Just because a new player is selected by the team does not mean that the team will definitely sign the player.
There was no concept of luxury tax in 1996. With bird rights, the team could extend the contract with the cap. As long as the owner is willing to spend money, most problems can be solved!
In the 1996-97 season, the team's salary cap was US$24.36 million. If the team wants to make big moves to strengthen, it must first free up salary space.
On June 30, after the free market opened, the Lakers made an unexpected deal:
The Lakers sent starting center Verratti Divac, who averaged 12.9 points, 8.6 rebounds and 3.3 assists per game last season, to the Hornets in exchange for Kobe Bryant, this year's 13th overall pick from high school.
The trade on July 11 shocked many media. Are the Lakers going to break up?
There was no summer league in the 1996 offseason. After finishing the draft, Li You began to look for a house in Manhattan.
Mark Bartelstein is still worried about Ray Allen's contract. If there is a chance, they don't want to play in Milwaukee...
Li You didn't just turn a blind eye. John Starks, who had lived in New York for five years, introduced him to an apartment.
"$3,000 a month? This is too expensive!"
Standing downstairs in an apartment called The Westpotr, Li You spread his hands helplessly. With $36,000 a year, he really felt pain!
"Young people have to learn to enjoy life, bring girls home, and have a good place to live. This is New York, and you have to adapt to this environment!"
John Starks, dressed casually in a floral shirt and sunglasses, was telling Li You about the benefits of this apartment:
"24-hour doorman service, gym, laundry room, leisure room, everything. In addition to luxury suites, there are also many studios here, but don't worry, the sound insulation is very good!"
"The most important thing is that it's very close to the arena. At $3,000, it's definitely worth it!"
Li You curled his lips. The location of this apartment was indeed very good. It was on Seeley Avenue in Manhattan, close to Central Park and Columbus Square.
But the rent is also really expensive!
In 1996, the highest federal income tax rate in the United States was 39.6%, while the highest income tax rate in New York State was 7.875%!
Mark Bartelstein helped Li You sign a three-year, $2.75 million contract with the Knicks, with the first year's annual salary being only $790,000.
The NBA also charges 10% of player pensions, plus agent Mark's 1.5% commission, and Li You finally received only US$360,000.
Li You hasn't calculated medical insurance, trainer expenses, and daily expenses yet, but after this year, there won't be much money left.
It's just that after Li You walked around in the luxury suite, he was finally defeated by decadent capitalism and spent money to buy a comfortable hotel...
144 square meters, with central air conditioning, solid wood floors, complete furniture and electrical appliances, and very good lighting. The decoration color is mainly beige, which makes people feel particularly warm.
After renting for a year, Li You still felt a little heartbroken when he looked at the number on the check. After coming here, he had always been poor and was cautious about spending money.
The managers of the apartment are very happy, they all like the rich Kaizi!
Some staff members even recognized the two of them and brought over heavy cameras. After everyone took turns taking photos, John Starks patted Li You on the shoulder:
"Congratulations on settling in New York. You can come to my house for dinner these two days. The little ones will definitely like you!"
Looking at his new home, Li You also showed a smile. For a bachelor, this apartment can be moved in with a bag, and there is no need to add any furniture.
During dinner, Li You brought gifts to visit the Starks family who lived on the 22nd floor downstairs. Although he was a talkative person to the outside world, in front of his wife, he turned into a considerate and good man...
"The worst thing about playing for the Knicks is the unscrupulous media."
"These guys have been obsessed with the 1994 Finals. Whenever they lose, they will look back on the championship they lost that year!"
"John tried his best, but the fans in New York, encouraged by the media, wanted us to leave!"
After the two parties got acquainted, Jackie, who had a fashionable afro, complained about her husband's treatment in New York in the past few years.
After coming to Connecticut in the past two years, Li You also knew that John Starks had been sprayed in the past two years. He had no jade, so this big-hearted person...
Starks, who was cutting steak, raised his head and introduced the internal situation of the Knicks to Li You:
"Don't worry about that, Lee! The fans in New York are great, the team atmosphere is great, and we almost made it, so I don't blame the fans and the media."
"It's just that the team will definitely change in the offseason. This is an opportunity for you. I know Van Gundy will not trust me anymore."
Li You nodded. The team's internal situation was similar to what he knew. Van Gundy planned to improve the offense. The rookie head coach wanted to prove that he was not Pat Riley's follower...
“Will the Knicks win a championship?”
The little boy Starks II, who had been eating obediently, suddenly widened his eyes and asked Li You curiously.
"Of course, you can also participate in the championship parade and sit on the front row of the float!"
As soon as Li You finished speaking, the little boy immediately looked at his mother and said loudly:
"Mom said the Knicks will never win a championship again in this life!"
Jackie was a little embarrassed and immediately glared at his precious son:
"Eat your steak! Don't talk nonsense, kid!"
"..."
On July 14, the Knicks also made a move, sending away Brad Lohouse and Anthony Mason in exchange for Larry Johnson from the Charlotte Hornets.
The substitute center and starting forward were exchanged for the star player Grandmama. The New York media and fans unanimously praised this!
Playing 81 games with the Charlotte Hornets last season, averaging 20.5 points, 8.4 rebounds and 4.4 assists per game, Larry Johnson seems to have fully recovered from his back injury.
The Knicks' actions didn't stop, and they immediately signed free agent Alan Houston and cleared out some members of the atmosphere team.
Regarding this transaction, the media in New York unanimously praised it.
Last season, with the Detroit Pistons, Alan Houston averaged 19.7 points, 3.7 rebounds and 3.0 assists per game, shooting 45.3% from the field and 42.7% from three-point range!
The efficiency is so high, the media and fans all believe that Alan Houston can improve the Knicks' constipated offense!
Li You has been packing up his new home with his friend Ai Wen for the past two days. After having a bank party during the period, he has finally settled in the Big Apple...
"Chris Childs? This guy seems to be a defender too. Lee, you have one more competitor."
Ivan also began to pay attention to the news about the Knicks. Li You, who was lying on the sofa with Ge You, didn't care. With a new head coach and new players, everything started again:
"It doesn't matter, I'm a rookie player of the Nets. Maybe you can see me starting in Madison Square Garden in the new season!"
