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Dragon Emperor in Pokemon World.

The return of Itachi

I am Sasuke. Why should I defect from Konoha.

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***

On Saturday, August 13, 2005, as Amar’e Stoudemire’s agent, Jeff Schwartz, continued his activities, sports media finally uncovered the details of a potential trade.

The Phoenix Suns didn’t want to offer Joe Johnson a large contract, while the Atlanta Hawks were interested in the promising player whose Rookie contract was ending.

However, The Suns weren’t too keen on this trade.

They wanted to acquire Amar’e Stoudemire, and Steve Nash, hoping for strong assistance, had been actively reaching out since the offseason began.

The New York Knicks, holding the team option for Amar’e Stoudemire, were in no hurry, and with General Manager Grunfeld in trouble, the rest of the management preferred to keep the players they had drafted.

Under these circumstances, a three-team trade was naturally the best option, but the New York Knicks seemed to be asking for an exorbitant price, not valuing the players from the other two teams.

The three teams had not reached an agreement until ESPN broke the news this weekend that the New York Knicks were demanding at least four first-round picks, which finally made the public understand the whole story.

Early in the morning, the relevant news entertained fans following the offseason, with some even offering advice:

“Remember to set first-round protection on the draft picks! Don’t let the New York Knicks get a bargain.”

Marbury of the Atlanta Hawks was also actively working, as he truly didn’t want to tank!

Not long ago, Marbury, who also participated in Steve Nash’s charity game, expressed his attitude multiple times in interviews:

“I know my own strength. As long as I have suitable help, I will lead the Atlanta Hawks back to the playoffs!”

“…”

Already labeled a “cancer,” Marbury struggled wherever he went.

Aside from his decent stats, this 1996 draft player was almost forgotten.

The New York Knicks were the sellers, so they naturally didn’t have to pander to anyone.

However, James Dolan hadn’t made any questionable moves recently, only responding to the former championship guard Sprewell:

“The New York Knicks will always welcome you.”

These words were as good as unsaid.

Currently, the team could only offer a mid-level contract to sign Sprewell, but the championship guard didn’t care for such a small amount of money!

After the Minnesota Timberwolves failed to meet Sprewell’s conditions and he confirmed his departure, the championship guard made a grand declaration:

“How am I supposed to live without a ten-million-dollar contract? I might as well retire for a few million.”

Garnett should have tried to keep his good brother, but after the news broke, the MVP remained silent, not saying a word.

He was already fed up with Sprewell’s posturing.

The other party’s championship experience had tarnished his MVP trophy!

Garnett, who had recently been actively recruiting Michael Finley, flew to Chicago and, when interviewed by local sports media, only spoke about the low-key Sam Cassell:

“I hope my brother can stay with the team and help me. We can win a championship. Minnesota needs him!”

Garnett grew a beard during the offseason and wore a loose black printed T-shirt during interviews.

Speaking of this recruitment, Garnett confidently slapped himself twice in front of the reporters, saying:

“Join the Minnesota Timberwolves, and we can create history together!”

“As long as we can unite, in the Western Conference, the Minnesota Timberwolves have no opponents.”

After saying this, Garnett even showed off his white teeth to everyone, smiling confidently, having already earned everyone’s trust.

A reporter from Yahoo Sports clearly didn’t believe this statement:

“Will Sprewell still be with the Minnesota Timberwolves next season? You achieved excellent results together.”

“…”

When this “ill-fated relationship” was brought up, Garnett really didn’t want to answer the question and could only resort to platitudes:

“Sprewell is my brother, and I support his choice. He won a championship, and I respect that very much.”

Without a single word of retention, Garnett’s answer surprised many sports media outlets:

“Are the Minnesota Timberwolves really going to break up?”

It was 1:30 PM in Manchester, 15 minutes before the match began, and Old Trafford was already more than half full.

Over 67,000 tickets were sold out.

Compared to the UEFA Champions League third qualifying round match against Debrecen a few days ago, more Manchester United fans came today.

For the tuesday match on the 9th, Lee and his group watched from a private box.

However, Manchester United indeed had an internal leak, and the British media continued to stir things up:

“What happens to the ball?”

Just 7 minutes after kickoff, Rooney’s right-footed shot found the back of Debrecen’s net.

At the time, Ivanka, watching from the box, hugged Lee and asked with a smile.

Lee simply replied:

“We can have Rooney sign it and give it to a Manchester United fan!”

David Gill and other Manchester United management, who were watching the game with them, didn’t pay much attention.

They knew the American girl didn’t understand football rules.

However, The Sun, somehow getting the information, reported it with added embellishment this morning, even teasing Ivanka as a “trophy wife.”

Combined with the previously exposed measurements, it was almost directly saying “big chest, no brains.”

The British public loved such news.

With the first match of the new season, everyone began to anticipate more fun!

In the afternoon’s match, there were no more Manchester United fans protesting in the stadium.

With the help of the Manchester United fan association, Lee’s colorful promises had temporarily satisfied everyone.

Compared to the tooth-achingly sweet popcorn and donuts at the New York Knicks, the food at Old Trafford was a bit monotonous.

Hot dogs, potato pies, chicken curry pies, fish and chips, and donuts all tasted mediocre, but the poor-quality beer was very popular.

On the 3rd-floor stands, Lee had already taken off his suit jacket and rolled up the sleeves of his white shirt.

He didn’t care about the director’s camera and joked with Ken Griffin and others who had come specifically to watch the excitement:

“Want to bet a couple of rounds? I’ll bet on a 2:0 score for this match. You can pick any score you like.”

“Don’t think about making money off me. This is my first time watching a full football match!”

Ken Griffin, still in a black formal suit, immediately complained.

Axe Capital had quietly invested in the natural gas market and had recently made a lot of money.

Wall Street was reporting on it, and industry insiders even joked, “Axe has finally escaped Spitzer’s shadow.”

Daniel Ziff, standing nearby, was still wiping sweat.

Manchester’s August temperature had risen a bit.

Perhaps due to frequently appreciating ballet recently, Daniel, only 32 years old, was much weaker than in previous years.

He wanted to take off his jacket but felt it wasn’t presentable enough.

Daniel tugged at the red tie around his neck and said helplessly:

“Only two goals in a match, that’s why I don’t like watching live football.”

The two waited for the kickoff while trying to maintain their dignified image.

In front of the British, they didn’t want to lose face.

Anne Dias, like Lee’s girls, chose a white skirt suit today.

Two years into her marriage, the French girl hadn’t changed much, but she was recently planning to enter the next stage of her life.

After arriving in Manchester, she pulled Melinda aside for an in-depth discussion.

After signing the prenuptial agreement, Dias had some regrets.

Griffin had been making money even faster in recent years.

Taking advantage of the Manchester United fans’ cheers, Dias quietly asked Melinda in her ear:

“Ramis, when are you two planning to get married?”

Glancing at the blushing Ivanka beside her, Melinda leaned into her ear and whispered:

“We plan to have a child first before considering marriage.”

As the two whispered, the soft-bodied Ivanka leaned against Lee again, subtly pinching him, and quietly complained:

“I always feel like those British reporters are constantly taking my picture!”

Seeing the match begin, Lee simply put his arm around the large-chested woman beside him and said indifferently in a low voice:

“Let them take pictures! Pretty girls always get more attention.”

Ivanka sat up straight and smiled, pulling Lee’s hand.

Without the strictures of her family, she had unlocked more knowledge these days and wished they could be together every day.

Compared to the memories in his mind, Lee felt that the current Premier League was indeed a bit rough, but Manchester United played well.

Although they lost the championship last season, this team was still a strong contender in the Premier League.

In the 43rd minute of the first half, Van Nistelrooy scored a goal, and the quiet Old Trafford instantly erupted.

Everton’s Head Coach, Moyes, was clearly very displeased with this conceded goal.

He stood on the sidelines with his arms crossed, pacing quickly before yelling at his players.

The second half of the match was also somewhat dull until the 90th minute when Rooney scored against his former club again, completely sealing the victory, and the Manchester United fans finally began to celebrate freely.

The broadcasters also aimed their cameras at Lee, who stood up and clapped.

Fans in front of their televisions felt a bit of regret.

If the home team had been reversed and lost, the fun would obviously have been greater!

Unlike the Manchester United management sitting behind him, Ken Griffin was somewhat surprised, not expecting it to truly be 2-0.

“It seems I can bet with you in next year’s World Cup!”

Lee, being an experienced gambler when it came to football, showed a confident expression upon hearing this and continued to boast:

“Bet with me, and next year we’ll buy a private jet together!”

“…”

The cheers from over 67,000 fans put Lee in a great mood.

He just loved the feeling of victory!

On sunday, the 14th, the British media, unable to stir up any major trouble, once again educated Manchester United fans about the two people sitting next to Clay Lee:

Ken Griffin, founder of the hedge fund Citadel, and listed on Forbes 400 a few years ago.

Daniel Ziff, who inherited his family’s wealth, a major shareholder of Ziff Brothers, and also a billionaire.

Clay Lee raised sufficient funds through these two, and as for Manchester United’s downfall, Sky Sports’ football economics expert ultimately concluded:

“This is a victory for Wall Street.”

No matter how it was reported, most fans just watched the drama and then put it aside.

For them, winning at home meant a comfortable week, and victory was enough!

On August 16th, ESPN broke the news of an impending deal:

“Three-team trade finalized, Amar’e Stoudemire will team up with Steve Nash.”

The report didn’t include specific trade details, but Phoenix Suns fans were already ecstatic:

“Under Nash’s guidance, Amar’e Stoudemire will fully realize his talent!”

The New York Knicks didn’t react much to this, but the next day, the NBA officially confirmed the trade:

The Phoenix Suns sent Joe Johnson to the Atlanta Hawks, and also traded their 2006 first-round pick and 2008 first-round pick to the New York Knicks.

The Atlanta Hawks sent Boris Diaw and a 2007 first-round pick (from the Indiana Pacers) to the New York Knicks, and traded a 2006 first-round pick (from the Los Angeles Lakers) to the Phoenix Suns.

The New York Knicks sent Amar’e Stoudemire to the Phoenix Suns and Maciej Lampe to the Atlanta Hawks.

After negotiations, the Phoenix Suns’ 2006 first-round pick ultimately became the pick from the Los Angeles Lakers.

After this trade was announced, New York fans cried foul, but the New York Knicks didn’t show much reaction.

They traded Amar’e Stoudemire for Boris Diaw and three first-round picks, and could have demanded more, but the Phoenix Suns disagreed after seeing the injury insurance.

The trade also required a physical examination.

Amar’e Stoudemire’s knee had some minor issues, and after the price was lowered, it took a full day for the three parties to reach an agreement.

The details were not revealed, but the Phoenix Suns suspected the New York Knicks were selling a “glass man.”

However, they had no evidence.

Amar’e Stoudemire’s knee record only showed a simple minimally invasive surgery, and although the insurance seemed off, the examination showed the player was healthy.

The Atlanta Hawks felt they profited, as their own draft pick was preserved.

Even if Marbury led the team to tank again, they wouldn’t have to worry about a repeat of the Chicago Bulls’ massive loss back then.

The Phoenix Suns also felt they didn’t lose out.

After acquiring Amar’e Stoudemire, their first-round trade value plummeted!

The New York Knicks felt they neither gained nor lost.

Their medical team had long warned about Amar’e Stoudemire’s potential injury risks.

Once he suffered a major knee injury, the Rookie’s trade value would be greatly diminished.

On Thursday, the 18th, accompanied by his agent Jeff Schwartz, Amar’e Stoudemire attended the Phoenix Suns’ press conference.

Steve Nash and Marion also showed respect by attending the team’s welcoming ceremony together.

Reporters from The Arizona Republic didn’t know the inside story.

Acquiring an All-Star power forward for a minimal cost meant the Phoenix Suns won the offseason championship!

The Western Arena welcomed a large number of sports reporters.

With Amar’e Stoudemire’s addition, the Phoenix Suns’ strength increased, and they had entered the ranks of championship contenders.

Wearing a light gray suit, Amar’e Stoudemire held up his white and blue Phoenix Suns No. 1 jersey, smiling brightly.

After the sports reporters finished taking photos, Amar’e Stoudemire had just sat down when an ESPN reporter immediately asked:

“Amare, why did you choose to leave New York, and does this mean the New York Knicks will no longer focus on the championship next season?”

This was a question most reporters wanted to understand.

Seeing everyone’s eyes on him, Amar’e Stoudemire felt indescribably comfortable and said with a chuckle:

“As my agent Jeff said, I need consistent playing time.”

“I understand my body, and my talent hasn’t been fully realized yet.

Starting will motivate me even more.”

“As for the New York Knicks, without a doubt, they are still a championship-level team.”

“I had a great time in New York. Clay Lee taught me how to win championships, and that championship experience is a valuable asset.”

Without giving the local sports media a chance to speak, a Yahoo reporter immediately followed up with another question:

“We noticed you chose the No. 32 jersey. Does this have a special meaning?”

Amar’e Stoudemire again held up the jersey beside him to show everyone, then said seriously:

“No. 1 belongs to Clay Lee. The new number shows respect. I will share my championship experience without reservation with my teammates.”

“I will lead the team to the NBA Finals. I promise the fans that the Phoenix Suns will win big in the future!”

Standing backstage with the staff, Steve Nash felt a bit helpless when he heard this.

He didn’t show much emotion on his face, only whispering to Marion beside him:

“We still need to work harder and try to recruit Michael.”

Marion, dressed in hip-hop attire, was not interested in this suggestion.

Nash wanted his brother to come help and incidentally suppress the Rookie, but he felt the other party was already past his prime:

“Maybe Finley wants to join the New York Knicks. They still have a mid-level contract. You know, Steve, no one would refuse to play with Clay.”

“…”

Nash fell silent.

Looking at Amar’e Stoudemire boasting in front of the media, he suddenly felt that this trade might not be a good thing after all.

TNT immediately commented on the trade, but this time it wasn’t the trio speaking, but the outspoken Old Miller.

Earlier in the month, Old Miller had already complained that the Miami Heat made a terrible trade:

“The league’s atmosphere has a big problem in recent years. Some players even refuse to report after being traded, just to go to their preferred team.”

“There are also many media outlets that like to promote statistics and use championships as the standard for success. I don’t like to see such phenomena.”

Miami Heat fans had previously held a criticism session for Reggie Miller.

On that day’s program, as a guest, Reggie Miller once again spoke bluntly:

“If a team is able to achieve good results, then do not change its roster.”

“The New York Knicks made the wrong choice. This is a lose-lose trade.”

“Although I don’t like Clay Lee, Amar’e Stoudemire doesn’t seem to realize that Nash can’t give him an advantage.”

“I don’t favor the Phoenix Suns. The New York Knicks have now sacrificed roster depth, and Boris Diaw will find it difficult to adapt to the New York basketball environment.”

Charles Barkley loved to hear such words.

Before Old Miller could continue, he immediately added:

“I’ve said it before, Clay Lee is no longer focused on basketball. It’s August, and I haven’t seen any news about his training.”

“Pau Gasol will participate in the European Championship in mid-September. If he gets injured again next season, the New York Knicks will find it difficult to defend their title.”

“They are already satisfied, perhaps Clay Lee’s era is over.”

The two big mouths talked more and more excitedly.

In the studio, Kenny Smith was dumbfounded and couldn’t get a word in.

Ernie Johnson saw the director’s camera and shrugged helplessly.

Their ratings had been rising recently, and fans probably enjoyed hearing these outrageous remarks:

“We expect more moves from the New York Knicks. They still have the Mid-Level Exception.”

“…”

…

By the way, don’t forget to throw power stones and leave a review to motivate me 🙂

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep