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***
On Friday, August 19, 2005, the front-page headline of The New York Times once again featured Clay Lee.
The photo, taken in Lee's study at his 82nd Street home, showed Clay Lee, Mark Parker, and Nike CEO William Perez signing a contract, all three smiling.
"An invaluable lifetime contract, Clay Lee becomes Nike's second player to have his own independent brand."
Nike also officially announced the signing of Lee, and incidentally, revealed its market share in the global athletic shoe market:
"The greatest active player will forever belong to the Nike family!"
"Nike currently holds 38% of the global athletic shoe market share, with profits exceeding $1 billion."
After Adidas acquired Reebok, Nike also showed off its muscles, with a column article praising its products and strategic layout to the heavens!
In the afternoon, Lee visited General Manager Grunfeld at the Tarrytown Training Center and was interviewed by an ESPN reporter again.
Unlike Amar'e Stoudemire, the arrival of Boris Diaw received a lukewarm response in New York.
This summer, only Grant Hill and Ron Artest remained in the training gym.
The two were mainly focused on recovering their physical condition and getting accustomed to the new athletic trainer.
Lee returned to Manhattan primarily for concentrated advertising shoots.
He needed to get these done before September.
After greeting the reporters and staff who accompanied him to the training gym, a reporter eagerly asked Lee, who was beside him:
"Lee, what are your thoughts on the trades that happened this week? Dikembe Mutombo seems to have reached an agreement with the Houston Rockets. Will this affect the team's strength?"
Of course, Lee was aware of these developments, but he really didn't want to take on the role of "manager."
The memories in his mind told him that in the coming years, there would indeed be potential Rookies in the draft, but their draft positions would be too high, and the league would no longer let New York get a bargain.
"Diaw is very suitable for our tactical system. Physical talent doesn't determine everything, and I believe he will have a breakout season with the New York Knicks."
"I regret Dikembe's departure. I know his body can still handle 20 minutes of play."
"I'm glad to see the Houston Rockets make the right choice. Dikembe will bring championship experience to Houston, which might help Tracy McGrady."
"They unfortunately stopped in the first round this year. I hope the Houston Rockets can go further next season!"
Lee waved to the diligently training Grant Hill while simply answering the reporter's questions.
The big man Wright still had one year left on his contract, and the New York Knicks hadn't found a suitor yet.
Gadzuric, the mood-setter, will become the second center next season, and Anderson Varejão will also get more playing time.
Hearing Lee talk about the New York Knicks' roster, everyone felt that recent commentators seemed to be talking nonsense.
The defending champions were still very competitive!
The New York Post was more concerned with the income from Lee's lifetime contract.
For New York Knicks fans, opponents were all weak, so it was better to chat about how much money Lee had after dinner.
"Lee, can you reveal the specific details of the contract? Many fans are very curious."
One should not show off one's wealth.
Lee smiled at everyone and simply replied:
"It's not comparable to Michael Jordan. Michael Jordan has already transcended the attribute of basketball shoes. My brand is just starting."
"Before the start of the new season, there will be a new product launch. By then, I should be a father. Everyone remember to support it, and I will answer more questions."
On the training ground, Ron Artest, who was practicing shooting with the trainer, saw everyone surrounding Lee with endless questions and immediately stepped forward to interfere:
"Those commentators are blind! Our roster is even more complete next season. No one is our opponent!"
Ron Artest, shirtless, immediately started boasting, seemingly having forgotten being chanted "MVP" by fans a while ago.
Everyone shifted their focus.
Grant Hill also came over.
After losing weight, his body looked a little thinner.
He could now run and jump, essentially free from injuries.
Grant Hill, hands on hips and wiping sweat, walked with Lee towards the locker room, chatting about the recent free agency market:
"I originally wanted to persuade Dikembe Mutombo to stay in New York, but the team really couldn't guarantee his playing time."
"Should we recruit Michael Finley? He seems to be waiting for our response."
It was almost the end of the month, and there was still no concrete news about Michael Finley.
Lee hadn't been paying attention to these things, but upon hearing Grant Hill's interest, he simply said:
"We can certainly talk to Michael Finley. I remember the mid-level exception hasn't been used, and the team shouldn't mind a little more expenditure."
Grant Hill pulled out his phone, thought for a moment, then put it back in his locker.
He stroked his chin and said with an uncertain tone:
"Maybe I should go to Chicago!"
Lee shrugged, indicating that this task was for Grant Hill, as he had no interest in recruiting players in person.
Willing to humble himself, Grant Hill felt that with Michael Finley joining the team, the bench lineup would be no worse than in previous seasons.
Having won another championship, Grant Hill felt he should contribute more and finally said earnestly:
"I believe Michael Finley will definitely join the team!"
On August 21, commentators finally saw photos of Lee training.
ESPN released photos of Clay Lee and Ron Artest in one-on-one training.
Die-hard fans were completely relieved.
From the photos, Lee's physique was still very lean, with no signs of becoming fat.
Recently, British media had been constantly reporting news of Lee and girls eating and drinking in Manchester, which led many commentators to spread rumors, judging from daily photos that Lee's weight had exceeded 100kg.
The battle for Michael Finley continued.
Popovich and Duncan had already turned into "sycophants," and the San Antonio Spurs management was also actively involved.
Amar'e Stoudemire, who joined the Phoenix Suns, went to Chicago with Steve Nash to make promises.
Kevin Garnett, free from the championship point guard, also flew to Chicago to try and persuade Michael Finley to join him in a grand endeavor.
Under these circumstances, the Chicago Tribune reported that Michael Finley had still not made a decision and reiterated that he did not care about salary and was willing to accept any role!
On Monday, the 22nd, Wade returned to his hometown to recruit on behalf of the Miami Heat.
Soon, sports media also spotted Kobe, as it seemed the Lakers were also interested in Michael Finley.
Just when many sports media thought Michael Finley wouldn't make a decision immediately, the news the next day proved them wrong.
On Wednesday, the 24th, Michael Finley, in an interview with ESPN, proactively revealed his choice:
"Next season, I will join the New York Knicks. Being able to fight alongside Lee, I believe this is the right choice!"
"New York made me feel their sincerity. I can help the team, and honestly, I want to fly to the New York Knicks' training camp right now!"
Looking at Michael Finley, who resembled a "laborer," with a satisfied smile on his face, many reporters were speechless:
"Where is the sincerity?"
In the morning, Grant Hill and Michael Finley met at a restaurant, and before noon, the news of him joining the defending champions was out.
Lee didn't participate in the recruitment at all, yet Michael Finley came to him, acting like a "sycophant," completely abandoning his star player demeanor.
With only Grant Hill from the New York Knicks, the sincerity was clearly lacking!
It's worth noting that the San Antonio Spurs had been involved in the recruitment since the beginning of the month.
Popovich and Duncan flew to Chicago early, and a group of management personnel also came.
The Phoenix Suns had Michael Finley's good friend, and Kevin Garnett, as the team's leader, also showed him great respect!
Facing such a choice, the recruiters were truly speechless.
The battle for Michael Finley finally concluded, with the New York Knicks acquiring the aging All-Star.
When this news was officially confirmed on Thursday, it was Gary Payton who was particularly upset.
Gary Payton, who was still waiting for news in Boston, was furious when he saw the news.
When asked by the Boston Globe, the veteran angrily stated:
"The league's atmosphere is getting worse and worse! We shouldn't take shortcuts."
...
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