival. Fans are willing to buy tickets to enter the game because of the stars, not the ordinary players, so the league cannot ignore the stars' attitudes."

"Now we need to elect a new union president to represent the labor side in renegotiating with the management. We have already agreed to nominate veteran All-Star Buck Williams as the new union president, and the new negotiations will begin tomorrow."

"OK."

On September 12, the labor negotiations finally reached an agreement.

The two sides reached a new six-year collective bargaining agreement, but if player salaries exceed 51.8% of the team's basketball-related revenue, the owners have the right to terminate the agreement after three years of its implementation.

Due to the Players Association's tough stance, neither a hard salary cap nor a luxury tax was passed; only restrictions on rookie contracts were approved.

After the agreement was signed, the NBA lockout ended and the free agency market window reopened.

The Heat did not contact Eric Fleischer immediately, waiting for news from the Bulls and Jordan.

In Chicago, Bulls owner Reinsdorf is in urgent talks with Jerry Krause about extending Jordan's contract early.

General Manager Jerry Krause said, "If we re-sign Michael and then bring in another All-Star center in his prime with the goal of winning a championship, then we definitely cannot trade Pippen again, and we will have to abandon our previous rebuilding plan."

At this point, he reminded, "Boss, although the luxury tax didn't pass, Michael Jordan's $25 million salary, plus the salary of an All-Star center in his prime, could drain all the team's profits, and the total salary for the season could very well reach $60 million."

Reinsdorf said with an extremely gloomy face, "For Michael's championship, the team needs to give up all its profits, and even I have to spend money. It's not worth it."

He also had another concern: even if they re-signed Jordan and brought in another superstar center, could they really beat Tang Bei's Heat?

If the Bulls invest so much but fail to win the championship, they will suffer a huge loss.

Jerry Krause asked, "Boss, my advice is still to rebuild. We already have two championships. Even if we don't rebuild, even if we pay a total salary of $60 million every year, at Michael's age, the chance of a three-peat dynasty is very small."

Reinsdorf fell silent, somewhat hesitant. He was still reluctant to trade Jordan because Jordan had brought too much benefit to the Bulls.

Moreover, even if he wanted to trade Jordan, Jordan's fans and Chicagoans wouldn't agree; the pressure would be too great.

"Boss, we're running out of time. If we delay any longer, it will affect the reconstruction."

Jerry Krause was determined to rebuild because he was very confident in himself. He believed that if he could build this Bulls team, he could build another championship team in the future.

"Let me think about it some more," Reinsdorf sighed.

Before the Bulls could make a final decision, Heat owner Mickey Arison got anxious and called Pat Riley and Lewis Shaffer to discuss extending Tang Bei's contract early.

The Bulls no longer have a chance for a three-peat, but the Miami Heat do, and they still have high hopes for a three-peat.

Pat Riley, however, had no ambition for a three-peat and calmly said, "Mickey, don't rush, we can wait for the Bulls' decision."

He didn't want to offer Tang Bei a contract like that, but it had nothing to do with money or whether the Heat's owner was willing to spend a large sum of money.

As the president of operations and head coach, he absolutely does not want a privileged player on his team earning a $2500 million annual salary, as that would undermine his control over the team.

In his eyes, players are all tools, even top superstars like Jordan and Tang Bei are just tools.

He is too controlling and absolutely cannot tolerate a player whose influence surpasses his, even if the player is the team leader.

Micky Arison's decision was driven by cost control; he didn't want to pay Tang Bei such a high salary. His decision stemmed from a desire to maintain control of the team.

He would rather Tang Bei get a super contract than Mickey Arison.

On the Heat, he was the one in control.

Next season, he will implement military-style management in the Heat, and all players must obey his orders, including Tang Bei.

At 9 a.m. on the 14th, a piece of news ignited the entire league, even the entire United States, and also affected the whole world.

The Bulls have officially put Michael Jordan on the trading block.

Lakers owner Jerry Buss was extremely excited and was about to call Jerry West when he received a call from David Stern.

"David?"

The two had a good relationship, and he asked with a hint of doubt, "Is there something you need?"

David Stern said, "Jerry, you've heard about Michael, haven't you?"

“Yes, David, the Lakers really want Michael,” Jerry Buss said excitedly.

David Stern said, "Great, Jerry, I support the Lakers' move. But I hope the Lakers can remain competitive after acquiring Michael."

“Of course, I promise,” Jerry Buss said.

At this moment, David Stern suddenly said, "As far as I know, Jerry Hakeem Olajuwon is discussing an early contract extension with the Rockets, but his offer has been rejected."

"what?"

Jerry Buss's heart pounded.

"In addition, Shaquille O'Neal's request for an early contract extension was also rejected by the Magic's management," David Stern said.

Jerry Buss' heart rate had spiked to 200; he was on the verge of a heart attack.

David Stern's words made it very clear: he wanted the Lakers to bring either Hakeem Olajuwon or Shaquille O'Neal to the Lakers to team up with Michael Jordan.

Just as the two ended their call, Jerry Bass's phone rang again. It was Jerry West calling, and he quickly answered.

"Jerry, great news! Did you know? Michael Jordan is on the trading block!" Jerry West's voice was filled with excitement.

Jerry Buss laughed and said, "Jerry, I don't care what it costs you, even if it's a $2500 million annual salary, you have to bring Michael Jordan to the Lakers."

“Jerry, I’ll contact David Falk right away and book the tickets,” Jerry West said excitedly.

"There are two more pieces of news."

Jerry Buss said, "I just received news that the Rockets' management rejected Hakeem Olajuwon's early contract extension, and the Magic's management rejected Shaquille O'Neal. I hope you will start preparing immediately to trade either Olajuwon or O'Neal to the Lakers."

"what?"

Jerry West was stunned.

But he immediately realized his mistake and said with difficulty, "But Jerry, we want to trade for both Michael Jordan and Hakeem Olajuwon. Where are we going to get the assets?"

"I don't care, that's your problem."

Jerry Buss, completely captivated by the Jordan + Olajuwon combination, stated firmly:
“Jerry, next season, I need to see Jordan and Olajuwon on our roster.”

"I try my best."

What else could Jerry West say? His boss's orders were the direction of his efforts.

To trade these two superstars, the Lakers would probably have to expend the next five to ten years of their potential.

These two superstars are still in their prime. It's acceptable to overdraw their potential for five years, but he feels that it's not worth it to overdraw their potential for ten years.

He felt it would be more worthwhile to replace Hakeem Olajuwon with Tang Bei.

"damn it!"

Thinking of Tang Bei, he couldn't help but swear.

Now he does want to trade Tang Bei, because the Bulls rejected Jordan, and the Heat will definitely reject Tang Bei as well, so there is an opportunity to trade Tang Bei.

However, given Tang Bei's attitude towards him and the Lakers, the feasibility of a trade is extremely low.

After thinking for two minutes, he dialed Jerry Bass's number again and said:

“Jerry, if we can wait until this time next year, it’s very likely that we can get one of Hakeem Olajuwon or Shaquille O’Neal without spending any money.”

"..."

Jerry Bass fell silent upon hearing this.

He thought West was right, but could Jordan accept waiting another year?

"Go and finalize the Michael Jordan trade first. The Bulls will definitely make a trade; we can't wait that," he said after considering it.

"OK."

“Michael, the management rejected my contract. I only asked for a 5-year, $8000 million contract. That damn Alexander actually thinks I'm too old and not worth that much.”

Hakeem Olajuwon had little affection for the Rockets and a strained relationship with management, especially with owner Alexander.

Both Michael Jordan and Tang Bei are considering early contract extensions, and their agents have also requested early extensions from management.

But the result was very disappointing. He led his team to the finals for two consecutive seasons, only to be rejected.

"Then what are you going to do?"

"I don't know, what about you?"

"David is trying to figure something out; I need to get into a competitive team."

“I wish I could, but no team has contacted me yet. My agent is helping me make contact. I just want to get out of this damn place.”

Back in Orlando, O'Neal was also furious.

Both players wanted to extend their contracts early, and he wanted to do so to demonstrate his status as the Magic's core player. Using Jordan's asking price of $75 million for three years as a reference, he discussed with his agent and asked for a seven-year, $150 million contract.

With an average annual salary of only 2140 million, he felt this contract was very suitable and that the management would likely agree.

To his embarrassment, the Magic's management rejected his request.

Agent Leonard Amoto said angrily, "They actually said the team needs to leave enough salary cap space for Anfernee Hardaway, what does that mean?"

"Do they think I'm not as good as my little brother?" O'Neal was so angry he almost vomited blood.

Leonard Amoto said, "Everyone says Anfernee Hardaway is Jordan's successor, but Jordan himself was defeated twice by severe fear. What's his successor compared to that?"

O'Neal was furious: "What is this? Jordan lost twice in the Eastern Conference Finals. Does the management think Hardaway is better than me?"

Leonard Amoto said, "Shaq, you're the only one who can compete with someone with severe phobia, we can't just let this go."

O'Neal said regretfully, "Of course I shouldn't have agreed to the Magic. It would have been so much better if I had gone directly to the Lakers."

At this time, the New York Knicks, who had been drooling over Jordan, did not contact David Falk immediately.

Eric Fleischer, of course, also learned that Jordan was on the market. Just as he was about to contact Tang Bei, he received an unexpected phone call.

“Mr. Dave Checkerts, it’s a pleasure to receive your call.” He was somewhat surprised that the Knicks had never contacted him before.

The caller was Knicks president Dave Catchetts, who spoke very seriously:
“Mr. Fleischer, I have no time for formalities. I am now extending a formal invitation to Don on behalf of the New York Knicks.”

"what?"

Eric Fleischer was shocked.

He had already received some information that the Knicks had been in frequent contact with David Falk, clearly intending to get Jordan and Ewing to team up.

Now that Michael Jordan is on the trading block, the Knicks didn't contact him immediately, but instead invited Tang Bei to New York. Isn't that just playing with Jordan?

But the Knicks made a brilliant move, choosing Tang instead of Jordan, which made him very happy.

He quickly made a decision and said seriously, "Mr. Checkts, I would like to know more about the Knicks' attitude."

"Of course."

Dave Cecchers said, "After the trade, we will waive the team option for the final year and re-sign Tang to a contract."

He paused for a moment, then, with Eric Fletcher's expectant gaze, continued, "Don meets the full Bird exception, and we will give him the contract that Michael Jordan is currently pursuing."

"Really?"

Eric Fleischer's heart began to pound wildly.

"Damn it, who is he talking to?"

At that moment, in Pat Riley's president's office, Lewis Shaffer was trying to call Eric Fleischer, but the call was always busy.

Pat Riley was there too, and owner Mickey Arison was on his way.

"He should be on the phone with Tang Bei right now, call him back later."

After speculating, Pat Riley calmly stated, "The Bulls rejected Jordan's greed, so Tang Bei has no right to ask for that kind of contract."

"In terms of commercial value, Severe Fear is not as good as Michael Jordan at the moment, which is extremely beneficial for us to keep him."

"With an average annual salary of 1500 million, can we keep him?" Lewis Shaffer asked.

Pat Riley said in a nonchalant tone, "Costs must be controlled. As a manager, I cannot tolerate the team incurring losses because of one player."

He then said, "With a $2400 million salary cap, he's taking $1500 million? How is that possible? I'd give him at most $1200 million." "$1200 million?"

Lewis Shaffer frowned.

This contract may not be renewed in advance. Right now, the power of the team is concentrated in Pat Riley's hands. The owner trusts Riley too much, and he feels that it would be better to work with Billy Cunningham.

Then he asked, "So, will the contract for next season be honored?"

“Of course,” Pat Riley said.

Lewis Shaffer added, "Pat, aren't you worried that Tang Bei will refuse to extend his contract early and leave the Heat next year?"

"Michael Jordan can be promoted, why can't Tang Bei?" Pat Riley smiled, his face showing signs of dryness.

He didn't want to complete a three-peat that was meaningless to him, and he really wanted to trade Tang Bei and use the assets he got back to rebuild his business.

Tang Bei's influence in Miami was simply too great, and his personality was just as strong as Tang Bei's. With Tang Bei there, he was worried that he would not be able to control the Heat smoothly.

Of course, if he could use some means, such as suppressing Tang Bei's contract renewal and employing a tough, iron-fisted coaching style, to reduce Tang Bei's status in the Heat, he could also keep Tang Bei.

After all, he really wanted to team up with a super center like Tang Bei and build his own three-peat dynasty.

Eric Fleischer put down his slightly hot phone and talked to Dave Checkerts for half an hour, exchanging a few words.

However, it will be very difficult for the Knicks to trade Tang Bei, because even if the Heat are willing to trade, the Knicks will have to pay a huge price.

However, the Knicks' sincerity was still quite evident, not only in Tang Bei's contract, but also in their main trade asset being the superstar center Ewing.

However, this matter cannot be disclosed at the moment because the Knicks have not yet finalized a contract extension with Patrick Ewing.

"Michael..."

After Jordan was put on the market, David Falk came to Michael Jordan's room at a hotel in New York as soon as possible.

"Damn it, they actually traded me, David, they actually dared to trade me."

Jordan was furious, extremely furious. He wanted to leave the Bulls, but he couldn't accept being traded away by the Bulls, which broke him down.

"Okay, Michael, calm down. Isn't this exactly what we've been hoping for?"

After offering some words of comfort, David Falk said, "Now I must contact the Knicks immediately to find out their attitude."

"OK."

Jordan suppressed his anger and nodded.

But just as David Falk was about to contact the Knicks, he received a call from Lakers' Jerry West.

This made him very happy. The Knicks were good, but the Lakers were good too.

Moreover, between Los Angeles and New York, he preferred Michael Jordan to go to Los Angeles.

The reason, of course, is that if Michael Jordan had stayed in the East, he would have continued to fight tooth and nail against the Severe Fear in the East.

The downside is that the Lakers don't have a superstar center.

Hello, David.

"Hello, Jerry."

“David, we are currently working on a trade involving Hakeem Olajuwon and Shaquille O’Neal.”

"Really?"

Jerry West got straight to the point, and one sentence from him made David Falk's eyes light up.

But then he added, "But you also know that if we trade Michael and bring in a superstar center, the Lakers will not only exhaust their potential for the next ten years, but their roster will also be weak, and they may not be able to beat the Heat."

"I know that."

David Falk said thoughtfully.

Then Jerry West said confidently, "But we are confident that next year, after Hakeem Olajuwon and Shaquille O'Neal's contracts expire, we can acquire one of them without paying any price, thanks to the Lakers' and Michael's appeal."

"If we can get Hakeem Olajuwon or Shaquille O'Neal, plus Michael Jordan, and keep a good roster, we Lakers will be the strongest team."

"No matter how strong the Heat are, the Lakers are confident they can beat them. At that point, a three-peat is inevitable, and they might even have a chance for a four- or five-peat."

"David, I hope you will pass on my words to Michael. The Lakers are a better fit for him. O'Neal and Olajuwon are better than Ewing."

"Lakers?"

Jordan was also tempted.

Going to the Los Angeles Lakers would avoid facing Tang Bei too early in the Eastern Conference; he hasn't made it to the Finals in two years.

“David, yes, you can talk to them.”

"But going to the Lakers would have to wait another year."

Jordan didn't want to see Tang Bei complete the three-peat that he hadn't achieved, but objectively speaking, it would be extremely difficult for the Lakers to trade for him along with either O'Neal or Olajuwon, and it might even be impossible.

"Michael, think about it. I'll contact the Knicks first."

"OK."

David Falk was just about to make a call when his phone rang. It was Knicks general manager Ernie Gruenfeld calling.

After exchanging a few words, he hung up the phone and said to Jordan, "The Knicks have asked me to discuss Patrick's contract. They're willing to offer him a two-year, $1800 million contract. What do you think?"

"I think it's pretty good," Jordan said after thinking for a moment.

David Falk nodded. The Knicks' record over the past two or three years hasn't been good, so Ewing getting this kind of contract is already pretty good.

The only drawback is that the Knicks only agreed to a two-year contract.

But he felt something was wrong. They had previously agreed with the Knicks that they would re-sign Ewing after the Jordan trade was finalized. Now that they had signed Ewing ahead of schedule, did the Knicks not plan to trade Michael?
But now the Lakers also want to get Michael, and going to the Lakers would be a better fit for Michael. He doesn't think much of the Knicks' little scheme, since it's all business.

"Then I'll go over there."

David Falk got up and left Jordan's room.

"They're actually willing to offer me an annual salary of twenty-five million US dollars?" Tang Bei frowned upon hearing Eric Fleischer's words.

Eric Fleischer excitedly said, "If you trade for Tang this year, the Knicks are willing to waive the team option for the final year, and you can start getting a super contract right from next season."

"Pretty good," Tang Bei said calmly.

"Tang, don't you want to go to New York?" Eric Fleischer noticed something was wrong with Tang Bei's tone and quickly asked.

Tang Bei thought for a moment and said, "Eric, go and contact the Heat's management first, and see what they have to say."

“What do you mean?” Eric Fleischer asked.

"I don't want to leave the Heat next season. They don't care about a three-peat, but a three-peat is very important to me," Tang Bei said.

Eric Fleischer said, "Don, if management isn't willing to give you the contract you want, you can stay with the Heat next season, but after your contract expires, I suggest you leave."

“That’s what I think too,” Tang Bei said.

Eric Fleischer added, "But if we don't extend your contract as offered by management, I'm worried the team will trade you."

"why?"

"Because Pat Riley is very shrewd, he won't let you leave for free next season and leave the Heat with nothing."

Tang Bei clenched his fists. Pat Riley wanted to take away his three-peat, and this was absolutely intolerable.

Eric Fleischer said, "The situation is complicated now. Pat Riley is in control of the Heat. The first two championships have nothing to do with him. I don't think he's enthusiastic about whether we can achieve a three-peat next season."

"Everyone knows that he is very controlling and a very tough person. If you win three consecutive championships next season, your status in the Heat will definitely be higher than that of the Heat owner, and it will be very difficult for him to control you."

"That's why I said earlier that if we don't extend your contract early, Pat Riley might trade you."

"so what should I do?"

Tang Bei was at a loss. As a player, he had very little initiative. Whether or not a trade was made was entirely up to Pat Riley. Unless he bowed down and signed a contract that did not match his value, he could not stop it.

“Don, let me talk to Pat Riley first and sound out his attitude,” Eric Fleischer said.

"OK."

Tang Bei hung up the phone.

It was 11 p.m. on the 14th. He and Jia Bao had returned to their courtyard house in Beijing. Jia Bao had just finished watching The Return of the Condor Heroes.

"Wet Tiger, is there trouble?" she asked, just as she was about to go to sleep.

Tang Bei explained the situation, and Jia Bao's eyes darted around before she immediately said:
"Wet Tiger, you want to complete a three-peat with the Heat, and the Heat want to use trades to get assets from you. There's no conflict between them!"

Tang Bei said, "How can there not be a conflict? If I leave next year, the Heat won't get any assets, and they'll definitely put me on the trading block immediately. Didn't the Bulls put Jordan on the trading block too?"

"Wet Tiger, you're so stupid. Your IQ of 145 is definitely a lie."

Jia Bao teased Tang Bei, then said, "You can talk to the management and sign the contract first and then exchange it next year, right?"

"Sign first, then exchange?"

Tang Bei was stunned. Right, couldn't we sign first and then exchange later?
He immediately grabbed his phone and called Eric Fleischer, but the call didn't go through; it was busy, presumably because they were trying to contact the Heat.

Garbo said, "Don't worry, he's contacting the Heat. We've figured out Pat Riley's attitude towards you, so we can handle it better."

"Mhm." Tang Bei nodded quickly.

"damn it!"

Eric Fleischer ended his call with Pat Riley, furious.

He asked Tang Bei for a 7-year, $1.7 million contract, but Pat Riley only agreed to a 5-year, $6000 million contract. The difference was too great, and there was no point in continuing the negotiations.

"bell……"

Tang Bei and Jia Bao had just entered the bedroom when his phone rang; it was Eric Fleischer calling.

"Eric?"

"Don, $6000 million over 5 years, this is how Pat Riley treats you, this is an insult to you," Eric Fleischer said angrily.

"So low? Lower than David Robinson's current contract?" Tang Bei was furious.

“David Robinson’s contract is $7800 million over 7 years, which is slightly higher than yours, but it doesn’t match your status. How could David Robinson possibly be compared to you?” Eric Fleischer said.

"What does Pat Riley mean?" Tang Bei asked, clearly annoyed.

Eric Fleischer said, "We had a brief discussion over the phone, and if we met in person, the price could probably be higher."

"But his attitude was strange. I think he was determined to trade you, or he wanted to force you to give in, taking advantage of the Bulls' rejection of Jordan to force you to sign a low-priced contract."

"Jiabao, what should we do?" Tang Bei asked.

Garbo thought for a moment and said, "Let Eric talk to him again, as I just said, and test his attitude again."

"If he really wants to trade you this year, it's a clear indication that he doesn't want you to complete a three-peat with the Heat. His intentions are malicious."

"Then we'll mobilize the media and fans to expose his intentions, turn him into an enemy of Miami, and use public opinion to force him to back down."

"After all, it's not just you who wants to win three consecutive championships. The whole of Miami wants to complete a dynasty next season, and I think Mickey Arison also wants to win three consecutive championships."

"Eric, did you hear that? Garbo just suggested I sign a contract and then trade next year?" Tang Bei said.

“I heard that. He’ll stay with the Heat next season, and we’ll do a sign-and-trade next year. I’ll contact him again right away.” Eric Fleischer understood immediately.

But he continued, "Don, there's another possibility: Pat Riley needs a high draft pick next year, and the Knicks don't have one."

Tang Bei said, "Isn't the Knicks using Ewing as trade bait? Let them make a trade. They should be able to get a superstar center and two high first-round draft picks, right?"

Eric Fleischer added, "But what if it doesn't work out? Pat Riley might trade you to a bad team for a high draft pick next year."

Jia Bao couldn't stand it anymore and said, "Wet Tiger, you'll be a free agent after next season. You can go wherever you want."

"So don't worry, as long as the news is released, no bad team will risk not being able to renew your contract next year by paying a huge price to trade for you. Pat Riley can only trade for you with a team like the Knicks that can give you a super big contract."

Tang Bei and Eric Fleischer were both taken aback and simultaneously wanted to slap themselves.

"I'm so busy, so busy, Tang, I have to hang up now," Eric Fleischer said awkwardly before hanging up the phone.

"Jiabao, you go to sleep first, I'll wait for news," Tang Bei said after hanging up the phone.

"Don't stay up too late, Wet Tiger."

"I know, you go to sleep."

(End of this chapter)