Chapter 197 Reinforcement
After careful consideration, Colangelo Jr. took a step back and decided that Hardaway would not participate in the trade, and only Stephen Marbury would be traded.

Marbury's playing style is too harmful to the team, so he must be traded.

Although Alan Houston's contract is also bad, he can still play after all, not as bad as Hardaway's.

He also averaged 18 points per game this season. His efficiency declined in the two games after returning from injury, but he started to regain his form in the Lakers and Jazz. His consecutive 20+ performances made some teams ask for his price when Layden was being sold.

Of course, this is what Redden specifically asked Rick Carlisle to give the mid-range shooting king more opportunities. The same applies to the next game, trying to make the mid-range shooting king produce outstanding data.

But Alan Houston's big contract is still a huge burden, and few teams can afford it, so in order to trade, he gritted his teeth and gave up his future draft picks.

Previously, the trade maniac got a top-five protected first-round pick in 04 from the Trail Blazers, and this time he put it on the shelf, and then added the Knicks' unprotected first-round pick in 04.

In order to trade the king of mid-range shots, he paid a heavy price.

Finally, such chips impressed a team that has been playing badly every year and only wanted to use stars to sell tickets, that is the Clippers.

The CIC King has been the core player in New York for two or three years. Relying on the city of New York, he has gained a lot of exposure. Coupled with his textbook shooting posture and gentlemanly demeanor, he is very well-known.

The Clippers haven't made it to the playoffs in six years. The owner doesn't care about the record at all and only focuses on the reputation of the mid-range shooting king.

In addition, the Knicks offered two first-round picks, so he was tempted and joined the deal.

But in the end the deal fell through because the Clippers owner was reluctant to pay so much money to Alan Houston.

With nothing else to do, Layden had to implement his second plan and use McDyess as a bargaining chip.

The only good thing about McDyess as a bargaining chip is that it is only a one-year contract. The next team only needs to bear the share of the contract after the trade, which is only a few million dollars. It is not a big burden and can be thrown away after use. It is best to use it to free up space.

In the end, the Knicks reached a deal with the Suns and Grizzlies.

The Knicks sent McDyess and the 04 second-round pick to the Grizzlies in exchange for Battier and Bolotti.

The Suns sent Marbury to the Knicks in exchange for the Knicks' 04 second-round pick, McDyess, and Jason Williams.

The Grizzlies traded Shane Battier, Bolotti and Jason Williams to get Marbury.

In this three-way deal, the Grizzlies got Marbury, who they wanted, while also getting rid of power forward Bolotti, who had an annual salary of $700 million, and Jason Williams.

Bolot played as a substitute, averaging 20 minutes per game, contributing only 4.6 points and 4.2 rebounds, which was a burden for the Grizzlies.

The reason why the Knicks are willing to accept the burden of Bolot is that he only has a contract for this season and only needs to bear the contract share of more than 5 million US dollars after the trade.

At the same time, they got the wanted Battier and got rid of the burden of McDyess.

The Suns gave up All-Star point guard Marbury and only got a second-round pick and the burden of McDyess. The only real gain was Jason Williams. It seems like a loss.

But in fact, McDyess only had a contract worth a few million, and the biggest gain for the Suns in the trade was getting rid of Marbury, plus a draft pick, and getting a point guard who doesn't stick to the ball, so it wasn't actually a loss.

On the morning of December 12, the three-way deal arrived on David Stern's desk and was immediately approved.

After the deal was announced, the media immediately analyzed it.

"The addition of Sean Battier means the Knicks' perimeter defense will be greatly enhanced, which will increase the Knicks' bargaining chips in dealing with teams such as the Lakers, Spurs, and Nets, and the team will have a better chance of making it out of the Eastern Conference," ESPN reported.

"Battier's three-pointers will enrich the Knicks' breakthrough tactics, and Nash's passes will be more threatening." TNT reported.

"The Grizzlies get Marbury, which, if used properly, will be a great reinforcement." Los Angeles Times.

"The Suns sold off Lone Wolf and got White Chocolate, the team's organizational ability will be improved." Phoenix Sports.

After He Zhongqiu received the news of the transaction, he quickly called Layden and asked about the situation of Battier and Bolot.

Layden said: "Wolverine, the trade is still good, mainly because we got Battier, who is good at defense, can defend several positions, and can also make three-pointers."

"That's good." He said happily.

"As for Bolot, he is a power forward with no shooting range and only attacks in the restricted area. He is a part of a matching trade and will have no contract after this season."

At this point, Layden said: "Wolverine, now we have added Battier to play the three position, Wells to play the two position, our main lineup's perimeter defense will have no problem dealing with ordinary teams."

He Zhongqiu was in high spirits and asked hurriedly, "Mr. Leiden, should Alan Houston be put on the bench? Can he agree to it?"

Redden said: "That's what I thought, put him in the bench. If he doesn't agree, then there's nothing we can do, he has to obey the will of the team."

At this time, Alan Houston naturally also received the news.

His agent, Strickland, rushed to his home to discuss the impact of the incident on him.

"Alan, the management needs to strengthen the perimeter defense. Battier should start as a small forward."

"and then?"

"If they let Wells play as a substitute, it seems to only strengthen the perimeter defense of the substitute lineup, and it does not strengthen the perimeter defense of the main lineup, so the most likely thing is that Bonzi Wells will replace you."

After hearing his agent's analysis, Alan Houston's eyes flashed with confusion. As Mr. Billionaire, once the darling of New York and the leader bullied by the Knicks, he has come to this situation. Is he going to be a substitute?

He was unwilling to accept this, absolutely unwilling to accept this.

Even though his last injury affected his condition, he has now recovered. He can still average 20+ points per game, and his hit rate is not low, still maintaining at 44%.

"Alan, you have lost your core position and your commercial value has plummeted. Now we can't give in anymore. We must keep your main position." Strickland said firmly.

"What can we do?" Alan Houston asked painfully.

"I'm going to negotiate with management." Strickland stood up.

……

"James, I'm sorry, your suggestion is not very suitable."

At half past one, David Stern called James Dolan.

James Dolan on the other end said anxiously: "David, can't you reconsider it? The Knicks really need help. If we make it to the finals, the league will also benefit greatly."

David Stern continued: "James, it is really inappropriate to introduce such a rule during the season, but we can vote on it in the offseason.

In addition, I will send this proposal to all teams and let them discuss it first.”

"Is that so? David, what do you think the chances of passing are?" James Dolan asked.

"It should be quite a lot. You can also contact other bosses and discuss it," David Stern suggested.

"of course."

James Dolan breathed a sigh of relief. As long as this proposal was passed during the offseason, he would be able to get rid of the big burden of Alan Houston next season.

According to the team doctor's assessment, Alan Houston's injury is quite serious. His injuries are accumulating and he has been receiving conservative treatment. Once an injury breaks out, it will be a devastating injury.

He hopes that through this rule, the Knicks can quickly get rid of the huge burden once Alan Houston suffers a devastating injury.

By then, the Knicks will be able to focus on strengthening their team, not only to reach the finals, but the team's luxury tax expenditure will also be much less.

At this time, Layden and Strickland sat together.

It was this agent who got the billion-dollar contract for Alan Houston from him three years ago, so he had mixed feelings about Strickland.

Strickland's purpose had been stated, but he would not agree to it.

The negotiations between the two lasted for a short time and soon ended in a bad mood.

"Alan, I suggest you take a sick leave. We can't let ourselves be manipulated by management." Strickland suggested when he returned to Alan's home in Houston.

Alan Houston thought about it for two minutes, shook his head, and sighed: "I will train hard and strive to regain my starting position."

"Alan?"

"No need to say more. If I really take sick leave, I will be scolded to death by the fans."

"Well, you try to put up good numbers, and I'll find a team to trade you, and we'll leave here." "Alright."

……

At 13 p.m. on the th, the Knicks conducted a two-hour practice as usual.

Alan Houston showed up at the training base with a very good training attitude and seemed to be working harder than before.

At three o'clock, Sean Battier and Bo Olot arrived at the Tully Town training base together.

Layden took them to the training hall, where the team's practice had just ended.

"Welcome to the Knicks."

As the team leader, He Zhongqiu welcomed the two.

"Boss, teach them the rules. If you are busy, I can do it for you." Bunchwells said eagerly.

"Are you going to give us a warning?"

Battier and Bolot looked at each other. Wolverine was so famous that he could tear them apart with one hand. They couldn't help but tremble in their hearts and sweat broke out on their backs.

"Bunchi, are you teaching me how to do things? Get out of the way, the Knicks prohibit bullying." He Zhongqiu glared at Wells.

Wells walked aside silently and complained in his heart, We in the Knicks do prohibit bullying, but it does not include you, boss.

"Are you taking drugs?" He Zhongqiu stared at the two and asked.

"NONO."

The two of them shook their heads quickly.

"Are you on drugs?"

"NO."

"Drinking?"

"NO."

"OK, we Knicks prohibit these behaviors..."

He Zhongqiu then read out the various prohibitions and formally accepted Battier and the other two.

Battier and the other player were relieved that there was no threatening behavior, as these bans posed no problem to them at all.

While taking a shower, He Zhongqiu suddenly had an idea.

These locker room rules are still a bit unorganized and should be made into regulations, just like the management regulations of juvenile detention centers.

Well, juvenile detention center doesn’t sound nice, and it will expose their dark history. Why not change the name to something more euphemistically called the Three Attentions and Eight Disciplines in the Knicks locker room?

After taking a shower and changing clothes, Rick Carlisle and several other coaches came to him and chatted in an office next door.

"Wolverine, Alan Houston has agreed. He will play as the sixth man. Please notify Bonzi Wells." Thibodeau said.

"it is good."

He Zhongqiu nodded happily.

Rick Carlisle said: “After discussion, the team promised him that he would be given at least 30 minutes of playing time per game.

I'm going to pair him with Charlie Ward for a portion of his minutes to add some defensive coverage at the back end."

Ewing grumbled, "With the addition of Battier, our lineup will be much stronger. With Alan Houston as a substitute, the strength of the substitute lineup will be raised to a higher level."

Thibodeau said: "Trading the unused McDyess for a starter has really increased the depth of the lineup. Mr. Layden did a good job in this trade."

Rick Carlisle nodded and said, "With Alan Houston, Josh Howard, Charlie Ward, Shandon Anderson, and Weatherspoon, our outside bench lineup is really strong, and we are not lacking in defense."

Thibodeau said: "With the current lineup, I think there should be no problem playing against the Nets."

"What about playing against the Pistons? We have lost two games in a row. The Pistons are now stronger than the Nets." He Zhongqiu asked.

Rick Carlisle analyzed: "We have Battier, he has three-pointers, can play pick-and-roll tactics with Nash, and our ability to contain the defense on the outside is stronger."

Ewing added: "Bonzi Wells has the ability to dribble and break through to the basket. He can also connect inside and outside like Nash, but he doesn't have the organizational ability."

Rick Carlisle nodded and said, “So when Nash is double-teamed, we have no shortage of ball handlers, no shortage of mid-range and long-range shooting ability, and Nash also has the ability to pass the ball out of the double-team.

When the offensive ability of the outside line increases, the pressure on the inside line will be reduced, which will promote the offense of the inside line. I think the Pistons can play and we have the ability to beat them. "

……

That night, the Knicks faced the Nuggets at home.

At eight o'clock, both sides announced their starting lineups.

Nuggets: Marcus Camby, Nene Hilario, Anthony, Washan Leonard, Andre Miller
Knicks: Mutombo, He Zhongqiu, Shane Battier, Bonzi Wells, Nash
CCTV broadcast this game live. In the live studio of CCTV in Yanjing, Xu Jicheng said:
"The Nuggets were last in the Western Conference last season, but this season they have 14 wins and 8 losses so far, ranking sixth in the Western Conference. Their record has improved significantly, but it is hard to say whether they can keep it up."

Yang Jian said: "The third overall pick Carmelo Anthony has performed very well, not inferior to the first overall pick James, and has become the Nuggets' leading scorer.

His performance was even better than LeBron James, with his shooting percentage and three-point shooting exceeding James, and his team performance was the same, winning the Rookie of the Month award in November. "

Sun Zhenping nodded and said, "Yes, in the current American media evaluation, Anthony's evaluation is higher than James."

Xu Jicheng said: "The Knicks made a trade yesterday, McDyess was traded, and Shane Battier was added.

This is indeed a good reinforcement trade. The perimeter defense has been strengthened and Nash's ability to fill in the gaps has been better."

Yang Jian said: "The main thing is that with Battier and Wells, the pressure on Zhongqiu to assist and help defend is much less. With three people covering one, this gap should be filled."

Xu Jicheng said: "There is also Mutombo under the basket. This veteran is in good shape. He is playing 20 minutes per game now. Coach Zhang said that this is still economical. He can contribute 1.9 blocks and has a great ability to protect the basket."

Sun Zhenping said: "Four of the five starters are good defenders. Now the Knicks should be able to build their own defensive system, right?"

"Among the substitutes, Charlie Ward, Josh Howard, and Shandon Anderson all played pretty good defense," Yang Jian said.

Xu Jicheng said: "There should be no problem. Rick Carlisle and Thibodeau are both coaches who are good at defense. Now we have enough defensive players, and Nash is the only one.

It would be even better if Zhongqiu's assist and defense ability could be improved to a higher level."

Yang Jian said: "As long as Zhongqiu finishes this season, his assist and backup defense abilities will definitely be taken to the next level.

What he lacks now is experience and technical and tactical ability, which require a lot of games to provide, and he still needs time to grow. "

At this time the game started, Mutombo and Camby jumped the ball and the Nuggets attacked.

After the attack started, Mutombo followed Nene into the penalty area.

Nene was the No. 02 pick in the first round of the 7 draft. In his rookie season, 86% of his offense was in the restricted area, and more than % of his offense was under the basket.

At the same time, his defensive efficiency in his rookie season reached 99, and his defense and pick-and-roll were very good.

He is strong, athletic, and good at running, but his jumping ability is average, which affects his chances of grabbing rebounds.

He Zhongqiu caught up with Camby, who had a greater range than Nene Hilario, was capable of mid-range shots, and was positioned a little further outside.

Xu Jicheng said: "Andre Miller holds the ball. His characteristics are flexible footwork, but average speed, no three-point shooting, and strong ability to organize fast breaks."

Yang Jian went on to say: "The Knicks didn't play a zone defense, they played man-to-man defense."

Sun Zhenping said: "The Nuggets don't have players who are particularly good at breaking through on the perimeter, so they can play man-to-man defense. But Anthony and shooting guard Leonard both have three-pointers, so they need to play man-to-man defense closely."

(End of this chapter)