Houston.
Yao Ming is a little troubled now.
Now there is only one team that has given him a five-year maximum salary offer, and it is one that he did not expect at all: the Cleveland Cavaliers.
But it makes sense.
It is said that it is easy to go from frugality to luxury, but it is difficult to go from luxury to frugality. After trying 36D, and then asking you to use a tablet, you will definitely not be able to accept it.
So now that you have the opportunity to own a new 36D, who would refuse it?
While a five-year max salary comes with a lot of risk, it would allow the Cavaliers to quickly make up for the market lost due to James leaving, and possibly even more.
You must know that before Yao Ming went to the Rockets, even though the Rockets were in Houston, Rockets owner Alexander was one of the poorest owners in the NBA.
But in the past eight years, he has become a middle-class boss.
And Yao Ming can still play now, especially if he can pack Artest.
If Yao Ming is really brought in, the Cavaliers' starting lineup next season will be: Mo Williams + Anthony Parker + Artest + Jamison + Yao Ming. As long as Yao Ming is not injured, this lineup will guarantee the playoffs.
There is a Chinese market, and there is no need to worry about selling tickets. The price is only two more years of risk. This deal seems to be a good deal.
But this is from the perspective of the Cavaliers and Yao Ming. When you go to Cleveland, you always feel like entering a mall bathroom, opening the door and finding that the person in front of you didn't flush.
"Yao, Tom wants to meet you."
Just when he was troubled, Bill Duffy called him and told him the news.
Thibodeau?
Thibodeau was a Rockets assistant coach at the time, and he single-handedly built the Rockets' defensive system, and we have a good relationship with him.
When Thibodeau was officially announced as the head coach of the Bulls, he sent a text message to congratulate him.
But why did Thibodeau look for him at this point?
It's impossible to drag him to play for the Bulls, right?
You must know that the Bulls already have Noah, and he will definitely not be able to go.
"When did he say he would come?" Yao Ming couldn't guess, so he could only wait to see him in person.
"They're already in Houston."
Duffy's answer surprised Yao Ming again.
But now that he is here, he must do his best to be a landlord.
after an hour.
Yao Restaurant.
Yao Ming met Thibodeau.
Not only Thibodeau, but also a white man who looks like Maitreya Buddha.
"Yao, how are you doing in Houston recently?" Thibodeau was not in a hurry to introduce Foreman, but first reminisced about old times with Yao Ming.
"Not bad." Yao Ming forced a smile, but it was obvious that his unstretched eyebrows gave him away.
"Is it really good?" Thibodeau asked.
"Okay, it's not that bad." Seeing that he couldn't hide it, Yao Ming could only reply with a wry smile.
Thibodeau already knew this when he saw it, and he knew Yao Ming and knew that Yao Ming was a very smart person, so he didn't make too many twists and turns, and then introduced to him: "This is Gar Fall, the general manager of the Bulls. Man."
Because Foreman was the general manager who only took office last year, Yao Ming had not met him yet, but when Thibodeau said this, he understood instantly.
Thibodeau really came to recruit him to the Bulls!
"Hello, Mr. Foreman." Yao Ming stood up and shook hands with Foreman to say hello.
"Hello." Foreman has never been in contact with Yao Ming. Now that he has been in contact with Yao Ming, he is indeed as humble as Thibodeau said.
"Yao, we want to invite you to join the Bulls. You know the Bulls are a very young team now, and we need players with rich experience like you to guide the team." After sitting down again, Forman also Let’s get straight to the point.
"This is so sudden." Although Yao Ming had already guessed it, he was still surprised when it was actually put on the table because the Bulls had never expressed interest in him before.
"To be honest, our previous target was Chris Bosh, and Dwyane Wade also wanted to join us, so to be honest, you were not in our plan at the beginning." Foreman chose to use sincerity. Speak because he knows that telling lies in front of smart people will backfire.
Sure enough, while Yao Ming was surprised by Foreman's words, his expression was much more serious than before.
"Then you know, they all chose to go to Miami, so Tom recommended you. He said you are the best player for us. You are tough, calm, experienced, hardworking, and willing to help the young people and the team. You have us." All the qualities that are needed, I trust him because what he says is the same as what I see.”
Forman's next words made Yao Ming feel very comfortable again.
He also truly felt Foreman's business ability.
"Moreover, we all have the same goal now, the championship." After Foreman saw the change in Yao Ming's expression, he took advantage of the situation.
Yao Ming had already calmed down at this time.
He admitted that everything Foreman said was on his mind.
The Bulls' Black Knight already showed potential last season, and his addition can make the Bulls a serious championship team.
Of course, the championship is what he has always longed for.
Moreover, he can also play ball with Xu Yong.
If the Bulls had never contacted him before, and Forman's sincere words just now, he would have felt that Xu Yong was a lobbyist sent by the Bulls in advance!
But think about it, Xu Yong should not be that kind of person.
"But you already have Joakim Noah." Yao Ming said.
This is the reason why he thought it was impossible for him to join the Bulls before. Noah's shooting and movement speed cannot beat the power forward.
As for the twin towers?
Don't be ridiculous, what age is this? That thing is no longer playable.
"He's going to Houston."
Then, Forman's words surprised Yao Ming.
You must know that Noah showed full talent and potential in the playoffs last season against the Cavaliers, and the Bulls just let him go?
"That's how determined we are to get you," Foreman said seriously.
When Thibodeau mentioned Yao Ming to him before, he really didn't think about it at all.
Just like Yao Ming thought, because of Noah.
In fact, if they were willing to use Noah as an addition when dealing with the contracts of Hinrich and Deng, they could still do it.
But the lineup of Rose + Wade + Xu Yong + Bosh + Kwame Brown is too weak inside.
As for the new insiders signed in the free market, because Tyson Chandler chose to implement the player contract option, there is no one better than Brown now.
And he thought it was okay in the previous wave because all five players could play, but with this lineup, he had to consider the inside strength and the compatibility of Rose and Wade.
So in the end, even if he had no chance, he was still reluctant to give Noah away.
But Thibodeau proposed a path that the family had never thought of, which made him suddenly enlightened.
If Noah is replaced by Yao Ming, it will definitely be an upgrade, and it will not be a slight improvement.
And because Yao Ming is a free agent, the Bulls can also take this opportunity to send Hinrich out and free up new salary space to prepare for subsequent reinforcements.
Of course, the most important thing is, as he said before, Yao Ming can bring the most lacking game experience to the Bulls.
They lost to the Celtics last season, including the Game 5 loss against the Cavaliers, which was a very key factor.
"I think I have no reason to refuse, but I still have a personal request." Yao Ming continued.
"Contract? Don't worry, we will provide you with a five-year maximum salary offer." Forman is a person who does big things.
"No, I was wondering... if I could bring Ron Artest with me." When Foreman mentioned the five-year maximum salary, Yao Ming felt that he was too embarrassed to mention anything else, but for Artest, He gritted his teeth and spoke.
"This is no problem. If we can get Ron, it will only further enhance the strength of our team." Forman said with a smile.
In fact, the reason why he is willing to send Noah is because he knows about the binding between Yao Ming and Artest. Based on his understanding of Mo Gou, if you really want to sign Yao Ming naked, Mo Gou will never send Artest.
And without Artest, Yao Ming would not be here.
This is because you can't let go of your children and you can't trap the wolf. As an agent, one thing you must learn is to make trade-offs.
Hearing this, Yao Ming had no idea at all. He stood up and extended his hand to Foreman, smiling and saying, "See you in Chicago."
…
"I'm leaving the Rockets." Xu Yong received a call from Yao Ming again.
Xu Yong was very happy when he heard this.
Yao Ming finally chose to leave the Rockets, which is definitely a good thing for him.
"Where to go?" he asked immediately.
"Guess first." Yao Ming started to talk to him.
"Mavericks? Or Lakers? It can't be the Cavaliers, right?"
The Mavericks and Lakers are the two teams most suitable for Yao Ming. As for the Cavaliers, he has seen rumors about making an offer to Yao Ming before.
"Neither, Chicago."
"Chi...what?"
Xu Yong was stunned. He stood up the next second while he was sitting.
Yao Ming is coming to the Bulls?
This is a crazy situation!
Even though he was very imaginative, he never imagined that Yao Ming would come to the Bulls.
"What? Aren't you welcome?" Yao Ming asked with a smile.
"How could you not welcome me? I wish we could play ball together!" Xu Yong said with a smile.
These two fellows from a foreign country are usually busy playing games and only see each other twice in a season. It is not convenient to be teammates.
"I just met with Thibodeau and Foreman. We just discussed our intentions. The details will depend on the deal, but I should come with Artest."
"Perfect." Xu Yong gave an evaluation.
Among the players who can carry James of the Heat, Artest is definitely the first. This wave of buy one, get one free is an explosion.
The two chatted for a while about the details of Yao Ming and Foreman's chat before hanging up the phone.
But when he put down his phone, Xu Yong's mood was so complicated.
To be honest, when he initially persuaded Yao Ming to leave the Rockets, including taking Artest with him, he was purely trying to help Yao Ming solve the problem.
Inexplicably, it turned out to be an assist for himself.
This wave is really unintentional.
Although he was somewhat reluctant to think about Noah leaving Chicago, after all, the latter became his die-hard brother after settling their differences with him.
But thinking that it was Yao Ming who came, he felt relieved instantly.
Those who achieve great things don't stick to trivial matters, not to mention that he is just a player now and has no say in the whole process.
Just, I feel a little impatient.
…
Time flies to July 10th.
This is a critical time point in the free market, because after this day, the "July freeze period" will end. 【Note 12】
This also means that after this day, players will begin to officially sign contracts.
So those players who are still considering it will basically make their decision before then.
The Rockets finally reached a deal after back-and-forth negotiations with the Bulls.
Yao Ming signed a 3+1+1, 5-year, 100 million maximum salary contract with the Rockets (the last two years are player options), packaged with Artest and a 2013 first-round pick traded from the Raptors. , getting Noah and Luol Deng, as well as a trade exception worth 10 million.
Mo is still a dog and refused to accept Hinrich's contract. In the end, both sides gave in. The Bulls replaced Hinrich with Deng, and the Rockets gave him an unprotected first rounder.
After the Heat's Big Three detonated the free market, this wave of news once again caused violent shocks in the league.
The first person to be shocked was Stern, who was at the league's New York headquarters.
Stern almost fainted.
James' decision already made him extremely angry, and there was nothing he could do to stop it if he intervened.
James has a lot of infamy on his back, and all the hard work he put into James has gone to waste.
The result is now better, but he hasn't recovered yet, and this happens again.
Eggs cannot be put in one basket, especially Xu Yong and Yao Ming.
Yao Xu's traffic last season was phenomenal.
As a result, the two of them are now running on the same team!
The league has lost hundreds of millions of dollars, and most of that money will go to the Bulls.
This is definitely not what he wants to see.
But he was just as helpless as before when he faced ESPN.
Although he is the president of the league, he has no power to interfere with the signing of free agents, nor can he stop a legal transaction.
…
Just when Stern was about to faint, fans were already in chaos on social media with all kinds of voices.
There is James who turned on the taunting mode and put on the Heat's coat.
"The Bulls keep Noah, and then make some moves to sign Boozer. There is still a small chance to beat the Heat. The current lineup is for nothing."
"The Bulls were able to finish eighth last year because of the incompetence of James' teammates. If they meet the Heat again this year, they will definitely sweep you away!"
"It's so funny. We haven't even started to reinforce, and our opponents are gone. Isn't it too early to open the champagne?"
"Just in time, let's crush Kobe and win the championship. LeBron's era has finally arrived!"
"Arrogant face: Who else?!"
…
Some Houston fans were yelling at Mo Gou.
"We just reached the Western Conference Finals last season, and the team actually let Yao go?!"
"This is really fucked up. Noah and Dunga are not as good as Yao, and we also lost Artest. Oh my god, what on earth were the management thinking!"
"The Rockets don't deserve Yao. I hope Yao can win his championship in Chicago and slap the management in the face."
"This is really awesome. Mo Gou also said that he would definitely renew Yao's contract with the maximum salary. I want a refund!"
…
Of course there were Bulls fans celebrating.
"Forman is great. He did two things after taking office. He traded half the team for Xu, and now he has traded for Yao. The Bulls are on the right path!"
"This is Yao. Although I feel sorry for Noah and Deng, we have the best center in the league."
"To correct you, Yao is only one of the top two centers in the league, but he can beat another top two center."
"I'm laughing so hard. The Magic management must be scolding me now. The most important thing their general manager wants to pray for this season is not to encounter us in the playoffs."
"Deng is a very good player, although I would prefer Hinrich to be sent away, but this way we won't have problems with the ball next season."
"Don't forget Ron Artest! Yao, Xu, Artest, why do I feel like this lineup is a bit aimed at the Heat?"
"See you in Chicago!"
…
Miami.
James, who was having another party, saw the news after being reminded by Paul. He was stunned for a while and then covered his head with his right hand.
Yao Ming, Artest... a dead memory in his mind is attacking him crazily.
At the same time, Riley, who was tasting the latest red wine on the balcony on the second floor, watched the news for a long time. When he got up, he accidentally knocked over the red wine glass on the table.
"Wow~"
With a crisp sound, the wine glass shattered to the ground.
Looking at the broken glass on the ground, he couldn't help but feel absent-minded.
After all the calculations, why did I miss Yao Ming?
No, I missed Foreman's determination.
It seems that in the coming seasons, the Bulls will become the Heat's strong rival in the Eastern Conference.
Regarding the transaction, although it is explained in the main text, I would like to add two more points. With my eyes open, Noah is a future double-team center, but in Foreman's eyes, he is a player who has not performed well in the past two years. A lottery pick who has made great progress in the third year and is about to renew his contract. It is worth sending him away for Yao Ming. Then there is the problem of Deng. Deng's body type is different from Artest's. He cannot play power forward. Therefore, with the arrival of Artest, he will become useless, and there will also be the issue of ball rights as written before, and his contract is very long. In Forman's eyes, it will affect the renewal of Rose and Xu Yong. So in the end he chose to compromise with Mo Gou. Even though there were these problems, if Mo Gou accepted Hinrich, he would not send Deng away at this time. Then Mo Gou has a very distinctive personality in reality. , he will definitely rob you when he seizes the opportunity. If you are not satisfied, he will only let the transaction fall through. In the end, after this wave of transactions, the Bulls still have more than 8 million yuan in space, and there will be follow-up reinforcements, and they are useful. Oh, by the way, the player option for the next two years after the contract is not only the Bulls' respect for Yao Ming, but also Yao Ming's feedback to the Bulls, because if he really can't play anymore, he will jump out of the contract and retire. I checked about the retirement contract. , if it’s not like Bosh, it still seems to be included in the salary cap.
(End of chapter)
