Pick Westbrook

Chapter 124 The Bucks' New Roster

Day two.

Li Lai, who was sleeping, was awakened by the ringing of the phone. After connecting the phone, he was a little surprised by the identity of the other party.

Xiao Hua said slightly angrily on the phone: "Brother, how can you go to Detroit?!"

"I don't know what time it is now, but you brought the team's general manager and secretary there so swaggeringly, in case others don't know what you're doing?"

"Now, the photos of you in Detroit have been put on the Internet by the reporters who secretly took them. Mr. Stern is very angry about this, saying that you are challenging the authority of the league."

"Brother, you are embarrassing me."

Li Lai was confused for a while, and he, who was already very familiar with Xiao Hua, naturally knew the half-truth and half-false in this passage, so he pointed it out and said: "There is a high probability that you made up the rest of the sentence, so what do you do with me?" Tell me quickly."

Xiao Hua was startled, and suddenly felt that he was not worthy of being an actor, he sighed before telling Li Lai the whole story.

Because those reporters only secretly photographed Li Lai and his group, and then watched them walk into a private arena, but those reporters didn't know who was inside, and there was no evidence of their direct contact with Detroit free agents. So David Stern was only a little angry when he heard the news, and didn't make too many accusations.

However, even a fool could guess what Li Lai was doing when he ran to Detroit. In addition, after the news spread to the media, the general managers and owners of other teams were extremely angry, especially the general manager of the Celtics. Manager Angie, he directly scolded Li Lai in front of the media for breaking the NBA's long-standing rules, so he has already applied to the league for punishment against the Bucks.

"This matter is now also my responsibility.

I formally inform you that you will be fined $5 for illegal recruitment. "

Xiao Hua is doing business in a stern and selfless manner at this time.

From Li's point of view, if 5 US dollars can be exchanged for the joining of Iverson and Rasheed Wallace, it would be worth it, but you, Angie, have contacted Rasheed Wallace in advance, and you still come to report me ?

Li Lai was so angry that he missed An Ji, that bastard.

"Okay, I'll have Holloway mail the check to Alliance Headquarters, but if there's nothing else, I'll hang up."

"and many more!"

Xiao Hua quickly stopped Li Lai.

If it was only $5, he could have directly held a press conference to announce it to the outside world. There was no need to call Li Lai himself, so he has other things to do to find him now.

Li Lai had already guessed this point, otherwise Xiao Hua wouldn't have said that I was in a difficult situation at the beginning.

Meow, Xiao Hua is paving the way for the next words.

Li Laijing waited for the following, and Xiao Hua did not hide anything and said directly: "Westbrook's shoes have attracted widespread attention in the United States, and all fans want to get a pair of his sneakers, but unfortunately they cannot be bought in the entire United States." Only those fans who have traveled to China will have some of these shoes, but it is hard to find a pair, and the underground market has already been sold at a high price."

"I heard that you have some relationship with Li Ning's company, so I would like to ask you to ask if they can sell their sneakers on NBA live broadcasts like our cooperation with CCTV?"

Li Lai was stunned, but he had heard about the popularity of "Westbrook 1st Generation" in China and the American fan circles as early as the end of the season, but he didn't expect it to become so popular that even Xiao Hua wanted to share a piece of it.

However, Li Lai thought about Xiao Hua's suggestion carefully, and it was quite good. If Li Ning's shoes could be sold on the NBA live broadcast, it would not know what kind of wave it would cause across the United States, and it would also greatly reduce the cost of publicity and the early stage. A lot of investment in offline sales.

But the crux of the problem is, what do you sell?
Li Ning's headquarters is in China, and the manufacturing plant is also in China. It is impossible for them to ship the shoes to the United States by merchant ships after they are successfully produced. It would be a waste of resources and increase costs.

Thinking of this, Li Lai also hesitated and faltered Xiao Hua first, and then immediately called Li Ning's general manager, Zhang Zhiyuan.

Coincidentally, the other party was already preparing to fly to the United States at this time.

"Mr. Li Lai, I also want to talk to you face to face."

Zhang Zhiyuan rushed to Milwaukee, and the moment he met Li Lai was a big hug.

He gave a detailed account of Li Ning's current situation in China.

"Generation Westbrook" became popular in the Chinese market. Of course, there are reasons for Zhang Zhiyuan's unique Chinese style design. This has indeed attracted batches of Chinese fans, but the premise is still based on Westbrook's NBA success and potential explosion.

With the superposition of designs and stars, Li Ning has completely occupied the Chinese market. They estimate that Li Ning's market share in China this year may reach at least 30%, which is more than double that of last year.

Because of this, Zhang Zhiyuan was even more grateful for the decision he made at that time. If he didn't believe that Li Lai chose to change his strategy and sign Westbrook, I'm afraid Li Ning would never be able to usher in such a take-off.

Therefore, in this year's draft, Zhang Zhiyuan followed Li Lai's advice and signed Stephen Curry, DeMar DeRozan and Brandon Jennings respectively, except for the No. [-] pick Blake Griffin and the No. Li Ning signed almost everyone on Li Lai's list except that James Harden couldn't win it no matter what.

But this time, Zhang Zhiyuan came here not only to discuss an extremely important matter with Li Lai, but also to complete the final signing ceremony with these players.

"Li Ning's senior management has also decided to set up a permanent office in the United States to deal with the advertisements and a series of lock-ups for the endorsement players under his name."

"In addition, we have also decided to officially expand overseas!"

"The first point of expansion is the United States!"

After all, Zhang Zhiyuan took out a document from his briefcase, which was the official authorization for Li Lai, the only agent in the European and American markets. Although the two had already mentioned this matter before, and it was written in black and white in the contract, But there were no detailed rules last time, and this time the authorization given by Zhang Zhiyuan also included detailed division of interests and responsibilities.

Li Lai read the contract carefully and got a general understanding of the details of the authorization contract.

Europe and the United States are a region in the world, which is the abbreviation of Europe and America, referring to two regions of Europe and North America, mainly referring to the whole territory of Europe, North America, Australia and other countries and regions.

In this area, Li Lai has the sole agency authority, and performs all economic activities (including a series of commercial activities such as manufacturing goods, selling, advertising, and signing contracts) in the name of Li Ning on their behalf.

In terms of economic benefits, Li Ning Company also decided to split with Li Lilai 55, each accounting for 50% of the net profit.

Li Lai put down the contract and took a long breath.

To be honest, he is very satisfied with this agency authorization. Whether it is the ownership of rights or the division of interests, Zhang Zhiyuan has given him great respect. Of course, there is a special agreement under the contract, that is, Li Lai must Provide Li Ning company with a list of rookie players with potential.

Zhang Zhiyuan said: "I'm not very good at talking about economic matters, so I gave the maximum limit I know that the agency authorization can give. How long will it take to fully capture the Chinese market."

"Mr. Li Lai, we also hope that you can help Li Ning Company go further in the US market and grab a piece of the pie from the two giants Nike and Adidas."

Li Lai made a point. Whether it is for him personally or the entire Li Ning company, it is urgent to take advantage of the aftermath of the "Westbrook 1st Generation" to quickly occupy the market. Of course, can it be snatched from giants like Nike and Adidas? It's still two things to say about lowering market share.

After all, the two companies have been working in the NBA for many years, and it is not easy to survive in front of them, let alone talk about a share of the pie.

At least in the short term, it is not realistic to want to shake the status of these two giants in the NBA, let alone the sports world as a whole.

But Li Lai is still full of confidence in this. He said: "Don't worry, I will start the establishment of the factory as soon as possible, and will not delay Li Ning's layout in the European and American markets."

Immediately afterwards, Zhang Zhiyuan told Li Lai that this time he brought over several domestic engineers, who would help Li Lai build factories and assembly lines, and at the same time arrange a secretary who would be in charge of financial statistics and help Li Lai with his work, probably in the next few days. arrive.

Li Lai has no objection to this, even the most intimate partner should send a treasurer to come in terms of interest cooperation. This will not only make the other party feel at ease in terms of profit distribution, but the same is true for Li Lai.

After dealing with all the authorization details and future factory planning, Li Lai still talked with Zhang Zhiyuan all night. The two talked freely about Li Ning's future and development direction one after another. After hearing that Li Lai specifically asked them to pay attention to e-commerce instead Frankly speaking, Zhang Zhiyuan was shocked when he paid too much attention to physical stores.

Because e-commerce has just jumped into people's eyes, Zhang Zhiyuan is not interested in this new sales model, because in his eyes, offline sales are more important than everything else, and virtual online transactions or online platforms are not enough for him Maturity also has great disadvantages.

However, because it was Li Lai's suggestion, Zhang Zhiyuan also began to seriously think about e-commerce, and asked the secretary next to him to keep this matter firmly in the notebook. He planned to return to China and reconsider this matter. feasibility.

7 month 13 day.

Hammond sent an excited message to Li Lai, "Both Iverson and Rasheed Wallace have agreed to sign with us!"

Although he had already expected the result, Li Lai tightly clenched his fists and took a deep breath after receiving this certain information from Hammond.

Although the Bucks last season was due to Artest's accidental injury that led to the victory of the entire Eastern Conference semifinals, in the final analysis, it was because the Bucks players consumed too much energy in the regular season and the first round of the playoffs. Physical strength, so there will be a series of chain reactions due to Artest's injury.

This season, Li Lai is also determined to greatly strengthen the Bucks' bench lineup.

Now that Iverson and Rasheed Wallace, two former all-star players and experienced veterans, have joined the team, Li Lai finally solved his biggest worry.

At the same time, the Bucks also completed a deal with the Suns. They took a fancy to free agents Channing Frye and Geron Collins. transaction.

Immediately afterwards, Artest also completed the contract extension with the Bucks. Although this matter had been confirmed as early as the end of the season, Artest's return still gave Li Lai great confidence in this season. He is also determined to lead the Bucks to make a difference in the new season.

In the off-season, Marion, a 31-year-old hacker with the same position and style of play, won a 5-year 3900 million contract from the Mavericks, while Li Lai offered Artest a 5-year 5000 million contract , with a player option for the final year.

If Li Lai remembers well, the original Artest should have won the Lakers' five-year 5 million contract this season. Of course, because the Lakers' salary is very tight, Artest took the initiative to choose to cut his salary.

But now Li Lai still offers him a five-year 5 million contract, which is far beyond what Artest should be worth in the market.

Even Artest was taken aback when he saw this contract. Originally, Li Lai had told him during the playoffs, asking him to wait for the Bucks' big contract.

Artest only thought it was a joke at the time, but now it seems that it is not only not a joke, but also far beyond the scope of his expectations.

"Coach, why don't you lower the contract amount, I really took advantage of this contract."

Honest Artest suggested.

But Li Lai refused, "Artest, this is the contract you deserve. If you really want to repay me, then the defense of the Bucks in the new season will be on your shoulders again.

If there is a hole in the defense at that time, I will kick your ass hard. "

Artest raised his head and patted his own chest to make an oath to Li Lai. In terms of defense, he can make Li Lai rest assured.

同时，拉希德华莱士获得了2年1200万的合同，艾佛森2年800万，新秀斯蒂芬库里4年1600万，丹尼格林3年300万。

The Bucks' operations in this offseason are all over.

Holloway reminded: "The total salary of our players last season was 4710 million. Even after a series of transactions in the middle, our total salary was controlled at 4900 million."

"This season we removed Marshall's 600 million and Malik Rose's 700 million contracts, and Kenny Thomas' 700 million contract was also transferred out in the deal with the Suns, which means we got rid of the three-point junk contract at the same time, Then the remaining salary should be 2900 million."

"However, Artest's salary has risen from 700 million last season to 900 million, an increase of 200 million, and Villanueva's new contract has also begun to be implemented, from 450 million in the rookie contract to the current 600 million. Another 150 million more.

We also introduced O'Neal's 2000 million garbage contract, which made a total of 2350 million more. "

“再加上新签订的合同，拉希德华莱士600万、阿伦艾佛森400万、史蒂芬库里300万、丹尼格林100万，我们又多出了一笔1400万的支出。”

"In other words, our total salary for the new season has reached 6650 million!"

Holloway then explained in detail that the salary cap announced by the league for the 2009-10 season is $5900 million. According to the league's long-standing rules, the salary cap is 48% of the NBA's total revenue last season divided by the number of teams, and 55% is luxury. Tax trigger line.

So the luxury tax trigger line for the new season is $6760 million.

The current total salary of the Bucks has exceeded the salary cap and is very close to the luxury tax. Now they will also be restricted by the salary cap. They cannot sign free agents at will, only the veteran's basic salary and trade.

Hammond reminded: "We got a special deal of 300 million in O'Neal's deal. Of course, we still have the mid-level contract for the new season that we haven't used. In short, we won't have too much trouble if we want to operate in the future."

Of course, Li Lai knew the reason why Hammond suddenly mentioned this, because the Bucks currently lack one player in the 15-man roster, so if they want to strengthen players in the future, this special transaction and middle-class contract will bring great help.

But if you think about it carefully, the Bucks, which were still poor last season, almost went to the luxury tax this season. If they can't make a name for themselves in the new season, the money will be spent unjustly.

Holloway recalled a form and said, "We were fourth in the league in franchise profit last season, behind only the Knicks, Lakers and Bulls.

The Knicks' profit exceeded 1 million, the Lakers also exceeded 9000 million, and the Bulls closest to me made a profit of 5600 million. We have to continue to work hard this season. "

Of course, it is unrealistic to surpass the Knicks and Lakers. This is determined by the geographical location and the attributes of big cities, which cannot be changed by manpower, but there is still some hope for surpassing the Bulls.

Hammond also expressed some of his thoughts. Because of the team's big investment in the new season, he plans to see the reaction of the fans and re-price the tickets. After all, their average ticket price last season has been at the bottom of the league. .

Li Lai nodded and agreed to this point. Hammond has been doing a good job in this matter, so it is entirely up to the other party to handle it. But in the end, the sales of tickets are still linked to the team's record strength. Why did the Bucks continue to increase the average ticket price after playing better and better?
Thinking of this, Li Lai also rearranged the current Bucks team roster.

"Yi Jianlian, O'Neal, Francisco Elson, Charlie Villanueva, Rasheed Wallace, Austin Crohill, Metta World Peace, Danny Green, Curry, George Hill, Ann Andre Ingram, Westbrook, Dragic, Iverson."

(End of this chapter)