If Fei was still around, the Bucks might have pinched their noses and accepted the final year of the contract, but if Fei wasn't present, whether for cap space considerations or cost-effectiveness, ending this league-renowned excessive contract and discussing another deal with Sprewell at the veteran's minimum would be the most economical choice.
But the veteran's minimum wasn't enough for Sprewell to provide for his family, so, he'd rather retire.
"With your condition, playing until you're 40 isn't a problem," Fei asked, "Won't you reconsider?"
Sprewell snorted: "No, I'll never play for the minimum."
Sprewell left.
Afterward, Lin Kaiwen and Lawson came over: "It's settled with Aern."
Fei asked: "When do negotiations start?"
Lin Kaiwen said: "July 1st."
That was the very first day after the Bucks' championship celebrations had ended.
Before that day arrived, there was a lot of work to be done by teams across the league.
First up were the workouts.