NBA: I am a master dealer

The subject of the transaction was Randall, plus Clarkson, James Johnson and draft picks.

The Lakers formed the Big Three of the Galaxy Battleships, which hit them like a tsunami and caused a huge response.

Xue Liancheng naturally heard about this rumor.

However, he didn't take it seriously at all.

First of all, the Lakers now have him and George, the two core players with the ball, and the ball is just enough to be divided. Now the two sides use each other's restraint to create a good space height, which can be regarded as a preliminary run-in.

At this time, adding an offensive core like Cousins ​​​​is completely accumulating superstars, and it is unclear how many benefits there will be.

The disadvantage is obvious, that is, it needs to be re-adjusted.

Secondly, the Lakers sent Randall, Clarkson and James Johnson. What is the difference between this and dismantling the team?
Randle has already shown his talent this season. He is a future All-Star and can now be regarded as the Lakers' third choice. His explosive body and style of play perfectly match Xue Liancheng's playing style and is very important to the team. an attack point.

Clarkson, who serves as the sixth man on the back line, takes on most of the ball-holding offense when Xue Liancheng or George is resting. The importance can be imagined.

And James Johnson combines defense, three-pointers, and rushing the frame. He is one of the most important players on the front line. He can effectively match the five small lineups, and his role is not necessarily lower than the above two.

These three have been traded out, who else will the Lakers rotate?

Joe Johnson?
Courtney Lee?
Marvin Williams?

Glenn Robinson?
Then, it was gone.

With such depth in the lineup, there is a big question mark as to how far it can go.

What's more...

The Lakers no longer have draft picks to trade.

Therefore, the possibility of this transaction taking shape under normal circumstances is not very high.

but……

This doesn't seem to be normal.

Because in the historical trajectory, the Pelicans only used Evans, Galloway, and potential rising star Hield, and exchanged them for this top power center in the first and second rounds of 17. From this, we can see how hungry the Kings are. .

Or, more accurately, how little they tolerate Cousins.

In fact, Cousins ​​does have some problems with his temper. He is irritable, irritable, and extremely emotionally unstable. It is not an exaggeration to say that he is a time bomb.

Therefore, the Lakers may be able to win the bargaining chip without giving up draft picks.

No one can say for sure.

After all, the brain circuit of the Kings management is quite strange.

And the last point is that the reason why the Big Three were able to win the championship quickly was mainly because they matched each other's styles and were willing to make concessions and sacrifices.

During the period of the Heat's Big Three, Wade and Bosh made huge sacrifices. Wade gave up the ball and played more roles in cooperation, breakthrough points, and hard solutions.

Bosh, on the other hand, opened up the space and floated on the outside all day, earning the nickname Bo Yibo.

And James is the core player with the ball, taking all the honors and applause.

Just like the Heat 2.0 Big Three period, the division of labor was also clear.

Xue Liancheng has his own offensive system, and a vigorous offensive rhythm is developed around him.

As the second ball-handling point, Wade can also be regarded as the connecting point, positioning the role of scoring finisher, and at the same time taking care of hard solutions when the team cannot open up the situation.

Gasol is the patron saint of the paint area, protecting the frame and then providing support in the high post.

The division of labor among the three was clear, and this was how the Heat reversed course and won the championship.

The Big Three of the Knicks also have similar approaches.

Xue Liancheng still has his own system, responsible for driving the offense and ensuring the team's lower limit.

Oladipo replaced Wade. Although he may not be as capable as him, his functions are similar. He can barely fulfill the role of offensive terminator. When he needs to step up and score, he can barely step up.

Lopez also works hard on protecting the frame and opening up space. The most important thing is to bring substitutes to increase the strength of the bench.

If Cousins ​​is traded, the offensive end will indeed be strengthened to an epic level, but that is only on the surface.

Since Xue Liancheng's comeback, the Lakers' offensive efficiency and points per game have surged to the forefront of the league from the middle to lower reaches, becoming the most aggressive offensive team after the Warriors.

This shows that the Lakers actually do not lack offense.

George's hard-hitting, sudden points, singles and other offensive methods are enough to maintain the team's ability to carry on.

What the Lakers need is not a top offensive center, but a good defensive interior or guard to replace Xue Liancheng and Clarkson to make up for their defensive deficiencies.

of course.

Who wouldn’t want a center of Cousins’ caliber?

But the question is, can I get it? Have you evaluated whether it is suitable?
But you can't fight the Big Three for the sake of the Big Three. That is completely self-destructive.

And this is just a rumor. If such a big deal is really launched, he believes that Kupchak will definitely discuss it with him.

But he never expected that after the training, he would be called to the general manager's office alone.

When he came, Xue Liancheng estimated that this might be the case.

Kupchak: "Xue, I have some very exciting news that I want to discuss with you."

Upon hearing this, Xue Liancheng thought to himself that it was as expected.

But he still pretended not to know: "Huh?"

Kupchak was very excited: "What do you think of the Lakers' dream of forming the Big Three?"

Xue Liancheng replied calmly: "It's indeed great, but it depends on who it is?"

Kupchak looked excited: "The league's number one center, DeMarcus Cousins."

result.

After the answer was announced, Xue Liancheng showed no expression and just let out a soft ooh.

Kupchak was stunned for a moment and asked quickly, "What's wrong? Is there any problem?"

Xue Liancheng answered truthfully: "His offensive talent is indeed unparalleled, but his pace is too slow. If I push a fast break, he may not be able to keep up."

Kupchak: "Zubac can't move any faster!"

Xue Liancheng: "Yes! So Zubac is a negative teaching material, which makes us clearly realize that the traditional big man does not match my style, and Zubac only plays about 20 minutes, which is less than my playing time." The overlap is not in the same dimension at all, and the impact is not that prominent.”

Kupchak frowned and thought for a moment: "Uh, you mean... this combination of the Big Three might be counterproductive?"

Done.

His eyes have narrowed into a straight line.

Obviously, he still yearns for the Big Three, and does not agree with all Xue Liancheng's ideas.

In fact, it’s normal to think about it.

Xue Liancheng, the face of the NBA, is absolutely No. 1 at the point guard position.

Paul George, a top star with balanced offense and defense, is ranked fourth at the small forward position.

DeMarcus Cousins, one of the few traditional big men in the league today, can also shoot three-pointers, dribble, and attack on his own. He is already the undisputed number one at the center position. . so……

Just looking at the appearance of the three people, it is an existence that shocks the past and the present. It is so luxurious that it makes people drool. It is even comparable to the invincible battleships of the three giants of James + Wade + Bosh in 10 years.

How could he not be moved?
But how did Kupchak know that Cousins ​​​​had a glass constitution and rarely attended full attendance in the past? He was seriously injured next year, and then completely disappeared.

This is why Xue Liancheng feels that it is not worthwhile to exchange Randall + Clarkson + James Johnson + first-round pick for Cousins.

Xue Liancheng not only considers whether he can match up with him, but also whether he can show his strongest combat effectiveness.

Naturally, he also knew that the trio of them was absolutely terrifying. The offensive capabilities of the three of them were enough to crush many teams.

But if you are injured, then there is nothing.

Xue Liancheng paused for a moment and said: "If the three of us successfully form a team, we will definitely have the strongest firepower in the league. There is no doubt that we will become the most powerful contenders for the championship, but if we are not in place, That's another thing. We are very strong individually, but when combined together, I'm not sure."

Now he and George are using their intimidation and influence to pull space, and the chemical reaction of 1+1>2 has not yet been achieved.

Now there is another ball-handling and hot-tempered Cousins. He is really not sure whether he can do it...

Due to various factors, he really didn't agree with spending such a high price on a gamble.

Kupchak: "Xue, I believe in your leadership."

Xue Liancheng: "The lack of adjustment is just one of the reasons. The other is that Cousins ​​has a hot temper and his mind is not mature enough. Do you expect all of us to coax him like a child?"

This time.

Kupchak was silent: "..."

This is indeed a time bomb, and it is also an extremely powerful bomb. If it does not explode, it will destroy the world.

It can even blow up the entire team.

Xue Liancheng continued: "Third, if all high-quality role players are given away in order to join the Big Three, it will be a deal that outweighs the gains. We do not lack offensive firepower, what we lack is the dirty work and hard defense. people."

Kupchak remained silent.

Xue Liancheng: "Last point, it's now before the All-Star Weekend. This is the final sprint, but we haven't established a stable system yet. If Cousins ​​​​arrives, everything will have to start again. Will time permit?"

He didn't bring out the Cousins ​​glass properties.

Because how can a player play without getting injured?

Injuries are beyond the player's control.

It's a little unreasonable to talk about this.

After all, he is also a player himself, and he has only just returned from injury for more than a month.

Kupchak: "Okay, I'll think about it again."

Xue Liancheng breathed a sigh of relief and added, "If the quotation is within a reasonable range, then it can be considered."

For example, if you only send Clarkson and James Johnson + a first-round pick, you can still agree to it.

In any case, Cousins ​​is also the top center in the league, and his strength is beyond doubt.

If you can do it for free, you will definitely have no hesitation.

Kupchak: "Okay, I'll make contact first."

The two of them were talking to each other.

Xue Liancheng went back.

When he came to the arena again the next day, Kupchak vomited bitterly: "What the hell, is the King crazy? He actually proposed to trade you for Cousins. I think he was dreaming and fell asleep."

Xue Liancheng: "..."

He had thought that the other party's offer would be outrageous.

I never expected that it could be so outrageous, it is really unbelievable.

If he is placed on any team now, it is not for sale and there is no possibility of putting it on the shelf.

During the offseason, if the Knicks hadn't made a mistake, the Lakers would never have had a chance.

of course.

This is only apparent.

Xue Liancheng joined the Lakers, and so far no one can link him to the bet between him and Kobe Bryant.

Kupchak said angrily: "I think they just want to fish, want to distract us and destroy our unity."

Xue Liancheng: "Maybe?"

But that’s not right!
If he remembers correctly, the Kings put Cousins ​​on the shelf during the All-Star period and quickly reached an agreement with the Pelicans.

He still remembers the details of the transaction.

Because the Pelicans formed a twin-tower combination without paying any price, the No. 1 center + No. 1 power forward, that really shocked the entire league.

The chips provided by the Pelicans are Evans + Hield + Galloway + 17 first-round picks + 17 second-round picks.

Looking at it this way, is it incredibly cheap?

The Pelicans did get a big bargain, and the Kings management really got a headache.

But it’s not necessarily cheap to explode.

Evans was injured this season and did not play well at all. Even last season, he only played 25 games, which caused the Pelicans to miss the playoffs.

Otherwise, the Pelicans have a good chance.

Because last season, the 14-15 season, he was a serious all-around defender who helped the team reach the playoffs. He averaged 16.6 points, 6.6 assists and 5.3 rebounds per game at a quasi-All-Star level.

The former best rookie, 20+5+5 in his first season, his potential and ability are all there...

One of the reasons why the Kings were willing to accept this offer was Evans.

It feels like after you have been separated from your first girlfriend for a while, you start to have conflicts with your current girlfriend, and they become very violent. Looking back, you suddenly feel that everything about your first love is good, and everything is beautiful.

So the king thought for a while and found his first love again, thinking that as long as he cultivated the relationship well, his first love would definitely love him as before (that is, return to the level of 20+5+5).

毕竟在戴维斯身边埃文斯都能打出16+6+5这样准全明星级别数据了，那把埃文斯重新树立成球队老大，地位和战术直线飙升后，场均数据拉到20+7+6不过分吧？

It was with this fantasy in mind that the Kings management sent Cousins ​​to the Pelicans at a huge loss.

This is also the reason why the Kings management is crazy.

Going by feeling and intuition, and then changing orders day by day, with three-minute enthusiasm, and no long-term planning at all, this is why the king has been sinking.

And he made such a stupid deal.

In addition to Evans, Galloway's value has really skyrocketed after winning the Knicks. He averaged 8.6 points per game with the Pelicans, which can only be regarded as barely adequate. It is still okay to play in the rotation.

What is valuable is last year's No. 36.9 pick Hield, who shot 1.6% from three-point range this season and averaged hits per game. He has great potential and may become a top shooter.

(End of this chapter)