NBA: A collection of super busts

First, the Grizzlies traded their starting center from last season, Lorenzen White, who averaged 11 points and 7 rebounds per game and is in his prime, and backup guard Bryn Knight to the Clippers in exchange for a lottery-protected draft pick for next year, a second-round draft pick, and a trade exception worth $1100 million.

It's worth noting that this first-round draft pick is extremely well protected and will only be realized after the Clippers make the playoffs. If the Clippers fail to make the playoffs within five years, then this draft pick will become two second-round picks.

So this draft pick isn't actually worth much, but the Grizzlies freed up $1100 million in salary cap space with this trade.

这还不算完，灰熊队曾经在1998年的夏天给了1995年的首轮6号新秀布莱恩特·李维斯一份5年4700万美金的超大合同。

This is also the first contract in Grizzlies history to be worth tens of millions of dollars.

Unfortunately, Levi's retirement was forced due to serious injuries that prevented him from playing after the 00-01 season.

In the past two years, this player who was unable to play received $1100 million and $1300 million respectively from the Grizzlies.

But right after last season ended, the bad contract that had plagued the Grizzlies for several years finally came to an end. Coupled with this recently completed trade, the Grizzlies' total salary has dropped by a full $2400 million compared to last season!

This deal was just an appetizer.

After this trade, the Grizzlies successfully reduced their total salary from $6100 million last season to $3700 million, a full $900 million below the projected salary cap for next season. They also have an $1100 million trade exception.

Then, the real main course arrived!

The Grizzlies packaged up their promising rookie Stromile Swift, former Rookie of the Year Mike Miller, this year's 13th overall pick in the first round, the Clippers' tightly protected first-round pick, their own second-round pick and two second-round picks from the Clippers, and the $1100 million trade exception and sent them to the Raptors.

They acquired Hakeem Olajuwon, Antonio Davis, and the fourth overall pick in this year's draft from the Raptors.

The key point of this deal is self-evident.

The Raptors' fourth overall pick!

The Grizzlies paid a huge price to acquire this draft pick.

Mike Miller is a key player they acquired for a hefty sum last season. This white shooter is not only consistent and accurate in his shooting, but more importantly, he possesses ball-handling and playmaking abilities rarely seen among white players, making him a true all-rounder.

Many people believe that given enough time, he could easily achieve an average of 15 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 assists per game.

Swift was the second overall pick in the 00 draft. Although he hasn't improved much in the past three years and is still a rough guy with nothing to offer except his physical attributes, his explosive dunks and terrifying physical attributes are definitely a good fit for a team like the Raptors.

Even relying solely on his physical attributes, Swift can average 10 points and 5 rebounds per game.

With two first-round and two second-round draft picks, the Clippers' investment was considerable.

Another noteworthy point is that they had just escaped from a series of bad contracts, only to immediately take on two more.

Hakeem Olajuwon was once the greatest center in the league, but he retired after the 01-02 season. He did not report to the Grizzlies, and he still had a contract worth nearly $600 million.

Antonio Davis, who was once an All-Star starter in the Eastern Conference, still averaged 13 points and 8 rebounds last season. However, he is about to turn 36 years old, and his influence on the game has plummeted. He also suffered a serious knee injury at the end of last season, ending his season prematurely.

Given his age, it's highly likely that the skilled and tough blue-collar worker he once was will never return.

But unfortunately, he will receive at least $1300 million every year for the next three years. If the Raptors' owner can get rid of him, he will definitely be so happy that he will hug Glen Wood and give him a kiss.

For the Raptors, they acquired Miller, a player with considerable immediate impact, Swift, a powerful center, and four draft picks, while getting rid of two players with a combined contract of $4500 million.

That's why this trade is often called a "winner-win" deal for both the boss and Carter.

As for the Grizzlies, their salary cap space, which they had just freed up, is locked up again, bringing the team's total salary to $5600 million, not even including the new players they are about to sign.

However, in such a strong draft year, they managed to get the fourth overall pick, an exceptionally high draft position.

Although the draft is closed off, no one will question West's actions and methods, especially considering West's phenomenal draft skills. Almost everyone believes that with the number one pick and the fourth pick, the Grizzlies have probably already made their comeback.

"This is fucking robbery!" In the Spurs' draft office, Popovich angrily slammed the draft report on the table. "Why did they let West rob them? Did the Raptors eat shit?"

"That's a terrible contract for Greg, totaling $4500 million," said Popovich's good partner Buford. "It's hard to refuse."

Now, everyone's attention is focused on the stage.

Who is it?

Who will be selected fourth overall to team up with LeBron James, Pau Gasol, Williams, and others?

Is it Chris Bosh? Chris Kaman? Or...?

"The fourth pick is..." Stern walked onto the stage at this moment. As if he knew that everyone was eager for this answer and the final result, the old man deliberately dragged out his tone and added more pauses before mischievously announcing the name that everyone had been waiting for.

"Ye Feng!"

Ye Feng, who was prepared, stood up with a smile, buttoned up his suit jacket, hugged Edwards, Ye Lin, Wade and others one by one, and then walked leisurely to the stage.

Grizzlies?

Although it's a small city, with West and Gasol on the team, this team is bound to achieve great things!

Perhaps the only thing to worry about is whether, if we make it to the finals, someone might pull some kind of trick like relinquishing control of key personnel...

Hmm, I'm thinking too far ahead.

With a smile and excitement, Ye Feng walked onto the stage, hugged Stern, shook hands, and took a photo with him.

"Don't fight anymore." Stern patted Ye Feng's shoulder heavily, saying exactly the same thing as the NCAA president.

Meanwhile, West, in the Grizzlies' office, let out a long sigh of relief.

nailed it!

In such a strong draft year, it's really hard to convince someone to make a trade!

West really did everything he could to finally get Glenwood to agree to the trade proposal at the last minute and give up his own player selection.

During this period, he had to propose a deal while also making Glenwood feel that a deal wasn't absolutely necessary.

He had to maintain his composure while also putting enough pressure on Glenwood.

The balance in this is truly difficult to strike.

Fortunately, all of that is in the past, so now I can finally meet the new person I finally chose.

Speaking of which, a few minutes ago, it seems the top scholar was kicked out by himself...