Chapter 1 "You Know, Sue, I Thought About It for Two Whole Nights Before Meeting You."

Philadelphia, in a basketball hall that Su Feng rented long-term. Looking at Su Feng, who was practicing three-point shots on the court, Pat Krause had a sense of detachment that felt like a lifetime.

"But after seeing you, I knew that no matter how I tried to persuade you next, you definitely wouldn't change your mind.

Because in a sense, geniuses are all paranoid.

If Su had really compromised, he wouldn't have jumped on the technical table in Chicago last year and announced to the world that he was going to defeat Michael Jordan." Krause continued, walking to Su Feng's side.

"Actually, you had already made a decision before you came, didn't you?" Su Feng looked sideways at Krause and said.

"Is there really no room for maneuver?" Krause asked unwillingly.

"If someone has to give way, why does that person have to be me?" Su Feng gave Krause a Melo-like smile and said.

In fact, Su Feng knew better than anyone else that this conversation between him and Krause was unlikely to have any results.

Perhaps in the future, someone would question the 76ers' choice in the summer of 1998, but such questioning would never happen now.

Because not everyone has God's perspective, and not everyone is Logo Man.

Even without Brown, the 76ers made it all the way to the Eastern Conference semifinals this season, and fought the Pacers for seven games...

But in the end, Cheeks was Brown's assistant coach, and the 76ers' defensive system this season was indeed built by Brown.

In the '90s, how many youngsters dared to tear Brown apart like Su Feng?

Just like people are saying now, Jordan needs Phil Jackson and Pippen no matter how strong he is...

As early as when he tore Brown apart, Su Feng knew that if he couldn't complete the nightmare dungeon of "Old Rogue" for the second time this season, then unless he was willing to swallow his anger, it would be time to say goodbye to this 76ers team.

It seemed that the conflict between Su Feng and Brown wasn't big at first, but sometimes, unresolved conflicts are the real conflicts.

Therefore, Su Feng, who knew the 76ers' management very well during this period, never placed his hope on them suddenly becoming smarter from the beginning.

However, Su Feng didn't expect Krause to be such an interesting person.

You know, "not understanding basketball" has never been Krause's shortcoming.

Because precisely because he knew he didn't understand basketball, he was more willing to listen to other people's suggestions.

Back then, on the eve of trading Su Feng, it was Davis's suggestion that made Krause determined.

However, sometimes relying too much on other people's suggestions is not necessarily a good thing.

In the near future, Krause would recall this conversation with Su Feng in the summer of 1998 countless times.

"Trade me."

Knowing that Krause's personality was sometimes indecisive, Su Feng didn't want to embarrass this man of sentiment.

And looking at Su Feng's clear eyes, Krause was stunned.

It was only then that Krause realized that Su Feng was truly understanding.

Moreover, after Su Feng rationally analyzed his trade value for him, Krause admitted that he regretted it.

However, as the saying goes, an arrow shot has no turning back.

Knowing that the conflict between Su Feng and Brown could not be reconciled, Krause ultimately did not muster the courage to pay the price that would make Su Feng change his mind.

However, after staring at Su Feng for a few seconds, Krause didn't want to hide it from Su Feng anymore.

"Actually... we are already negotiating with several teams regarding your trade." Krause sighed.

Because of the particularity of the 98/99 season, under the widely rumored premise that the NBA was very likely to introduce a hard salary cap next season, in fact, most teams' operations regarding the next season had already begun.

If you want to complete operations in the draft, the two parties in the trade must communicate in advance.

And once teams reach a verbal agreement before the start of the draft, you can basically understand it as an official announcement.

Just like the Lakers letting the Mavericks help them choose Kobe the year before last, and the Celtics completing a PY deal with the Nets in advance last year. (PY = unspoken deal)

Verbal agreements are a rule among NBA team's management.

Of course, you can also say that unsigned paper is toilet paper, but whether or not there will be teams willing to trade with you in the future is another matter.

"Is that so?"

On the court, looking at Krause, Su Feng didn't feel very surprised.

After all, Su Feng knew how many sinister old foxes in this martial world (jianghu) had been staring at him.

No, with Riley and Karl's wolf-like speeches, there are actually still fools who believe they aren't wolves?

It has to be said that if you also treat reality as a game of werewolf, you will find that sometimes...

There are really a lot of fools.

"Well... actually, before coming to meet you, I had already made a choice among these teams competing for you." Krause patted Su Feng on the shoulder and said.

Listening to Krause's words, Su Feng curiously sized him up for a few seconds.

Su Feng now felt that Krause was becoming more and more wonderful.

Because in Su Feng's view, Krause didn't really need to reveal so much to him.

"Do you know, when those teams sent in offer after offer, Berlin Burger and Larry Brown were dumbfounded...

It's unbelievable, the Heat are actually willing to send Alonzo Mourning for you, and the Sonics are willing to send Gary Payton...

These players who are famous throughout the league seem to have become like Chinese cabbage in front of you." Krause laughed.

Although he didn't have the courage to bear the cost of keeping Su Feng alone, in Krause's view, these teams that had sent offers to the 76ers were undoubtedly the greatest recognition of his appreciation for Su Feng back then.

He, Pat Krause, hadn't misjudged back then.

"Sue, do you want to know the choice I finally made?" After teasing these teams, Krause suddenly looked at Su Feng seriously and said.

Although Krause and Berlin Burger had a clear division of labor in basketball matters, this time the decision on Su Feng's trade, with equal chips, was made by Krause.

Therefore, after completely opening up the conversation with Su Feng, Krause, who felt indebted to Su Feng, planned to tell him frankly.

Since it was a peaceful breakup, why not tell Su Feng the result in advance so that he could prepare himself mentally?

If, in the eyes of Berlin Burger and Larry Brown, players were just players, then in the eyes of Krause, who "didn't understand basketball," he really regarded Su Feng as a friend.

Su Feng nodded, because to be honest, he really wanted to know where his next stop was.

After all...

After this season, Su Feng knew very well that the two major bosses, the Lakers and Celtics, would be hurdles that he had to overcome for a long time to come.

And just as Su Feng was thinking about his future...

After taking a deep breath, Krause said his answer.

"Toronto Raptors."

"!!!"

…

Let's not talk about the little friends in Su Feng's heart for the time being.

A few hours ago, in the 76ers' general manager's office, when Pat Krause made the decision to trade with the Raptors, Berlin Burger hesitated.

It wasn't that the Raptors' offer wasn't good enough this time, but Berlin Burger knew very well how bad Brown's relationship with Davis was.

"Why does it have to be the Raptors?" Berlin Burger asked Krause.

"Why can't it be the Raptors?" Krause asked back.

"They are willing to send Marcus Camby, Doug Christie, and John Wallace.

Marcus is the second pick of '96. Even if he can't play in our team, we can use him to trade for our favorite players after the start of next season.

John has extremely strong athleticism. His physique can bring us different vitality.

And didn't you say that after Su leaves, there will be a blank space on our front line next season?

Doug is a recognized defensive expert and also has certain offensive capabilities. Isn't he the best supplement to us after Su leaves?" Krause added after doing his homework seriously.

And after Krause gave reasons that seemed almost impeccable to Berlin Burger...

Even Berlin Burger had to admit that the Raptors' offer was indeed very sincere this time.

Because if Larry Brown hadn't clearly stated that he wanted immediate combat power and not rookies in this trade, then Toronto...

John Davis was even willing to use McGrady and the fourth overall pick in the 1998 draft that they had recently drawn to trade.

Of course, in fact, the Heat's and Sonics' offers were also very sincere.

However, after the 76ers expressed their willingness to trade Su Feng, John Davis, who was the first to come to the door, reminded Krause of too many beautiful memories of that 76ers team in the summer of 1997.

In addition, Krause had promised Davis before that he would provide certain assistance when Davis had needs. Therefore, after the Raptors showed their sincerity, Krause had already made a choice.

Although Su Feng, who was still on his rookie contract, couldn't decide his fate this time, in Krause's view, if he went to John Davis's team, Su Feng would definitely be very happy, right?

To put it bluntly, regarding Su Feng and Davis, and Stakhouse, Krause wasn't as cold-blooded as Berlin Burger and Larry Brown.

In Krause's eyes, who felt guilty, whether it was to fulfill his previous promise to Davis, or from Su Feng's perspective, at least this time, he hoped that the object of the 76ers' trade would be the Raptors.

"But, in this case, won't Larry be unhappy?" Berlin Burger muttered.

"Unhappy?

I don't understand basketball, but would Larry be happy if we sent Su to the Heat, to our direct competitors?

As for the Sonics, if the Sonics make it to the Finals before us next season, then think about what people will say about us.

The reason I agreed to trade Su is not because Su is not strong enough, but because I think your suggestion is very reasonable.

After all, Larry is a famous coach, and even if we use Su for trade, the chips we exchange will only make our fighting power stronger.

You know, in my personal opinion, I have never agreed to this trade.

I only agreed to your suggestion out of the team's construction, and in the situation where a choice had to be made between Larry and Su.

So, if Larry is unhappy this time, then let him adjust himself." Krause said to Berlin Burger with a tough attitude.

And a few minutes later, after communicating with Larry Brown, to Berlin Burger's surprise, Larry Brown...

Actually expressed approval of this trade.

"Okay, I think you're right, Pat." Berlin Burger looked at Krause with an awkward expression.

"My dear old friend, maybe I don't understand basketball as well as you, but I understand people's hearts better than you." Krause patted Berlin Burger on the back and said.

Krause knew very well that Brown could not be dissatisfied with this trade.

Because Larry Brown is not stupid.

Regardless of whether Krause was doing it for PY reasons (personal connection), or from a rationality standpoint, the Raptors were the 76ers' best trade partner this time.

First of all, among the Raptors' chips, Christie's existence put them in an advantageous position.

Secondly, putting Su Feng in those strong teams?

Wake up, no matter how much Brown breaks face with Su Feng, he is still very clear about Su Feng's strength.

He didn't want to be slapped in the face by Su Feng next season.

The routine in novels does not exist here with him, Brown.

With that broken team, the Raptors, after giving the 76ers three main players in one go this time, next season, in Brown's eyes, the Raptors are still a team diving for the "No. 1 pick".

So, in Brown's view, if Su Feng has to blame, then he can only blame himself for not only being unwilling to make changes, but also daring to openly tear him apart!

He, Brown, had also given Su Feng "patience" and "love".

But since Su Feng liked John Davis so much, then watching these two teachers and disciples finish at the bottom together, crying in each other's arms, tell me, why not?

Well...

In Su Feng's previous life, Brown doing this kind of schadenfreude wasn't a day or two.

Take Iverson and Marbury as examples. The former, after wandering around in the future, under Brown's "inspiration", finally compromised with Brown.

As for Marbury, since receiving an education in China, what about those evaluations that Larry Brown made of Marbury?

Heh...

Don't believe it when I say it, in Marbury's heart, Min Lulei can leave Larry Brown ten streets behind.

…

Speaking of which, just as Brown was imagining in his mind the scene of Su Feng bowing his head to him and admitting his mistakes in the future...

On the other side, after being spoiled by Krause in advance about his destination, Su Feng didn't know whether the Raptors would finish at the bottom next season, but anyway...

He had already seen the championship waving to him.

It has to be said that Krause's spoiler was really crucial.

Because knowing that he would be traded to the Raptors in the draft, Su Feng roughly obtained a few interesting pieces of information from Krause.

First of all, the Raptors' management's trade application must have been initiated by Davis.

After all, being able to offer such crazy chips to trade for himself, if it wasn't Davis who persuaded the Raptors' management, then Su Feng wouldn't believe that the Raptors' management had this vision.

So, in other words, Davis can influence the Raptors' management to a certain extent.

And Davis being able to influence the Raptors' management doesn't mean that he, Su Feng, can influence the Raptors' management?

Don't look at the Raptors, a small broken team, with no money and no market for the time being, but...

This life's McGrady is simply Su Feng's perfect Pippen candidate.

Secondly, this Raptors team is still holding the fourth overall pick in the 1998 draft, and on this pick, with Krause already spoiling it for him, Su Feng can suggest that the Raptors not change their choice because of him.

Although it is a good choice to choose Nowitzki or Pierce with this pick, in terms of immediate combat power, no one in the 1998 rookie class can compare to Vince Carter.

In Su Feng's previous life, Carter's completion rate was already extremely high when he entered the NBA.

He was able to put up All-Star numbers in his rookie season, and in his second season, he ignited the entire Canada's enthusiasm for basketball with his name as half-man, half-god.

With the Lakers and Celtics destined to become bosses in the future, and Jordan likely not retiring, if you were to say which team has the most potential to compete with these bosses in the future, then in Su Feng's view...

The answer is the Raptors.

Poor?

It doesn't matter, anyway, Su Feng doesn't plan to stay in Toronto for a lifetime.

But whether it's Carter, McGrady, or himself, the Raptors can continue to earn a wave of rookie benefits next season.

And even if he renews his contract with the Raptors in the 99/00 season, in that year, Carter will only be a sophomore.

As for the future in case Tracy's younger brother leaves because of the Raptors' poverty problem, Su Feng has already prepared a replacement for him.

In short, this Raptors team only needs to level up for one year in the next five to six years, and then, they will all be the most powerful contenders for the championship.

And with no one being able to defend against Shaq and Duncan, Su Feng happens to have a crazy and bold idea to play with them.

As the saying goes, a setback may turn out to be a blessing in disguise.

When he learned that he would be traded to the Raptors, the only thing that made Su Feng a little unhappy and worried about was probably that "Answer"...

Just like Krause didn't hide it from Su Feng.

Su Feng also didn't plan to tell Iverson this cruel but inevitable truth at the last moment.

"No... if I bring my talent to Toronto, wouldn't that be half-brother basketball?

And if I go back to Philadelphia after playing in the Raptors for a few years in the future, because Philadelphia is half my home in this life, wouldn't that be hometown basketball?

If I go to Los Angeles to buy a school district house in the future, then I'm taking...

It's really the script of the emperor?"

To be honest, when Su Feng thought of the Lakers and Celtics fighting for hegemony, Su Feng always felt that he had been arranged by an invisible hand in the dark.

And just as Su Feng was lamenting the poisonous nature of the nickname "the.king," that day, Ben also came to him to practice basketball.

"What did you say? You're going to be traded?" In the gym, Ben looked at Su Feng with a dumbfounded expression.

"Yeah." Su Feng nodded.

"Then can you tell me where you're going to be traded to?

I'll go with you, even if it means taking a little less salary."

On the training ground, perhaps fearing that Su Feng would run away in the next second, Ben suddenly used a vow of eternal love and directly locked Su Feng in.

Su Feng: "..."

…

ps: The first part, "Those Philadelphia Stories That Year," ends.

ps: The next part, "Those Toronto Stories That Year," begins.