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On Saturday, July 8, 2000, something New York fans were eager to see finally happened!

The New York Times broke the news that Grant Hill planned to attend Clay Lee’s first party after moving.

While “Jordan’s successor” Anfernee Hardaway was indeed past his prime, Grant Hill still had very high popularity.

Although Detroit media sometimes complained about Grant Hill’s “soft” playing style, most fans still liked Hill’s performance on and off the court.

Most fans also expressed their respect for Grant Hill playing injured last season; one couldn’t ask for too much, as this “Jordan’s successor” truly tried his best.

Detroit Pistons fans, however, were extremely angry about this news.

If it were another team, perhaps people wouldn’t react so strongly, but the Knicks were different!

Thinking back to when the two stars of Detroit gathered in New York, many local media outlets also chimed in with renewed complaints:

“Big markets are destroying the NBA. They take everything with their dollars!”

Although these comments were baseless, as the Detroit Pistons could also offer Grant Hill a max contract, the article resonated with many small markets.

The 1999-2000 season was hailed as a victory for “dollars,” leaving small-market fans without hope.

Many team owners had already reported to the league that the “money-splashing” behavior of big markets should be restricted!

The New York Post’s news was inaccurate.

The party on Saturday night had no sports or entertainment stars.

Most attendees were New York and Connecticut business and political figures.

Clay Lee’s influence certainly wasn’t that great, but Bloomberg, who was planning to run for Mayor, started inviting people as soon as he got the news.

The new house on 82nd Street finally served its purpose this time.

Its location near the Metropolitan Museum of Art was just right, ensuring enough space for the party, no matter how many people attended.

On the evening of the 8th, Lee’s new home was brightly lit, and most of the partygoers were dressed in formal attire.

Earlier in the year, Mayor Giuliani announced his candidacy for the Senate and also intended to contend for the New York State governorship.

However, in late May, this tough-minded Mayor sadly announced his withdrawal from the election due to health issues.

In mid-June, Mayor Giuliani also announced his separation from his wife and plans for divorce.

Despite seemingly being at a low point in his life, when he attended the party, it was impossible to tell, and he was accompanied by a young, beautiful blonde woman.

After several days of arrangement, the second floor became more livable, and the newly purchased grand piano also came in handy.

The melodious music played by the party company’s pianist made everyone present feel comfortable.

Most of the ladies gathered in the spacious south-facing living room, while some also went upstairs to enjoy the night view.

Most of the gentlemen gathered around Cheney, Lieberman, and Mayor Giuliani.

Bloomberg smiled awkwardly at Lee.

One was a former Secretary, and another was a Connecticut Senator and also the first Jewish Vice Presidential candidate.

The two were now rivals, and New York was currently controlled by the Republican Party.

Bloomberg’s intention to leave the Democratic Party, an opportunistic move, clearly displeased some people.

“This isn’t work time. I want to thank Clay. Ever since he came to New York, he has at least made people like the Knicks again.”

“It’s absolutely exciting for a city to have multiple iconic teams!”

Mayor Giuliani raised his glass towards Lee, indicating that everything was fine.

Soon, Lieberman also straightened up and joked:

“I agree with that sentiment. In the past, I only paid attention to the Yankees, after all, we all like winners.”

“I’m glad to see Clay continuing his studies in Connecticut. Law school is a good choice!”

Due to his height, Lee could only smile and raise his glass from the back.

He always felt that this old man was mocking Cheney’s background.

One graduated from Yale Law School, while the other left Yale due to academic issues.

Cheney didn’t mind the hidden taunt from the other party and said seriously:

“I also like winning! Clay is a smart young man. Perhaps we’ll have a chance to cooperate in the future!”

Seeing the former Secretary raise his glass, everyone else followed suit and had another drink.

With the big shots no longer at loggerheads, the conversation quickly turned to the topic of the national convention at the end of July, and many also started discussing personal matters.

Bloomberg breathed a sigh of relief.

Lee, dressed in a proper black suit, could tell that the other party was startled by Lieberman’s appearance.

“Clay, next year, remember to attend my campaign events. I plan to run a lot of internet ads then!”

“Old-fashioned campaigning is outdated. Young people prefer opinion leaders.”

The billionaire chose to spend money to win votes, which didn’t surprise Lee:

“No problem, it’s a small favor. Please wait a moment. I still need to chat with our Mayor for a bit!”

After a quiet “wait a moment,” Lee waved to Kim, who was wearing a dark blue suit on the other side, then put his arm around her and approached Mayor Giuliani.

Old Rhoades was also chatting with the Mayor about personal matters.

Noticing Lee’s arrival, he immediately joked and complained a bit:

“Clay should have met my son’s girlfriend. To be honest, I don’t like his choice, a psychologist? I hope he finds a lawyer.”

After saying that, Old Rhoades winked at Kim, who was beside Lee.

Mayor Giuliani, seeing the two appear, also said with a smile:

“Working at the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District is not easy at all, and the salary isn’t high. You must be mentally prepared.”

Kim glanced at Lee, then replied seriously:

“I’m ready. I prefer to work for the public interest.”

Saturday’s party was quiet and dignified. By Sunday night, it was time for the real fun.

A big house could indeed host more friends.

Kristen Ritter, after blinking her big eyes and looking around, realized that even with hard work, she probably couldn’t afford such a house.

The little assistant had become even prettier.

After being busy with New York Fashion Week in February, she had been flying around everywhere, and in half a year, she had earned quite a bit of money.

Hunter Johansson was gossiping with Lee.

The New York newspapers had reported on last night’s party, mentioning two big shots.

Hunter said longingly:

“In the future, I also want to run for office. What do you think of Mr. Lieberman? I like his speeches!”

On the second floor, Britney and other popular songs were playing, while Lee was on the rooftop enjoying the night view.

Hearing Hunter’s question, he patted his shoulder and said with a chuckle:

“Remember to study hard. If you get the chance, let your sister take care of you. Being a powerful actor suits you better!”

“Haven’t you noticed that all the girls downstairs like you?”

Hunter glanced around, didn’t see Scarlett, and then quickly complained:

“She took a boring comedy. I know it’s going to flop even before it’s filmed!”

No sooner had he spoken than Scarlett, who had just arrived on the rooftop, heard him.

Although she was much shorter, Hunter took two punches and didn’t dare to fight back, only looking at his sister dejectedly.

“Lee, can we stay here overnight tonight?”

Scarlett looked up and asked expectantly.

Hunter, hearing his sister’s words, immediately complained again:

“Grandma told us to go home early!”

“This is the Upper East Side, it’s very safe, and we’re adults now!”

Facing her sabotaging brother, Scarlett, feeling she had lost face, went over and twisted him a couple more times.

Lee smelled champagne and knew the girl in front of him was likely drunk.

He casually agreed, which immediately made her cheer.

When the little assistant appeared on the rooftop, she was also blurry-eyed from drinking.

She hugged Lee and wouldn’t let go, saying sweetly:

“Lee, I like the bedroom on the 5th floor. Those bitches all want to crawl into bed, let’s go do something fun first!”

“…”

On July 10th, the New York Times broke the news that Grant Hill had reached a verbal agreement with the New York Knicks, and once the cooling-off period ended, he would officially join!

The “Jordan successor” was coming to New York, and fans were overjoyed when they saw this news.

However, after this news was announced, the New York Knicks’ locker room immediately exploded.

Everyone knew that to take on Grant Hill’s max contract, some trades would inevitably have to be made.

Considering that Grant Hill would play the small forward position, Larry Johnson, who had rushed back to New York, became furious.

During an interview with the New York Post that morning, Larry Johnson couldn’t help but complain a lot, which can be summarized as:

“I’ve worked hard for the New York Knicks! I’ve contributed to the team’s three consecutive championships!”

Cleaning out veterans after winning three consecutive championships was very undignified.

Although General Manager Grunfeld hadn’t given an interview yet, once this precedent was set, most veterans would likely leave, and only Ewing might remain in New York.

Interestingly, when the New York Media all wanted to interview Clay Lee, they only saw his agent, Mark Bartelstein:

“Lee has already flown to Los Angeles recently. He needs to attend some sponsor events.”

“He still has a lot of work to do during the offseason. Regarding the New York Knicks’ situation, he has only just seen the news himself.”

Mark Bartelstein spoke calmly and eloquently to the New York Media reporters.

Lee had just received the news, so the one who wanted to make trades must be General Manager Grunfeld!

Larry Johnson had expected New York fans to be angry, but the reaction was much milder than anticipated.

Everyone seemed to welcome Grant Hill more.

“It’s not that you’re not excellent, it’s that Grant Hill is simply too excellent!”

Although the trade hadn’t happened yet, most sports media predicted that “Grandmama” and Oakley would likely leave, and the New York Knicks were going to clear out declining players.

Ewing, who was still preparing for his retirement tour, immediately accepted an interview with the New York Post after hearing the news, and then unceremoniously blasted General Manager Grunfeld:

“We just won three consecutive championships for the team, and what awaits everyone isn’t a reward of big contracts, but trades?”

“I don’t know what he wants to do. We have great chemistry together, and next season we are still strong contenders for the championship.”

“Breaking up the team is absolutely the wrong choice! Veterans can also contribute their strength in the locker room.”

“…”

Ewing’s interview that afternoon quickly swept across major sports media.

Spectators were delighted by it, and in TNT’s program that evening, they also started gossiping:

“I can understand Grant Hill’s choice, and I can also understand Larry Johnson’s situation.”

“Manager Grunfeld didn’t do anything wrong. He just chose to upgrade the team’s roster. To be honest, if the trade really happens, the New York Knicks will be much stronger next season.”

Mike Fratello chuckled and offered his opinion, clearly enjoying the drama and continuing to stir the pot.

Kenny Smith, however, sided with Larry Johnson from a player’s perspective:

“Larry still has gas in the tank. Although he was bothered by a back injury this season, he contributed on both ends of the court in the playoffs.”

“I don’t think this is a good choice. You know, Grant Hill doesn’t fit the New York Knicks’ tactical system.”

The two debated back and forth, both making valid points, and soon the host, Ernie Johnson, smiled and reminded them:

“Why can’t anyone get an interview with Lee? I think everyone wants to hear his opinion right now!”

Kenny Smith shrugged, not saying too much, just simply reminded:

“That’s the privilege of a superstar!”

….

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Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep