Shaking his head, Colangelo smiled and said: "Of course not, the current lineup is very good, both you and Kevin Johnson are still in their prime.
In addition, I have contacted Dan Marley's agent. Marley's four-year rookie contract has ended and the team will keep him.
Therefore, we will not dismantle the current lineup, but only strengthen it."
"What do you mean?" Buckley asked.
Colangelo said: "What I mean is that the inside line will increase the tactical status of Old K, and the traditional center tactics will be the main one."
"really."
Barkley was mentally prepared.
He doesn't want to leave the Suns for the time being. There is still a chance to win the championship here, and he wants to continue to win. Jordan has two rings, and he also wants to win another one.
But at the same time, he does not want to lose his core position. Once his tactical status declines, it will have a great impact. For example, his commercial value will definitely drop significantly.
In the second half of the season, many of the team's tactics were based around Old K. His tactical status has declined, but that doesn't matter. He hopes that Old K can grow up faster and help him compete for the championship.
But now he has won the championship, and even won four major honors in a single season. His career has been perfect, and he is still at his peak. Asking him to assist Old K, with Old K as the core, makes him a little uncomfortable.
Resigned.
Colangelo said at this time: "The Bulls have an iron triangle. I hope you, Old K, and Kevin Johnson can also form an iron triangle to help the team achieve consecutive championships."
Although he said this, he actually understood that it would be very difficult, even impossible, for the team to win consecutive championships.
The reason is very simple. The team's outside line is already aging, Kevin Johnson's condition has declined, and it is difficult to find a replacement for such a first-class or even top point guard, so even if the Suns retain the current lineup
, with the Bulls' reinforcements, it will be very difficult to win the championship next season, and the chance is too small.
Because of this, he decided to take the initiative to make major adjustments to the lineup and complete the replacement of the old and new core before the team's strength really declined significantly.
A superstar like Barkley who was acquired through trade has no sense of belonging to the Suns. If he has a chance to win, he will stay. If there is no chance of winning, he may leave.
So he wants to build his own superstar. What he wants is the kind of superstar who can defend a city by himself, a superstar who is willing to fight for the Suns no matter they are at their peak or at the bottom. Barkley cannot be this kind of person.
And Lao K is.
When Old K is established on the inside, he can support the team, and then slowly look for opportunities to rebuild on the outside. Otherwise, once Kevin Johnson really gets old, and even Barkley can't, then the team can only carry out a real transformation.
reconstruction.
But now, by taking the initiative to make adjustments in advance, we can still retain good competitiveness.
Of course, this requires Barkley's cooperation. If Barkley chooses not to cooperate, then Barkley can be used to exchange for some chips to directly complete the team's reconstruction.
After all, the team has won the championship, and what he is thinking most about now is the construction of the future team. As for defending the title next season, it is not his most important goal.
As long as Old K grows up, when several super centers are old and Jordan is also old, the Suns will have a lot of chances to win the championship.
Buckley has been thinking about this issue for the past few days. Now that he is officially facing the problem, he cannot make a decision quickly. He can only say: "Sir, I need some time to think about it."
Colangelo could only nod his head, indicating that it was okay.
After lunch, the two separated, and Colangelo rushed to the airport with his assistant.
"Morin, you are right, the management has indeed decided that my tactical position in the team will be adjusted downward." Back home, Barkley said.
"Have you made any decision?" Maureen asked with concern.
"No……"
Barkley shook his head hesitantly and said: "Old K is my brother, but I think I can still play. I'm only thirty years old and I'm still at my peak."
Molin smiled and said: "You can decide for yourself. Talk to David first. Anyway, I will support you no matter what decision you make."
"Thank you, honey." Buckley smiled.
Then, he notified his agent, Jordan's agent David Frank.
"Really, are you sure the Suns want to lower your tactical status to flatter K?"
After receiving his call, David Frank's tone showed obvious joy.
At this time, David Frank was sitting in the large living room of Jordan's luxury villa, covering the speaker of his mobile phone, and said to Jordan next to him with a look of joy: "Listen, Michael, a great opportunity, Barkley may Will leave the sun."
"What?"
Jordan jumped up immediately and couldn't sit still at all.
"Hey, are you listening, David?" Buckley urged over there.
"I'm listening, of course I'm listening. Just tell me, I've been listening." David Frank said quickly.
Jordan sat down again, sitting next to Frank's cell phone as if his ear was close to it.
"David, I don't know what to do now. I'm not old yet. I just won the mvp, fmvp and championship, and was selected for the best team. I can at least stay at the top for a few more years. What do you think I should do?" ?" Buckley said annoyed.
"Listen, Charles, since they don't value you and would rather praise a young man who has no defense, then you should make your own decision. You are not selling yourself to the Suns, and you are not a vassal of that rookie K. You should have your own thoughts and interests, and you must have them."
David Frank said in a very positive tone.
"did you mean?"
Barkley was very hesitant, he didn't want to leave the Suns.
David Frank said loudly: "Charles, you are a superstar. When you are at your peak, how can you support a second-year rookie?
They also have Kevin Johnson, the old boss, who has a greater influence on the Suns than you, and you are not even the second boss.
If you continue to stay there, you can only be the third boss. Balosan, you are not even as good as Pippen. Is this the result you want? No, I will not allow it.
No superstar in his prime will be willing to be the second in charge and the third in charge. You must not do anything stupid. Their choice is extremely disrespectful to you. They are humiliating you. Don't have any worries. Get out of there, understand?"
"Ba Laosan? Alas!"
Buckley sighed and said hesitantly: "Okay, let's talk about it today. I'll think about it first, and we'll talk about it later when we find time."
"I will go find you tomorrow. You are the superstar I value most, and this is my most important job at the moment." David Frank said.
"OK." Buckley said.
"Oh ho!"
After hanging up the phone, David Frank and Jordan screamed with excitement.
There is no doubt that Barkley is already interested in leaving the Suns, and he will decisively refuse if he can't.
Regardless of whether the Bulls can get Barkley or not, at least one thing is that the Suns are finished. Even if the Bulls maintain the current lineup, they will have strong championship competitiveness in the new season.
"I immediately informed Mr. Reinsdorf that Barkley's contract is very small and it would be great if he could be traded," David Frank said.
Jordan nodded and said excitedly: "We must let that guy Barkley leave Phoenix. I don't care where he goes."
Having said this, he quickly changed his words: "But you absolutely can't go to teams like New York, Houston and the Spurs."
David Frank thought for a while and said: "I can't decide Barkley's trade at will, he must also want to go to a strong team that can win the championship.
Michael, the Bulls still need to trade. What you need to strengthen now is not the fourth position, but the fifth position. The need for Barkley is not particularly great."
Jordan nodded and said: "It would be great if the Suns chose Barkley and gave up Old K."
Having said this, he couldn't help but be stunned, and so was David Frank, and the two of them couldn't help but smile bitterly.
A few minutes later, Reinsdorf learned about the situation and notified General Manager Jerry Krause, and the two discussed it on the phone.
Jerry Krause only thought about it for ten seconds and said: "Boss, although Barkley's contract is not big, it is actually difficult for us to trade him. We have no bargaining chips, even if we use the draft picks in the next few years.
Same.
Moreover, the Suns may not be willing to trade Barkley to us at all, perhaps absolutely unwilling, as we are their main championship competitor."
"If that's the case, then it's up to you."
Reinsdorf still believes in Krause's ability. This Bulls team, from head coach Phil Jackson to player lineup construction, was all built by this general manager. Two consecutive championships is the best.
prove.
On the afternoon of the 29th, David Frank rushed to Phoenix and visited the Buckley family.
The two chatted for a long time, and finally he left with a smile.
But he did not leave Phoenix because he had to have some exchanges with the Suns management next.
This evening, in Auburn Hills, Michigan, the 1993 NBA draft begins.
The Suns have their own No. 27 pick at the end of the first round, and the Bulls' No. 25 pick in the first round. The second-round pick is basically worthless, and they will not easily give a contract to whomever they select.
Colangelo's original plan was to choose a small forward or a swingman to make up for the shortcomings on the outside, but after talking with Barkley, he decided to choose a defensive forward to prevent Barkley from attacking.
Something went wrong.
He has to choose between Barkley and Old K. There is nothing to consider.
Even if Barkley is a superstar, even if he is still in his prime, his choice is still K, who is ten years younger than Barkley, so after making the final decision, he was prepared to lose Barkley.
Old K's performance in the playoffs, especially his outstanding performance in the finals, was not inferior to Barkley's, which made him make his final determination.
This decision is difficult to make. After all, he is giving up a superstar like Barkley in his prime. But his focus is on the future. If Old K can stay healthy, the Suns will be the most competitive in the league in the next five to ten years.
Championship level team.
As for Barkley, he knows very well that although he is still in his prime, he has many injuries. He has been fighting with injuries this season to win the championship. There are great risks in choosing him.
Moreover, Barkley has been in Philadelphia for so many years, except for his rookie season, he has never even made it to the Eastern Conference Finals, and his ability to lead the team is also doubted.
He actually wants Barkley to stay, he just needs to reduce his tactical low position, but he is not sure whether a superstar like Barkley is willing to agree and whether he is willing to assist Old K.
At the same time, more importantly, since we need to cultivate the old K as the new core, if the old core is unwilling to cooperate, then we can only clean it, and there is no second possibility.
He wants to clear all obstacles for Lao K to ascend to the top.
At half past eight, the draft begins.
The No. 1 pick belongs to the Orlando Magic. This team had the 9th best record in the Eastern Conference in the past season, but it couldn't match their overwhelming luck. In the recent lottery ceremony, they had a 1.5% probability, following last year's success again.
Winning the number one lottery.
Among this year's rookies, the most likely to be the No. 1 pick is Chris Webber, a very good guy who can play center and power forward.
But the Magic didn't want to draft him, because the Magic already had one of the best big men in history. What they wanted was swingman Anfernee Hardaway, a guy who played from the one to the three position.
.
The management has reached an agreement with the Warriors before the draft. What the Warriors want most is Chris Webber, who is their No. 3 pick.
The Magic will select Chris Webber, and then the Warriors will select Penny Hardaway at No. 3, and use him plus the Warriors' three future first-round picks to trade Webber, so the Magic can make a lot of money from it. The Warriors are better than the Magic.
Damn, their three first-round picks are worth a lot of money.
Soon, more than half of the first round of the draft was passed, and it gradually reached the second half of the first round.
Colangelo selected forward Corey Blount at No. 25 and Malcolm McGee at No. 27. Both are forwards, and McGee can also play center.
However, he has little hope. If he falls into this position, he is a person with little potential.
This year's draft is actually very strange. Many meat shields that had no market value in previous years are all hot sellers this time.
The draft is over, the NBA trade window has also opened, and the management of each team has entered the busiest stage.
At two o'clock noon on the 30th, Colangelo returned to Phoenix.
"Sir, Barkley's agent David Frank wants to see you." Back at the headquarters, assistant Tom reported.
He nodded, which was expected, and asked, "Have you made an appointment?"
"In an hour," said Tom.
"ok."
He nodded and waved his hand to signal the assistant to leave.
I stayed alone in the office and smiled bitterly. After hearing the news, and after a continuous long-distance flight, I feel particularly tired now.
But if he wants the Suns to remain strong in the next few years, he has to make adjustments to the current lineup. There is no way around it.
If Barkley chooses to leave, the Suns are likely to lose their competitiveness for the championship in the new season, but he has made up his mind and will not change.
In fact, he can also wait for another year or two, until Old K's first contract is completed, and then let Old K take over Barkley's hand.
But even so, it will be difficult to win another championship if the current basic lineup is maintained.
The reason is very simple. The Bulls will definitely strengthen the inside. Once Jordan gets stronger inside help, it will be difficult for the Suns to beat the Bulls, so major adjustments must be made.
If Barkley really wants to leave, then try to use his trade value as much as possible to make up for the loss of his departure, hoping to maintain strong competitiveness in the new season.
An hour passed quickly, and he met David Frank, currently the top agent in the league, in the office.
This agent has many stars under his command and has a huge influence in the NBA.
In addition to the biggest player, Jordan, there are also big-name superstars such as Barkley, Ewing, and Stockton.
There are also many rookies, such as last year's rookie Mourning, the year before last's rookie Mutombo, etc. They are all rookies with great potential.
So when David Frank faced Colangelo, his momentum was not weak at all.
"David, long time no see. Nice to see you. Welcome to Phoenix."
"Jerry, it's great to see you. Congratulations on winning the championship."
"Thank you, please sit down."
The two exchanged pleasantries for a while, and Colangelo left his desk and asked Franco to sit down on the single sofa next to him.
“The coffee is good.”
"Yes, cat poop specially prepared for you, you like this."
"Thanks."
Assistant Tom went out after delivering the coffee. The two of them were silent for a while, drinking coffee and chatting a few nonsense while observing each other.
As the host, Colangelo was the first to break the silence and said: "David, are you here today for Charles?"
"Of course, he is the only one of my players on the Suns." Frank laughed.
The two of them put down their coffee cups almost at the same time and got down to business.
"Jerry, I don't agree with the Suns lowering Charles' tactical status. He must be the core and leader of the Suns. I absolutely disagree."
David Frank's first sentence was to say death directly, which made Colangelo feel very bad. At this time, Frank said again:
"He is the biggest star of the Suns and a superstar in the history of the league. He won four major honors including MVP, FMVP, Finals, and Best Team in one season. No team management dares to do this to him.
No one dares to attack such a superstar in his prime and destroy his core position."
He stared hard at Colangelo and said in a very serious tone: "Jerry, are you planning to rebuild? Is it worth it for a rookie, a second-year player who can't even defend?
You know, you are humiliating Charles. You are humiliating a historical superstar for a Chinese who is nothing.
So neither I nor Charles will endure such humiliation."
Colangelo smiled bitterly and had nothing to say for a moment.
He is indeed very bold. He actually dared to give up Barkley, who had just won the MVP and FMVP. You must know that once this news is announced, the whole world will be shocked.
"Want to take my advice?" David Frank said at this time.
"You said it." Colangelo nodded.
David Frank stared at Colangelo with oppressive eyes and said word by word: "Jerry, my advice to you is, don't give up on Charles. He can help you get the second president." Championship trophies, even dynasties.
What you have to do is to give up the Chinese who is nothing and put him on the shelf. He can get you some good chips, and you can use these chips to build a stronger championship lineup."
Colangelo was stunned. Do you think I'm a fool?
Even if I don’t give up Barkley, I can definitely keep the current lineup and play style. Is there any need to trade Old K?
With this sentence alone, he completely understood David Frank's intentions.
This guy is helping Jordan and trying to destroy the Suns. Even if the Bulls cannot trade Jordan, the Suns will withdraw from the championship competition.
As for winning the championship with Barkley, don't be ridiculous. What did Barkley do in Philadelphia for so many years? He couldn't even make it to the Eastern Conference Finals. He didn't even make the playoffs in the 1991/92 season. Otherwise, how could he be eliminated by Philadelphia? Giving up?
Moreover, if he hadn't picked up Lao K this season, would Solar Energy have won the championship? It's not very likely.
