The guy who was always in trade rumors didn't leave, but the guy who never showed up got traded. This is very NBA.

However, with the experience of last year's trading deadline, Xu Yong quickly accepted it after the accident.

And if we analyze it carefully, this three-party transaction has its own reasons, and they are sufficient.

The Bulls need to add a power forward. Battier has switched to power forward for the Rockets this season. He has excellent strength and is very accurate in making three-pointers from the corner, which has been very effective.

Here is a little-known fact: Battier is 2.03 meters tall barefoot, while Artest is 2.01 meters tall barefoot. Battier is taller than Artest.

As for why Korver was sent away instead of Allen, it was probably more because of contract issues.

Battier has one year left on his contract, with an annual salary of $7 million. It would be difficult to balance this contract with just Allen's $3 million contract plus extras.

Korver's 500 plus Johnson's 1.7 million is just right.

Although the Bulls did not want to send away Korver and Johnson, after weighing the pros and cons, if the goal is to set the championship, it is worth getting the more experienced Battier.

As for the Rockets, there is no place for Battier in their current starting lineup.

And more importantly, Rockets owner Alexander does not want to pay the luxury tax.

He was not happy when Yao Ming and McGrady were on the team, and he is definitely even more unhappy now.

After completing this deal, the Rockets not only successfully kept the salary cap below the luxury tax, but also got Thabeet, who had a "thank you" scratched off but might still have a little possibility.

The Grizzlies' original intention was somewhat forced. The Grizzlies played well this season, but Rudy Gay's unexpected injury caused problems in their rotation.

Their initial target was Battier, but Battier was not so eager to return to the Grizzlies. On the contrary, he hoped to go to Chicago and renew his relationship with Yao Ming like Artest.

So this is a complex transaction involving many aspects.

In the end, the Grizzlies accepted the deal and got the younger Korver and Johnson, who has certain potential.

But what is predictable is that Grizzlies fans will definitely suffer another wave of critical hits at this moment.

Because they traded for Thabeet with Xu Yong, the team even gave up a first-round pick in order to get rid of him!

That deal was truly the greatest deal of the 21st century, no doubt about it.

After accepting this result, Xu Yong called Korver and Johnson one after another.

Especially Johnson, they had been playing together since the summer league, and he had stood up for him in previous games.

However, this trade is indeed a good thing for Johnson. Johnson is different from Allen. He has really fallen out of the rotation and has not played in several games.

If he goes to the Grizzlies, he will not only get more opportunities, but he can even take advantage of Gay's absence to become the Grizzlies' starter.

This is not a fantasy. You have to know that a team like the Grizzlies is not afraid of you not being able to play, but that you are not tough enough.

In terms of toughness, Johnson is definitely top-notch.

What's more, he can play basketball. In his peak period, he was a qualified NBA starter. He just needs time to develop.

Two days after the trade deadline, Xu Yong and other Bulls players met the team's new players...

That's right, it's not just Battier, there's another one.

The previous deal gave the Bulls one more spot on their roster, and Foreman already had a target in mind, so he quickly signed the other one.

Steve Novak.

After Korver left, the team needed a point guard who could serve as a three-point shooter on the perimeter.

Bill Walker has been limited by injuries this season, and Novak will be a good complement after Korver leaves.

When seeing Battier and Novak standing together, Xu Yong couldn't help but turn his head to look at Yao Ming and Artest beside them, and Alston behind them.

Why does this feel like the Chicago Rockets?

However, this is so natural.

Because of Yao Ming's joining, Artest joined with him, and Alston also chose to be the third point guard at the veteran minimum salary.

Then Battier also came to the Bulls because of Yao Ming, including Novak, who had the opportunity to renew his contract with the Spurs until the end of the season, but ultimately chose to follow Yao Ming.

This can only mean one thing, Yao Ming not only has strength on the court, but also has personal charm.

After a brief contact, Battier gave people the impression of a typical modest gentleman.

Before this, Xu Yong knew that the player with this label was Ray Allen, but he didn't have the opportunity to come into contact with Allen, but Battier really felt it.

And because of Yao Ming's relationship, Battier was also very enthusiastic towards Xu Yong. If you didn't know, you would think they were former teammates.

In comparison, Novak is much quieter. He looks like a cool killer, which is consistent with his technical characteristics.

"I feel so happy that I can't express it in words." Yao Ming couldn't help but sigh while taking a shower with Xu Yong.

"You know, I had a good chance with them before, but we failed in Houston. Now we are in Chicago, it's like I have a new chance again," Yao Ming continued.

Xu Yong nodded. He could fully understand Yao Ming's feelings.

Because the boss is reluctant to spend money and the team always has injury problems, the feeling of being powerless is really terrible.

But now, former comrades-in-arms have come together again one after another, and the chances seem greater than before.

"If we can really do it, it would be a fairy tale." Xu Yong made a very appropriate analogy.

"Haha, yes, a fairy tale." Yao Ming laughed awkwardly when he heard it.

You can see that he is really happy.

On the second day of training, the Bulls conducted routine training.

It was during this training session that most of the Bulls players, including Xu Yong, had their eyes opened.

When it comes to three-point shooting, Xu Yong himself is also a good player, including Korver from the Bulls before, who was also at the elite level.

But when I saw Novak training, it felt like they were not playing the same sport.

The highlight of Novak's three-pointer is that it is fast and stable, and basically cannot be missed.

It seems that the news about 1,000 people entering 997 was really true.

There is a perfect word to describe this kind of person: shooting machine.

"I had the same expression when I first saw him training." Yao Ming leaned over and said to Xu Yong with a smile.

Xu Yong nodded. Novak gave people the same feeling as a girl who put all her points into defense because she was too afraid of pain. This was also the reason why she didn't add any other points and put all her points into three-pointers.

However, even so, there are always NBA teams that want him, which further shows how stable his three-point shooting is.

Recalling his performance during the Rockets' 22-game winning streak, when he didn't take a shot before the game but was able to hit the buzzer-beater in the final moments, his presence may be of great significance to the Bulls.

As I was watching, Artest came over with a cell phone.

"Crazy Three is about to start, don't you want to buy some?"

"Ron, you're here again." Yao Ming smiled and shook his head when he heard this.

It can be heard that Artest seems to like betting during the Crazy Three.

However, crazy three bets have always been one of the pleasures of NBA players.

"I'd still buy Duke," Battier said first.

"I knew it." Artest nodded with a smile. Battier is a well-known Duke fan.

"You also chose Duke last year?" Xu Yong suddenly realized something.

Battier nodded.

"How much did you earn?" Xu Yong asked. Duke was the NCAA champion last season!

"He treated us to a luxurious dinner," Yao Ming said with a smile.

Artest and Battier both laughed when they heard it.

Xu Yong couldn't help but laugh too. They were teammates last season, and they are still teammates after changing to a new team. This feeling is really good.

But at this moment, he suddenly remembered something.

Generally speaking, just like what is written in novels, after being reborn or traveling through time, one will more or less find some opportunities to make some investments or something.

However, because he types so quickly, he basically doesn't have to think about how to make money.

But there is an opportunity right now.

Because he read the novel "氪金无敌", he might have some memory deviations in other years, but he will definitely not make a mistake this year, because the final champion is Kangda.

Although Connecticut is relatively strong and the odds of winning the championship are not that high, it is still possible to make a little money.

"Xu, who are you going to buy? Arizona State?" Artest looked at Xu Yong and asked.

"No, I'll buy Connecticut for dinner."

Xu Yong's words instantly caused Artest and others to burst into laughter.

Xu Yong’s ability to integrate into others is really good.

After finishing the day's training, Xu Yong called Harden and others.

Because he was busy playing the game, he almost forgot about the Crazy Three.

Arizona State didn't make the tournament last year, but this year it made it under the leadership of the troika of Jimmy Butler, Solomon Hill and Tony Mitchell.

So this year, they can find a chance to watch the game in person.

However, since the regular season is still going on, it is not easy for them to get together to watch the three-game crazy game.

With the last few people in the room, the only match they could get together to watch was the 32-to-16 match, which three people could watch together.

However, Arizona State is only seeded No. 11 this year and will play No. 6 seed Xavier University in the first round, so it may not be able to advance to the round of 16.

But at this time, they can only buy tickets in advance, and all that's left is to wait.

After a day of rest, the Bulls faced the Celtics at home.

Both teams made reinforcements on the trade deadline, and coupled with the grudges from last season, this game is also very eye-catching.

The game was indeed very intense, with both teams playing at an absolute playoff level.

However, the Bulls maintained the lead from the start.

It may sound unbelievable, but the Bulls' tacit understanding and fighting spirit have become even higher after the trade.

And this was the first time this season that Thibodeau used a very regular ten-man rotation.

It's not that he has changed, but that there are so many players in the lineup who can play and whom he can trust to be on the court.

The starting five were Rose, Xu Yong, Artest, O'Neal Jr., and Yao Ming, and the substitutes were Hinrich, Allen, Battier, Gibson, and O'Neal.

With this lineup, who would have the time to risk injury and kill the main players?

Battier contributed 8 points and 3 rebounds in his debut with the Bulls, mediocre statistics, but as a substitute Thibodeau gave him 25 minutes of playing time. He and Artest played a round-robin battle against Pierce, and "Truth" made 4 of 16 shots and the ball went into his trouser pocket.

This forward configuration would make other small forwards tremble upon seeing it.

The Bulls game is over here, and the first round of the Crazy Three is also over there.

Arizona State University did not disappoint Xu Yong and his team, defeating Xavier University 66 to 55 in the first round.

Hill and Butler were the heroes of the team's victory. Hill scored 19 points, and Butler contributed all-around data of 15 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists and 3 steals.

Now, Xu Yong, Harden and Ayers can go to watch the game happily.

Two days later, they flew to Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland, where Arizona State University's 32-to-16 match against No. 3 seed Syracuse University, commonly known as Syracuse University, would be held.

The No. 11 seed plays against the No. 3 seed, and Arizona State University's chances of winning this game are even slimmer.

The first thing they did when they arrived at the scene was to go down to the field to greet the players of the Devil's Team.

Butler and others trained with them last summer, and this season, Cooksix and Albert are still on the team.

So even though they have graduated for two years, this team still feels very familiar to them.

In fact, the players of the Devil Team were also very excited to see Xu Yong and his team.

You know, when Xu Yong and his teammates were playing, they couldn't even get support from alumni. But now, Xu Yong and his teammates represent the pinnacle of school history, and being able to come to the scene is the greatest spiritual encouragement.

There were also many scouts at the scene. When Xu Yong was returning to the audience seats, he unexpectedly met Foreman.

This year, the Bulls are likely to pick No. 30. In tonight's game, in addition to Butler and Hill from Arizona State, Syracuse University also has Cory Joseph.

Moreover, when Foreman saw Xu Yong, he sat directly next to him.

The game started quickly. Syracuse University was indeed superior to Arizona State University in terms of talent and strength. It scored 8 to 0 at the beginning, which forced Arizona State University to call a timeout.

Then after the timeout, it was Butler's time to perform.

He did not score crazily on the offensive end, but broke the game with defense. He played as a power forward, but he stole the ball from Joseph when he was out of position, and then assisted Hill to complete a fast break dunk.

Then in the next round, he successfully protected the defensive rebound, and then grabbed the offensive rebound on the offensive end and made a 2+1.

After scoring the goal, he shouted excitedly to his teammates, and the momentum of the entire Arizona State University changed instantly.

"Gal, I know some stories about Jimmy Butler. Do you want to hear them?" Xu Yong turned his head and said.