The NBA's Absolute Dominance

Chapter 219 Trading
Orlando, the Magic are pushing for a fan voting campaign.

The team published a survey in the Orlando Sentinel asking readers whether O'Neal was worth a 7-year, $1.15 million maximum contract extension, for a period of one week.

A 7-year, $1.15 million contract extension was what O'Neal and his agent wanted, which was smaller than the contract offered by the Lakers.

Although O'Neal doesn't like Orlando, he still holds the belief that he can stay in one city. If the Magic are willing to offer him such a contract, he would be willing to stay.

When Tang Bei's contract amount was revealed, O'Neal regretted it, believing he should have asked for a bigger contract, at least $2000 million a year.

In Los Angeles, Michael Jordan was also discussing contracts with David Frank for Donald and Shaquille O'Neal.

After all, Jordan also got a 4-year, $5000 million contract and a 4-year, $3000 million commercial endorsement. Although it was not as good as Tang Bei's, his average annual salary was as high as $2000 million, only $500 million less than Tang Bei's per year.

So while Jordan was envious, he wasn't jealous of Tang Bei's contract.

Hakeem Olajuwon was filled with envy and resentment. He had become a free agent, and the Rockets' management was pursuing him to renew his contract, but they were unwilling to offer him a contract that satisfied him.

But then the management told him that the team was in talks with the Suns about a trade, and they hoped to acquire Barkley to create a Big Three lineup.

He was overjoyed when he heard the news. The Lakers had been stalling him, and if he couldn't team up with Michael, teaming up with Charles would be a great alternative.

“Hakim, Mr. Fagan, this is the new contract we have prepared. Please take a look.”

In the latest round of negotiations, Rockets' new general manager Carroll Dawson presented a contract to Hakeem Olajuwon and his agent, Dan Fergen.

Dan Fagan picked up the contract and looked at it. After he finished reading it, he explained the contents of the contract to Hakeem Olajuwon.

The contract is for five years, with the final year being a team option. The starting salary is $966 million, the total value is $65 million, and the average annual salary is $13 million.

It was far less valuable than Tang Bei's contract, amounting to only 52% of Tang Bei's base salary, and Dan Fergen was not very satisfied with the contract.

He said seriously to Carol Dawson, "Mr. Dawson, I hope Hakim's average annual salary can reach $1500 million. You know, after all, Don's average annual salary is $2500 million."

Carroll Dawson said with a wry smile, "If Hakim gets $1500, then we won't be able to trade Barkley."

Hakeem Olajuwon still really wanted to win the championship. Besides, his annual salary had reached $1300 million. In the previous years, his average annual salary was only a little over $300 million, which seemed pretty good.

After discussing it with Dan Fegan, he agreed to the contract, but on the condition that the management must bring Barkley to the Rockets.

Chicago, Pippen is going crazy.

It's pitiful that his salary will only be $225 million next season and $278 million the season after, less than one-tenth of Tang Bei's base salary. How can he bear this?

In a fit of anger, he called his agent, Roth, and went to the Bulls' headquarters to confront Krause, demanding an early contract extension and a raise.

"I'm the Bulls' leader now, a veteran All-Star, so why should I only get a two million dollar annual salary? I'm not a child laborer, no."

"Why should one Tang Bei be worth ten Pippen? I also want a 2000 million annual salary."

"If you don't have a 2000 million annual salary, then at least 8000 million over 5 years. If you don't have this contract, then trade me."

Trading Jordan meant the Bulls were entering a rebuilding phase, and Jerry Krause, knowing Pippen's demands, didn't hesitate to put him on the trading block.

"Fuck you! That damn fat pig..."

As soon as Pippen returned home, his agent, Roth, received a call from Jerry Krause and immediately cursed in anger.

“It’s okay, Scottie. The Bulls are too stingy. Jimmy and I will help you find a more generous team,” Kyle Roth comforted him.

"Kyle, don't you dare get me into trouble this time," Pippen said, clearly annoyed.

Kyle Lott felt wronged. Back in 91, he and Jimmy had both advised Pippen against signing such a long-term 7-year, $1800 million contract, but Pippen wouldn't listen, and now he was blaming them?
Pippen had two agents, and then the other agent, Jimmy Sexton, called:
"Scottie, the Knicks need a better small forward. Should I contact them?"

Pippen retorted angrily, "Are you crazy? Why would I go to the Knicks? If I were to go to the Knicks with a severe phobia, would I just get beaten up?"

"Besides, the Knicks have already given all their money to Tang Bei. Do you think they'll give me a big contract after two seasons?"

"Alright then, I'll look for other teams."

On the 12th, Tang Bei and Jia Bao quietly left Los Angeles on a chartered plane.

On the 13th, the plane quietly arrived at Beijing Capital International Airport.

However, Tang Bei still couldn't escape the watchful eyes of reporters and fans, as reporters and fans were waiting at the international airport every day.

Not only in Beijing, but also in Hong Kong last year, so there were a large number of Hong Kong reporters and fans waiting at Hong Kong Airport every day.

The two returned to Tianjing that day and stayed in their hometown for two days. However, the house was too lively and they couldn't rest well, so they returned to the capital on the 16th.

The Olympics will start on July 19 and end on August 4. Tang Bei has already made arrangements with the men's basketball team to report for duty at the beginning of next month, and he will have half a month of rest.

He doesn't plan to take a complete rest for the next two weeks; he just wants to let his body recover and regain his physical strength. He will also do ball training every day to maintain his competitive state.

On the 19th, Eric Fleischer called from New York to tell him something.

The poll for Shaquille O'Neal in Orlando has ended, with 93.5% of Orlando fans voting "NO," indicating their disapproval of the team offering O'Neal a 7-year, $1.15 million supermax contract. O'Neal has announced his entry into free agency.

"How can the Magic's management be even dumber than the Heat's? They didn't even want a sign-and-trade!" Tang Bei said in great surprise.

“The two sides have fallen out, and Shaquille O’Neal is unlikely to agree to a sign-and-trade,” Eric Fleischer said.

He then said, "The Lakers have already contacted O'Neal, and I estimate that he may join the Lakers and team up with Michael Jordan."

Tang Bei said, "Who cares? Just make sure you talk to the Knicks and don't make any major changes to the current roster. Keep Oakley and the others."

Eric Fleischer said, "Don't worry, my company has moved back to New York, near Madison Square Garden."

On June 26, in East Rutherford, New Jersey, the 50th NBA Draft was held as scheduled at Continental Line Arena, the home of the Brooklyn Nets.

At the very front, in the small green room, sat a large group of rookies including Allen Iverson, Stephon Marbury, Ray Allen, Rasheed Wallace, Marcus Camby, and Antoine Walker.

These rookies were considered by scouts and the media to be the most likely to be selected in the lottery, so they received invitations from the league and sat in the most prestigious little green room with their relatives and agents.

In the back row, Lakers general manager Jerry West held a small piece of paper in his hand with the name of a rookie written on it.

The Lakers have already traded their first-round pick to the Bulls, but he has high hopes for a rookie and is determined to acquire that young player.

He has already reached an agreement with the Hornets to trade Lakers' starting center Vlade Divac for the Hornets' 13th overall pick in the draft, but he hasn't informed the Hornets who he wants to select yet, so right now, apart from Michael Jordan, nobody knows who he wants.

Jordan sat next to Jerry West, feeling somewhat annoyed.

Jerry West actually favors a high school student, and a shooting guard at that. How is this any different from the Heat trading Alonzo Mourning?

Mourning is at least a near-superstar center, and Tang Bei, after leaving the Heat, certainly has the qualifications to become the Heat's starting center, or even the core player.

Kobe Bryant was just a high school student; what right did he have to take my place?

He tilted his head and whispered his suggestion: "Jerry, that big guy from Mississippi State University is good, I think he's better. O'Neal needs a backup more than I do."

"Dampier? No, Michael, I believe this is a better choice."

Jerry West disliked Michael Jordan interfering in his affairs, so he quickly shook his head and waved the small note in his hand.

Jordan shrugged and said nothing more.

Soon, the talent show began.

After David Stern announced the start of the draft, the Philadelphia 76ers, holding the number one pick, had five minutes to consider their options.

In the green room, many rookies who had a chance to be selected first overall were on edge.

Tang Bei's three-peat tells everyone that today is still the era of the inside game, so inside players are still more valuable than outside players.

Marcus Camby is a highly regarded interior player, and in this era where the interior reigns supreme, his draft prospects are comparable to those of Allen Iverson, the top prospect for the number one draft pick.

Therefore, he, who aspires to be the number one pick, is also very nervous at this moment.

Stephon Marbury, only 19 years old, a year and a half younger than Allen Iverson, has just finished his freshman year of college, but he is incredibly talented and has better physical attributes than Iverson. He is also a top candidate for the number one draft pick.

At this moment, he, like Camby, was somewhat nervous.

As the top prospect for the number one draft pick, Iverson was even more nervous, his palms sweating.

Being the number one draft pick means receiving maximum attention and development from the team, maximum exposure, and the biggest rookie contract, all of which are very important to him.

In Philadelphia, Kobe Bryant and his family are watching the NBA draft on television.

He did not receive an invitation to the Green Room. As a high school student, his prospects in the draft were uncertain, so he did not go to the venue but chose to watch the draft at home.

At this moment, he was a little uneasy about the upcoming talent show, but more than that, he was resentful. Why were those guys invited into the Green Room, but he wasn't?

At this point, the Philadelphia 76ers didn't wait for the five minutes to end before submitting their option.

David Stern took the envelope from the 76ers, pulled out a small note, glanced at it, a smile appearing on his face, and then read:

"The Philadelphia 76ers selected Allen Iverson from Georgetown University with the No. 1 pick in the first round of the 1996 NBA Draft."

"Oh!"

Allen Iverson cheered excitedly, then stood up and hugged his family before taking the 76ers baseball cap and walking onto the stage.

Rookies like Camby and Marbury could only sigh in disappointment, hoping to be selected second overall.

Next, Camby was selected by the Raptors with the second pick, Rasheed Wallace by the Grizzlies with the third pick, Stephon Marbury by the Bucks with the fourth pick, and then the Timberwolves selected Ray Allen with the fifth pick.

Seeing that he had been selected 12th overall and still hadn't been chosen, Kobe became restless. His family tried to comfort him from time to time, but to no avail.

Just then, the wasp handed over his envelope, which David Stern read aloud:

"The Hornets selected Kobe Bryant with the 13th pick in the first round of the 1996 NBA Draft... from Lower Merion High School."

"Kobe, it's you! You got picked! Haha!"

"Thank you!"

"Kobe, that's awesome, the 13th pick."

"I think I'm great too, but 13th pick is too low, haha!"

"The Hornets are good too, Kobe, you will succeed."

"Yes, I will definitely succeed, just like Michael Jordan."

At this moment, Kobe's home was filled with cheers, and he himself breathed a sigh of relief and laughed happily.

Soon after, David Stern announced a trade, with the Los Angeles Lakers trading their starting center Vlade Divac for Kobe Bryant.

"what?"

"I'm going to play basketball in Los Angeles?"

"Am I going to play alongside Michael Jordan?"

Kobe was a little stunned, and a huge surprise began to swell rapidly in his heart.

This trade made many rookies jealous, as they all wanted to play in big cities, and the Lakers were one of the most desirable teams.

Soon after, David Stern announced another deal.

The Timberwolves traded their newly drafted fifth overall pick, Ray Allen, plus their 98 first-round pick to the Bucks for their newly drafted fourth overall pick, Stephon Marbury. "Damn it!"

Marbury cursed inwardly, "Why was Kobe traded to the Los Angeles Lakers while I was traded to the freezing Minnesota?"
The New York Knicks used the 18th pick to select forward John Wallace.

Ahead of the Knicks, the Trail Blazers selected Jermaine O'Neal with the 17th pick.

With the NBA draft concluded, the NBA free agency trading window has opened, entering a trade freeze period that will end at midnight on July 6th.

Transaction negotiations can take place during the freeze period, but formal transaction contracts must be signed after the freeze period ends.

On the morning of the 27th, the Knicks and the Heat announced that they had reached a trade agreement.

The New York Knicks traded Patrick Ewing, the Miami Heat's 96 unprotected first-round pick, the Knicks' 97 unprotected first-round pick, and the Knicks' 99 unprotected first-round pick to the Miami Heat in exchange for Tang Bei.

This blockbuster trade had been widely rumored and was known to everyone, but its official announcement still shocked the entire league.

But then came two more major contract renewals and signings.

The Lakers and Jordan signed a four-year, $5000 million contract extension.

This is the publicly disclosed contract; there is also a separate endorsement contract worth 3000 million.

The Lakers signed Shaquille O'Neal to a seven-year, $120 million super contract, which was just entering free agency.

The blockbuster signings continue, and soon the Heat announced a contract extension with Alonzo Mourning for 7 years and $1.05 million.

Soon after, the Washington Bullets signed Juwan Howard to a seven-year, $1.05 million contract extension.

The Atlanta Hawks announced that they have signed Dikembe Mutombo to a five-year, $56 million contract.

The Supersonics have signed Gary Payton to a 7-year, $8500 million contract extension.

Reggie Miller signed a four-year, $36 million contract extension with the Pacers.

John Stockton signed a three-year, $15 million contract extension with the Jazz.

The big names in the free agent market quickly disappeared. Apart from O'Neal and Mutombo changing teams and Tang Bei being traded, the other big names all renewed their contracts with their original teams.

"grass!"

Upon hearing that Mo Ning had renewed his contract, Tang Bei was so angry that he cursed.

He asked angrily, "Eric, is Mickey Arison mentally ill, or is he racist?"

"He's only willing to offer me a contract with an average annual salary of $1500 million. Am I the same price as Mourning? Damn it!"

Eric Fleischer was also in a bad mood, saying, "David Falk is very capable. If Pat Riley doesn't give Mourning a big contract after you left the Heat, he will definitely let Mourning go."

"Between Ewing and Mourning, Pat Riley definitely values ​​Mourning more because he is younger, while Ewing is already old."

Tang Bei asked, "Is Mourning's agent also David Falk?"

"Yes, it's him."

Eric Fleischer nodded and said, "Ewing and Mourning are both his players. The Heat have become his backyard. Pat Riley is probably quite wary of him."

"Ewing + Mourning..."

Tang Bei muttered to himself, "Anyway, this super interior duo is already at max level in both offense and defense, so it's no wonder Pat Riley and Mickey Arison are unwilling to give him a big contract."

Eric Fleischer cautioned, "The Heat should be very strong next season. Tang, you can't afford to lose to them."

Tang Bei nodded. If he lost to the Heat, it would mean that the Heat made the right trade. Of course, he couldn't afford to lose.

On July 1st, Tang Bei arrived at the Beijing Olympic Sports Center to register.

This is one of only two Olympic training bases in Beijing, where swimming, hockey, softball, basketball, football, and tennis are all trained.

The head coach of this men's basketball team is Gong Lumin, and the team leader is Li Jinshen.

The men's basketball team members are Tang Bei, Batt, Wang Zhizhi, Gong Xiaobin, Wu Naiqun, Liu Yudong, Sun Jun, Hu Weidong, Zheng Wu, Li Nan, Wu Qinglong, and Li Xiaoyong.

The head coach and team manager have both changed, and there are also several new players, such as center Batt and Wang Zhizhi.

Two years later, when Tang Bei reappeared in the national team, he was still the undisputed leader of the team, and no one questioned it.

"Butter, get running, stop slacking off."

"Ok."

"Bate, your movement is too slow, especially your lateral movement. From now on, after training every day, do an extra half hour of baseline shuttle runs."

"……understood."

"Butt, are you crazy? You're a center, why are you running outside shooting threes?"

"Then what do I do?"

"Get into position under the basket, I'll guard you."

"Brother, please spare me."

"Get in!"

"Wang Zhizhi, why are you avoiding me? You have no ability to compete in the paint, what kind of center are you?"

"..."

"Wang Zhizhi, are your three-pointers more accurate than Hu Weidong's? Come in and take your position, or you're out of the game."

"..."

"speak!"

"elder brother……"

"Calling me 'brother' won't help. Come in, I'm keeping an eye on you."

"Gong Xiaobin, you're listless on the court. You think you're so great, huh? Get your attitude straight. Come on, you guard me, let's practice mismatch defense, and then I'll guard you."

"Brother, please spare my life, okay? I'll fight back properly."

That evening, Tang Bei received a message.

Eric Fleischer called to say that Alan Houston had announced his entry into the free market.

This Jordan successor has completed his three-year rookie contract and no longer wants to stay with the Pistons. He rejected the Pistons' offer of a contract extension and wants to try his luck in free agency.

The Knicks were quite interested in Allan Houston, and after inquiring about the price, his agent offered $40 million over five years.

General Manager Ernie Gruenfeld contacted Eric Fleischer to find out Tang Bei's opinion on Alan Houston, and if he liked him, to make a trade.

Tang Bei said, "John Starks is a good player. His defense is better than Allan Houston's, and his three-point shooting is decent. He's cheap and easy to use. I don't think it's necessary to bring Allan Houston in."

He had a Knicks player roster in his hand, took it out to look at it, and said:

"We don't need to strengthen the center, power forward, and small forward positions much. The defense on the backcourt is also decent. We just need to strengthen the bench. There's no need for major changes."

"OK."

The following day, the Hornets announced that they would put Larry Johnson on the trading block.

The management has officially decided to rebuild. Larry Johnson has injury concerns and his performance is declining. In order to get rid of the huge burden of his $100 million contract, the Hornets have decided to trade him.

This news devastated the few remaining Hornets fans and subjected the Hornets' management to criticism from almost all media outlets.

ESPN reports: "The Charlotte Hornets' management is probably the most short-sighted management in the league's history."

"Their decision to keep Larry Johnson and trade Tang Bei back then was arguably the dumbest trade in NBA history."

"Last year they chose to keep Larry Johnson and traded Mourning, but now they want to trade Larry Johnson again. They've gained nothing in four years."

"For four years, they have made the worst choices repeatedly, and now the Hornets will have to pay the price for those mistakes."

The Knicks didn't want Larry Johnson because everyone knew about the conflict between Tang Bei and Larry Johnson, and they weren't foolish enough to anger Tang Bei by trading Larry Johnson.

On this same day, three things happened to the Heat.

First, President Pat Riley will also serve as head coach, and last season's championship-winning coach Stan Van Gundy will serve as the Heat's first assistant coach.

When Pat Riley took office, he gave a speech to the media, saying, "I will build a unique basketball culture for the Miami Heat."

"The Heat will be the hardest-working, most professional, most selfless, most resilient, most aggressive, toughest, and best-fitting team."

"I will be implementing military-style management in the Heat..."

The second thing was that, after giving his speech, Pat Riley put Glen Rice, a three-time champion, on the market.

His coaching style is known for its defense, and he looks down on Glen Rice, whose defense is mediocre.

The third thing is that Avery Johnson, the starting point guard of the three-time champions, did not reach a contract extension agreement with the Heat and announced that he would enter the free agent market.

The Knicks did have their eye on Glen Rice, but after consulting with head coach Jeff Van Gundy, they gave up on the idea.

Jeff Van Gundy, a protégé of Pat Riley, shares the same requirements for players and dislikes players with poor defense.

Xiao Fan thinks Avery Johnson is alright; he won three consecutive championships with Tang Bei, so they could bring him in to continue partnering with Tang Bei.

Unfortunately, it was too late. After contacting the agent, they learned that Avery Johnson had already been recalled by his former team, the Spurs.

On July 6, the Heat announced a trade with the Warriors, with All-Star guard Tim Hardaway being traded in exchange for All-Star forward Glen Rice.

The two players had similar stats last season, similar salaries, and similar ages, with Glen Rice being a year younger.

Chris Webber left, and the Warriors drafted Joe Smith, the number one overall pick last year, in preparation for a rebuild. Tim Hardaway was not a good fit for the Warriors' rebuilding needs, and they couldn't meet the demands of Tim Hardaway's contract extension, so they chose to trade him.

However, the Warriors already have Sprewell at shooting guard, so they don't need Glen Rice, and they also need to free up salary cap space due to rebuilding.

So after the trade, they quickly reached an agreement with the Hornets, trading Glen Rice for two role players from the Hornets, as well as the first-round pick Lauderdale, which the Hornets selected with the Hawks' 96 first-round pick.

After that, the Warriors only kept Lauderdale, and the contracts of the two role players were cleared.

In a fit of frustration, Glen Rice called Tang Bei and said, "Tang, you're doing great! You've gone to New York, and I'm going to play in Charlotte."

Tang Bei comforted him, "It's okay. Although the Hornets are a terrible team, they've traded all their stars, including Larry Johnson. You'll be their star player there. See you at the All-Star Game next year."

"Damn top star."

Glen Rice was on the verge of tears, feeling like he was the Heat's starting small forward for their three-peat, and wondered why he ended up like this.

Tang Bei added, "However, Larry Johnson's contract is too big, and he's a short power forward, so his cost-effectiveness is too low. The Hornets might not be able to sell him, and he might just become a liability."

He continued his analysis, "Dude, if the Hornets can't trade Larry Johnson, you won't get a big contract with the Hornets if you have his contract. You'd better think of something else."

Glenn Rice said helplessly, "Okay, I'll think about it."

(End of this chapter)