NBA: Miracle Workers

Chapter 24 The Big Apple
Just because a new player is selected by the team does not mean that the team will definitely sign the player.

In 1996, there was no concept of a luxury tax. With the bird rights, the team can renew the contract. As long as the owner is willing to spend money, most problems can be solved!

In the 96-97 season, the team's salary cap was 2436 million US dollars. If the team wants to make big moves to strengthen, it must first make room for salary.

On June 6, after the free market opened, the Lakers made an unexpected deal:

The Lakers sent the starting center Verati Divac, who averaged 12.9 points, 8.6 rebounds and 3.3 assists per game last season, to the Hornets in exchange for this year's 13th overall high school rookie Kobe Bryant.

The transaction on July 7 shocked many media. Are the Lakers going to break up?

There was no summer league during the offseason of 1996, and Li You started looking for a house in Manhattan after finishing the draft.

Mark Bartelstein is still worrying about Ray Allen's contract, none of them want to play in Milwaukee if there is even a chance
Li You's eyes were not dimmed either. John Starks, who had lived in New York for 5 years, introduced him to an apartment.

"$3000 a month? That's too expensive!"

Standing downstairs in an apartment named The Westpotr, Li You spread his hands helplessly, $3 a year, he really hurts!

"Young people have to learn to enjoy life, bring girls home, and have a good place to live. This is New York, you have to adapt to this environment!"

Wearing a floral shirt and sunglasses, John Starks is casually dressed, and he is telling Li You the benefits of this apartment:
"24-hour doorman service, gym, laundry room, leisure room, everything, in addition to luxury suites, there are many studios here, but don't worry, the sound insulation is very good!"

"The most important thing is that it's very close to the arena. At $3000, it's definitely worth it!"

Li You pouted, the location of this apartment is really good, on Xirui Avenue in Manhattan, close to Central Park and Columbus Square.

But the rent is also really expensive!

In 1996, the highest federal income tax rate in the United States was 39.6%, while the highest income tax rate in New York State was 7.875%!

Mark Bartelstein helped Li You sign a three-year, $3 million contract with the Knicks, with an annual salary of only $275 in the first year.

The NBA also charges 10% of the players' pensions, plus the 1.5% commission from agent Mark, Li You finally got only $36.

Li You didn't count medical insurance, trainer expenses, and daily expenses, but after this year, there wasn't much money left.

It's just that after Li You wandered around in the luxury suite, he was finally defeated by the decadent capitalism, and spent money to buy a comfortable
144 square meters, central air-conditioning, solid wood floors, furniture and electrical appliances are complete, the lighting is also very good, and the decoration color is mainly beige, which makes people feel very warm.

After renting for a year, Li You still felt a little heartbroken looking at the number on the check. After coming here, he has been very poor and spent money carefully.

The management staff of the apartment are very happy, they all like rich Kaizi!

Some staff members also recognized the two, and found a heavy camera. After everyone took turns to take pictures, John Starks patted Li You on the shoulder:

"Congratulations on making your home in New York, you can come to my house for dinner these two days, the little ones will definitely like you!"

Looking at his new home, Li You also showed a smile. For bachelors, this apartment can move in with their bags, and there is no need to add furniture.

During dinner, Li You brought a gift to visit the Starks family living on the 22nd floor downstairs. Although he was flamboyant to the outside world, in front of his wife, this man turned into a caring and good man.
"The worst part about playing with the Knicks is the unscrupulous media."

"These guys have been focusing on the 94 Finals. Whenever they lose, they will look back at the championships they lost that year!"

"John did his best, but encouraged by the media, New York fans wanted us to leave!"

After the two sides got acquainted, Jackie, who had a stylish afro, complained about her husband's treatment in New York in the past few years.

After coming to Connecticut for the past two years, Li You also knew that John Starks had been numb in the past two years.
Starks, who was cutting a steak, raised his head and introduced the internal situation of the Knicks to Li You:

"Don't worry about it, Lee! The fans in New York are great, the atmosphere is great, and we almost made it, so I don't blame the fans or the media."

"It's just that the team will definitely change during the offseason. This is an opportunity for you. I know Van Gundy will no longer trust me."

Li You nodded. The internal situation of the team is similar to what he understands. Van Gundy intends to improve the offense. The rookie head coach wants to prove that he is not Pat Riley's little follower.
"Will the Knicks win the championship?"

The little Starks II, who had been eating obediently, suddenly widened his eyes and asked Li You curiously.

"Of course, you can also participate in the championship parade and sit in the front row of floats!"

As soon as Li You finished speaking, Xiaobudian immediately looked at his mother, and then said loudly:
"Mom said the Knicks will never win a championship again!"

Jackie was a little embarrassed, and immediately glared at her precious son:
"Eat your steak obediently! Don't talk nonsense, kids!"

"."

On July 7, the Knicks also made moves, sending away Brad Lowhouse and Anthony Mason, and acquiring Larry Johnson from the Charlotte Hornets.

The star player Grandmama (Aunt) was exchanged for the backup center and the starting forward. For this, the New York media and fans praised it unanimously!
Played 81 games with the Charlotte Hornets last season, averaging 20.5 points, 8.4 rebounds and 4.4 assists per game. Larry Johnson seems to have fully recovered from his back injury.

The Knicks continued to move, and then signed free agent Alan Houston, and at the same time cleaned up some members of the atmosphere group.

For this transaction, the media in New York was unanimously praised.

Last season, with the Detroit Pistons, Alan Houston averaged 19.7 points, 3.7 rebounds and 3.0 assists per game, shooting 45.3% from the field and 42.7% from three-pointers!

The efficiency is skyrocketing, the media and fans believe that Alan Houston can improve the Knicks' constipated offense!

Li You has been tidying up the new home with his friend Ai Wen for the past two days. After holding a silver party during the period, it can be regarded as completely settled in the Big Apple City.
"Chris Childs? This guy seems to be a defender too, Lee, you have one more competitor."

Ivan also began to pay attention to the news of the Knicks. Li You, who was lying on the sofa with Ge You, didn't care. The new head coach, new players, everything started again:
"It doesn't matter, a rookie player of the Nets, maybe in the new season, you can see me starting at Madison Square Garden!"

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(End of this chapter)