Chapter 163 NBA Finale?

The Pelicans' Big Four continued to draw media and fan attention.

But after all, they had just been formed, and training camp hadn't started yet, so fans still had quite a while to wait before they could see them play.

Discussions were just discussions; whether the NBA would usher in its finale would only be known in the new season.

And just at this moment, a piece of news that Shams broke quickly attracted the attention of fans.

This year's free agent market was truly the most lively since the new century.

According to Shams, Gordon Hayward had agreed to join the Bucks and was expected to join in a sign-and-trade deal!

According to Shams' follow-up report, Tony Snell and John Henson would be the assets the Bucks sent out.

In addition, the Bucks would offer a future second-round pick to the Jazz.

And because the Bucks' current total salary exceeded the salary cap, they were expected to send a draft pick + Miles Plumlee to a third-party team.

Although a lot of trades were involved, after this deal was completed, the Bucks would form a Big Three lineup of Irving, Hayward, and Antetokounmpo!

The Bucks did not back down because of the Pelicans' four-star lineup, but instead adhered to their original plan!

What the fans had been looking forward to had happened!

After leaving the Cavaliers, Irving might really face the Cavaliers in the playoffs!

"The Warriors' experience last season inspired us. Star clusters are not a simple addition of 1+1>2. I firmly believe that this team can go to the end!"

After forming the lineup, the Bucks' newly appointed general manager, Jon Horst, posted this tweet amidst the doubts.

While fans were marveling at the general manager's fearlessness, they were also persuaded by his words.

Although the Warriors' four-star strength last season was not as strong as the Pelicans, they still failed in the end, and no one could guarantee that the Pelicans would succeed!

So anything was possible. You never knew if you had a chance unless you tried.

Amidst a chorus of wails, this statement was really a breath of fresh air, and like a ray of dawn under the dark clouds, it gave people hope.

The Pelicans' four stars gathered to play brotherly basketball, and the Bucks formed a Big Three. This was the last major shock in the free market.

After that, Irving, George, Butler, Hayward, and other players who caused the biggest stir in the free market had their respective destinations.

Among the remaining players, the only big names left were veterans with smaller markets like Wade and Rose, and according to the current trend, their destinations would not be determined for a long time.

The 2017 free agent market would basically return to calm, and subsequent signings would be minor repairs.

The NBA's annual offseason, also known as the "long grass period," also arrived.

The fans were a little disappointed, but for the players, they could finally usher in a period of rest.

But this was just the beginning. A piece of news exposed by the Knicks media caused a lot of discussion among fans.

According to Ian Begley, a senior reporter covering the Knicks, Howard's back injury worsened after playing with an injury in the playoffs last season. He would have to undergo surgery during the offseason and was expected to miss the entire next season!

It was worth noting that next season was Howard's contract year, which could greatly reduce his value in the free market, just like Cousins!

"It's really tragic. The Knicks should offer a max contract extension in advance!"

"Dolan, it's time to show your courage. You must be willing to spend money on meritorious officials! We all know you don't care about money!"

"Are you guys kidding me? Howard's injury is very serious. The Knicks can't extend his contract early. If they extend it, the team will have no future!"

"It's not your money, so you don't feel bad. This is tens of millions, even hundreds of millions. I think Howard's next contract may be very small because of this injury!"

"Like Cousins, they won't get big contracts when their contracts expire next year, but unlike Cousins, Howard is obviously less worthy!"

"Yeah, the investors all talk about interests, otherwise why do you think Xiao Hua can come back? It's a pity for Howard, he turned back but was seriously injured!"

"This is actually a very worthy issue to discuss. Should players play with injuries for the team, especially when the contract is about to expire? It certainly boosts morale at the time, but the future consequences can only be borne by themselves!"

"In comparison, I think the Pelicans' management is much more reliable. After Jokic injured his ankle, the Pelicans didn't let him play for another minute. His injury has almost recovered now!"

"Yes, they both have one year left on their contracts, but different teams have different choices, and the future is completely different! Players still have to be careful about injuries."

……

The Howard incident brought up the conflict between player injuries and teams, and it seemed that no conclusion could be drawn on this topic for a while.

In fact, even if a conclusion was reached, there would be no follow-up.

After all, the advantages and disadvantages of this kind of thing were very clear.

If the injury didn't worsen and they won the championship in the end, then it would be absolutely worthwhile for personal development.

For example, Leonard, whom Tang Tian knew in his previous life, after he arrived in Toronto.

If the injury worsened, especially when the contract was about to expire, it would be absolutely devastating.

For example, Howard now, and Durant, whom Tang Tian knew in his previous life.

At the end of this topic, perhaps only the players themselves could grasp it and find a balance point in between.

The offseason had arrived. Tang Tian had already been on vacation, and the Ku Lian (bitter training) Brothers training camp last year was particularly short. In addition, this year the Ku Lian Brothers gathered in New Orleans, so this year's Ku Lian Brothers training camp would start very early.

But before that, he had to go to San Antonio with Davis. He had to go there to find a car mechanic to help.

Before boarding the plane, Tang Tian received a text message from Jokic.

The content was very simple, with only the words "Thank you."

When he was traded away from the Pelicans, Jokic had already thanked Tang Tian, thanking him for his help in the past few years, and said frankly that he would remember it for the rest of his life.

Now, sending such a thank-you text message separately was mostly because of Howard's season-ending injury.

Just like the fans discussed on social media, Jokic was really the opposite of Howard, and it wouldn't be an exaggeration to say that he had escaped a disaster.

Jokic had played in the Pelicans for three years and knew a lot of people. After a little inquiry, he knew that it was Tang Tian who insisted on not letting him play.

So he was really grateful to Tang Tian from the bottom of his heart.

Tang Tian didn't reply to the text message. If he insisted on letting Jokic play, and Jokic was really like Howard, then he would blame himself for the rest of his life.

They soon boarded the plane, and the plane flew northwest and would soon arrive in San Antonio.

He came to this familiar city for other purposes, but Jokic's text message still reminded him of another person.

Leonard.