NBA: Miracle Workers

Chapter 407 A true superstar will not cut his salary (daily chapter)
On Thursday, July 2005, 7, after two delays and hundreds of hours of lawyer time, the players union and the NBA reached an agreement, and the six-year labor terms were officially released.

At 18: that day, the two sides will hold a signing ceremony, the new labor agreement will take effect, and the free market will officially open.

In this negotiation, the players union compromised with the league on the age issue, and there will be no high school rookies in the future;

At the same time, in order to reduce the burden on the team, eligible teams can also provide amnesty to players before August 8th.

Li You's old teammate, Knicks champion guard Alan Houston, has brought a huge burden to the Magic, and this clause is prepared for him.

Of course, if the Mavericks don't want to pay a high luxury tax to the league, then they also have to amnesty Michael Finley.

The injury-affected veteran will become a free agent. As soon as the news broke in the morning, many teams began recruiting in the afternoon.

The league's lawyers will then have to introduce the new collective bargaining agreement in detail to each team. Free agent signing will officially begin at noon next Tuesday.

For football commentators, what everyone is more interested in is the salary cap for the new season. The Knicks have no salary bonus, which many people like to hear.

For the 2005-2006 season, the salary cap was set at $4950 million, an increase of more than $500 million compared with last season.

Ernie Johnson felt that his partner seemed to be jealous of Li You, so he said pointedly:

However, nice words are always recognized by the fans, and the weekend reports will naturally praise O'Neal's sacrifice for the Heat.

The topic of controversy among the three people is whether Li You will cut his salary in the future to maintain the team's strength.

"I made sacrifices when I joined the Rockets. In fact, I could have ended my career with the Suns and made more money that way, but in the end I chose the championship."

“Lee’s season tickets will be sold out when he completes his renewal.”

When a player's salary reaches more than $6170 million, the luxury tax will be paid 1:1. The Knicks do have to pay, but James Dolan did not express his opinion and seemed to think it was just a small matter.
ESPN is still gossiping about various transfer rumors, and on TNT's show, the trio has turned into general managers and calculated the Knicks' salary.

"Lee has won seven championships, and he even has a chance to surpass Bill Russell."

The new season has not yet begun, and the luxury tax line has been officially released. This is the first time in NBA history.

"As for a pay cut? As long as you stay healthy, that won't happen at all."

Kenny Smith really didn’t want to hit his partner, but when he heard the topic of salary cuts, he still sided with the players and said:

The rumor that Reggie Miller is going to join TNT seems to have put some pressure on the loudmouth Charles Barkley. In the past half month, there have been more and more outrageous remarks.

Jealousy separates hostages!

"In order to give back to the city, I chose to take a salary cut. You know, the Heat originally planned to pay me $3000 million per year, but I rejected the offer."

In the studio, Charles Barkley felt uncomfortable when he thought that Li You could make a lot of money without having to compete with the team.
Suddenly he understood how Pippen felt back then. He was also an NBA player, so why could some people earn so much!

As for why the contract was signed for six years, it was naturally to follow the labor agreement. This was a choice to maximize personal interests.

"."

"We shouldn't worry about the Knicks' salary. They win too much and they have the highest ticket price in the league."

“Looking at all these passionate fans, I’m so excited and I can’t wait to get started!”

"If he wants to continue to compete for the championship and keep the team competitive, then a salary cut is the only option."

“The great Pat Riley makes the team stronger, it’s so fun!”

"The Heat will make big moves and no one can stop us in the new season."

"If you choose to maintain a high salary contract, the Knicks will become Lee's personal toy after 6 years."

Facing the reporter of Miami Herald, O'Neal, wearing beach pants and a loose white T-shirt, vowed:

At the end of his career, as long as his salary is not reduced, Li You's salary will surpass Michael Jordan and become the highest-paid player in NBA history.

Barkley is half right. In fact, even if there are no terms, Li You will soon be able to enjoy 35% of the starting salary, because he will soon be a veteran who has played in the league for more than 10 years.

"I've been playing for championships, and a salary cut can keep the team competitive. You know, at the end of my career, I don't care how much money I make."

According to the latest labor agreement, Li You will enjoy a starting salary of 35% of the salary cap.

Miami sports reporters were speechless. Unless the fans had amnesia, they would never forget why the Sharks chose to leave the Lakers.

"I believe that the 33-year-old Li can still maintain excellent competitive condition."

"The league will announce the schedule for the new season next week. If New York continues to appear in the Christmas game, they can even sell tickets for the day in advance."

Teams that exceed the cap can use the mid-level exception to sign free agents, and the full mid-level amount is $500 million.

"Even if they have to pay a large luxury tax for the next ten years, the Knicks will not hesitate."

For NBA players, salary is always the most important, and this is also the goal pursued by all players.

"After signing a six-year contract, Lee can earn a salary of $33 million at the age of 2800, which already accounts for half of the salary cap."

"Even if he doesn't pursue such a goal, he deserves this contract. He has changed New York basketball. The Dolan family will always offer the maximum salary and they will not give other teams a chance."

The mood was not beautiful, and Charles Barkley stopped retorting and said dryly and sourly:
"Without a championship, Li will definitely compromise with the United States in the future. His mind will no longer be on basketball!"

After the start of the new season, among the active players, except for O'Neal who can surpass Li You in salary, the gap between the other top-paid players and Li You will widen year by year.

In the studio, Charles Barker used his own career experience as evidence to illustrate the impact of high wages on the team:

On the last weekend of July, O'Neal started blowing X again at an event at the University of Miami Conference Center.

"."

In the new season, Li You's personal salary will reach US$1732 million. Based on this, with an annual increase of 12.5%, a six-year contract of approximately US$1.37 million is about to be released.

Recently, the sports media have been discussing Li You's big contract, and the same is true here in Miami:
"Shaq, do you think Lee should take a pay cut to win a championship when he's 33?"

Although O'Neal was envious in his heart, he would not speak for the team and gave his answer without hesitation:
"Why do players always have to sacrifice? No one is more successful than Lee. Salary represents respect. Championship players will not compromise."

The 33-year-old O'Neal has actually been forced to take a salary cut. Although the Sharks also want to get 3000 million, no one in the league can offer him this salary.
After saying two insincere words, O'Neal became more and more bitter as he thought about it. He greeted everyone and stopped discussing the topic.

The reporter of the "Miami Herald" noticed the mood of the "No. 1 center" and thought that Li You had just completed his contract extension with the Upper deck not long ago, and suddenly understood O'Neal:
“As long as someone pays the bill, no one will refuse more dollars.”

On Sunday, July 7, after walking around London, Li You and his party arrived in Manchester.

The training center near Carrington Village was constructed by the Manchester United club in 99. In 02, the youth training facilities were completely completed.

The construction cost of the training center exceeds 3000 million pounds, which can be regarded as a world-class youth training environment.

The Premier League starts on the 13th next month, and Manchester United will also face Everton.

Sky Sports is not too concerned about the excitement. It has already broken the news that the Manchester United Fans Association is preparing to protest against red football capital.

The Guardian was also very enthusiastic about doing a calculation for the fans, telling everyone that Manchester United will be saddled with huge debts, setting a precedent in European football.

As for the Sun and other tabloids, they focused on Ivana and Milinda who were following Li You, and compared them with the players' wives group in a serious way.
But what interests British fans the most is that Li You will welcome two children in October, and the new boss has too many girlfriends.

The environment of the Carrington Training Center is very good. Except for a large main building, the rest is a beautiful football field.

Ivana, who was visiting a well-known football club for the first time, watched the children training with the staff and couldn't help but exclaimed:
"It's rare to see such a huge football training ground in the United States!"

Although the accompanying staff thought that the pretty girl in front of him did not understand the rules of football, he still explained it with a sense of superiority:
"This is Manchester, every kid wants to play for Manchester United, maybe the big stars of the future are playing right in front of our eyes."

Wearing a sleeveless blue skirt, Ivana nodded politely, hugged Li You's arm tightly and whispered:
"Why are there fans boycotting us here too?"

Wearing a black formal suit, Li You deliberately chose a white shirt and red scarf today. Feeling that the white rabbit next to him was a little nervous, he immediately comforted him:
"Communication can clear up misunderstandings. They are just worried about the club."

"Thanks to the UK's football finance experts, fans know we have a debt of close to £5m, so I understand the sentiment."

CEO David Gill, who was following behind, was a little embarrassed. Although they had done a lot of work, hundreds of fans still came to protest in the past few days. This is also related to the departure of Manchester United captain Keane. Many fans were reluctant to part with this tough guy and took this opportunity to continue to vent their dissatisfaction.

Seeing Jill's embarrassment, Bobby Akers, who was also dressed in a red scarf, took the initiative to put his arm around the other person's shoulders and said nonchalantly:

"Last month the protests were even more serious than they are now and I was escorted off the field in a police car for the first time."

"I think these loyal fans should have calmed down, at least the number of protests has been much smaller, thanks to you and Sir Alex Ferguson."

Milinda, who was holding Li You's left arm, quietly rolled her eyes. The situation was more serious than she said. She knew that the opponents even wanted to form a new football club:

"United Manchester? I don't know what those fans want to do. If they supported the team before, they should compete with us for the equity."

"Protest now and we won't sell the club to them again. It's a boring move and Clay hasn't even said what his plans are."

"They will do nothing but cause violence and chaos."

Skadden Law Firm participated in the entire acquisition process. Milinda was still dressed in a professional suit at this time. Her blond hair was tied up, which made her look a bit strong. These words made some staff members angry:
"Without the mole, Manchester United would not have changed hands."

Accompanied by the staff, the group walked around the training ground.

When we returned to the main building, we were greeted by Manchester United legend Sir Bobby Charlton.

The 68-year-old Charlton was completely bald. He was wearing a black formal suit and a red striped tie. The old man wearing glasses smiled and stepped forward to shake hands with Li You:
"This is a good start, Lee, and we believe Red Football Capital is working hard to understand British fans."

"As you said, communication removes fear and fans will no longer worry about the future of the club when they hear your plans."

For this legendary star, Li You showed respect but also did not forget to continue painting:

"Yesterday we toured the facilities in the main building. The large gymnasium, indoor track, earth and basketball courts, swimming pool, and spa were all great!"

"But I think the team's medical center is not complete enough and it lacks a sports science department."

"We will expand the complex in the future. Believe me, buying the club is definitely not to make money. I have always been a Manchester United fan. This is a dream investment!"

Although the old man knew that this was a colorful pie, after seeing the happy smile on Li You's face, he still nodded in agreement:

"I think the fan representatives will be excited when they hear this news!"

"."

When Li You appeared in the conference room, there were not only fan representatives and some media reporters, but also coach Ferguson and left winger Giggs.

After everyone sat down around the large conference table, David Gill quickly said:

"The league is about to start and I think the fans association should stop protesting."

"This has affected the status of our players. Everything at the club is normal and transfers have met expectations. We all have to move forward."

The fan representative was an irritable old man with a red nose. Hearing these words, he immediately shouted:

"You are all traitors! You only know how to lick the Americans' butts."

Fortunately, another calm middle-aged fan grabbed his companion, stared in the direction of Li You and said loudly:
"For the first time since 1931, Manchester United is in deficit!"

"Leveraged buyout, why should we trust you, debt will bring down the club."

As a mole, Ferguson couldn't hear these words. He frowned and wanted to scold him, but Li You waved his hand and turned to look at Bobby who was smiling.

Stopping watching the show and putting his arms on the table, Bobby responded in a relaxed tone:

"The debt will not affect the team. We believe Sir Alex Ferguson will not interfere in the team's football work."

"Leave professional matters to professional people, and we will expand the club's influence. The business model of British sports is too rough."

"With our help, the club can generate more revenue."

"I think what fans care about is results and championships. As for who owns the club, it doesn't matter."

Seeing that the other party wanted to say that the fans are the owners of the club, Li You also added:
"AIG intends to provide the team with a lucrative jersey sponsorship agreement, such is our influence."

"The team's plans, Mr Gill should have explained to you, put aside those future investments, the expansion of the number of seats at Old Trafford will be seen very soon."

"This is the sincerity of Red Football Capital. We are willing to understand the British football culture and at the same time bring a more professional operation method."

"By the way, I personally plan to invest in the UK in the future. I also plan to settle here for a long time. As long as I have time, I will also appear at Old Trafford to watch football."

"Don't doubt my love for football. Maybe I can play the center position. To be honest, most fans can't match my football skills."

The inner ghost Giggs finally found the opportunity to interject, and immediately followed suit and said:
"It's true, we witnessed it long ago, David said it too"

As soon as he finished speaking, Ferguson glared at him. As the team's meritorious coach, he quickly assured the fans:
"Manchester United have not won the Premier League for almost two years and I swear the club will soon be a dominant force in English and European football again!"

"Don't be biased. I assure you that when I asked them for money to buy players, I was never refused. I am still leading the team."

Li You watched with a smile as the old man declared his sovereignty to the fans. With the help of the mole, the fan representatives quickly compromised.

Ivana blinked her big eyes and listened quietly to the demands of both parties, but Milinda once again advanced the previous topic and said unceremoniously:
"Let that new football club dissolve, the British media are laughing at us!"

"Anger will not help the club win the title, you should believe in Manchester United."

Li You quietly patted the thigh of the girl on his right, giving her a thumbs up.

Milinda snorted and quickly started arguing with the fan representatives again.

David Gill also maintains his persona of a good old guy. He stays silent most of the time. Except for occasionally brushing his short gray-black hair, he smiles the rest of the time.
Duncan Dras, CEO of the Manchester United Fans Trust, finally chose "trust". After communicating with fan representatives, he concluded:

"We will stop protesting during the first round of the league, but we will always monitor you!"

"Manchester United belongs to Manchester fans"

Li You nodded in agreement, and at the same time gave Bobby a look.

The two of them looked at each other and smiled, knowing that the aftereffects of the acquisition had temporarily disappeared, and they could start cutting leeks in the future.

On August 8, Sky Sports vividly reported Li You’s meeting with fans.

The Guardian even moved the photo of Li You, Bobby, and Milinda holding a photo of the Manchester United team to the front page:

"Manchester United will enter a new era!"

Unlike basketball, football has a greater influence, and European football has followed suit. As for Asia, relevant news has been reported early.

Korean football fans are the most excited. Park Ji-sung has just transferred to Manchester United from PSV.

The Dong-A Ilbo even vowed to assure the fans that their big star would be taken care of and that the yellow race would be a family!

It was also on this day that, relying on the charm of football, news about Li You and Red Football Capital swept the world.

At noon on Tuesday, August 8, NBA free agents can sign the agreement, and the Knicks immediately announced the news of Li You’s contract extension:
"With $6 million in six years, the future belongs to Lee and New York!"

The sixth year of the contract is a player option, and Li You also has the right to veto the transaction.

Recently, Knicks fans applauded James Dolan's move to renew his veteran contract.

Amidst the praise, the curly boss did not participate deeply in the free market. He simply used his sword to renew the contracts of the champion members.

While announcing the signing of Li You, James Dolan, who was interviewed by New York media, once again showed his wealth and billions:
"The high salary will not affect the team, and Lee will always play for the Knicks."

"With seven championships, Lee doesn't need to cut his salary or consider the luxury tax."

"In New York, real superstars don't take pay cuts. This is the Knicks' way of showing respect!"

(End of this chapter)