Basketball: The Chosen Victim

Chapter 129 Trading Ghosts
In the Cavaliers conference room, Cavaliers general manager Grant is arguing with Wu Di about the Love deal.

"Williams is a big loser for Love!"

Grant rolled his eyes. Although Gilbert had already agreed to the deal, as the general manager of the team, he still couldn't help showing his "attitude" to prevent Wu Di from throwing the blame on him!

Wu Di was also speechless, and did not refute, but just looked at him coldly.

“威廉姆斯首发单核带队的时候，场均21.4分7.1助攻3.0篮板1.0抢断，乐福场均只有17.2分15.1篮板2.5助攻，还是刷出来的……”

"Although Love is younger and has more potential than Williams, Williams is at his peak age, and the Timberwolves are in desperate need of such immediate combat power..."

"And we're posting a credible role player, Hickson, next year's first-round pick, and taking over Jonny Flynn's rubbish contract..."

The more Grant spoke, the more excited he became, but the more Wu Di listened, the more unhappy he became.

Could it be that it would be a loss to exchange Lefu?

It's so little, it's cheap and it's so good!
In the previous life, in the summer of 14, in order to snatch Love, the Alliance directly started a battle for Love.

The Cavaliers used the double champion Wiggins, Bennett and the 16 first-round pick to replace Love.

The Warriors even reported the draft picks of Klay Thompson, Harrison Barnes, and Dreaming Green!
The Celtics reported a four-for-one plan with the No. 6 pick of Jeff Green, Salinger, and Brand Basga!

Now the Cavaliers can exchange for Love with Williams, Hickson and the pick outside the 14th next year. This guy is still a loss!
However, there are not a few people in the league who have the same idea as Grant.

Love has just become a starter this season. In terms of statistics, he has improved a lot compared to last season.

However, he was angered by his teammate Darko Milicic, saying that Love is a stat brush, and he would even cry in the locker room if he could not get to 20+10...

These remarks can be regarded as a god assist for this transaction. Anyway, Wu Di heard that Love is not popular in the current player trading market, and there are not even many offers...

In fact, the matter of data brushing is more due to the poor record of the Timberwolves.

The Timberwolves are now 13 wins and 25 losses, ranking second to last in the West.

The team has lost too many games, and the team needs to find someone to take the blame, and it can only be Love who has a good temper.

Some people criticized Wu Di before, but when Wu Di led the team in a healthy way, the winning rate was extremely high, and those who criticized him as a failure disappeared.

However, with the Cavaliers' consecutive losses in these two games, some people began to criticize him for playing alone...

Having said that, another reason why Love is not popular in the trading market is his technical characteristics.

Love's shooting percentage data is quite beautiful, with an overall shooting percentage of 47.0%, a three-point shooting percentage of 41.7%, and a free throw percentage of 85%.

Looking at the shooting percentage data alone, it should be very popular, but it is embarrassing to look at the shooting hotspot data.

Love has the most shots at the basket, but his shooting percentage is only 61.9%, which is two grades behind Adelaide's 70.4%, Nowitzki's 70.9%, Bosh's 70.6%, and Duncan's 74.2%. It's three grades worse.

It is speechless that the reason why Love is so inefficient at the basket is actually a bad bounce...

Although Love plays the positions of power forward and center and has strong rebounding statistics, he rarely dunks and lacks basic aerial work ability.

In addition, his near-middle-range and long-range shooting percentages are relatively average. Among them, the mid-range distance is the most stretched, with a shooting percentage of only 31.3%, which is generally believed to best reflect the power forward's technology.

The three-pointer that Love is good at seems to the outside world to be a little off the mark, because after watching the game video of the Timberwolves, it can be found that most of the scenes of Love's three-pointers are catch-and-shoot...

If the shooting guard is fine, but Love is a power forward, if he shoots like this, the team will all be flying kites on the outside, how weak the inside will be...

These contradictions have caused Love to be tepid in the current trading market, making the general managers of the teams represented by Grant unfavorable, and it just gave Wu Di a chance to pick up the leak.

To put it bluntly, Love is too advanced. He is a super power forward in the small ball era, but the small ball era is far from coming.

In the small ball era, holding the ball from a mid-range distance is no longer an essential quality for a top power forward, but the three-point shooting ability that can open up space is more popular.

In addition, Love's poor bounce can get so many rebounds. Isn't it more indicative of how top-level this guy's rebounding awareness is and how top-level is his positioning ability?
Love's footwork is too stable. If they can cooperate well with Jordan in terms of positioning, the two of them will definitely grab the rebounds!

It is simply the last jigsaw puzzle for the Cavaliers to win the championship!

However, it was such a player that Grant was not satisfied, thinking that the deal was a loss...

special!
The general managers of this group of teams are always worried about gains and losses, and they are unwilling to let go before the trade deadline. Wu Di has already seen it in advance.

But Grant's current behavior has reached another level. He has successfully pissed off Wu Di.

Grant couldn't make up his mind about this deal, and he forced Wu Di to chat with Scott here, just because he was very pessimistic about this deal and wanted to draw a clear line.

But Wu Di knew very well that when this deal was completed, Grant would be able to compete for the best general manager of the year!

Before the season, Varejao was traded for Davis, Jordan Jr. and the Clippers for the first-round pick, and Williams was traded for Love during the season. The Cavaliers' reinforcement is shocking!

The point is, these are basically his manipulations, and Grant just enjoys the benefits of being the general manager!

It's fine to sit back and enjoy the benefits. The last time he dealt with the Clippers, he gave him a face. This time, he ran over to cut him again!
Mud, Brownie can bear it, but Grandpa can't!
"Don't just talk harshly here, do you dare to bet with me that this will be the most successful trade for the Cavaliers?"

Wu Di took the case because of Grant's hesitation here, which led to the Timberwolves' deal not being finalized, otherwise the recent two games would not have been lost!

Scott on the side saw the two clashing again, so he quickly got up to stop him. When Grant scheduled the meeting today, he had a bad feeling. He had already vaccinated Wu Di not to clash. Take control and let him whine.

But it was obvious that Wu Di was full of blood and couldn't bear it at all.

Grant was stunned. What joke are you talking about? This is the most successful trade for the Cavaliers?
"How to bet? What to bet?"

He replied angrily, damn it, Wu Di is too arrogant!

It's just a rookie player. Although he has performed well, he is the general manager of the team!
He summoned two people to give a lecture today. Although the two were very reluctant, they had to give him face to listen. This is the authority of the general manager!

But now, Wu Di dared to openly challenge his authority?
"If you win the Best General Manager Award later on, don't accept the award. I will accept it on your behalf. The trophy belongs to me. Dare you?"

Wu Di said, at the same time, a system prompt sounded in his mind:
【Ding!The host triggers a side mission, "power is overwhelming"! 】

[Difficulty: Nightmare]

[Task Requirement: Receive the NBA General Manager of the Year Award on behalf of Daniel Grant]

[Task Reward: President's Eye Badge (Bronze, can be upgraded, after wearing it, you can actively identify other players' comprehensive abilities, potential values, etc.)]

Wu Di laughed, "President's Eye"?
It's a good thing to hear!
After wearing it, he can actively identify information such as other players' comprehensive ability and potential value, so he will know which player in the opposing team is the weakest, and who in his own team has potential that can be tapped!

But Grant was so angry that he couldn't speak, the best general manager?
Awarded to Wu Di?

"Do you know what you're talking about?"

Grant blushed and said, what he said today, he has his own plan.

No matter who is finally traded, he will blame Wu Di for his low trading level!Accused Wu Diyue Zu acting on his behalf!
Because he just wanted to express a meaning——

"If I come to trade, I must be better than you!"

Only in this way can he maintain his authority!
Otherwise, as Wu Di said, the transactions are all led by Wu Di, so wouldn't he, the general manager, just get in the way?

Anyway, the team's record is only fifth in the Eastern Conference, and it is far from a perfect performance. He wants to find a reason, but is he afraid he can't find it?

But now Wu Di turned the table directly, and wanted to bet with him for the best general manager award...

"Damn it, you are worthy of the Best General Manager Award just because of the two garbage deals you made?"

Grant became more and more angry. He stood up, rolled up his sleeves and pointed at Wu Di's nose and cursed.

The best general manager award was voted by the general managers before. There are many ways in it, and Riley has never won it in his practice!

Besides, with the knight's record, he didn't even qualify for the selection!

Wu Di just felt that he didn't dare to gamble and gave him the set of extreme pressure!
"Don't talk nonsense, do you dare to bet?"

Wu Di replied coldly, he is not groundless. When he was healthy, he led the team to the fourth place. If Love can join, he will give it a try, and he will definitely lead the team to another level. .

The top three Lakers, Spurs, and Lone Rangers in the Western Conference basically have no trades this season, that is, they choose from Riley, the Bulls' Gar Forman, and Grant.

And when Riley caused losses to the Heat due to trading Wu Di, Grant really has hope of winning.

"Bet! Just bet!"

After Grant finished speaking, he was inexplicably scared, but thinking that it was impossible for the Cavaliers to win the prize, and adding that he was here to show his prestige today, his aura rose again!

He rolled his eyes and said again:
"The best general manager is my chip, where is your chip?! If I don't get the best general manager, you give me the best rookie trophy!"

Before Wu Di could speak, Scott disagreed first:
"Grant, you are going too far. Originally, you didn't make any achievements in the team's trade this year. If you really won the award, Wu Di deserves it! What does the best rookie have to do with you..."

Grant pinched his waist and said proudly:

"What do you mean it has nothing to do with me? Can he come to the Cavaliers or I made a trade statement to the alliance!"

Scott was speechless, and Grant didn't even want to suppress Wu Di!

The special case of a lottery sign-for-trade, laymen will think that this is what Grant fought for, and insiders know that Riley is just selling to clear salary space.

"no problem!"

With a wave of Wu Di's hand, isn't he the best rookie? This trophy is not unusual for old hooligans!
But the old gangster doesn't have the best general manager award!

When Grant saw that he agreed, he resentfully didn't reply. Originally, he thought that Wu Di would not dare to take this bargaining chip, so that he could complete the suppression. As a result, Wu Di not only agreed, but also agreed so simply!
He also thought of the question Wu Di just considered. Could it be that, with Love, can Wu Di really bring the team to the top three in the Eastern Conference?

……

Walking out of the conference room, the more Wu Di and Scott looked at Williams, the more unhappy they became. It was this bad performance that gave the Timberwolves the reason for their refusal to trade. If Wu Di hadn't asked Beasley to put pressure on the Timberwolves management, I don't know how long it will be delayed!

However, it's just such a bastard, the whole team has to support him, beg him to brush up his statistics, beg him to play well, it's outrageous!
Wu Di's poor state these days can be said to be all because of Williams. His accumulated anger has reached its peak, and he must find a window to vent it out!
Wu Di called Williams over:

"Hey, listen, I don't care if you want to go to the Timberwolves, but in the next game, you have to play to my level!"

His finger is on the verge of poking Williams in the face:
"If you can't play at the same level as when you entered the All-Star last year, I will kill you! Your NBA career is over!"

Williams gritted his teeth. As a 03 Platinum Generation player, he can't count the rookies he bullied on and off the court!

Let the rookie run errands, carry children's schoolbags and even strip his clothes. Ah Lian, who is also from China, obediently obeyed, but Wu Di, a rookie, turned him around and forced him, still with the head coach Scott by his side...

He wanted to fight Wu Di very much, but thinking that Wu Di is already a superstar with tens of millions of fans, if Wu Di really said on the Internet that he has no professionalism, it might really kill his career, so he had to knock out his teeth. Throat!
On the afternoon of the 16th, the Cavaliers special plane landed in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Before getting off the plane, Wu Di walked up to Williams and said:
"Let me state it again, if you dare to play badly in this match, I won't let you get on the plane when you go back!"

Williams' lungs were about to explode. Before, Wu Di only warned him in private, but now Wu Di threatened him like this in front of everyone. It was like rubbing him on the ground!
All the Cavaliers players were sluggish. Although Williams was indeed bad first, it was too overbearing for Wu Di to say that...

"Hehe, he was just joking!"

Scott quickly smoothed things over, but Wu Di didn't explain, and stared at Williams like a sharp knife, until the latter lowered his head, then turned and walked off the plane.

Seeing this, the other players followed suit one after another.

At the Target Center in Minneapolis, more than [-] seats were packed.

These days the Timberwolves have been hyping the deal between the two teams, and some fans are holding up signs of "we want you, Mo" to recruit Williams to join.

When Williams appeared in the starting ceremony, the cheers he received were even higher than those in the Cavaliers.

"The two teams that were deeply involved in the trade rumors met. The two "Avengers" have a common goal of revenge. One needs to strengthen the back line, and the other needs to strengthen the striker..."

In the live broadcast room of the sports channel, Yang Yi didn't think it was a big deal, and directly pointed out the deal:

"Williams is a former All-Star player, and Love is a future All-Star player. This transaction can be regarded as a win-win cooperation for both parties..."

Zhang Weiping, who was his partner, answered the conversation:
"There is basically no suspense about the outcome of this game. The overall strength of the Cavaliers is much stronger than that of the Timberwolves. After all, one is basically locked in the playoffs, and the other is still struggling for tickets to the playoffs..."

"But Timberwolves fans still have expectations for this game, but it is not a victory or defeat! Timberwolves' newly established star Michael Beasley is in urgent need of help, which makes fans wait and see Williams' performance..."

On the court, Wu Di quickly refreshed his understanding of Love's rebounding ability by playing against Love.

After playing 8 games these days, he earned more than 600 million dollars.

The exchanged 6 talent points add 4 points to the strength, which increases the strength from 86 to 90 super giants, and adds 2 points to the rebound, which increases the rebound from 81 to 83. With an increase, his rebounding ability has reached the legendary level of 99.6!

But that's it, when Wu Di was fighting for a rebound with Love, Wu Di actually fell behind!

Although Love has a height advantage, Wu Di also has a jumping advantage. With the two offsetting, Wu Di is still slightly behind...

What does this mean?
It shows that Love's rebounding ability has definitely reached the top legendary level!
However, Love's current offense has not yet found a style that suits him. He is still a heavy tank style of play. Compared with Wu Di, his strength has no crushing advantage.

On the other side, Williams faced off with Timberwolves point guard Luke Ridnour.

Ridnour's speed is very fast, but it is almost impossible to face the defender's dribble breakthrough. He often passes by and the ball is still in place. As the starting point guard, this sense of rhythm is really terrible.

In comparison, although Williams' organizational skills are mediocre, at least he can shoot suddenly and play hard, which is more than one grade better than Ridnor.

Williams suddenly felt that it might be a good thing to go to the Timberwolves as the main point guard, at least not to be angry with the Cavaliers!
And if he can achieve results like Wu Di, the Cavaliers management will definitely regret it!
Thinking of this, he fought even harder!

So, there was a spectacle in this game. Wu Di defended Love, and the Timberwolves fans clapped and applauded. Williams scored against Ridnour's defense, and the Timberwolves fans shouted even louder!

In this game, in order for Williams to perform well, the possession of the ball was handed over to him. Wu Di abruptly took on the role of blue collar, which caused the Cavaliers' offensive efficiency to no longer be normal.

As for the Timberwolves, because Love was restricted by Wu Di, the ball was gradually handed over to Beasley.

Today, Beasley's touch is quite good, and he scored consecutive iconic pull-up jumpers, which forced the suspense of the game until the last moment of the fourth quarter.

Unexpectedly, Williams completed the lore in the last attack!

What is even more unexpected is that in the face of this lore goal, all Timberwolves fans cheered!
Encountering this strange scene, Yang Yi was at a loss for words:

"Oh, that's interesting! Can anyone tell me who was killed by whom?"

Zhang Weiping spread his hands and said with a smile:
"It makes sense, the Timberwolves were killed by future Timberwolves players!"

"Hehe, with this posture, it won't end unless Williams is traded!"

……

The next day, news came from the Timberwolves that they would report the transaction to the league.

But Wu Di said he quit:
"Wait! Tell the Timberwolves, Hickson and next year's first-round pick!"

Gilbert and Grant were stunned when they heard this, what the hell is this?
Can I add more money?
But it seems to be okay!

Grant quickly reported back Wu Di's request.

After learning about the situation, Williams ran to Wu Di and yelled at him.

He heard Wu Di's desperate work yesterday, and his running legs almost cramped, but unexpectedly, he actually increased his social status and harmed the Timberwolves!

The corners of Wu Di's mouth turned up, leisurely admiring his fury.

The Cavaliers players on the side scolded one after another:

"Damn it, save it! You haven't gone there yet, so you'd better say less!"

Williams opened his mouth and instantly emo...

In the end, the Timberwolves suffocated and agreed to the deal. They chose to keep Hickson and give up next year's first-round pick.

They were really scared and didn't dare to wait any longer. If they waited any longer, maybe even Hixon would be gone!
Soon, the transaction was approved by the alliance!

After all the dust has settled, Love and Flynn will arrive in Cleveland tomorrow, the 19th!
Not only can they catch up with the Lakers game on the 22nd, but they can also catch up with the Magic game on the 20th!

For this result, Gilbert could only sincerely praise Wu Di:
"You're such a genius for trading!"

(End of this chapter)