Chapter 98: Leaving Tonight.
In a locker room at the Quicken Loans Arena.
Han Sen once again sat across from Ferry. However, this time they weren't alone; Thomas was also present.
Ferry held a notebook in his hands with a pen tucked into the cover, giving the appearance that he was about to take meeting notes.
"I've had this question for a while— when I came in last time, had your interview with that reporter really not started yet?" This question had been on Ferry's mind for a long time.
Han Sen shook his head.
Ferry chuckled bitterly as he sat down; he had suspected as much.
Han now held a trump card. If the Cavaliers didn't honor their agreement, Han Sen could choose to expose what had happened back then.
"We haven't been able to reach LeBron," Ferry said helplessly after setting his notebook aside.
"You could try putting out a missing person report," Han suggested playfully, though he knew Ferry wasn't asking him for LeBron's whereabouts.
Ferry was stunned for a moment, then shook his head, unable to suppress a smile.
He opened the notebook.
Han looked over curiously, but there was nothing written on it.
"We're doing everything we can to keep LeBron."
As Ferry said this, Han already knew the reason for his visit.
It wasn't unexpected. From the moment Ferry had pushed him to return from injury, it had been clear that the Cavaliers' management was utterly devoted to LeBron.
Oh right, Han Sen had also learned during a casual chat with Malone that LeBron had an insider in the management.
Randy Mims, a close friend of LeBron's and someone with little information even on Wikipedia, was essentially LeBron's shadow in management.
On the surface, LeBron wouldn't interfere with management's decisions because Randy would handle that for him.
So, LeBron's disappearance was strategic. His parting words about 'persisting to realize the grand goal of winning a championship in Cleveland' gave the impression that he was planning to stay.
"Do you think he will stay?" Han Sen asked, remembering how, during one of their past 'forgetting as soon as they leave the room' converstion, Ferry had been convinced LeBron would leave Cleveland.
Ferry shook his head.
He didn't say it outright, but the gesture made it clear his thoughts hadn't changed.
He then pointed upwards and said, "I've told them before, gamblers might end up with nothing in the end, but…"
He shook his head helplessly.
After all, he was just the general manager, much like when he had no choice but to comply with LeBron's requests.
"So, are you coming to me now to ask where I want to go next?" Han asked, pointing at the notebook in Ferry's hand.
Ferry nodded. "This wasn't originally a choice. The conflict between you and LeBron wasn't irreconcilable. We could have kept you while waiting for LeBron's decision. But…"
His meaning was clear: Han's feud with LeBron had become irreparable, and management had to make an early decision.
"In the eyes of management, can't Han be the future of Cleveland?" Thomas couldn't help but interject.
After all, LeBron was currently missing in action, meaning the Cavaliers' management hadn't received a concrete commitment from him yet.
Or perhaps they had, but Ferry, as general manager, wasn't privy to it?
"His performance is well recognized; he's full of potential," Ferry said, pausing and looking regretfully at Han. "If it weren't for concerns about injuries, I believe we would be more inclined to keep him. He's from the Far East, and he has great potential in overseas markets, but..."
Ferry didn't continue, because there are no 'ifs' in life.
Hansen had been injured twice in one season, especially in the playoffs where he got injured after just five games.
Yes, there had been a few brilliant performances, but the fact that his body couldn't withstand the intensity of play was undeniable.
Without LeBron, they might not care so much, since Hansen was just the 16th pick. But now, they had to make a choice.
"Of course, we had an agreement before. If you insist, we can wait for LeBron's decision," Ferry said, pulling out the agreement they had signed earlier from his briefcase.
This was also why he had asked Han that initial question.
"That won't be necessary," Han interrupted, motioning for Ferry to hand over the notebook.
The situation felt a bit like dark humor.
He couldn't refute Ferry's words, just like he couldn't tell him that he had the chance to acquire [Steel Bones].
But there was no need for that anymore.
When Ferry had tried to push him to return from injury earlier, Han had already lost all goodwill toward the Cavaliers' management.
Durant, while with the Warriors, had also been unable to play due to injury. But under pressure from management, the media, and even his teammates, he chose to play while injured, ultimately tearing his Achilles tendon, which drastically reduced his ability and eventually led to him being forced out.
Yes, Han could use the agreement to force Ferry to wait until LeBron made his decision before deciding his future.
But what would be the point?
Staying with this management would feel like living with a girlfriend who had spent years with her ex-boyfriend.
You'd inevitably keep recalling all those years she spent catering to him.
Ferry handed over the notebook, and Han began seriously considering his next destination.
Since he had already thought about the possibility of leaving, he had given this some prior thought.
His trade value was high right now. Besides the Magic and Celtics that Ferry had specifically mentioned, in theory, he could go anywhere.
But in practice, it would depend on what the Cavaliers could get in return.
For example, even if Han wanted to go to the Rockets, they wouldn't have the assets to satisfy the Cavaliers.
So, he needed to find a team with trade potential that was also conducive to his development.
Han didn't use a process of elimination; that would be a waste of time.
In reality, his choice boiled down to two options: One, join a weaker team to build his skills. Of course, he'd rule out teams like the Timberwolves and Kings— if he was going to level up, it should be in a big city with growth potential. Teams like the Clippers, Warriors, and Nets were all good choices.
The second option was to join a team with competitive potential because of his grudge with LeBron.
If LeBron went to Miami and formed a superteam that Han Sen couldn't stop from winning titles, his current feud with LeBron would turn into a joke.
After all, based on what he knew about history, the Heat didn't win seven championships, but they did secure two in a row.
After thinking it over, Han eliminated the first option.
That would be like an ostrich burying its head in the sand.
And if he went that route, he might as well use the agreement to force his way into staying with the Cavaliers. He knew LeBron was very likely to leave, so he wouldn't have to start fresh with a new team.
As for the second option, which teams could he choose?
Han Sen began writing down the names of a few teams: Heat, Bulls, Pacers, Knicks, Thunder, and Grizzlies.
The common factor among these teams was that while they weren't currently championship contenders, they would soon be very competitive.
If he joined one of them, the Cavaliers could trade him, and there'd still be a chance to stop the Heat later.
What's that? Why is the Heat on the list?
Isn't preventing the formation of the Heat's Big Three also a way of stopping the Heat?
Han then crossed off the Bulls, Thunder, and Heat.
If this past year with the Cavaliers had taught him anything, it was that status on the team meant everything.
Rose on the Bulls, Durant on the Thunder, Wade on the Heat— those were guys whose status he couldn't easily challenge.
But on the other three teams, there wasn't yet a clear-cut 'franchise player' for the next ten years.
Finally, he handed the notebook back to Ferry.
Looking at the three teams listed, Ferry made a promise: "I'll do my best to get you to one of these places."
"Not just your best— it's a must," Hansen said, picking up the agreement from the table.
Ferry was momentarily stunned before nodding and correcting himself: "We will get you to one of these places."
After that, he left, notebook in hand.
"This is a good thing," Thomas said, trying to comfort Han Sen once Ferry had gone. "You never wanted to be here, and you've been thinking about leaving for a while now."
Han smiled but didn't nod.
In truth, up until today, he had considered staying.
Not for the team, but for teammates like Jamison and Cunningham, and more importantly, for the fans of Cleveland.
He would never forget the sight of those wonderful people chanting "MVP" for him during Game 5 at home.
After parting ways with Han Sen, Thomas went to Baltimore.
Han's signature shoe design was nearly complete, but Thomas wanted to share this latest development— perhaps it would inspire the designers.
---
Han returned to his place and had barely settled in when his phone buzzed. It was Shaq.
"Hey, big man, I'm about to pull up to your house," Shaq announced.
Han wasn't surprised. Shaq couldn't possibly know about the trade rumors yet. He was coming over for something else.
When they finally sat down, Shaq dropped the news. "I'm out of here," he said bluntly.
The Cavaliers now had two visible outcomes: either LeBron stays, or LeBron leaves.
If LeBron stays, the internal conflict within the Cavaliers will continue. Shaq knew all too well what the result of such conflicts would be.
Plus, after this year, he also knew how obsessed LeBron was with stats, making it clear that this Cavaliers team had no real chance of winning a championship.
And if LeBron leaves, the Cavaliers would still have no chance at winning the championship next season.
At this stage of his career, Shaq was determined to pursue his fifth championship, especially since Kobe had already won his fifth.
Han raised an eyebrow. "Where to?"
Though O'Neal hadn't publicly declared that he didn't want to be a bench player, no superstar ever truly wants to sit on the bench.
So, O'Neal would likely choose a team that could offer him a starting position.
However, finding a team that both had championship potential and could offer him a starting role severely limited his options.
Shaq scratched his chin. "Still working it out, but maybe Boston."
Han couldn't help but smirk. He knew Shaq had no love for that city, especially after everything that had gone down this season.
"You really want to go there?"
Shaq leaned back, his expression conflicted. "I don't have many options left. Boston's got a shot, and I can still start there."
Han nodded. Shaq wasn't one to accept a bench role easily.
"I get it," Han said. "But hear me out—what if there's a better move?"
Shaq's eyebrows shot up. "Like what?"
"Think about Dallas," Han said, his tone serious.
Han Sen had never had the chance to repay Shaq for the Rolls-Royce gift. And seeing his demeanor the last time he visited, he knew Shaq didn't need any material return.
But this might be the one 'gift' he would actually want.
Shaq shook his head almost immediately. "Dallas? They already missed their window, man."
Han grinned.
"You sure about that? Let me tell you something. I've got this weird sixth sense... sometimes I just know things. Look, I don't have all the answers, but there's something about Dallas. They've got the pieces. Maybe they're not favorites right now, but teams like that? They can surprise everyone. I'm telling you, don't underestimate them. Remember Houston back in the day? People counted them out too."
Shaq frowned, considering it. "You really think they still got it in them?"
"I do," Han said. "They've still got Dirk, and that team's been slept on. You might be exactly what they need to make a serious push."
Indeed, the Mavericks' current starting center, Dampier, was indeed terrible.
Han had also considered joining the Mavericks himself, but their roster was filled with aging players with little trade value, making it difficult for them to put together a trade package for the Cavaliers.
However, Han didn't push further because if you told someone right now that the Mavericks would win the championship next season, 99 out of 100 people wouldn't believe you.
Shaq stayed quiet for a moment. "I'll think about it," he said, not committing but clearly pondering the idea.
Then he switched gears. "What about you? What's next for you?"
Han sighed. "I'm out too," he said. "Cleveland's ready to move on, and honestly, I'm not fighting it."
O'Neal wasn't particularly surprised.
"If there's even the slightest chance, they'll do everything they can to keep LeBron, but I think in the end, they'll end up with nothing. It'll be the dumbest move they've ever made," Shaq offered his direct opinion.
"But that's business," he said, trying to comfort him.
O'Neal had been LeBron's teammate for a season now and knew exactly how talented LeBron was.
But in the end, Nike had chosen LeBron, which automatically made him a significant commercial asset.
Championships might be essential for players, but for team owners, the ultimate goal of winning a championship was to make more money.
If they could make the same amount of money without winning a championship, keeping LeBron would be equivalent to winning a championship for the owners.
They would bet everything on him and never pass up even the slightest chance of keeping him.
Of course, that didn't apply to teams like the Lakers and the Knicks because they could make money effortlessly.
After listening to Shaq, Han Sen couldn't help but feel a sense of anticipation.
LeBron was business, thanks to Nike's backing.
But would Nike remain unwaveringly supportive of him?
What if LeBron never won a championship?
Remember, 'The Chosen One' was a persona crafted by Nike, much like they had built up the image of 'The King'.
But if LeBron never won a championship, wouldn't Nike just be the butt of the joke?
And as a fan, would you continue to root for Barkley your whole life? Or Karl Malone?
Ultimately, Nike's promotion of LeBron was simply fulfilling their contract with him.
If LeBron couldn't reach the top, Nike could just choose not to renew his contract.
If that scenario ever unfolded, it would be truly fascinating.
This thought only reinforced Han Sen's belief that LeBron would eventually join the Heat.
LeBron couldn't afford to lose Nike's support.
---
Shaq leaned forward. "So, what's your next move?"
Han smiled faintly. "Still figuring that out. But wherever it is, it's going to be a fresh start."
Shaq chuckled. "Well, wherever you land, just make sure they don't underestimate you."
Han laughed too. "Same goes for you. And seriously, think about Dallas."
Shaq gave him a thoughtful nod before heading out.
…
Time flew by, and in the blink of an eye, another week had passed.
The 2010 NBA Draft was held on the evening of June 24th at Madison Square Garden.
Fans eagerly followed the annual event.
But as the first round of the draft neared its conclusion, a report by renowned journalist Woj set off a storm of discussion among fans, overshadowing the draft itself.
The Memphis Grizzlies traded OJ Mayo, 2009's second overall pick Hasheem Thabeet, and this year's 25th pick (acquired from the Hawks), Quincy Pondexter, to the Cavaliers in exchange for Hansen, Delonte West, and two future second-round picks.
---
Note:
OJ Mayo: Averaged 38 minutes, 17.5 points, 3.8 rebounds, 3 assists, 1.2 steals per game during the 09-10 season with a 45.8% FG and 38.3% 3-point percentage (4.3 attempts per game).
Thabeet: Averaged 13 minutes, 3.1 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks per game with 58.8% FG during the 09-10 season.
Quincy Pondexter: 6'6", with a 6'11" wingspan, from the University of Washington (NCAAD1), averaged 19.3 points and 7.4 rebounds as a senior, known for his strong defense.
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