Chapter 196: Why Should I?
This is a very complicated question.
First and foremost, what does the Heat want in return?
If it's a simple one-for-one swap, there are only a handful of players in the league better than LeBron James, and most of them are untouchable.
A more realistic scenario would be getting a center and a 3-and-D small forward.
But even with such requirements, finding a suitable trade partner isn't easy.
If Danny Granger hadn't been taken out by LeBron's reckless play, the Pacers could've offered Granger and Roy Hibbert as a package.
This, however, leads to the second issue. If Pat Riley isn't planning on rebuilding, he likely wouldn't trade LeBron to an Eastern Conference team.
It's the same reason the Cavaliers didn't trade Han Sen to the East back in the day. Facing a former star in the playoffs and getting knocked out by them would be a franchise-wide humiliation.
If we narrow it down to Western Conference teams, the options that match LeBron's trade value become even scarcer.
Then comes the third issue—where does LeBron want to go?
While he didn't consult Wade and Bosh before joining the Heat, there's no doubt LeBron had an agreement with Riley.
So, even though he doesn't have a no-trade clause, LeBron's preferences carry a lot of weight in any deal.
In fact, after Five Reasons broke the news, ESPN's Windhorst published an article suggesting that LeBron had an interest in joining the Knicks.
The article stated that LeBron had always considered teaming up with the Knicks, but Wade and Bosh's invitation lured him to Miami.
Now, he hasn't abandoned his original vision and is reportedly excited about playing alongside his close friend, Carmelo Anthony.
The piece even listed potential trade assets the Knicks could offer: Amar'e Stoudemire and Jeremy Lin.
Lastly, there's Nike's involvement.
Even though LeBron hasn't achieved major success in Miami, Nike's significant investment in him hasn't paid off yet. They wouldn't want their poster boy sidelined.
Nike would undoubtedly exert pressure on the league regarding any trade, and as the NBA's biggest sponsor, their influence is not to be ignored.
Theoretically, 29 teams could trade for LeBron, but satisfying all these conditions narrows it down to only a few, or perhaps none.
And that's where it gets interesting. If differing opinions prevent Riley from pulling the trigger, things could get even more entertaining.
While the Heat's situation remained unresolved, the defending champion Grizzlies made the first trade of the 2012-13 season.
They sent Tony Allen to the Pacers for Dahntay Jones and a future second-round pick.
This trade raised a few eyebrows. Jones was notorious for his dirty plays, especially during the 2008-09 playoffs when he was the Nuggets' starting shooting guard and repeatedly targeted Kobe Bryant.
The Grizzlies' move seemed like a direct response to the league's punishment of James Johnson.
"You suspended Johnson? Fine, we'll bring in someone truly dirty."
Or perhaps Wallace felt Johnson's nuclear deterrence wasn't enough and opted for Jones' consistent menace.
Either way, opponents who dared to play dirty would now have to brace for retaliation.
This move also aligned with the Grizzlies' recent habit of reacquiring former players.
Yes, Jones was once a Grizzly. Drafted 20th overall in the 2003 class, he spent his entire rookie contract with Memphis before moving on.
As for Allen, he landed with the team he'd wanted to join, making it a win-win for both sides.
...
Fast forward to June 29, Han Sen was still at home recovering and keeping an eye on the NBA Draft.
The Hornets had recently welcomed new owner Tom Benson in April and secured their first-ever No. 1 overall pick.
The top pick was essentially a bargaining chip, essential for attracting a local owner in New Orleans.
And it was a valuable chip, as the draft featured Anthony Davis, touted as the 'future of American big men.'
Unable to train and with no new talents unlocked in his hater system, Han tuned into the draft out of curiosity.
Unsurprisingly, the Hornets used their No. 1 pick on Davis.
The Bobcats, after a dismal seven-win season, selected Michael Kidd-Gilchrist with the second pick.
When Han saw the unfamiliar face and the long name, he struggled to remember who the guy even was.
Aside from marveling at Jordan's consistent draft blunders, he felt sorry for Charlotte fans.
Had it not been for Stern's maneuvering, they could've picked Davis. The fates of the Bobcats and Hornets might have swapped entirely.
The Wizards chose Bradley Beal with the third pick, and the Cavaliers, riding Kyrie Irving's rookie year to 20 wins, picked Dion Waiters at No. 4.
This likely spelled the end for O.J. Mayo in Cleveland.
Counting the previously waived Hasheem Thabeet, it was clear the Cavs had lost big on the Han Sen trade.
The Kings went with Thomas Robinson at No. 5, a player Han vaguely remembered for crying on the CBA bench after learning he'd be fined for sitting on an ad board.
This showed why the Kings were bad at drafting, especially since the Blazers picked Damian Lillard next at No. 6.
Despite already having DeMarcus Cousins in the paint, the Sacramento Kings passed on an elite guard like Lillard.
The Warriors, at No. 7, selected Harrison Barnes, the 'Black Falcon' from UNC, completing their future lineup alongside Curry and Thompson.
While watching, a notification popped up on Han's phone: Windhorst had updated the list of teams LeBron was considering.
Besides the Knicks, LeBron was reportedly intrigued by the Clippers and Spurs.
Apparently, Riley had vetoed his Knicks idea.
Windhorst's article suggested LeBron was drawn to the Clippers due to their lack of past success, similar to the Cavaliers before he joined them. He wanted to replicate his Cleveland legacy in Los Angeles.
This was unsurprising to Han, as Nike preferred LeBron to be in a major market like New York or L.A.
But why not the Lakers?
With Kobe Bryant still active, LeBron would risk becoming Scottie Pippen to Kobe's Jordan.
The Spurs, however, caught Han off guard.
San Antonio was a small market with little appeal, even with championships.
Han read further: the Spurs' disappointing season left them needing a small forward, and LeBron could extend their championship window.
Han stroked his chin, piecing it together.
LeBron needed a ring to validate himself. The Spurs offered the best shot at success while letting him take over as the leader of a transitioning team.
More importantly, wherever LeBron went now didn't mean he'd stay there.
By 2014, he could opt out of his contract and move on.
Han smirked as he finished reading. Things were about to get interesting.
While it was still unclear where LeBron would go, one thing was certain—he was heading to the Western Conference.
This was significant to Han on a personal level. After all, LeBron might just be his No. 0 hater-in-chief, the biggest of them all. Han couldn't help but anticipate their upcoming clashes.
...
By the time Han finished scrolling through the news, the NBA Draft's first round was wrapping up. In the second round, the Warriors selected Draymond Green with the 35th pick.
Han immediately recognized the name.
Green was that loudmouth who trash-talked him back during their NCAA days. Now, after finishing four years at Michigan State, he'd finally joined the NBA to become part of Golden State's... uh, 'core.'
Meanwhile, the Grizzlies, lacking a first-round pick this year, used the 56th selection to grab Robert Sacre.
Han faintly recalled Sacre as the Lakers' infamous 'bench hype man,' whose main contribution was orchestrating celebrations from the sidelines.
A big center, huh? Seemed like the team wasn't planning to re-sign Hamed Haddadi.
Han had no ill feelings toward Haddadi, though.
The guy was an excellent waterboy, always on point. He could only hope Sacre would uphold that legacy and safeguard the Grizzlies' hydration needs.
...
With the draft concluded, fans barely had time to discuss the rookies before the 2012 free agency period kicked off two days later.
This offseason wasn't stacked with top-tier free agents, but it was still eventful.
Headliners included Deron Williams from the Nets, Steve Nash from the Suns, Jeremy Lin from the Knicks, Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen from the Celtics, Jason Kidd from the Mavs, and Serge Ibaka from the Thunder.
...
Han didn't have to wait long for action. On day one of free agency, the Grizzlies' management presented him with an extension offer: $85 million over five years.
Han frowned as he read the terms.
He was already familiar with the idea of early extensions—his agent, Thomas, had prepped him for this conversation ①.
Han's All-Star appearances and All-NBA selections qualified him for the 'Rose Rule,' which could elevate his contract to $95 million.
"Han could get the max: $95 million," Thomas had clarified before.
But now, GM Chris Wallace had a proposition.
The Grizzlies were under significant financial strain. With Han's new contract set to kick in next summer, the team was projected to exceed the luxury tax by nearly $20 million, incurring a $50 million tax penalty.
Wallace reasoned that if Han forewent the Rose Rule, he could save the team nearly $10 million annually.
By replacing a few role players, the Grizzlies could potentially reduce their tax bill to below $30 million and preserve their core lineup.
"This isn't just about money," Wallace stressed. "It's about building toward a three-peat."
Han noticed the conflicted look on Wallace's face. It was clear he understood Han wouldn't be thrilled, but his hands were tied. This wasn't just Wallace's decision—it was owner Michael Heisley's directive.
Han wasn't surprised. He'd seen this playbook before.
Whether it was Rudy Gay or Mike Conley, the Grizzlies had a history of lowballing their stars. Small market, cheap ownership—this was the culture.
Other franchises, like the Spurs with Manu Ginóbili or the Thunder with James Harden, played similar games. But at least Gilbert, the Cavs' owner, had been willing to pay the luxury tax when LeBron was around.
Wallace argued that sacrificing the Rose Rule would help maintain the roster, ensuring their shot at a dynasty.
The math seemed simple: Han giving up $2 million a year could save the team $10-$20 million annually.
Han didn't buy it.
"Not signing the extension doesn't mean the team will trade me, right?" Han asked, putting down the contract.
"Of course not! Never!" Wallace waved his hands frantically.
Han chuckled.
Memphis had just won its first championship, and he was the city's hero. In a place where championship parades weren't safe from gunfire, anyone trying to trade Han might end up 'retired.'
Han shook his head. Why should he save the owner money?
Wallace's logic had a glaring flaw. Paying luxury tax and keeping the core intact weren't mutually exclusive.
The Lakers, for instance, exceeded the cap by over $20 million, and they paid their taxes just fine.
Sure, people said the Lakers were rich, but their owner, Dr. Jerry Buss, wasn't exactly swimming in cash.
If the Grizzlies couldn't turn a profit even with a championship and Han's global marketability, that was a front-office failure.
Han made his decision.
"I'll wait until next summer to discuss my contract," he said, effectively warning Heisley.
Han knew his worth—every dollar was earned. If Heisley couldn't handle the financial heat, maybe he should sell the team.
Negotiations for Han's extension broke down, and the Grizzlies faced more challenges.
Reserve forward Marreese Speights also became a free agent and received a 2-year, $11 million offer from the Cavs.
With their penny-pinching philosophy, Memphis couldn't match, allowing Speights to walk.
Fortunately, not all was bleak. On the same day Speights signed with Cleveland, the Grizzlies inked Antawn Jamison to a one-year veteran minimum deal.
Han smiled. Jamison had asked him if Memphis still had room for him. Well, now it did.
-End of Chapter-
①: Early contract extensions allow a parent team to negotiate a new deal with a player whose current contract has one year remaining. The new contract would only take effect after the original deal expires.
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