Champion Rules

Chapter 86, Episode 082: Verbal Agreement (Seeking monthly votes!)

In his rookie season, he became an All-Star starter, was selected to both the All-NBA First Team and the All-NBA Second Team, won Rookie of the Year without any doubt, and led his team to the Eastern Conference Finals.

Lynch's performance in his rookie year justified the hype he received.

The young Caesar, who conquered Europe, delivered a perfect performance on the perfect stage of New York.

But the young Caesar was not satisfied.

After returning from Spain and shaking off the shadow of defeat, Lynch immediately began intensive training.

The talents he acquired last season were like supermodels with legs outstretched, tempting Lynch to transform them into real fighting power.

Reebok's media outlets quickly released photos and news of Lynch resuming training, and Reebok also produced a new television commercial. The commercial was nothing special; it was just a series of black-and-white images documenting Lynch training alone.

The entire advertisement contained no background music other than the echo of the basketball hitting the floor and the sound of the net turning.

The essence of the advertisement was finally revealed when a line of text appeared as the screen went black.

"When someone struggles to even reach eighth place in the East, Lynch has made excellence the norm—would greatness be content with second place in the East?"

Reebok, I am what I am.

This metaphorical advertisement is like a precise scalpel, both cutting away the gap between Lynch and his peers and pointing directly to the embarrassing playoff situation of a certain Nike superstar.

It's said that three sets of coffee cups were smashed in the Nike headquarters conference room, and Phil Knight was so angry that he had a nosebleed on the spot.

This business empire, which has dominated the sports brand market for thirty years, has been slashed with a deep wound for the first time by its arch-rival using its most proficient marketing weapon.

Of course, the whole world knows that Lynch's efforts alone are useless.

In last season's Eastern Conference Finals, Lynch's individual performance was better than that of every single player on the Pistons.

If David Stern were to add the Eastern Conference Finals MVP trophy twenty years earlier, Lynch would probably be the losing team's MVP.

But when the Pistons' individual players, who are not as good as Lynch, put together their fists, they become the strongest group in the league.

Lynch needs help, and the New York Knicks need bench depth.

Last season, after Allan Houston was sidelined for the season, the Knicks' perimeter rotation was severely lacking, and Isaiah Thomas failed to solve this problem before the trade deadline, instead starting rookie Trevor Ariza for the entire season.

It's unbelievable that a team with two rookies in their starting lineup could still make it to the Eastern Conference Finals.

This surreal storyline, ironically, ignited the fantasies of New Yorkers—if the management could strengthen even one qualified perimeter rotation player, perhaps Lynch could tear apart the Pistons' ironclad defense? Or even defeat the Spurs and win the championship?

The more they thought about it, the more fans in New York wanted to cut off the Smiling Assassin's head and use it as a chamber pot.

If Sam Presti doesn't want to be used as a chamber pot, he'd better do something meaningful.

He quickly began to address this pain point.

Presti first set his sights on Raja Bell, the shooting guard who played for the Utah Jazz last season, who seemed like the perfect candidate for the shooting guard position.

This swingman, known throughout the league for his tenacious defense, can compensate for Trevor Ariza's lack of shooting ability, and his accurate three-point shooting is also a powerful weapon to break through the Pistons' iron curtain defense.

Although the Knicks' salary cap has been completely locked up by Isiah Thomas, they can still use a mid-level exception to sign Bell.

However, when Presti dialed the number, all he heard on the other end was a chilling laugh, like an ice pick.

Raja Bell firmly rejected Sam Presti: "Oh, it's an honor to receive an offer from the youngest general manager in North American sports history. But to hell with it, I'll never play for you! You didn't give me a chance when you tore up my NBA ticket in San Antonio!"

Memories, like sand turning in reverse, took the two back to the year 2000.

Raja Bell, who was not drafted, had the opportunity to start his professional career with the Spurs in 2000.

But before the season started, Raja Bale was cut, and Sam Presti was one of those who advocated for Bale's release.

Because Raja Bell at the time neither demonstrated outstanding scoring ability nor the aggressive defense he has now, he did not believe Bell was capable of playing in the NBA rotation.

Furthermore, Presti believed that Bell's eccentric personality could disrupt locker room harmony, and the Spurs were a team that could not tolerate locker room problems.

What followed was the story everyone knows: after being cut, Raja Bell went to Philadelphia mid-season and secured his place in the NBA with three 10-day contracts.

Although he no longer has to worry about staying in the NBA, his competitive nature still makes him resentful about what happened back then.

After all, the period after being cut by the Spurs and finding himself without a team was the most confused and darkest time of his life.

"Phoenix paid me the same amount as you guys, and they promised to make me their third scoring option. Besides, I think the Phoenix Suns have more championship potential than you guys. Mike D'Antoni's seven-second fast break is way more advanced than your outdated, iron-fisted half-court offense."

Sorry, Sam, you've also experienced what it's like to be rejected.

What did you say back then? The Spurs don't need a jerk like me who could potentially disrupt the locker room.

"Ha, now you fucking need me?"

Raja Bell laughed heartily on the other end of the phone, feeling a sense of exhilaration that said, "You used to ignore me, but now you can't afford to be near me."

Sam Presti knew this was the simplest and most effective way for the Knicks to strengthen their shooting guard position. No trades were needed; all they needed was a mid-level exception. He couldn't miss this opportunity.

He knew all too well the value of this stubborn man, so he didn't let his personal emotions affect his work.

Faced with Raja Bell's close-range attacks, Sam Presti chose to remain patient.

“Listen to Raja,” Presti took a deep breath, keeping his voice professional and steady, “My insistence that the Spurs give up on you wasn’t because I had a personal problem with you. Back then, the team needed players who could contribute immediately to contend for a championship, and your growth trajectory…”

Before he could finish speaking, he was interrupted by a sharp sneer.

"Ha! I really want to see your expression right now, Sam. Hey, if you can't make any improvements in New York, will you be kicked out like Isaiah? I'd love to see that happen, so I definitely can't agree to it!"

“Raja, maybe you should talk to Lynch. He’s an outstanding leader, and he might change your mind.” Sam Presti decided to play the star card.

You know, many players can't control their legs when they hear they can team up with a star player.

But Raja Bell was not swayed by this card.

"Screw Lynch, that brat can only bully Shaq when his back is practically aching. In Phoenix, I'll win the championship before you and that bastard you even have a beard!"

"boom!"

The receiver went dead; the other end abruptly hung up.

Sam Presti cursed under his breath, never expecting that his first planned signing would fail because of some old grievances.

He had no time for regrets; he could only set his sights on the next target.
-
Eddie Jones is furious because a video of a shark rapping in a bar has recently gone viral online.

Unsurprisingly, the shark insulted Kobe in the lyrics.

Surprisingly, Shark also took the opportunity to insult Eddie Jones in the lyrics.

That behemoth used every nasty word imaginable to deliver a vicious scathing rebuke to Eddie Jones.

Below the video, almost no one criticized the shark's behavior.

Some people even asked when Eddie Jones would be traded.

He'd really had enough; he didn't want to stay in Miami for even a second longer.

Riley has also been working on Eddie Jones, whose $1458 million salary next season has significantly reduced his trade value.

Although he knew the Knicks were short of shooting guards and could take on Eddie Jones, Riley didn't want to send him to New York.

After all, the Knicks and the Heat are direct competitors, and he wouldn't be foolish enough to help his rivals strengthen their roster.

Despite the numerous limitations, Riley still had a plan.

The Memphis Grizzlies presented the Heat with two trade proposals.

James Posey and Jason Williams were traded for Eddie Jones.

Either James Posey or Jason Williams can be traded for Damon Jones and Rasul Butler.

Pat Riley wasn't interested in flashy players like White Chocolate; what truly captivated him was James Posey.

This player's rock-solid defense was something Riley coveted. Therefore, the second trade was actually more tempting for him; he had absolutely no need to take on that white point guard.

But the first trade could allow Riley to get rid of Eddie Jones, a guy who was detrimental to the team's salary structure and locker room harmony.

With such added value, Riley wouldn't mind bringing White Chocolate under his wing.

If they can successfully transform him, that would be ideal. If they can't, it won't be a loss for the Heat, because what they want is James Posey.

Pat Riley was almost ready to agree to the trade, but on the other hand, the Boston Celtics were making changes.

In addition to James Posey, Riley also plans to trade for Antoine Walker from the Boston Celtics, a scoring forward who would be an important addition to the Heat.

Although Antoine Walker once said something that revealed his lack of intelligence, such as hoping the NBA would add a four-point line, and although he once took an unconventional 8 shots per game from beyond the three-point line.

But after returning to the Celtics last season, Antoine Walker has matured and become much more restrained, and has also played an extremely efficient offense.

Riley needed someone like that, and he reached a verbal agreement with Danny Ann by offering two second-round draft picks and some matching funds.

This afternoon, Danny Angie changed his mind.

“We need to bring in a third party to the trade. They are willing to give me a first-round draft pick and also take Eddie Jones. If they refuse to bring in a third party, we will cancel the trade.”

Pat Riley could almost picture the nauseatingly greedy look in Danny Angie's eyes at that moment.

"We already agreed on this, Danny."

"That's right, a verbal agreement. Just like how LBJ said for two consecutive years that he would lead the Cavaliers to the playoffs, it was just a verbal agreement. A verbal agreement means that even if he doesn't lead the team to the playoffs, he won't be punished in any way. You see, Nike is still making commercials for him, and those idiots in Cleveland still treat him like a city hero."

This is the rule of the business world, one that even a young LeBron James understood—verbal agreements are practically worthless.

"Bullshit! You can't just change the price like that!"

"Alright Pat, venting your emotions won't do any good. Only women use shouting to express their emotions."

We're here to discuss business, so please don't shout.

You and I both know how dangerous this world is. General managers who complain about their players being poached are often the ones poaching players from other teams. Our job is to poach as many benefits as possible for our teams.

Now a generous third party is willing to take Eddie Jones' $1458 million contract and throw in a first-round pick. What reason do we have to refuse?

"Okay, okay, tell me who this damn third party is?"

"New York Knicks".

Riley's face flushed instantly; he hadn't expected Sam Presti to get involved. He knew all too well the brilliance of this move—that guy knew the Heat wouldn't agree to a direct trade with the Knicks, so he decided to bring that greedy bastard Danny Ainge on board.

A wise choice: young Sam Presti was more dangerous than most people imagined.

But Riley has no intention of helping the Knicks strengthen their roster: "Damn it, I definitely won't agree!"

"Suit yourself. You have five minutes to think about it."

After saying that, Danny Angie hung up the phone.

Pat Riley calmed down; even if he gave Eddie Jones to the Knicks, he could still get James Posey from the Grizzlies.

He will need both Antoine Walker and James Posey, the two players he needs.

But can the Heat withstand the consequences of Eddie Jones going to the Knicks?

Eddie Jones may not be an All-Star caliber player anymore, but he's still useful.

On the other hand, his contract has two years remaining, which will greatly hinder the Heat's future roster improvements.

Furthermore, his presence prevented the Heat's locker room from ever becoming a cohesive unit.

The current situation is that not many teams are willing to take on Eddie Jones, and his continued presence on a team would pose a greater risk.

After a fierce internal struggle, Riley dialed Danny Angie's number almost at the last second of the five-minute time limit.

"If the Knicks are willing to give you a first-round pick, then my offer is to take back a second-round pick, and only give you a second-round pick."

"Deal. It's always a pleasure to do business with smart people, Pat."

"Go to hell, Danny!"

Just ten minutes later, renowned sports journalist Adrian Wojnarowski broke the news online.

"The Miami Heat, New York Knicks, and Boston Celtics have reached a three-way trade agreement."

Boston traded Antoine Walker and Ricky Davis to the Miami Heat.

The Heat traded Eddie Jones to the New York Knicks and sent their 2006 second-round draft pick to the Celtics.

The Knicks traded Penny Hardaway and their 2006 first-round draft pick to Boston.

After the deal was revealed, Lynch called Sam Presti.

“Well done. Few people can force Pat Riley to make a deal he doesn’t want to do.”

Although Presti failed to solve the problem of the distorted salary structure, at least Eddie Jones is still usable, which is better than Penny earning millions a year but only being able to spend time in the physiotherapy room.

Sam Presti shrugged. For him, Eddie Jones wasn't the best option; it was more of a last resort because his contract was just too big.

“We should have gotten Raja Bell at a better price, but my personal relationship with him became an obstacle. Sorry, Lynch.”

"Didn't you mention my name? Didn't you say you wanted to work with him?"

"mentioned."

"How did he answer?"

"He said he really wants me to repeat it?"

"Ah."

Presti's breathing became noticeably heavier, as if he was gathering his courage: "Screw Lynch, that brat can only bully Shaq when he can't even straighten his back anymore. In Phoenix, I'll win the championship before you and your bastard who hasn't even grown his hair yet."

"Oh."

"You're not angry?" Presti was surprised; Lynch's reaction was too calm.

"I'm angry, but you're not the one who should bear the brunt of the anger. I'll let him know I'm very angry."

After hanging up the phone, Lin Qi immediately received a call from an unknown number.

Few people knew his private number, and Lynch was very curious about who would call.

"Hello?"

“Lynch? It’s me, Eddie!” The hoarse voice sounded like it had been sanded.

"Oh, I saw the trade news. Welcome to my team."

"I'll do anything for you, please, don't fucking let Shaq win another championship!"

"Is Shaq really that annoying?" Lynch chuckled.

"Do you like him?!"

"No, I just don't really care about my defeated opponents. Shaq has already missed his best chance to beat me; he's getting older. So, don't worry about Eddie; that fat pig is already a piece of rotten meat."

Eddie Jones shook his head.

Lin Qi is indeed a cold-blooded bastard.

(Thanks to Kissmyarse, 走走烟云岁月, 天竺猫, and other great contributors for their generous donations)

(End of this chapter)