Not long after the news was announced, a reporter interviewed Pat Riley. He said with an envious look: "An excellent deal, if the Pistons keep Rodman, add Seikaly, and get from the Warriors The three main outsiders will be resurrected to complete the reconstruction and regain championship-level strength. Troy Weaver's ability is indeed outstanding among the general managers, and he deserves praise.
At the same time, I also praise the courage of the Warriors management. They have lost their three main perimeter players. Where will they find others? "
A reporter also interviewed Lakers general manager Jerry West. West had a terrible expression on his face and couldn't hold it back. He simply said: "Congratulations to the Warriors, a great deal."
In Seattle, after Ballmer learned the news, he immediately asked his personal assistant to notify the negotiation team to speed up the negotiation process. As long as the acquisition was completed before the transaction freeze period, it was still too late.
He knew the Warriors were also for sale, but he just wanted to buy a team in Seattle so he could watch games after work.
As for the Trail Blazers, general manager Hans Wilt was very shocked after receiving the news. I am still thinking about it. What are you anxious about?
After Paul Allen heard the news, his first thought was to change his general manager. He heard that the SuperSonics general manager Whitsitt was good, and Steve was competing with him for people, so he poached Steve's corner.
In addition, he did not give up on the deal and immediately called Hans Wilt and ordered him to contact the Pistons immediately.
…
Zhou Quan was interviewed by several media at the golf course.
"Tekken, why don't you want to come to Los Angeles? Are you willing to go to the Warriors?" a reporter from the Los Angeles Daily asked.
He shook his head and said: "Sorry, I just don't want to interfere in the team's transactions, it's not that I don't want to come to Los Angeles to play.
I went to college in Los Angeles, which is an open city and very tolerant. It has given me a lot. I even hope to buy a house here, but fate determines everything. If the Pistons choose to trade with the Warriors, I have no way to change it. it.
But the transaction has not been completed yet, and the Pistons have not announced it yet. I am not sure whether this transaction will eventually be completed. "
This news makes some people happy and disappoints others.
Gary Payton was very happy, the Glider was disappointed, Chris Mullin and other three Warriors players who were traded to the Pistons were also disappointed, even angry.
"Damn Iron Fist, you bastard, you're going nowhere. The Warriors are coming to take my position. Am I paying for it?"
The little bug Tim Hardaway had always had a problem with Zhou Quan, but now Zhou Quan had taken his position and kicked him into the pit of Detroit, which only made him angry and cursed.
Chris Mullin is also very disappointed. If he can stay with the Warriors and join forces with Iron Fist, he might still be able to compete for the championship. But when he thought about the Pistons' lineup after the trade, which seemed pretty good, the disappointment in his heart faded a lot.
Latrell Sprewell had just passed through his rookie period, but he was already very grumpy. He was very angry when he heard that he had been traded to the Pistons. He didn't want to go to that damn city at all. He wanted to stay in the big city. .
On the 8th, David Stern received the application, and Ballmer had completed an acquisition agreement with SuperSonics for a purchase price of US$120 million.
He is very happy to see this business tycoon investing in the NBA, and the acquisition price is also good, which is very beneficial to the development of the NBA.
In the afternoon, he asked his special assistant to go through the team owners and invite them to come to New York for a meeting to jointly decide whether to agree to the acquisition. The meeting date was the afternoon of the 9th.
On July 9, 1993, Zhou Quan and Roger Philippe arrived in San Francisco to prepare for the PGA Tour golf event to be held tomorrow.
On the same day, Jordan and his agent David Falk also arrived in San Francisco, along with his family, including his father Jordan Sr.
This afternoon, at the NBA headquarters in New York, a meeting on the Sonics was held as scheduled.
Ballmer was not present and was represented at the meeting by his personal assistant, Chelsea Locke.
At four o'clock in the afternoon, the NBA announced that the SuperSonics changed ownership and Ballmer took over.
"Mr. Philip, Mr. Ballmer hopes that Iron Fist can develop in Seattle. He not only hopes that Iron Fist will join the SuperSonics, but also hopes that Iron Fist will join the Microsoft empire and help Microsoft expand its development in China... As for the contract, I will never let you down. , we have prepared the best contract and can renew it in advance as soon as the transaction is completed."
At five minutes past four, Roger Philip received a call from Sonics general manager Bob Whitsitt.
Neither Zhou Quan nor Roger Philippe had any reason to refuse. Seattle is also a good city.
Subsequently, the SuperSonics management submitted an offer sheet to the Pistons management, Ricky Pierce + Gary Payton + Eddie Johnson + Derek McKay, trading weekly rights.
This transaction quotation undoubtedly made Troy Weaver's heart beat.
Gary Payton can defend, score, and organize better. The Pistons are a team that started on defense, so the gloves are definitely more suitable than Bugs.
But he also needs to weigh it up. Ricky Pierce is a bit old and Joe Dumars is getting old. He needs more young people instead of veterans.
Although Ricky Pierce is now the Sonics' first scoring point and leader, he doesn't like Ricky Pierce. He likes Shawn Kemp.
As long as they get Shawn Kemp and Gary Payton, the Pistons can rebuild perfectly, and the attendance rate will definitely be good, and it should not be worse than when Iron Fist was there.
After receiving the Pistons' reply, SuperSonics general manager Whitsitt hesitated. He was indeed reluctant to trade Shawn Kemp.
Gary Payton can be traded. The Iron Fist is at least one level better than the Glove. Even more than that, the Iron Fist + Rain Man will definitely be a hit, or even more popular.
However, he also wants to trade Iron Fist, because as a general manager, creating a true championship-level lineup is his most important job.
Shawn Kemp is good, with 17.8 points, 10.7 rebounds and a shooting percentage of 49.2% in the regular season, but Rainman's real significance to the team is the ball market. He cannot make the SuperSonics a championship. It is not of that importance.
As for Iron Fist, he should be a superstar who can bring not only the ball market but also the championship. The meaning is completely different.
Especially Tekken's performance in this playoffs, he is a real playoff superstar who can perform super well at the most critical moment. This kind of superstar is more rare than ordinary superstars.
His understanding of who is more important to Sonics between Rain Man and Iron Fist is very clear.
…
On the 10th, the San Francisco stop of the PGA Tour was held as scheduled.
Following the second round of the Eastern Conference series, Zhou Quan and Michael Jordan once again competed on the same field, and once again competed on the golf course. This time it was a professional event, so the attention was very high.
Of course, they were divided into a group of four people in each group. The remaining two were golf professionals, and they were first-class.
Four people played a round in the morning. Jordan performed well and shot a par, but Zhou Quan performed better, two under par, and two first-class professional golfers also performed well, one under three. , one is the same as Zhou Quan.
At noon, a San Francisco media suddenly broke the news that the Warriors had found a new owner. San Francisco businessman Chris Cohan had reached an agreement with the Warriors owner to acquire the Warriors for US$102 million.
Chris Cohan later accepted an interview with the media and stated that the news was true, and he publicly stated that he was dissatisfied with the Warriors' management and would replace a group of managers if the acquisition was successful.
Chris Cohan's words immediately caused chaos in the Warriors' management, and the entire management was almost paralyzed.
This news allowed the Sonics to see an opportunity, and they accelerated negotiations with the Pistons.
At the end of the game that afternoon, a total of two rounds were played. Zhou Quan shot a score of four under par. It was his first time to participate in a professional event. This result was recognized by the media.
And Jordan is not bad either. He was only one stroke over par in the two rounds, but he can't compare with Zhou Quan's results. There is a big gap.
The game is not over yet, this is just a temporary result.
On the 12th, the San Francisco stop of the PGA Tour ended. After six rounds, Zhou Quan scored a total score of 419, 11 strokes below par. The result was very good, ranking fourth in the station, and the top three were only behind him. One to three shots.
Jordan's performance in the next few rounds was not very good. After six rounds, he was 11 over par. As an amateur player participating in professional competitions, he played on the black stage. This result is actually good, but it is not on the same level as Zhou Quan.
After six rounds, he was 22 strokes behind Zhou Quan. This gap was a bit big. Jordan's face became darker and darker in the next two days. Fortunately, he was surrounded by his family and the media, so he didn't have any trouble with Zhou Quan.
Moreover, the recent media attention has been on Iron Fist and not on him, which makes him feel very good and less stressed. He even decided to take a trip around the world with his family.
"Iron Fist, congratulations on your wonderful results." After the game, Old Jordan came over and congratulated Zhou Quan.
"Thank you, James."
In the past two or three days, Zhou Quan also got to know Jordan's family. They didn't have Jordan's paranoia and competitiveness, and they were nice people.
"I heard that you will take a trip around the world. It's a good idea. I hope you have a good time." He also sent congratulations.
"Thank you, I think I will." James Jordan nodded and smiled.
After dealing with Jordan's family, Zhou Quan and Jordan also had a few words.
"Iron Fist, you'd better reach the finals next season."
Jordan knows why Zhou Quan left the Pistons. The most important reason is because the league does not want to see him and Zhou Quan both in the Eastern Conference. So this is his sincerity. If Zhou Quan goes to a bad team and fails to reach the NBA Finals, He will be disappointed in the final.
"Of course, it's not easy to win back the championship." Zhou Quan said with a smile.
After chatting for a few words, Jordan turned around and left. After all, they were mortal enemies. He was not in the mood to chat with Zhou Quan in person. At this time, Zhou Quan said: "Flying Man, I have blocked so many media attacks for you during this period, so you are still in the mood to come out and play golf." It’s a ball, won’t you thank me?”
Jordan didn't even look back and said: "Don't worry, kid, from now on you will be the media's number one target, not me anymore. If you want to be in the limelight and become famous, this is the price you should pay."
Zhou Quan was dumbfounded, why do I think what you said about thieves makes sense?
…
"Tekken once again proved that he has indeed reached a professional level in the sport of golf, and he also proved once again that in this sport, he and Michael Jordan are indeed not at the same level." San Francisco Business News.
"The crossover maniac Tekken has proven that he's not just playing around, he's a true golf pro." Los Angeles Daily News.
"A word of advice to Michael Jordan: Don't challenge the Iron Fist in other sports. You should focus on basketball. That is the right choice." New York Times.
"The Flyers should focus on basketball instead of crossing over. You really don't have talent in other sports." Chicago Sports News.
As Zhou Quan plays at a truly professional level on the PGA Tour, as Jordan said, he has become the target of media coverage.
On the 13th, Zhou Quan had returned to Los Angeles.
"Zhou, the acquisition of the Warriors has not been completed, and the work of the management has basically stopped. The negotiations between the SuperSonics and the Pistons are also in trouble. The Pistons want Rain Man + gloves, and the SuperSonics are unwilling to trade Rain Man. Now open up The reporter and the Lakers are also continuing to communicate with the Pistons, and your transaction will have to wait for some time before it becomes clear," Philip said.
"I'm too lazy to care. Anyway, the transaction freeze period hasn't ended yet."
Zhou Quan asked again: "Roger, when is the match against the postman?"
"The 15th. But you have to attend business activities these days. You have to go to New York and Miami. After working as a postman, go to Xiangcheng." Philip said.
"OK."
"Also, the Cadillac contract is about to be signed. You performed well this time." Philip said happily.
"How big is the contract?"
"No, Zhou, the important thing about this endorsement is not the money, but the symbolic meaning."
"How much?"
"Okay, fifteen million dollars in three years. It's not too high, Iron Fist. You still need to work harder. If you win a golf championship, your future endorsement contracts will definitely be higher."
Zhou Quan did the math and found that this contract would allow him to get more than 2 million after tax per year, which was not bad. Moreover, Rogge was right, the most important meaning of this contract was not money.
"Also, Cadillac will give you a car, and they can customize the interior for you. It's a top-of-the-line option."
"That's good. By the way, help me order a sports car. Last time you suggested that I change my car."
"You can't change it. You will drive a Cadillac from now on, and then wait for which sports car brand to give you an endorsement contract, so that you can get another sports car for free."
"Haha, Roger, has anyone contacted me?"
"wait for my good news."
"OK."
…
On the 14th, Pistons coach Chuck Daly announced his retirement.
On the same day, Smiling Assassin Isiah Thomas also announced his retirement.
"The Pistons are no longer the Pistons they used to be. There is no appeal to me here anymore. Everything is terrible. The management is a bunch of idiots. They forced away the Iron Fist to save money, and now they have forced away Dad, and they have no Keep Isiah, they messed up everything..."
The Pistons have never given Rodman the contract he wanted. Now that Daley and the Assassins have retired again, this has directly brought his dissatisfaction with the management to its peak. He publicly expressed his dissatisfaction with the management in interviews with the media. .
"Coach Daley, have you really decided to leave?"
Zhou Quan first called Chuck Daly. He respected the head coach very much.
"Iron Fist, as a head coach, my career has been perfect enough. Yes, it is indeed time to leave. Otherwise, a new team will give me a headache. I no longer have the energy." Cha Kedali's mood didn't look too bad.
"Have a nice day then."
Zhou Quan then called Rodman, and after getting through he said, "Dennis, where are you?"
"Iron Fist, I'm in New York with Isiah, getting ready to get on the plane. You're waiting for us in Los Angeles," Rodman said.
"Okay, I'll pick you up and we'll talk about it later."
In the afternoon, the three met.
"Dennis, what are your plans for the future?" Zhou Quan asked.
"I want to leave Detroit." Rodman answered decisively.
"My deal hasn't been settled yet, otherwise I'll take you with me." He said with a smile.
"Iron Fist, you have the right to speak. Take me there and I will continue to help you." Rodman said immediately.
He nodded and said: "I'll mention it to Phillip, but I can't guarantee whether it will work out."
He asked the assassin again: "Isiah, now that you have retired, what are you going to do?"
Isiah Thomas smiled and said: "Fuck the narrator, I've already thought about it."
"good idea."
He nodded in approval.
Thomas looked weird and said: "Well, Bill has no chance to be a coach now. He heard that I wanted to do this and wanted to do this."
"Ranbir?"
Zhou Quan was startled, but this matter had nothing to do with him. He smiled and said, "Then you can continue to work together. It's just another gimmick."
Thomas smiled and nodded: "Yes, he actually likes basketball very much. Otherwise, given his status, he would never have joined the NBA."
"The second generation of rich people are always willful." Zhou Quan said with a smile.
…
(End of chapter)
