NBA: Miracle Workers

Chapter 667: Expensive Champion Experience (No Protagonist Chapter)
On Saturday, July 2009, 7, Independence Day, NBA fans got something new to enjoy.

The Associated Press first broke the news that Hook confiscated videotapes from two videographers at a fan event at the University of Akron in LeBron James' hometown on Thursday.

A CBS Sports reporter first broke the news on Twitter, and everyone thought it was fake news again, but the follow-up from the Associated Press showed that it was true!

Soon, the relevant incident was reported on Twitter. During a fan event, Xavier's Jordan Crawford dunked over LeBron James. In the end, the videotape was taken away for violating the event regulations.

Originally this was a trivial matter, but as the gossip became more and more outrageous, Hook's spokesman Derek Kent had to personally come out to refute the rumors:

“For many years, we have focused on connecting young players with fans and have long-standing policies on what activities are open and closed to media coverage.”

"Unfortunately, for the first time in recent years, journalists are not abiding by our no-videoing policy."

"."

This basketball game was held after the fan event ended, and Hook was not allowed to record the video, but the relevant video was still circulated and received considerable attention.

The video itself is nothing, but the onlookers took this opportunity to make fun of the Chosen One. His good brother Wade has been very active on Twitter recently. After this incident, James regained the popularity.

By Sunday, although the video incident was still fermenting, the Cavaliers' trade information made everyone stop joking. Cleveland took the lead and finalized a deal before the freeze period ended:
"Raga Bell has reached a verbal agreement with the Cavaliers. In the next four years, he will bring his championship experience to Cleveland!"

The team reporter first broke the news on Twitter, and Yahoo Sports quickly followed up. After becoming a free agent, Raja Bell received offers from the Jazz, Hornets, Lakers and Cavaliers.

In the end, Raja Bell, who is about to turn 33, chose a big contract, 4 years and 3100 million US dollars, to join the Cavaliers, and Cleveland also has championship experience!
There is no doubt that this is the veteran's last contract. Four years later, Raja Bell, who will be 4 years old, will most likely retire directly.

From an undrafted player to a championship guard, Raja Bell completed a comeback and was handsomely rewarded at the end of his career.

Soon the details of the transaction were disclosed. Leon Rose, LeBron James' agent, did not hide anything in an interview with local media, but gave a direct answer:

"Yes, Bell is a player that LeBron admires. He has excellent defense and efficient three-point shooting!"

"Bell will be a seamless fit from the Knicks to the Cavaliers. He is Lee's strong assistant and will help LeBron win the championship at the end of his career."

"We're not going to run away from it. There's no such thing as a fluke championship. I'm glad to see this deal happen, and it bodes well for the Cavaliers' offseason."

James, who has not renewed his contract, still brings a lot of pressure to the team. With the help of agents William Wesley and Matt Bartelstein, the Cavaliers decisively offered a high price.

By the afternoon, the news that Rasheed Wallace signed with the Cavaliers was also revealed, and this deal also meant the dissolution of the Pistons.

On Monday, July 7, LeBron James returned to Cleveland in a good mood. Two trades that suited him made the Chosen One put the video incident behind him, and now he is going to welcome his new teammates.

The freeze period will officially end the day after tomorrow. Both new players have arrived in Cleveland. As the team leader, James will naturally entertain them on behalf of the team.

The championship guard and All-Star power forward also attracted many sports media. Judging from the content of the game, this season's Eastern Conference Finals is more intense than the Finals, and the Cavaliers are very close to the championship!

The offseason has just begun and the Cavaliers have received targeted reinforcements. They are expected to be fully armed for next season. Owner Gilbert has spent a lot of money to keep James.

The rookies and atmosphere group for the summer league have already gone to Las Vegas. The training center, which was just built two years ago, is a bit empty, but the sports reporters have made the atmosphere on the scene hot.

Howard naturally also showed up at the training center. Although the trade was not what the Goodwin brothers expected, from a strength perspective, he also liked his new teammates.

Witnessed by everyone, the four hugged each other warmly and chatted and laughed as they visited the basketball hall, strength training room, medical facilities, office area and dining area.

The Cavaliers staff accompanying us were also very enthusiastic. Simply evaluating the training center, Cleveland Clinic Courts is definitely first-class in the league.

Although the Tarrytown Training Center is the league's first independent training facility, it is still a bit old in comparison, just like Madison Square Garden, with too much historical atmosphere.

After arriving at the players' meeting room, although no formal press conference was held, the four of them, led by James and Howard, all accepted interviews with a smile.

The fact that the champion guard failed to renew his contract with the Knicks naturally attracted much attention. When a Yahoo Sports reporter got the opportunity to ask questions, he immediately made a accusation:

"Bell, why didn't you choose to continue playing in New York? Is this related to Lee's greater trust in JR Smith?"

Raja Bell, dressed casually, smiled after hearing the question, and then shared the real situation in the defending champion's locker room:
"In the Knicks, we value data more. It's not a matter of trust. If you want to get a starting spot, you need to perform at the level you deserve."

"You know, I was troubled by a leg injury last season. Lee kept suggesting that I undergo surgery, but I chose conservative treatment because I wanted to help the team."

“In the end, we won the O’Brien Cup again. Everyone contributed their efforts!”

Speaking of Excel, James nodded repeatedly. This is also what he advocates. This year's playoffs proved that his teammate "CBA", and in a large sample, Raja Bell's data is better.

In the past three seasons, the three-point shooting percentage in the regular season has reached 40%. Although it has dropped in the playoffs, it is still around 36%.

The Cavaliers' backcourt doesn't have this level of shooting. Thinking that they can play the expected games in the new season, James smiled brightly and supported his new teammates:
"Bell will bring championship experience to the Cavaliers, and I like the data, which can guide us on the right path."

Anyone can see that the Chosen One is very satisfied with this deal. As for the premium, no one is discussing it now. Most people are imagining the future. Only the ESPN reporter is digging up the past:
"Roscoe, a few years ago you commented on the Celtics' operations. At that time, you seemed to want to join the Knicks. What changed your choice?"

Rasheed Wallace, wearing a black printed T-shirt, naturally would not say that he was rejected. Thinking of the reply from his agent, the smile on his face almost disappeared.

When thinking that "New York has no room for older stars", the 35-year-old Rasheed Wallace felt a little aggrieved. He barely maintained a smile and boasted confidently again:
"I don't want to form a team like Kevin Garnett did. This year's Eastern Conference Finals impressed me. I think the Cavaliers will win the championship as long as they break out of the Eastern Conference!"

"More importantly, I think my experience can help this young team. Dwight and I will form a terrifying inside combination. Our technical styles complement each other perfectly."

Howard also grinned at this time. The "Happy Beast" enjoyed the attention of the crowd as always. After hearing the words of the veteran, he also followed the business to brag:

"We were just one step away from beating the defending champions. You saw the finals, the Lakers set a new record for point difference. In fact, the Eastern Conference Finals decided the championship!"

"Roscoe is right, he can finish from beyond the arc and respond from mid-range, and I will focus on the low post, and we will dominate the paint."

"."

James felt unhappy when he heard his partner's words, but in the playoffs, Howard's strong attack is sometimes needed. Regarding this disagreement, he did not give clear instructions in front of the coaching staff.

The "Happy Beast" was getting happier and happier, and the atmosphere on the scene became extremely joyful under his leadership, until a local sports reporter in Cleveland suddenly asked the champion guard a serious question:

"Bell, after you joined the Cavaliers, do you think Cleveland has become a championship team? Do we have a chance to beat the defending champions next season?"

Raja Bell shrugged his shoulders and did not answer the question directly, but once again shared his championship experience:

"Lee taught me one thing from the beginning when I joined the Knicks, role players just need to do their job."

"When you build a reasonable lineup, the ceiling of the team depends on the strength of the leader. I think LeBron will give you the answer you want."

James, who was standing by, smiled brightly under the gaze of the crowd. Hearing the champion guard acknowledge his leadership, he felt better for a moment. He was no longer modest under the flattery, and shook his head and responded confidently: "Since I joined the team, the Cavaliers have been a championship team!"

"Now we have further strengthened our team and the offseason has just begun. I am confident that I can lead this team out of the Eastern Conference and Cleveland will win the championship!"

Seeing this scene, Rasheed Wallace couldn't help but think of his old teammate Lynch Hunter's words again. The locker room declaration that year destroyed the Pistons' confidence. He couldn't help but start to doubt this choice again:

"God, I just want to win just once!"

On Tuesday, July 7, the day before the freeze period ended, the NBA announced the salary cap and related content for the 7-2009 season.

The salary cap for the new season is 5770 million US dollars, and the luxury tax line is 6992 million US dollars. If the amount exceeds this, the corresponding tax will be paid.

The middle-class exception is 585.4 million US dollars, and the team's minimum salary is 4327.5 million US dollars. The relevant terms will officially take effect at 12:01 tomorrow, and the free market will open as scheduled.

Although the league's revenue increased by 2.5% compared to last season, the reduction in salary cap and luxury tax is a matter of labor agreement settings.

Negotiations on a new collective bargaining agreement will begin next year, and although David Stern and the players' union are working hard, both sides have their own demands, and as in previous years, rumors of a suspension have begun to emerge.

However, there is no need to worry about these problems next season. There are no big fish in the free market this year, and most teams have not made many moves. Only the championship teams are still working hard.

The Lakers were interested but missed out on the championship guard in the end. It wasn't because Kupchak didn't want to sign him, but because the salary cap was limited and they had to prioritize renewing contracts with important players.

Odom, who also entered the free market, has recently flirted with many teams. His former teammate Wade even publicly recruited him on Twitter. The two of them actively interacted with each other, which really made Kobe very angry.
Raja Bell signed a 4-year, $3100 million contract. As an All-Star player, Odom felt that he should earn more, and he was a little disappointed with the Lakers' contract.

After several rounds of discussion, the two sides failed to reach a consensus. Seeing that his teammates were about to enter the free market, Kobe, who had been training frantically, had to step up and help the team communicate.

Just when Kobe was about to have a heart-to-heart talk with Odom, Ariza "backstabbed" his boss. A reporter from the Los Angeles Times broke the news early in the morning that the "defensive stalwart" had reached an agreement with the Rockets!
Related columns also appeared in the newspapers. Ariza did not forget to give Mamba a "knife" before leaving Los Angeles. The content of the interview made the fans feel very satisfied:

"I think the coach is right. Kobe is sometimes uncoachable. In the four finals, we failed to follow the expected game plan."

"Kobe only focused on the matchup with Lee. He just wanted to prove himself, but all the players in the league knew that he never got close to Lee."

"The Lakers locker room is the worst I've ever experienced. Kobe is not a qualified leader. We have to take care of his emotions, so I chose to leave. I will realize my talent in Houston."

Kobe tore the newspaper into pieces at home, then ignored the concerned looks of Vanessa and his two daughters and drove to the training center angrily.

At 10 a.m., general manager Kupchak was talking to Odom's agent, Jeff Schwartz, about a contract. Raja Bell's expensive championship experience had roiled the market.

Odom, who had thrown the contract renewal issue to his agent, was relaxed. At this time, he was taking Khloe Kardashian to browse the Lakers' trophies. When talking about interesting stories in the locker room, the big-butt girl chuckled from time to time.

"My little brother is saying goodbye to Los Angeles. I'm going to host a party tonight!"

"."

Odom was hugging the big-butt girl and inviting her. Just as he was about to take the opportunity to have a "trophy play", a deep voice suddenly came from behind him:

"Lamar, we need to talk!"

Kobe appeared with a sullen face, and Odom was startled. Seeing Jeanie Buss shrugged her shoulders and looked helpless, he couldn't help but sigh.

Ignoring the curious look of the big-butt girl, Kobe quickly left with Odom. Jeanie Buss didn't mind taking Kardashian for a walk, but she was more curious about what Mamba would say.

The Lakers' Toyota Training Center also has many trophies and championship banners, but most of these honors are brought by the legends. Kobe, dressed in sportswear, came to the sidelines and turned to his teammates and said:

"We should win a few championships. I don't want to be left with only one ring to complain about after my career is over."

"I know your talent, Lamar. We can win a championship together. You can feel that the team is getting better and better."

"."

Kobe still hasn't put down his pride. After Duncan supported him, he also wanted to help his partner. It would be difficult to find a better player than Odom in the free market, and the Lakers can't afford to go through another period of adjustment.

After hearing the chicken soup, Odom touched his bald head. He actually didn't want to leave. After all, life in Los Angeles was good and his new girlfriend also brought him a new experience.

However, Kobe did not mention the amount of the contract at all, and even hinted that he should compromise and reduce his salary to make more salary space for the team. Odom soon couldn't stand it anymore and interrupted:
“Man, I want to stay in LA, but I also want to make more money!”

"2800 million? 3000 million? You think I'm not as good as Raja Bell? Business is business. If they accept such a contract, many role players will earn more than me."

"Boris Diaw, the French guy only scores 20 points per game, think about his contract."

New York's premium contracts have begun to affect the market. It doesn't matter to the teams that are lying flat, but if they want to compete for the championship, they have to spend money. Kobe has realized the lineup problem and persuaded again:

"In Los Angeles, we will win the championship, thinking about the experience of the past few years"

"Stop lying to yourself! Kobe, we can't win!"

"Like Lynch Hunter said, this is a game where you can only lose but not win! Lee will win eight consecutive championships. He is playing with you, he is playing with every opponent!"

Odom interrupted Kobe's chicken soup impulsively, and accidentally said what was in his heart. Seeing the boss looking at him straight, he couldn't help but soften his tone and lower his voice and said:
"We may have a chance, but not next season. Everyone is talking about Lee ending the championship game. Bro, you have to accept the reality and stop making things difficult for yourself."

"As long as there is 3200 million, I will stay and help you. You know, this is not about money, it is about respect for me."

"."

After hearing his teammates' words, Kobe still stood there in a daze, staring straight at Odom, which made the latter turn his head uncomfortably. Soon, the boss's low voice came to his ears again:
"I'll prove you wrong! You'll get the contract"

Seeing Kobe turn away, Odom regretted speaking his mind. In order to ease the relationship, he subconsciously extended an invitation:
"Would you like to come to my party tonight?"

"I'd rather finish my shooting practice in a wheelchair than waste my time saying goodbye to that idiot!"

Kobe responded in a stiff tone and immediately quickened his pace. He felt annoyed by his teammate's words. He even had a feeling that the Lakers were about to fall apart and everything was out of control.

After leaving the training hall and returning to the car, Kobe angrily smashed the steering wheel, then subconsciously sent a text message to his good brother Mike, telling him about his frustration, and finally asked:
"what should I do?"

The text message was quickly replied. Michael Jordan, who was preparing for the evening's gambling at the Mandalay Bay Resort, did not respond in a long-winded manner as he had in the past:

"Enjoy life, my little brother!"

(End of this chapter)