NBA: Start with 2 billion, buy the Knicks

Chapter 274: Stud Howard, five-star Knicks, assemble!!!

Compared to past superstars like Tracy McGrady and Wallace who are no longer at their peak.

The whereabouts of Anthony and Howard, two superstars at their peak, are what fans are most concerned about.

Fans will analyze each team's salary situation better than the team. Now the Knicks, Nets and other teams have the strength to get a contract!

To be honest, the Knicks are more anxious, they are anxious to show off.

It was very uncomfortable for them to see the bull show off.

Last season, Boozer, a strong inside player, played 78 games for the Jazz, averaging 19.5 points, 11.2 rebounds, 3.2 assists and 1.1 steals per game.

The statistics have successfully proved that he is better than Okur. After joining the Bulls, everyone is optimistic about him. Bulls fans are even shouting to dream back to the 1996 era.

because.

Rose is much better than the current Paul killer.

Don't look at George and Hayward who vowed to have them in the new season. If they really have to fight against the tigers and wolves of the NBA, they still hope to have a stronger beast to lead them... It's only the first year, so I feel guilty!

Magic players are also worried. Two of the team's biggest superstars are about to leave. Carter's team has stated that they cannot coexist with Warcraft. The reason why they did not propose a trade is because they are expecting a wave of Magic management changes.

Now we still have Stoudemire and Anthony, so it would be fine if one of them could match up with Carter.

Warcraft is completely disappointed with the management, and everyone has discovered this. Recently, this kind of gossip about Warcraft has come out, and the magician has not come out to speak to the meritorious players. It is really magical.

Every time the Magic comes to this point, it's as if they're performing a magic trick. It stands to reason that players like Warcraft must fight to the end one person at a time, but they just don't have the intention to redeem themselves, and they are still negotiating with the Wizards and Knicks.

Coupled with the fact that forward Barnes has gone to the enemy team, the Lakers, this Monster has become disorganized. The people who made it to the Finals the year before last have fallen apart.

And with Melo and Stoudemire finally deciding on their next homes at the same time, the three managements of the Wizards, Knicks, and Magic finally came to the table to talk!

Melo's worries and Stoudemire's running-and-gun relationship finally ended this summer.

This summer, three of the top five picks in 2003: James (No. 1), Wade (No. 5), and Bosh (No. 4), gathered in Miami. In addition to proving that friendship is sometimes more attractive than making big money,

It also shows that these kids have really grown up and they have realized that they need to become famous as early as possible and get together as early as possible.

Otherwise, even if they are as respected as Malone, Barkley, and Ewing, they will ultimately carry a lifetime of regret and pain.

So, Anthony, who is also in the Banana Boat Brothers, is naturally anxious.

There were two other players among the top five picks in 2003: Milicic, who was second overall, and Anthony, who was the third overall pick.

Milicic was nicknamed "Human Cigar", no matter whether he still had great ambitions, but Anthony could not calmly face the teaming up of three classmates.

Since Wade, who has a championship ring in hand, and James, who has led his team to win the regular season championship for two consecutive seasons, have no patience to wait alone anymore, then why should Anthony have it, not to mention that he is already impatient.

Despite the fact that Billups took him to the Western Conference Finals last year, although Anthony has made the playoffs every year for the past seven years, he has been in the first round in six of them.

Although he is everyone's favorite "melon" in Denver, the fierce competition in the Western Conference and the lackluster management of the Nuggets have made Anthony gradually fall behind in comparison with James and Wei.

Under this background and state of mind, "Anthony is seeking a deal" is really not a rumor at all.

The clues of this rumor had already appeared when James decided to join the Heat, and by mid-August it had become a hot topic.

Perhaps there is a lesson from James being scolded before, but fortunately Anthony always keeps a low profile and his measures are always weak and submissive.

All current rumors about Anthony's trade are revealed by "people close to Anthony" or are inferences based on some facts.

Jiang Chao admires this. Melo's agent team has always done a good job. Even though Anthony mocked the Knicks in front of Sean Marks about the consequences of not wanting him, the news never spread.

There are now rumors in the media that Melo is having an affair with the Knicks.

Except for not allowing Melo to win the championship, there is nothing wrong with this team, and the arrangements for his career are also good.

Now, Anthony's team has asked the Nuggets to find a trade plan that satisfies both parties.

The Nuggets will naturally consider it carefully. Their first choice is to persuade Anthony to renew his contract and put a three-year, $65 million check on the table early;

If Anthony is determined not to stay, then the Nuggets will have to make a deal, because Anthony has the right to opt out of his contract next summer. If Anthony becomes a completely free agent by then, the Nuggets will lose Melo in vain.

If the Nuggets choose to trade this season, they may get back the person they want or the expiring contract.

In fact, the Nuggets' top brass has been idle all summer.

The owner's son, the head coach Karl, who was suffering from illness, and Billups who was training with Mengjiu, all used their own ways to hope that Anthony could renew his contract.

But these are obviously not enough to impress "Melon".

Yes, as Billups said, "Melo never said he was no longer a Nugget," but similarly, Anthony never said he was a Nugget.

He has been hesitant to consider renewing the contract and went to New York to get married, which seems to have shown his intentions.

And Jr following him to give blessings also shows his sincerity... After all, Jr was indeed known as a superstar follower in the early days.

If the breakup is really destined, then Denverites should understand Anthony while regretting it.

Look at the comrades the Nuggets have deployed for Melo over the past seven years - Iverson only belonged to the 76ers at the beginning of this century, Billups is 34 years old, and Martin is more like a "medicine jar."

Therefore, although "Melon" has been surly and willful in the past, and has had bad habits such as cheating on the boss and scolding the coach, but for a guy who averages 28 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists per game, he has reason to think that he has done his best.

But we did not get the ideal results and the promising future.

His next club is also a hot topic, becoming the biggest hot topic after James' "decision" and before Meng Jiu's departure.

Especially for Chinese fans, it is said that Anthony is secretly interested in the Rockets, and his new club will choose between Houston and New York, and so on.

Anyway, this is the biggest trade rumor in the Western Conference. The other top eight teams have basically not made such big changes, and they are more about watching the drama in the Eastern Conference.

The Nuggets may like the Rockets' immediate ability, or they may like the New Yorkers' salary space. Who knows - it's almost September, and Denver hasn't even finalized a new general manager.

Jiang Chao signaled the team not to discuss Melo. New York has more than just the Knicks, there is also the Nets.

However, it is quite sentimental to think about this summer. This is a somewhat sad summer.

Seven years later, the children of the 2003 generation have collectively realized that they have passed the age of unrestrained behavior. They must become more utilitarian in order to win, and things like rings must be used at all costs.

Including 2002's Lotto Stoudemire, No. 1 pick Yao Ming and others, the stars at the beginning of the century have begun to be unable to restrain their desire to win the championship!

It's been suppressed for too long. Every couple has the seven-year itch, and this group of people has almost seven years, which is the length of a rookie contract and a star contract.

However, the report by "Orlando Sports News" is quite funny in order to keep Warcraft.

In addition to New York, the Chicago Bulls and New Orleans Hornets can both make offers to the Nuggets for Carmelo Anthony.

They directly reported that the Nets were the other two teams that Anthony was not willing to join.

There is currently another team that is considered a place Anthony would like to go, and that is the Orlando Magic.

The Magic can make an offer for Vince Carter, whose contract is about to expire, but it is basically impossible for the Nuggets to accept such an offer.

The reporter from ESPN gave a plan that he thought was feasible. The Magic paid Michael Pietrus, Brandon Bass and Marcin Gortat in exchange for Anthony and Renaldo Balkman from the Nuggets.

The addition of Anthony and Balkman can make up for the Magic's frontcourt loss after the loss of Gortat and Buss, and Gortat and Buss also happened to leave the Magic who did not receive enough playing time.

After Pietrus joins the Nuggets, he can make up for the Nuggets' shortcomings at the small forward position.

The Bulls didn't seem satisfied with just acquiring Boozer. They also went to New York to communicate with Anthony after Anthony came to the East.

The Bulls can offer small forward Luol Deng, young forward James Johnson and cash compensation.

People with inside information like the Knicks also learned that the Wizards had also contacted the Nuggets in order to make second-hand preparations. The informant there said that they would give up chasing superstars such as LeBron James in the summer free agency market and focus on cultivating them.

Starting with No. 1 pick John Wall, we can clearly see one thing - the Wizards do not have an excellent lineup and enough chips, and they do not have the trading chips that the Nuggets need.

In fact, it was just a matter of saying clearly that the Nuggets wanted Wall in exchange for Anthony.

In the end, the most rumored news in the circle was a deal involving Paul, which was initiated by the Nets, which is only 20 kilometers away from Anthony's hometown.

Because of the addition of the Portland Trail Blazers, the New Jersey Nets have a new plan to pursue Carmelo Anthony.

According to a league insider, after joining the deal, the Trail Blazers are trying to bring in the New Orleans Hornets to complete a four-way deal with the Nets and Nuggets.

After the trade, the Trail Blazers will get Chris Paul from the Hornets, and the Nets' Devin Harris, Kris Humphries and one Trail Blazers player will be sent to the Hornets.

Denver gets Derrick Favors, and Anthony and Andre Miller will land with the Nets.

The trade plan proposed by Portland is extremely beneficial to the Nets and Trail Blazers.

New Orleans and Denver both plan to keep their superstars, at least for now. There may be a day when the Hornets decide to move Paul, and most NBA insiders believe it's only a matter of time before the Nuggets trade Anthony.

…

Knicks office.

Jiang Chao didn't wait for Howard's call, but he did wait for Anthony's call.

Anthony finally asked Jiang Chao if he wanted him. He still wanted to play for his hometown. Harden was also a rookie he particularly liked.

This is full of sincerity, which means that as long as you trade me, I will try my best to play for you!!

Obviously he also wanted to fuck the Heat, Kaizi and other teams with anger.

"We have a sweetheart, I'm sorry, Brother Gu."

Jiang Chao was also polite, but the call ended immediately with a beep.

Five minutes later, Stoudemire, a local in New York, also called (when Stoudemire was young, her mother went to the orange orchard with her family to pick oranges and sold them to New York)

He also expressed that he wanted to come to New York, but was rejected by Jiang Chao.

"We have no shortage of insiders."

Although Stoudemire has excellent statistics in all aspects, Jiang Chao always felt that it was Nash who made him the overlord, otherwise his status would not be so high.

In his previous life, he did come to New York, and everyone saw the result... From then on, there was no such thing as a little overlord who could conquer Mount Huashan with the power of heaven and earth.

"Are you sure?"

"I actually suggest you don't leave Nash, really."

"Dududu..."

Jiang Chao frowned and smiled helplessly: "How come today's stars have such explosive tempers?

…

Jiang Chao's two phone calls obviously angered Stoudemire and Anthony, two players born in New York!

2 hours later.

Nets stars Devin Harris and Kris Humphries were traded to the Nuggets in exchange for one of the top six superstars in the league, Carmelo Anthony.

Before the Brooklyn fans could react.

After another five minutes, the Nets directly traded Brock Lopez Alston to the Suns in exchange for Stoudemire!!

"Congratulations, Old Downey..."

While Jiang Chao couldn't help but scold the Nets, he also sent congratulations to Downey Sr. This may be regarded as the best transaction in his career.

Needless to say, Lopez was very useful in the future. The main reason was that he could shoot and endure...

As for the Nets, this may accelerate their demise next year. Although their boss is not the boss of Russian coal now, he is still better.

But that’s just what Jiang Chao thinks.

Tsai Chongzhen and other fans who follow the Nets were all shocked. Destiny brought Anthony and Stoudemire back together in New York in their previous lives, but in Brooklyn.

Just like the reaction of Knicks fans in the previous life, Nets fans now have the same reaction. They all stand up, okay!

Cai Chongzhen has sent an emo message to boss Jiang Chao, saying that the Nets will never sell the team after these two transactions. The record will not be bad, right?

"It will definitely not be worse than their 12 wins last year. Haha, don't worry. Do you think Anthony will pass the ball to Stoudemire?"

"Yeah, now they don't have anyone who can pass the ball."

"So just wait for next season with peace of mind."

The Nets gave Anthony and Stoudemire no longer paid attention to Jiang Chao, who had a big contract. It should be similar to when he signed with the Knicks. Moreover, the two directly stated in the press conference that they are the kings of New York, and they obviously have opinions on Jiang Chao.

.

Then Jiang Chao doesn't want to be a bastard anymore, so don't talk nonsense, see you then!

Then RJ Smith was also recruited to the Nets, and Anthony's current number one follower is still following closely. No matter what, this Nets team is definitely good at playing.

Offensive kaleidoscope highlights of Jordan's top five goals, Huashan Ge, are no worse than the most flashy Clippers in the West.

"Our goal is to be No. 1 in New York."

"I would like to ask the Knicks boss, what did you do in the off-season?"

Anthony really looks down on Jiang Chao. He can’t recruit anyone, so why are he pretending???

"What's the rush? Don't be afraid of being late for a good show."

The Knicks and Wizards are really lagging behind.

The new coaches of each team have been confirmed, but neither team has yet determined their lineup.

Paul's mentor lost Scott and signed with the Cavaliers.

The Bulls signed Thibodeau, and a wonderful mentorship journey with Rose began.

The Hawks changed their coach to Larry Drew, and there are no flaws in their lineup, but they are just short of breath.

The Nets also replaced Avery Johnson, and I heard that Anthony personally approved it.

After Paul decided to renew his contract with the Hornets, he seemed to have a condition, that is, the head coach Ji Tian. Two days after Paul's decision, the new coach Monty Williams, who will also be a teacher and friend in the future, took office!

Jiang Chao did not recruit any of these coaches.

Because he already has the strongest coaching staff, and there are still many coaches who have yet to show their full potential!

…

There are not many fish left in the free market and there are not many anglers with room for it.

Warcraft himself can no longer sit still.

He couldn't stand another year with the Magic.

When the negotiation with Sean Marks broke down, he personally called Boss Jiang.

“Boss Jiang!!!!”

Finally, the Warcraft agent called, and sitting next to him was Howard.

Opposite him, Magic General Manager Martins sat!

The meaning of the first sentence is: Do you still remember Xia Yuhe by Daming Lake?

"I'm waiting for your call."

Jiang Chao seemed much calmer, and it felt like everything was under his control.

"You! Let me tell you about the current situation." Warcraft personally took the phone and went to have a private chat with Jiang Chao outside the villa.

Now the whole people feels that there is a reason why Howard cannot win the championship. His private life is disorderly, he has no professionalism and so on.

So it's not that World of Warcraft can't sit still, but other managements don't like him very much, and only the Wizards and Knicks are in contact with him.

The options given to him now are not as many as at the beginning of the off-season. There are only three choices, either to stay with the team or to go to one of the two teams.

As for the Wizards, Howard basically ruled it out. The chemistry between Wall and Cousins ​​actually shows that he doesn't get along well with the big men.

Moreover, the Wizards had too many people and ran out of space. The Magic management didn't want so many scraps, and Warcraft also wanted to directly pay the maximum salary.

"I don't necessarily get the maximum salary in my first year here."

As for the Knicks, if Howard's team wants a maximum salary and the Knicks counteroffer, they can take it directly in the first year.

"No problem, I will definitely have a multi-year contract with you."

This involves another problem. Warcraft also wants to sign a long-term contract worth 100 million yuan like James, but many teams only want to give him a salary of 20 million yuan a year. If not, they will come back next season.

"Do you want to?"

"Sure, I want to work for you for 5-6 years!"

Howard has been thinking about his life these days, from being dunked by Kobe Bryant at the beginning of his career to what he will be like at the end of his career.

I thought about it all.

Then he watched more than a dozen videos of the Knicks' games last season, and he found that he still liked the Knicks more. The meditative happy beast was the intelligent beast.

Especially after his agent reminded him that he could join forces with his old rival Yao Ming next season, he became even more excited.

He likes Curry's three-pointers, Harden's breakthrough shots, his old friend Turk Drew, and assistant coach Clifford's devilish training.

I also like Jiang Chao’s vigorous and resolute behavior.

Finally, he figured out that Jiang Chao had actually extended an olive branch to him a long time ago, and now he was just waiting for him to take the initiative.

The future with the Knicks is not bad either.

"Okay, will you go all out?"

"Damn it, don't question my professionalism!"

"Come to our team, don't think about anything else, just fight for the championship."

"Okay! I'm just here to grab boards for Curry. I don't have to score points!!"

"Give the phone to General Manager Martins and I'll talk to you."

"Okay, you decide!"

The muscular beast returned to the villa and handed it over to Martins with sweat dripping from his face.

Jiang Chao just smiled on the other side of the phone.

Just kidding, those who are questioning Howard are all those he released to mislead other teams. Any news that is not worthy of the maximum salary is written by the fans spontaneously, and he has nothing to do with it.

Jiang Chao liked Master Huo so much that he was the only one who still believed that he was worthy of the maximum salary.

Moreover, tmd! 0 This is the only man who can replace James alone. Don’t really think that other teams and Howard’s agent are stupid!

Jiang Chao had originally thought about agreeing the moment Howard called. What he wanted was Master Huo's professional attitude.

Howard wanted to only grab the board for the babyface, which showed that he had already made up his mind and had to work hard.

If Jiang Chao doesn't take action now, the other teams will definitely take action after they react.

Martins took the call and initially stated his initial request.

What he and Sean Marks were talking about at the beginning fell through was that they wanted to trade Yao Ming alone, so they would sign first and then trade for Howard.

But Max naturally knew what kind of existence Dayao was in Jiang Chao's heart, so he decisively refused.

Jiang Chao smiled and said it was because of Van Gundy, otherwise who would want a top-paid player with serious injury risks?

If you smash it into your hand, you won't be able to shake it off when the time comes. Add to that the skin color issue, if you really deal with it, you will be scolded by some fans.

The only possibility is that Yao's mentor Van Gundy wants it, and Van Gundy is still good at playing in the center system.

"Don't the Wizards offer a lower price over there?"

"JaVale McKinnick Young, okay?" Magic general manager Martins said proudly.

"With a player who plays without thinking and a player who doesn't pass the ball, your Magic record will suddenly drop to the bottom?"

"you!!!"

"Let me be honest, if Howard doesn't save face for your home team and just jumps out of the contract, is it okay for me to sign naked? At this stage, we are the only ones with the most space."

Everyone who turned on the outside lights was stunned for a moment, and then their scalps went numb!

Holy shit!

No wonder the Knicks waited until now.

It’s scary to think about it!

Indeed, if Howard had jumped out of the contract from the beginning, the Nets, a garbage team, would have definitely signed him at the highest price in seconds, if nothing else!

And now the Nets have been squeezed below the luxury tax, and the Wizards have 2 million less space than the Knicks.

Instead, the Knicks have become the biggest dark horse in the market!

As long as Howard doesn't miss his old friendship, the Knicks will win!!

Happy Beast directly looked at each other with the management of Magic. Ahem, it’s so embarrassing~~ If they turn against each other now, don’t they even need to talk about Magic together?

Max and Mustache looked at each other and smiled.

Jiang Chao is too smart, but it really makes him survive until now!

But generally those who have stayed with the team for five or six years will leave something behind for the parent team. Superstars such as Anthony and James have done this, otherwise it will be really difficult in terms of public opinion and morality.

The rationality of player options is reflected. On the one hand, it allows players to have better opportunities to choose their careers. On the other hand, the home team will not suffer too much. After all, if you don’t jump out, signing first and then trading requires talking to the home team.

of.

But now that Jiang Chao mentioned it, the room for the Magic management to maneuver instantly plummeted!

This time Jiang Chao smiled and said:

"But I won't treat you badly. Let's do this. Quentin Richardson is much more reliable than the two Wizards. Although he is a veteran, he is only 30 now. You can operate it next year. He can assist anyone.

It’s not bad at all, at least it’s the three-point champion, right?”

Big Q's contract next season is 8 million. If this deal is really done, the Knicks' space will be more comfortable.

"No compensation?" Martins gritted his teeth. He actually liked Big Q more than Yao. After all, how could Yao be better than Howard leading the team?

He actually almost wants to show off, okay?

Now the only thing is to make the boss happy, which requires cash compensation!

"Five million in cash compensation is definitely indispensable."

Jiang Chao is really ruthless and doesn’t know how to save money at all when it comes to spending money!

Martins picked up the phone: "I'll ask the boss now."

Howard, his agent, and everyone else in the villa rubbed their hands excitedly. They didn't expect that the deal they had been talking about for so many days was not as good as a few words from Jiang Chao on the other side of the phone.

Sean Marks and Mustache whispered in their ears:

"As expected, it's still a big Q, eh."

"Yeah, David Lee is the only player left in the Dolan era."

"It's okay for David Lee. Big Q is a small forward, and he doesn't have a position anymore."

"Yes, last year's data dropped across the board, but it's a good choice to give the Magic, who has no small forward, a chance."

"Yes, let's have a chance to let the 30-year-old veteran shine again. Success will be beneficial to both parties."

Jiang Chao was actually betting, he didn't mean to make a big Q. If the opponent called David Li at this time, he would grit his teeth and make a big move.

It's just that he bet on magic and wanted to have a big Q.

In his previous life, Big Q was traded to the Magic by the Knicks in the 11 and 12 seasons to strengthen the Magic's perimeter. At that time, his efficiency was quite good, and the Magic never fell behind.

So Jiang Chao guessed that the Magic management liked this passionate player.

The Magic boss is dancing with joy now. Who wouldn’t like him if they saw Big Q play in 2005??

A heavy shooter from the outside! He is bold in three-point shots, good at breakthroughs, and has flexible feet. He can run and shoot, but the only thing he lacks is that he has no ability to attack with the ball.

As a small forward less than 2 meters tall, he has excellent defense and active rebounding. He has always performed well in rebounding.

Jiang Chao has always felt that he is the modern Tucker. He is very passionate on the court and can throw a set of punches when he scores a goal, but he only hits himself on the head.

This is why his 8 million average per game in the Knicks is only single digits, but Jiang Chao has never touched him.

But now, there is no other way.

For Howard, it is impossible not to cut some flesh.

He also wanted to take 20 million in cash compensation directly, but the league stipulates that the compensation is capped at 5 million, and it is true that the small forward position is too crowded.

"agree."

Martins did not hesitate much, and was even a little afraid that Jiang Chao would regret it, so he directly agreed.

5 million cash compensation is the boss’s favorite thing. With this cash flow, he can invest in other industries!!!

Howard dove straight into the pool!!

Happy Beast is happy again!!!

happy!

The next step was for the two parties to discuss specific matters, with Jiang Chao listening quietly on the other end of the phone.

Thanks to Sean Marks' bargaining, the Knicks and Howard signed a two-way diminishing contract, which means the annual salary is lower in the first and last years, and higher in the middle three years.

The contract has an annual salary of RMB 21.2 million in the first year and a maximum salary contract of RMB 108 million in five years.

Sign first and then trade, a win-win situation for all three parties, and the Knicks got the last piece of the championship puzzle.

The Magic received money and a veteran with positive assets.

Howard can finally reunite with his old friend Clifford, the agent, and will start a new five-year journey with a new team.

I originally wanted to have a player option in the last five years here, but Jiang Chao refused directly. He knew how serious the Sparks were about their professionalism in the next few years. Although the contract was still 20 million in the end, staying in the Knicks would not be a negative equity.

That’s it!

I'll rely on him as an insider in the future, there's nothing wrong with him!

During the conversation, Jiang Chao also learned that the Wizards' asking price of 120 million over six years was naturally unattractive compared with the Knicks. The New York team has more money than the Capital team. Who else!!

"Howard, come here, sign!"

The Warcraft agent called Sparks out of the swimming pool, and he agreed directly after seeing the amount.

because!!

LeBron James earns $110 million in just 6 years!!

It will be almost 110 million in five years!!

Not only did he hug boss Jiang Chao’s lap, but he also held more money than James!

"You like grouping, right?? I will join a group this year!!"

The scene burst into laughter.

Howard was as happy as a 16-year-old kid.

With the signing of the Magic and Knicks management, the deal is officially concluded!

Jiang Chao's stud ended in just half an hour!

Although the wait is long, the results are quick!!

After receiving the copied fax, Jiang Chao happily kissed the female secretary Liu Yan:

"Sister, we are really going to take off this season!!!"

Curry Harden George Yao Ming Howard!

The Knicks start all the All-Star starters, and even have a few vote champions and MVPs!!!

Who else!!!!

Five-star Knicks!!

Everyone assembles!!!!

"Coach D'Antoni, your one-year probation period is up, do you still want to leave now?" Jiang Chao joked while reading the contract.

The mustache was smiling happily, looking like an old man chatting and going crazy as a teenager. He stroked his mustache and said:

"I'm not leaving! I like this lineup!!!!"