Jordan: I thought he was there to help me!

Chapter 640 This shameless bastard is the first I've ever seen!

"Don't you fucking try to be shameless." How quick was Bird's reaction? He immediately understood what Angie meant, which was to tell him to shut up.

Unfortunately, Angie pretended not to understand Bird's words and continued, "Before the old man died, he talked to you once, right? Did he have his eye on someone on your team? That was his last wish. Do you know what his last words to me were, Larry?"

"So you're going down to keep him company?" Bird turned his head away irritably, not wanting to deal with this bastard at all.

Bird always thought he was a jerk, but after seeing this today, he realized that Angie is the real bastard!

Selling films directly at the funeral parlor!

Stop calling him Danny Angie, call him Six Little Angie instead!

Shameless!

Unfortunately, Ainge seemed completely oblivious to Bird's words and continued, "The old man said you've agreed to trade Parker, Ginobili, and Granger to us, right?"

"Let's complete the transaction as soon as possible and fulfill the old man's last wish. Let him go in peace and have a good chat with God."

"Do you believe I'll send you up there to join that old geezer?" Bird was getting angrier and angrier, and he even wanted to punch Angie a couple of times!

At the same time, he finally understood why Auerbach chose Angie as his successor instead of himself.

Compared to these two, I'm too thin-skinned! I'm too naive! I'm too principled and have too many bottom lines.

They should check if those two bastards are related by blood!

Bird still remembers Auerbach calling him and asking him to fly to Boston.

When he rushed over, he saw Auerbach lying on the hospital bed, barely alive, as if he could die at any moment.

Bird suddenly felt his eyes turn red.

He sat on the edge of the bed and talked with Auerbach for a long time.

From his college days when he became famous throughout the United States, to his joining the Celtics, then winning three consecutive MVP awards and championships time and time again, the two of them became more and more relaxed as they talked, and the atmosphere in the hospital room was incredibly warm.

At least until this point, Bird felt that Auerbach had called him over just to have a chat and reminisce about the past.

Then Auerbach suddenly said, "Larry, you are my best and favorite disciple. My time is really running out. I've always had a dream. Can you help me?"

"Teacher, please feel free to speak!"

"Trade Ginobili and Parker from your team to me! I think they'd be a great fit with Tim!"

"Go see Satan!" It was only because Byrd reacted quickly enough and managed to break free from that grief-stricken yet relaxed state of mind that he truly fell into Auerbach's trap.

For the next few days, Bird stayed in Boston because he knew that the old man was probably really nearing his end, and he wanted to spend more time with his mentor during this period.

Unfortunately, the old man was determined to make a deal with him and tried to morally blackmail him.

They say things like "my last wish in life," "the only thing I can't let go of," "I only hope you can help me this once in my life," "is our teacher-student relationship not even as good as that of two foreigners?" and "It's not like I won't repay you!"

In short, it emphasizes having no bottom line.

In other words, Bird was stubborn enough, and he also inherited some of Boston's cold-bloodedness and ruthlessness. He wouldn't budge no matter what if someone didn't want to sell.

Auerbach couldn't handle it, and you, Angie, just say a few words at the memorial service and I'll hand him over? Impossible! Absolutely impossible!

For the rest of the time, Bird completely ignored Angie, letting him ramble on and on without responding.

angry.

angry.

Under these circumstances, the deal that Auerbach wanted to make even on his deathbed ultimately failed to materialize.

Bird boarded the plane back to Indiana with a belly full of resentment and indescribable feelings.

This time, he received a call from the team owner as soon as he got off the plane.

The content of the phone call was very simple.

The team is too strong right now; it's time to "weaken a bit" from now on.

The reason the team owner made this request is actually very simple.

"Stern promised us when that God Clause was initiated that he would find a way to compensate us, and now the time for compensation has come."

"2007 was a top-tier draft year, with several top-tier rookies participating!"

"Especially Kevin Durant and Greg Oden, these two guys are top-tier rookies who can change a team, transforming a bad team into a great one!"

"If we finish in the bottom three this season, the number one draft pick next year will be ours! Stern has already promised us that."

"By the way, for the next three years, we must retain at least one All-Star caliber player for the team. It doesn't matter who it is, but we have to have one! Because this season's All-Star Game has to be held in New Orleans after the rebuild, next season's is already set for Phoenix, and the season after that."

"That means the 08-09 All-Star Game is ours! We're going to make a killing and generate a lot of buzz! You know how much money an All-Star Game can make us, right, Larry? It's all up to you! You can definitely handle it, right?"

"In short, you can take a break in the last two seasons. The team's goals are these two, and they're easy to achieve, right?"

After hanging up with his boss, Bird spent his time thinking on his way home.

What should I do?

Then, when he returned home, he finally made up his mind!

Time to get to work!

He first asked someone for a schedule of NCAA team games, and then, based on those times, booked several round-trip tickets to Arlington and Ohio.

These two places are home to the University of Texas and Ohio State University, respectively.

Both schools welcomed a superstar freshman this year.

Kevin Durant and Greg Oden!

Bird is ready to assess these two people.

At the same time, having decided to tank and completely rebuild, Bird stopped holding back.

After booking his flights for multiple trips between the two cities over the next few months, he started making phone calls.

Bird's first call was to Brad Miller: "Brad, I'm sorry, I'm sorry to tell you so late, but we've decided not to renew your contract. The team has some new ideas that we hope to implement in the new season."

"So, I'm sorry, we have to start over."

Then, Bird called Angie.

"Name your price, you bastard. Make a price I can't refuse. You only have this one chance! If you play games with me there, I promise I won't answer another call from you!"

Bird and Angie never talk much nonsense; neither of them are the type to enjoy rambling.

"Paul Pierce!" Ainge knew Bird's personality; since Bird had said he wasn't playing games, Ainge was straightforward and quickly gave the player the team wanted to trade: "But you have to give us an extra small forward!"

"Let's go with Danny Granger. He's not going to be a starter anyway. With Josh Howard and Paul already there, there's no place for him. Just send him over as a bonus."

"In fact," Bird said quickly, "I've decided to rebuild. There's only one player on our team who's not for sale! That's Danny. Maybe he'll become our leader in the next phase?"

"So, you sell Josh too?" Angie immediately became interested upon hearing this.

"As long as the price is right!"

"Paul Pierce, plus the 2007 first-round draft pick, that's three players for your side!"

"Who should we use to balance salaries?" Bird's question hit the nail on the head again.

Our team's three people earned a combined 2000 million in wages. If the other side wants to take all three of them, they'll have to add at least another 500 million.

……

The negotiations progressed incredibly quickly thanks to the direct and straightforward approach of Angie and Bird, two exceptionally intelligent individuals!

After a few rounds of back and forth, the two of them quickly reached an agreement in less than three days!

The Celtics packaged Paul Pierce and Vin Baker, who is essentially retired and has only one year left on his contract, along with their first-round draft pick next year, and sent them to Indiana.

Bird's side offered Josh Howard, Tony Parker, and Manu Ginobili to complete the trade!

After this trade was announced, everyone couldn't help but exclaim: The Celtics are even stronger now!

This transaction is equivalent to exchanging a 50-yuan bill for three 20-yuan bills!

Some even believe that the Celtics traded one $50 bill for three $50 bills!

Although none of the three Pacers players can match Pierce in terms of individual ability, they are all young, in their prime, and still improving.

The Celtics got three incredibly talented players with the potential to become All-Stars by giving up only a first-round draft pick and a nearly 30-year-old Paul Pierce. It was an absolute steal!

Anyway, the Celtics still have Duncan and Howard in the paint. With those two on the court, the Celtics' floor is set! As for how far the Celtics can ultimately go, it depends on how well they gel!

As for the Pacers, everyone could see what was going on after they made that trade.

Indiana Pacers team's supermarket clearance sale!

They're going to rebuild completely!

As a result, Bird's phone was ringing off the hook with countless inquiries about the price, and Bird was happy to chat with all sorts of people.

After all, if we're going to rebuild, let's rebuild thoroughly!

Then, a few days later, Bird traded away Bonner, Brezek, and others!

Although Pierce is still with the team for the time being, everyone knows that Bird just didn't get the right price, otherwise he would have traded Pierce away long ago!

In short, the Pedestrian Supermarket is still open!

After this series of trades, the Pacers are now completely unrecognizable!

Now, only two people remain in this team who once built a dynasty with Lin Tian and won championships with him.

Haslem and Christie!

Judging from Bird's intentions, the young Haslem will be an important member of the team's next rebuild. He will lead the team as a locker room leader, using his experience to guide everyone. As for Christie, this year is the last year of his contract.

This guy's form has declined rapidly. Last season he only played 7 games due to injury, and it's still uncertain whether he can recover and return this season.

Christie, who has achieved great success but is also plagued by injuries, has won every honor imaginable and is now at the age of retirement.

He'll definitely retire after this contract expires!

Since joining the team at the 1997 trade deadline, next season will be Christie's 10th season with the Pacers!

He is the only player besides Bird who spent a full 7 years with Lin Tian and witnessed the entire Pacers dynasty. He is also the only player besides Lin Tian and the management to have 6 championship rings!

Based on those six rings and his 10 years of dedication to the team, even though Christie was just a role player, Bird has decided to retire his number 13 jersey, so that his image will forever float in the sky above Conseco Center.

Bird, who cherishes the past, has decided to keep Christie on the team, let him retire in the city, and let him enjoy the cheers of the fans.

After failing to find a suitable offer to sell Pierce again and the deal was temporarily put on hold, Bird picked up the phone again and called a guy he really liked.

"Danny, where are you right now? Come to my office right away, I have something to tell you."

"I'm at the gym. I've arranged to train with a trainer, and I'm training right now, sir!" Granger's voice was heavy with breaths, clearly indicating that he had been training for a long time. "Let me catch my breath, and I'll come find you right away."

"No need, just wait. I'll come find you. Where are you? At the gym or the weight room?" Bird hung up the phone, stood up, and quickly walked to the team's weight room, where he saw Granger sweating profusely as he trained his upper body strength.

Bird nodded in satisfaction as he looked at the hardworking and unassuming guy.

This kid asked Bird what he should practice during the offseason when the season ended. Bird told him: "Your upper body strength is too weak. You can't protect the ball when you break through, your shooting form is easily deformed when you are in contact with others, and sometimes the rebounds you grab can be taken away directly."

If you want to practice more during the offseason, prioritize upper body strength and shooting!

Seeing how hard this kid is working, Bird is incredibly pleased!

It was worth it for me, Bird, to trade Howard rather than this kid who only averaged 7 points per game in his rookie season.

It didn't disappoint me!

"Danny, you're well aware of the team's current situation, right?" Bird waited quietly until Granger finished his strength training session before calmly asking, "Do you know the team's goals for the new season?"

"Greg Oden?" Granger didn't mince words and directly stated the team's purpose.

Are you kidding me? The supermarket is already this big, and you still say the goal is to enter the playoffs and compete for the championship forever? That's just kidding.

"It might not be Oden, it could be Durant," Bird said casually. "As for who we ultimately choose, or rather, who we can choose, that's up to you."

"If you perform well enough and don't disappoint me, I will definitely go all out to pursue Oden. But if your progress is not as expected, or if you don't even try, then I will pursue Durant."

"In short, the future of our team depends entirely on you!"

"Me?" Granger said with some surprise, "But I'm not that great! My goal for the new season is to become a starter."

"You're too modest. Modesty is a virtue, that's true, but sometimes, modesty can slow down your progress. Lin and I have never known what this bullshit of modesty is."

Bird laughed and said, "Your goal for the new season should be to be an All-Star, or at least average 20 points per game! You have that opportunity because I've cleared all the obstacles for you. Tony, Manu, and Josh have all left the team."

"But you're still here. You should know what that means, and you should also know how much I believe in you."

"I'm here to tell you in person: I believe you are the leader and core of this team for the next 5-8 years! I hope you won't let me down, and I don't want to be wrong about you."

"That won't happen, will it?"

"No, sir! Absolutely not! I will do my best! I will perform in a way that lives up to your trust!"

"Very good." Bird nodded in satisfaction and continued, "Doug and Udonis will both be on the team next season. You can talk to them more, find out their thoughts, and see if you can learn more from them."

"Neither of them were ever star players, but they have a lot of amazing skills! These are all great things that can help you improve quickly in a game!"

"I understand, sir! I will definitely not let you down!" Granger became more and more excited as he listened. At this moment, he wished he could stand up straight and salute so that Bird would award him the "New Cornerstone Medal of the Team".

Bird looked at Granger with increasing satisfaction, and after offering him a few words of encouragement, he turned and left the weight room.

Of course, you could say that Bird really thought highly of Granger, and he definitely did! But to say how much he thought highly of him? That's not quite accurate.

At best, I don't know if I can reach Pierce's level.

If the team had a few more players with Granger-level potential, Bird would definitely repeat the same nonsense to each of those potential prospects.

Everyone is an indispensable part of the Pacers, everyone is a cornerstone that the Pacers must have to build the team, and everyone is the hope of the team.

Bird could repeat this line 20 times if necessary.

That's how shameless I am!

This move was taught to him by Lin Tian.

Back when Lin Tian first joined the team, he successfully rallied the team with his "Should we team up and beat up Jordan?" approach, leading the Pacers to their first championship in franchise history.

At that time, Lin Tian also repeated a line several times!

That was the first time Bird witnessed Lin Tian's shamelessness!

He and his own son are truly a perfect match, like a hidden dragon and a phoenix!

Speaking of Lin Tian, ​​Bird had actually been forcibly lowering his own requirements and expectations, and forcing himself to calm down.

After all, if Bird hadn't done this after having a superstar like Lin Tian, ​​who is considered the greatest of all time, and instead had focused all his attention on players of Lin Tian's caliber, he would never have needed to make any signings in his life.

After all, there's only one Lin Tian! (End of Chapter)