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On Thursday, July 20, 2006, the Seattle Basketball Club announced that a formal press conference would be held at 3 PM.

Major shareholder Howard Schultz had complained to the media during the All-Star Weekend that the team had lost $60 million in the past five years.

Connecting this to previous rumors, the content of the press conference was predictable.

Since Monday, when Mark Cuban, representing many owners, publicly stated that any buyer wanting to successfully acquire the Seattle SuperSonics must reject the trade, news of the SuperSonics changing ownership had been circulating.

But when this moment truly arrived, Seattle fans also panicked a little.

Perhaps what Howard Schultz said was true: the stadium couldn’t be built, and the team really had to move!

Sports media gathered in Seattle.

At the press conference, the spokesperson went straight to the point, solemnly announcing the news:

“We have signed a purchase agreement to sell the NBA Seattle SuperSonics and the WNBA Seattle Storm for $350 million.”

“We have enjoyed the opportunity to operate both teams over the past five seasons and are proud of our accomplishments on and off the court!”

“Because most of the Seattle Basketball Club’s investors live and work in the Seattle community, it was a difficult decision for us to sell these teams.”

“As you know, over the past two years, we have worked with local and state officials to seek solutions to the stadium issue.”

“But we ultimately failed, and perhaps the new group is more likely to achieve the remaining goals.”

“…”

At Seattle Center KeyArena, local sports reporters gathered there couldn’t help but show a hint of surprise after hearing the news.

Especially when they saw the background of the new owner, an ominous feeling surged in their hearts:

“Private investment firm Dorchester Capital, led by Chairman Clayton Bennett, an investment firm formed by several executives from Chesapeake Energy Corporation.”

The other party’s base camp is in Oklahoma City, and this city had also retained the Hornets.

Now that they are taking over the Seattle SuperSonics, it might just be a matter of time before the team moves.

Most of the sports media reporters living in Seattle have settled down there.

If the team leaves the city, it would also be a disaster for them, as they would no longer be able to get firsthand news.

The press conference was still ongoing.

After expressing thanks, major shareholder Howard Schultz also took the stage to speak and offer reassurance:

“We are striving to keep the team in this city. Next season, the Seattle SuperSonics and the Storm will still be in Seattle.”

The meaning of these words was clear: if the new KeyArena could not be built, then the team would most likely move.

Until then, it would be a buffer period.

After all, after the move, the team’s management would also make choices.

Bennett would take a few years to clean up the team, and then leave with a brand new Seattle SuperSonics.

Dressed in a black suit, Bennett appeared before everyone with a straight nose bridge and deep-set eyes.

His short black hair and broad physique made him look somewhat assertive:

“It is a pleasure to have the opportunity to combine our passion for professional basketball with our ability to build successful commercial enterprises!”

“We thank BCOS, they love this city, and they love the Seattle SuperSonics and the Storm.”

“We are pleased to have the opportunity to lead a professional sports organization that has achieved peak success in both the NBA and WNBA.”

Bennett did not give his own promises.

After a brief speech, the new owner smiled and began to take questions from reporters present.

Reporters from TNT didn’t care about the change of ownership.

For them, everyone was more concerned about trade issues:

“Mr. Bennett, will there be significant personnel changes for the Seattle SuperSonics in the new season? There have been many trade rumors recently.”

Purchasing a team not only required the NBA’s approval, but also the nod from other team owners.

Although Bennett disliked Cuban’s big mouth, he did agree to the request:

“No, we are very satisfied with the current team roster. The core players are all untouchable.”

“We will not trade the team’s future. Seattle fans can continue to enjoy high-level games in the new season.”

Hearing the affirmative answer, the ESPN reporter did not ask any more questions.

Spectators could rest assured.

There would be no “brotherhood basketball” next season.

The press conference continued.

After briefly answering questions, Bennett stepped down to rest, feeling no emotional fluctuations as he looked at the dispirited team staff.

If he could gain local support, then staying here would not be impossible, but if the KeyArena project could not advance, then Oklahoma City would be the team’s true home.

In the evening, TNT aired a one-hour special program, an interview with Charles Barkley.

This loudmouth was proclaiming his intention to run for governor.

Regardless of whether this was true, spectators were interested in the information.

Ernie Johnson continued to serve as host.

Their conversation went beyond basketball, and some political statements were just for entertainment.

But when asked if he wanted to own a team, Barkley gave an unexpected answer.

He no longer cooperated with Magic Johnson as before, proclaiming a desire to co-own a team:

“I don’t want to bring trouble upon myself. In fact, years of media work have made me realize the limits of my ability.”

“I was a good basketball player. I won an MVP, and although I didn’t win a championship, we all know I was better than most players in the NBA.”

“But that doesn’t mean I’m a businessman. I’m not like Michael Jordan. He’s obsessed with owning a team, but I’m not like that.”

Seeing his partner admit defeat in another field for the first time, Ernie Johnson continued to ask curiously:

“Do you think you’re not suitable to be a team owner?”

Seemingly thinking of the news from a few days ago, Charles Barkley nodded seriously, not denying it, and even gave an example:

“Michael Jordan, this guy was an excellent player when he played, but he’s also not suitable to own a team.”

“He just acquired a stake in the Bobcats and immediately appointed his good friend Fred Whitfield as the team’s president.”

“I don’t want to question whether this appointment is appropriate, but I know they failed with the Washington Wizards, and facts prove that Michael Jordan is not suitable for operating a team. He should stop meddling.”

Michael Jordan’s questionable actions could actually be attributed to the idea that black people should help black people, but most basketball critics did not think highly of them.

This year’s NBA draft was the best example.

Even though more than half a month had passed, many people still couldn’t believe the Bobcats chose Morrison.

Such an operation was truly confusing.

Having criticized his friend more than once on the show, Ernie Johnson knew Michael Jordan wasn’t very open-minded and actively changed the sensitive topic:

“Let’s talk about Clay Lee. In the long history of the NBA, perhaps only Bill Russell was so successful back then. Do you think he will continue to win? I’m referring to surpassing Bill Russell’s achievements.”

With the Seattle SuperSonics changing ownership, the Knicks had not yet finalized the trade package, and this deal was ruined.

Charles Barkley also had a sense of schadenfreude, and at this moment, he grinned again:

“Clay Lee will still win championships, but in a few more years, it will be the era of the young. This is a cycle. I know the feeling of physical aging.”

“This is also why I don’t like him interfering with trades, because Clay Lee will also grow old. He can’t stay young forever, and he will also encounter difficulties.”

“Young players will replace him, and by then, only his old buddies can help him!”

“This is also why Michael Jordan insisted on keeping Pippen and those teammates. Only these people are willing to fight with him.”

This answer was also unexpected.

It was thought there would be some mockery, but Barkley, as an experienced veteran, offered his wisdom.

Looking at the suddenly silent Barkley, Ernie Johnson knew that he was probably regretting his decision to play for the Houston Rockets back then:

“You don’t think highly of the Knicks’ recent trade? In the past, you always emphasized the caliber of stars. Four All-Stars, I don’t think anyone would give up forming such a luxurious lineup.”

Charles Barkley shook his head again, then offered his advice:

“Basketball is not about stacking stars. The Knicks have great chemistry. What they need to do is maintain their roster, not seek change.”

“If the Knicks hadn’t traded their veterans back then, perhaps the Lakers wouldn’t have won the championship.”

“…”

On Friday, the 21st, as the NBA announced that the bundled Seattle SuperSonics would officially change ownership in October, the New York fans all quieted down.

There would be no trade.

However, New York never lacks entertainment.

In the Attorney General’s election, with the launch of advertisements, both sides began a mudslinging battle.

Those following Wall Street could also find entertainment.

A woman lost her job at Lehman Brothers.

It was originally a small matter, but the reason for her dismissal was her public opposition to “inappropriate, racist, and discriminatory remarks about African Americans.”

To translate, it means “she believed she wasn’t discriminating, just being a bit strict in her tone at work, and then she was collectively complained about by black employees and lost her job.”

If one frequently paid attention to New York news, there was no end to the entertainment.

This fast-paced metropolis was quickly descending into a state of chaos.

Hollywood gossip enthusiasts, however, noticed an inconspicuous piece of news: renowned producer Avi Arad sold 3.5 million shares of Marvel stock, leaving him with only 1 million shares.

Due to it being internal news, the reports were rather vague, only stating that Lee acquired these shares, costing approximately $65 million.

The laughable iron man movie still hadn’t started filming, and Marvel fans noticed this seemed to be internal strife within the company, immediately becoming disheartened.

This unlucky company would go bankrupt sooner or later!

In the Wall Street financial district, not far from the Twin Towers, which had begun reconstruction, Thomson Company today invited Axe Capital to share their experience.

Inside the enormous conference room, many people were holding notebooks or laptops, looking at the speaker at the front.

Thomson Company’s financial business planned to undergo a transformation, ultimately targeting hedge funds.

After sharing how to build a team and fund strategies, Bobby Axelrod, dressed in a dark grey suit, smiled at the crowd and proactively joked:

“I know what you’re thinking. The Wall Street Journal calls us financial scavengers, believing some hedge funds have impacted the market, and I have never refuted that.”

“These accusations never consider that we are the same. Ultimately, we all aim to profit for investors.”

“‘Scavenger’ is a very inappropriate metaphor. I prefer to call our hedge funds the immune cells of the financial system. Those inferior assets will be cleared out.”

“Perhaps one day, Axe Capital will become the market’s pacemaker. Pursuing win-win is the best choice.”

Applause gradually emerged in the conference room.

In just six years, they managed over 10 billion in assets, and out of respect for the dollar, the applause grew even more enthusiastic.

Sitting in the front row, Lee, dressed in a black casual suit, also clapped along, while Bobby’s wife, Lara, smiled happily beside him.

Thomson Company was not the first to invite them.

Years of struggle had finally yielded good results.

Most of Axe Capital’s shareholders were sent away on a plane that year, and as the second-largest shareholder, Lee did not interfere with the company’s operations.

Over the years, Bobby had become a well-known figure in the financial world.

“We should go to Manchester to have some suits custom-made. We should dress more formally.”

Lara, in a beige suit, whispered into Lee’s ear.

Perhaps with their neighbor Amaranth on the verge of collapse, Axe Capital would expand again, making this supportive wife particularly happy today.

Noticing the company’s chairman, David Thompson, standing up and smiling in greeting, Lee also smiled and quietly said:

“They are showing respect for strength and the dollar.”

Although cooperation between the two sides was difficult, it did not prevent Thomson Company from extending a warm welcome.

As it approached lunchtime, many employees also joined in the gossip, excitedly calling out when they saw Lee.

Although the salary for working here was not low, to have a good viewing experience at Madison Square Garden, one’s wallet still couldn’t support front-row tickets.

As everyone was preparing to leave for lunch, a Black employee in a grey casual suit jacket pushed to the front, urgently shouting:

“Clay, my son is a basketball genius! We want to attend the New York University training camp!”

Nike had divided this year’s training camp into two parts.

Children under 15 trained elsewhere, not at New York University, so this person recommending his son had clearly been rejected by the staff.

The difference between the two training camps lay in exposure.

The younger children were too young, and the competition wasn’t intense.

Lee stopped and noticed the anxious father.

Although he had heard this kind of sales pitch many times before, he still politely said:

“The age limit is to ensure the little ones’ self-confidence. I don’t recommend you do this, but if you insist, you can tell me his name now.”

“We will send a special invitation, but he won’t receive special treatment at the training camp.”

The employee didn’t mind the surprised looks from his colleagues.

Seizing the opportunity, he quickly introduced:

“Clay, thank you very much! My son is truly a genius. His name is Kyrie Irving.”

Lee showed a hint of surprise, looking at the well-dressed father in front of him, unsure if this name belonged to the future star player:

“I’ve noted it. Good luck to him!”

Bobby, with Lara in his arm, also glanced at the employee celebrating with a fist pump.

He could understand the other’s emotions.

As they entered the elevator after everyone left, he mused:

“Perhaps this is what chasing a dream feels like. I haven’t felt it in a long time.”

Lee felt that the other party was “crushing his son’s basketball dream,” but seeing Bobby looking content with Lara in his arms, he couldn’t help but tease:

“Aren’t you going to surpass Bridgewater Associates? You’re still far from it.”

The Axe Capital staff around them also started to laugh.

2006 was indeed a wonderful year for them.

They made a huge profit in the natural gas market, and even under Spitzer’s scrutiny, they could still “pick up money.”

There was nothing better than that!

In recent off-seasons, sports reporters found it hard to locate Lee.

This year, apart from appearing at the ESPYs, he disappeared again.

On the other hand, sports media in the UK confidently guaranteed that Lee would appear in Manchester in August, and the Carrington Training Centre had already received funds for building training facilities.

On Saturday the 22nd, The New York Times suddenly reported that Ron Artest had fainted at a nightclub in downtown Manhattan and was carried to the hospital by his entourage.

This news immediately stunned New York fans.

Ron Artest, who was as strong as an ox, had heart problems?

Are they sure he didn’t just get high and pass out?

The New York Knicks issued an official announcement that afternoon, not saying much but revealing the cause of his fainting to the public:

“Blood clots affected his body…”

Many basketball commentators again started to loudly claim that the New York Knicks were overworking their players, and conspiracy theorists even attributed this fainting spell to “technological drugs.”

This weekend, Alonzo Mourning hosted a charity basketball game in Miami, and as a guest, Gary Payton also appeared at the American Airlines Center.

On Saturday night, before the basketball game started, Payton, interviewed by the Palm Beach Post, didn’t join the gossip.

This veteran seemed to be planning to ride on someone’s coattails, hinting:

“I do want to play with my teammates again, but I won’t refuse recruitment either.”

“Throughout my career, I understand that I need to change my role. I can do everything the team asks. Now my only goal is a championship!”

After saying this in a high-pitched voice, Payton’s face gradually showed a determined expression, as if he had made a great sacrifice.

Mourning didn’t interrupt his teammate’s interview.

Losing in the Eastern Conference Finals this year made him feel especially powerless.

He really didn’t want to just tag along for a championship, but participating in the game process made him feel inadequate.

Miami’s fans have a peculiar characteristic: they are excellent at watching the excitement and creating an atmosphere.

The charity game was lively, with shouts echoing throughout the American Airlines Center.

Not playing in the game, Payton sat in the front row, quietly soaking in the atmosphere.

Thinking of the fans who left early during the playoffs, he suddenly felt a pang of sadness.

Shaquille O’Neal was very supportive, playing for a few minutes.

When he returned to the bench, he noticed Payton’s constipated expression and immediately teased in a deep voice:

“If you don’t stay active, be careful when the training camp starts, Pat Riley will come after you!”

“That guy is really strict. I finally understand why the Lakers were so successful back then.”

Looking at his old teammate shaking his head, Payton didn’t lie.

Staring at the amateurs pecking at each other on the court, he muttered:

“I don’t care about those training requirements. I just want to win a championship.”

Shaquille O’Neal, who had lost some weight, shrugged.

This was a high demand.

Even a superman like him had only won one championship and one MVP:

“If you want to keep playing, as long as I’m with the Heat, there will always be a place for you here.”

Hearing Shaquille O’Neal’s comfort, Payton only nodded.

Looking at the fans participating in the event at the American Airlines Center, his mood became even more complex.

The recruitment he hoped for might never come.

The Heat had no major moves in the free agency market.

After the loss, Pat Riley seemed to be numb.

In previous years, he would start training camps, but now there was no news.

Payton, who still hadn’t decided whether to continue playing next year, felt increasingly lost at this moment.

He still couldn’t bring himself to just latch on for a championship.

Thinking of Lee’s smiling face, he couldn’t help but mutter:

“How did it come to this?”

….

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Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep