Furthermore, from UA’s strategic perspective, returning to the Cavaliers could still disrupt Nike’s plans.
There were also the Cleveland fans, those who chanted "MVP" for Jas behind his back, gathered at his door to send him off when he left, and went wild cheering for him when he visited Cleveland as a player for the Grizzlies.
"At that ti, we were so close to the championship, and because of that traitor, it all fell apart; now we have a chance to restart it." Gilbert spat out the word "traitor" with such frequency it was clear he truly hated Jas.
In "history," he had no choice, but now he did.
"I want to go to the Clippers," Hansen replied.
Though returning to the Cavaliers sounded okay, he now had a better option.
Upon hearing Hansen’s answer, Gilbert was visibly disappointed, but he quickly composed himself: "I respect your choice, but we won’t give up, even if it doesn’t work out in the end, I wish you a wonderful new journey in Los Angeles."
Gilbert’s words made Hansen see him in a new light.
As the NBA owner, his first consideration was definitely profit, after all, a businessman who doesn’t talk about money will soon go bankrupt.
Hansen stood up to see Gilbert out.
At the door, Gilbert turned to look at Hansen: "Anyway, thank you for being willing to et today."
He had been prepared to be turned away.
"I told you that’s all in the past, Daniel."
Hansen remained nonchalant.
...
The draft was approaching, and more rumors began to surface.
Because of Hansen’s departure from the Grizzlies, the Heat, initially heading towards disarray, regained their confidence.
The team managent was actively trying to renew contracts with Wade and Bosh, hoping to make another run at it.
However, there were also reports suggesting that the Heat might consider letting Wade and Bosh go to form a new super team around Durant.
At the sa ti, ESPN started reporting that the Cavaliers had put this year’s first overall pick up for sale.
At the lottery held at the end of May, the Cavaliers had incredibly secured this year’s first pick with a 1.7% chance.
Andrew Wiggins, the top pick of the year, was also dubbed by the dia as the strongest talent since Jas.
That first pick was very valuable.
Los Angeles dia were also reporting that Kobe was recruiting stars to play in Los Angeles as he aid for one more championship in the final monts of his career; he was willing to make any sacrifice for that goal.
The day before the draft night, Rush ca to Hansen’s residence.
Upon entering, Rush hesitated, then finally spoke after sitting in silence for a while:
"The Clippers can’t offer the assets the team needs, we’re sending you to Cleveland."
He coughed dryly as he said this, shifting uncomfortably on the sofa, clearly lacking confidence.
Indeed, he had no confidence since this decision would antagonize Hansen and possibly even the fans in mphis.
But this was a decision just made by Heisley.
"Is this how you treat soone who brought a dynasty to the team?" Rondo shot up from his seat, slamming the table in anger upon hearing this.
"They actually didn’t ask to tell you now, the trade would be finalized by tomorrow night, I... I shouldn’t have taken this job as GM!" Rush’s face was filled with sha, he was Wallace’s assistant GM, next in line for the position.
He now regretted that Wallace had cleverly sidestepped being the scapegoat.
Rondo was taken aback by Rush’s reaction and didn’t know what to say.
"Go tell Michael Heisley, if he truly makes that choice in the end, he’ll regret it," Hansen said at that mont.
Rush felt a weight lifted off as he gave Hansen an apologetic look before leaving.
"How dare Heisley do this?" Rondo was still furious after Rush left.
Hansen didn’t respond.
From a trading perspective, the choice was rational.
The Clippers didn’t have any exceptionally talented rookies, and the most valuable asset they could offer was Griffin.
But the Grizzlies had the duo of black and white, trading for Griffin would rely be replacing Randolph, not really elevating the power forward position, instead, it would be a loss.
As for draft picks, just like when Jas decided to give the Cavaliers the Heat’s draft rights montarily, since the team was always competitive, those would beco relatively valueless.
In contrast, the Cavaliers had a lot more to offer.
This year’s first pick, last year’s top draft Noel, last year’s fourth pick Waiters, and Thompson, who was drafted in the sa year as Irving.
If the Grizzlies were interested, the Cavaliers probably wouldn’t mind including Irving in the trade.
These were all potential players the Grizzlies could use and also perfectly dodge taxes with.
It was hard to find another team that could offer better and more suitable assets.
This was probably also where Gilbert’s confidence in approaching Hansen ca from.
But, this matter was never about the returns from the trade.
He had created a dynasty for mphis, taking the Grizzlies to heights that weren’t originally theirs.
But Heisley, as Rondo put it, really dared to ignore his request.
"Rondo, call Jamal over," Hansen said after a mont of silence.
He had wanted to leave peacefully, especially after building a dynasty, mphis and the Grizzlies had beco an important part of his life journey.
But if Heisley truly didn’t send him to the Clippers in the end, then let that stingy owner pay the price for his choice.
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