章 84: Chapter 84: Trade Season Kicks Off! Teams Line Up to Make Offers for Tang Lei

After the Warriors' game against the Spurs, the NBA midseason trade window officially opened. This period, lasting until mid-March, offers teams a prime opportunity to bolster their rosters. By midseason, most front offices have a clear sense of their strengths and weaknesses, making this the perfect time to adjust accordingly.

For teams in the playoff bubble, a trade can be the key to securing a spot in the postseason. Contenders, meanwhile, use this chance to address any weaknesses and strengthen their championship odds. As for teams in rebuild mode, they often trade established players for young prospects and future draft picks to lay the groundwork for a successful rebuild.

As soon as the trade season began, Tang Lei became one of the most coveted players across the league. Rebuilding franchises like the Knicks, Cavaliers, and Suns quickly made offers, with some willing to put forward two first-round picks as the main bargaining chips, signaling their intent to build a franchise around Tang Lei. For teams aiming for the playoffs, Tang Lei was seen as an immediate impact player who could be the missing piece. Teams were not just eyeing Tang Lei's current season but also his potential to become a long-term cornerstone and even the face of a franchise.

For Tang Lei, the possibility of becoming a franchise player elsewhere was undoubtedly enticing. However, the Warriors front office was well aware of his potential and value, and they had no plans to let him go. Especially considering his current salary of just $3 million, Tang Lei was one of the league's best bargains. Letting him go? That would be a colossal misstep.

Yet, the Warriors were also facing a significant risk. Tang Lei would become an unrestricted free agent at the end of the season, allowing him to choose his next team freely. If he left, the Warriors would get nothing in return. Adding to their worries, Tang Lei had already stated he would not negotiate a contract extension early, choosing instead to focus on the playoffs. He intended to showcase his skills in the postseason, potentially even the Finals, to secure an even larger contract.

Though the Warriors ultimately turned down all offers for Tang Lei, rumors and speculation ran wild. Other teams fueled the gossip, using media to plant various stories:

• "Knicks Clear Cap Space for a Max Offer, Tang Lei Ready to Sign!"

• "Suns Eye Tang Lei to Form New Big Three with Booker and Ayton, Targeting a Championship!"

• "With LeBron Gone, Cavaliers Seek New King! They've Made a Major Offer for Tang Lei!"

These rumors created an atmosphere of tension and uncertainty. Some within the Warriors' front office even suggested trading Tang Lei for future assets to avoid the risk of losing him for nothing. Others firmly believed in keeping him, emphasizing that his presence would significantly boost the Warriors' chances of a three-peat.

Beyond Tang Lei's situation, the team also had Durant's contract to worry about. Durant was on a 1+1 deal, giving him a player option at the season's end. Should he opt out, the Warriors might lose him as well. With the team's current salary structure, re-signing both Tang Lei and Durant would be a significant challenge, especially with looming contracts for Thompson and Green further complicating matters.

Despite the swirling trade rumors, the Warriors held firm and refused to trade Tang Lei. Not only was he a key to the team's success, but he was also a fan favorite. Trading him would almost certainly lead to a fan backlash. More importantly, keeping Tang Lei provided the Warriors with their best shot at a third straight championship.

Meanwhile, other teams remained active in the trade market. The most closely watched negotiation involved the Lakers and Pelicans, as the Lakers attempted to acquire Anthony Davis. But talks had stalled, creating unrest in the Lakers' locker room. When players find out they're merely trade chips, it becomes challenging to stay fully committed to the team's goals.

As the trade deadline approached, all eyes remained on Tang Lei and the Warriors. Would the front office find a way to retain him long-term? Or would another team eventually pull off a blockbuster trade? The NBA trade season had only just begun, but the stakes were already higher than ever.

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