NBA: I am the card dealer

soon.

Sean Marks called Kupchak again: "Mitch, I've studied it carefully. Dinwiddie is negotiable. Dinwiddie + Longhorn Jefferson, I want to know what chips you offer?"

Kupchak said, "What do you want?"

This is pure nonsense.

But that's how negotiations work. It's impossible for both parties to reveal their needs all at once.

Sean Marks did not hide it: "Randall + Kuzma + Pope + a first-round draft pick."

Kupchak almost jumped up: "Are you crazy?"

Dinwiddie is just a substitute and his playing time is only more than ten minutes. Lonjoe Jefferson starts from time to time, but his lack of three-point shooting is his fatal flaw.

In this case, exchanging Randle + Kuzma + Pope + a first-round draft pick is almost the same as robbery.

Sean Marks: "So what can you offer?"

Kupchak finally made his list: "Courtney Lee + James Glenn Robinson."

This is also an extremely low offer.

Sean Marks sneered: "You want to trade two substitutes for Dinwiddie and Lonjo Jefferson? Haha... that's a nice thought."

Kupchak: "Stop arguing. Who do you want?"

Sean Marks: "Randall + Kuzma + first-round pick."

Kupchak: "I told you clearly that Randle and Kuzma are both impossible, so save your first-round pick."

Sean Marks: "You don't think that Lonzo Jefferson and Dinwiddie are worthless, do you? I can tell you honestly that we have almost finished the discussion with the digital people. Covington and Saric are our backup candidates."

Kupchak pondered for a moment: "James Johnson's performance in the playoffs last season is obvious to all. Courtney Lee is also good at both offense and defense. I think Xue will like them."

Hear this.

Xue Liancheng's heart moved, indeed he felt a little moved.

Sean Marks poured cold water on the situation: "They were indeed the heroes who won the championship last season, but in the new season, the two of them can only lie on the bench and struggle for playing time. I don't think they have such great value."

Kupchak: "Who do you want?"

Sean Marks: "Pope + James Johnson + a first-round pick."

Kupchak immediately refused: "There is no way we can trade Pop."

When Pope arrived, Courtney Lee immediately lost his starting position, which shows the difference in strength between the two.

and so.

The Lakers are naturally unwilling to give up Pope.

Finally, Kupchak added: "We can't even give up our first-round pick. Don't even think about it."

Sean Marks: "Then it seems you don't have any chips!"

Kupchak finally made his big move: "I know who you want, isn't it Vonleh? Okay! I can give it to you, but you need to provide a first-round pick."

The blackmail finally came.

Sean Marks shook his head bitterly and glanced at Xue Liancheng.

Xue Liancheng was also helpless. This was truly an open secret in the world. After going around in circles, he still couldn't get around it.

But if the Nets really want it, they will have to pay a heavy price.

Generally speaking, faced with this situation, one would definitely deny it.

But Sean Marks didn't play by the rules: "We do want Vonleh, but it's okay for him to stay in the Lakers. He will be a free agent next year, and I believe Vonleh will know where he belongs."

The rookie contract signed by Vonleh is for four years, with the last year being a team option, and the new season happens to be the fourth year.

By next summer, Vonleh will be a complete free agent.

If we don’t trade now, it will be a real loss.

This is a case of turning the tables!

Kupchak was silent for a long time before he spoke: "Courtney Lee + Vonleh, this is the most sincere offer I can give."

Sean Marks: "There's no rush for Vonleh, and I don't really want Courtney Lee. How about James Johnson + Kuzma?"

Now the candidates that both sides want are actually very close.

Kupchak: "I repeat again, Kuzma is not for sale."

Sean Marks: "James Johnson, and you've got to add two first-round picks."

Kupchak flatly refused: "Impossible, the list I provide is James Johnson, Courtney Lee, Glenn Robinson, Vonleh, and two rookies Josh Hart and Caruso. You can only choose two from them."

Sean Marks: "Lonjo Jefferson is averaging 13.4 points, 6.6 rebounds and 2.2 assists per game. Dinwiddie has also shown excellent offensive organization ability. He can average 2.8 assists per game in a limited time, which is already quite remarkable. You actually provided me with a bunch of junk. To be honest, Vonleh is only worth a second-round pick. If you don't sell it to us, you can only let it rot in your hands. James Johnson and Courtney Lee only average a few points per game. They are not qualified to start at all. As for the two scratch lottery tickets, don't you know what level they are?"

This time.

They completely took the initiative.

Xue Liancheng, who was listening in, couldn't help but praise Sean Marks's professional ability. He really had it in his hands and was not afraid of danger.

Even though his intentions were seen through by the other party, he did not lose his composure, but bargained calmly.

of course.

Kupchak is also an old hand, so he won't be fooled: "It's useless for you to talk big. If it doesn't work, I will look for other teams."

The Lakers are indeed in urgent need of ball handlers and offensive organizers, but they will not play their cards recklessly.

Except for two rookies who are scratch cards of unknown circumstances, the rest of the group are all very strong fighters.

Even Glenn Robinson can start in a weak team. He can defend and shoot three-pointers, and he has a fighting spirit on the court.

Needless to say, Courtney Lee's level may have declined, but he can still play an important role in the rotation.

James Johnson is at his peak, and if Anthony hadn't come, he should have been able to start.

Not to mention Feng Lai.

Naturally, he was unwilling to sell it at a low price.

Sean Marks was also tough: "So we can't come to an agreement?"

Kupchak finally gave in: "Pick three."

The main reason is that the Lakers are now facing too much pressure in terms of performance. They are in urgent need of change, to the point where they have no choice but to change.

They also tried to contact other teams, but they robbed them even more ruthlessly than the Nets.

So yes, they are naturally willing to make some concessions.

Anyway, these people will just be substitutes here, or they won't be able to play at all, so it's better to trade them.

Lonjoe Jefferson's average of 13.4 points, 6.6 rebounds and 2.2 assists per game is still very tempting, plus they urgently need a point guard, and Dinwiddie has great potential. His three-point shooting, breakthroughs and organization are all eye-catching.

Sean Marks looked at Xue Liancheng.

Xue Liancheng was in tune with the idea and immediately wrote down the names of Vonleh, James Johnson, and Josh Hart.

In fact, this deal is not very cost-effective overall. After all, Dinwiddie has the potential to grow into an All-Star in the future.

However, considering that his presence has curbed Dinwiddie's growth, he still chose to help Dinwiddie and let this all-around guard go to a place where he can grow.

And James Johnson's ability is definitely still there, not to mention Vonleh, he is his best partner.

Josh Hart, the future iron bull, can well fill the vacancy left by Dinwiddie.

and so.

Also acceptable.

At least it can rapidly improve the Nets' strength in a short period of time.

Sean Marks immediately made an offer: "James Johnson + Vonleh + Josh Hart + a 19-year first-round swap."

Josh Hart is this year's No. 30 pick, which is equivalent to a last-place pick in the first round.

Also wanted a first-round swap.

This is indeed going a bit too far.

But considering the data put forward by Lonjo Jefferson, it is not excessive.

Kupchak was silent for a moment and then said, "Okay!"

James Johnson averaged 7.4 points and 4 rebounds per game this season, with a shooting percentage of 46.2%. He served as a substitute for Melo Anthony. His overall performance was acceptable, but he was a substitute after all.

Vonleh has fallen into decline, averaging 4.1 points and 1.6 rebounds per game in the new season. His shooting percentage is a miserable 39.7% and his three-point shooting percentage is 30.3%. His overall performance is really eye-catching.

However, last season has proved that Xue Liancheng holds the key to unlock Von Lai. Giving it to the Nets may be a way of helping the other side, but the problem is that if he gives it to others, no one dares to take it!

Josh Hart, the last pick in this year's first round, had basically no playing time due to the bloated Lakers backcourt, so he was sent away.

After all, they got Dinwiddie and solved their urgent problem.

As for the first-round swap in 19?

According to their current personnel configuration, even if they fail to make the playoffs this season, they should not sink all of a sudden. In fact, we can make a prediction in advance. The draft pick in 19 will be between 10 and 20, which has some value, but doesn't the Nets have to return a first-round pick?

Not too bad.

The deal was officially finalized.

Then he discussed with Hinkie of Digital Man and finally reached an agreement. The Nets sent Carroll in exchange for Covington and a second-round draft pick.

After Sean Marks hung up the phone, Xue Liancheng smiled and said, "Well done."

Sean Marks: "In fact, if we are more patient, we should gain more."

Xue Liancheng: "That's enough. I think we are still competitive enough in the East."

Atkinson: "But after the two trades were completed, we were overstaffed and had to lay off one person."

Xue Liancheng hardly had to think about it: "Choose between Stauskas and Whitehead."

Atkinson thought for a while and said, "Then we have to give up Stauskas."

in this way.

The Nets' roster looks like this.

Point guard: Xue Liancheng, Powell, Whitehead.

Shooting guard: Crabbe, Joe Harris, Josh Hart.

Small forward: Anunoby, Covington, James Johnson, Trevor Booker.

Power forward: Vonleh, David West.

Center: Sabonis Jr., Lopez Jr., Jarrett Allen.

The entire lineup looks much brighter, the bloated back line has been reduced, and the entire front line has suddenly become fuller.

Especially with four forwards, Anunoby, Covington, James Johnson, and Vonleh, it's really a beautiful sight!

The impact and attacking power are maximized, and the role on the defensive end is unlimited.

Such a lineup only exists in imagination, but it has been put together. It’s really exciting to think about it.

Xue Liancheng still admires Sean Marks' ability very much. He used Lonjoe Jefferson + Carroll + Dinwiddie to exchange for Vonleh + Covington + James Johnson + Josh Hart, which can be said to be a godly operation.

In addition to the explosive front line, their back line is actually not bad either.

Powell has the ability to hold the ball and has no problem organizing at fixed points, and he can definitely serve as the deputy point guard.

Crabbe and Joe Harris are both top-notch shooters with exceptional three-point shooting abilities, and they can provide them with enough space.

Josh Hart can guard smaller guards, such as Curry. After all, Hart is known as the Iron Bull. He can run tirelessly, shoot three-pointers, and play in transition. He is really a good player.

The inside line has also become stronger due to the arrival of Feng Lai.

After all, the rushing Feng Lai was still very scary.

However, this lineup is not perfect, and they still have a huge weakness.

That is the lack of a stable and deterrent second scorer.

Once he himself falls into a slump or is in poor form, it would be hard for anyone to step up.

This is the importance of double-star combinations and the Big Three. If a star player fails, someone will immediately step up and continue to score.

Like the Knicks.

The record has not declined significantly compared to last season, but it gives people the feeling that there is a lack of dominance.

Because once James can't play, no one will take over the game.

And last season, with Oladipo, the Knicks had full offensive power and could play those superstar balls, which gave people a very stable feeling in the game.

The Nets' overall lineup has been qualitatively improved, but there is still nothing to see.

of course.

This is a qualitative improvement in Xue Liancheng's view, but the outside world's reaction to the Nets' trade is actually not that great.

"Carroll for Covington, I don't know what the meaning of this trade is? Just a change of name but not substance?"

"Lonjo Jefferson is still very strong, why trade him?"

"They are either rookies or a bunch of substitutes. What's the point of trading them?"

"It's better to call back the old players. If James Johnson and Vonleh can return to the level of last season, there will be something to watch. If not, then this Nets team will probably still have to fight for the playoffs."

"The Lakers are such a jerk! They gave Vonleh and James Johnson to Xue Liancheng again."

“Can’t wait to see if Xue Liancheng is the only player who can open Feng Lai?”

But the fans still have some hope.

If Xue Liancheng really has the exclusive key to open Feng Lai, then this deal is undoubtedly a profit.

In the two collaborations so far, Xue Liancheng made Feng Lai shine.

And this is the third time, so the possibility is still very high.

Secondly, can James Johnson return to last season's level? If so, the Nets' immediate combat power will indeed be greatly enhanced.

But considering that they have a rookie and a sophomore in the starting lineup, it seems unlikely that they can go further.

I don't know.

Xue Liancheng is very ambitious at this moment!

He is very confident in this lineup.