Chapter 344 A Sudden Turn of Events

Just when everything had calmed down and everyone thought the Pelicans' offseason strengthening was over, Woj dropped another bombshell.

The Pelicans, Clippers, and Pacers had reached a three-way trade!

The Pelicans sent out Louis Williams, receiving Jarrett Allen, the 18th pick of this year's draft, and Alan Anderson (non-guaranteed contract) from the Pacers.

The Clippers sent out Alan Anderson and TJ Leaf, the 17th pick of this year's draft, receiving Louis Williams.

The Pacers sent out Jarrett Allen, receiving TJ Leaf.

At the same time, the Pelicans announced they had waived Nicholson, a player with a non-guaranteed contract they had acquired in a previous trade.

This news stirred up another wave of heated discussion among fans.

After Jrue Holiday, Jokic, and Ariza, another championship-winning contributor to the Pelicans was traded!

Moreover, according to Woj's report, this wasn't the Pelicans' last trade.

There was unease within the Pelicans, and endless speculation from the outside world.

Was it really as the fans were saying on social media? That Adam Silver's return had thrown Dell Demps off balance, and the Pelicans were really about to fall apart!

New York Headquarters.

"We have to stop them, they're clearing salary cap space! They're going to trade Boban next!"

Borgia reacted quickly, realizing what the Pelicans were doing, and immediately reported to Adam Silver.

"What are they going to do clearing cap space?"

Adam Silver was still puzzled. Trading Ariza was reasonable; with Butler, they wouldn't need him anymore.

That was why they previously thought the Pelicans wouldn't have any further moves.

But now, trading Williams was indeed puzzling, especially since there was no one left on the free agent market.

"Kemba Walker, he hasn't officially signed yet!"

Borgia gave his guess.

Although Walker had been linked to the Celtics, and hadn't had any contact with the Pelicans since free agency opened.

But Walker and Tang Tian's relationship was undeniable, and the fact that he hadn't officially signed with the Celtics yet meant he was likely waiting for the Pelicans!

Only Walker would be worth the Pelicans trading away low-salary, high-efficiency players like Ariza and Williams!

And that could be seen from the fact that they only acquired interior players in the trades for Ariza and Williams.

Kuzma and Allen, a power forward and a center, plus David West and Diaw, who might re-sign.

The Pelicans' next move would definitely be to trade Boban!

He even suspected that the reason the Pelicans dared to use Jrue Holiday as a bargaining chip to trade for Butler was that they had already reached an agreement with Walker!

Adam Silver suddenly realized it.

If Walker went to the Pelicans, no team would be their opponent!

Tang Tian had led the team to a championship with last season's lineup; if it were a four-star Pelicans team, the other teams wouldn't even need to play.

Even if he wanted to help the Warriors or the Cavaliers, they wouldn't be able to beat the Pelicans!

In other words, if Walker went to the Pelicans, the NBA would really be over next season.

That "over" wasn't just about who would win the championship; a season without suspense, a series of sweeps, the NBA's ratings would definitely plummet.

He didn't care about anything else, but if the owners earned less money during his probationary period, and the benefits he had promised couldn't be delivered, anyone with half a brain would know he would be forced to step down again.

This damn Pelicans team was trying to ruin him!

"I'll call Ballmer."

Adam Silver turned and went to make a call.

He had to stop this trade, and make sure that all the other teams wouldn't trade with the Pelicans anymore.

That way, the Pelicans wouldn't be able to clear cap space, and signing Walker would be out of the question.

The Pelicans could stall, but Walker couldn't. A friendly personal relationship couldn't compare to real money, especially when it was a contract worth tens or even hundreds of millions.

A day later, Woj gave the latest news: Louis Williams failed his physical in Los Angeles, and the Pelicans' three-way trade fell through!

This news stirred up another heated discussion among fans.

"Good news! Williams doesn't have to go!"

"But I haven't heard that Williams has any injuries? Or has he been playing through injuries all along?"

"I think it's more likely that the Clippers went back on their word. They set the Pelicans up, so Williams probably won't be able to be traded now!"

"Hehe, have you all forgotten the Pelicans' 58-point massacre against the Clippers so quickly? A gentleman takes his revenge after ten years!"

...

In Tang Tian's manor, Walker, Tang Tian, and Demps were sitting together, discussing.

"Louis' failed physical was very sudden. I contacted other teams, but even if we give him away for free, they're not willing to take him."

Demps said anxiously.

The failed physical made the other teams wary.

"Expected."

Tang Tian was very calm.

Demps looked at him questioningly; Tang Tian hadn't said that before.

"Adam Silver has been dormant for the past six months; it would be strange if he didn't improve at all. He probably talked to the Clippers, which is why this happened."

Tang Tian analyzed.

The Clippers were in Los Angeles; teams in big cities valued profits more, and behind-the-scenes communication was normal.

As for the failed physical, these things were never clear. The Pistons used this method to trick the Rockets back then.

Demps understood after listening; no wonder Williams, who had never been injured before, failed his physical, and the Clippers were able to produce an official failed physical report.

"But in that case, it will be even more difficult to send out Boban's contract later, and we may not be able to clear enough salary cap space."

Demps said, glancing at Walker.

Walker was a completely free agent; the only obstacle to signing him was salary cap space.

"Otherwise, I'll take a pay cut and sign a 1+1 contract."

Walker said.

When Tang Tian called him and asked him to come to the Pelicans, Walker quickly agreed.

The coldness of the free agent market made him feel the cold-bloodedness of the capitalists; he wanted to take revenge on society even more than Tang Tian did.

"A 1+1 contract is okay; that way, we can re-sign him over the cap next year."

Demps nodded immediately.

According to the current situation, the Pelicans only had about 10 million in salary cap space, but they could offer him a max contract if they re-signed him over the cap next year.

That would save more than 10 million, and he was naturally happy to do so.

Tang Tian shook his head.

Letting Walker sign a 10 million contract wasn't just a matter of Walker personally losing more than 10 million.

Next year, with the Big Four, Walker's stats would definitely decline.

Everyone was casually saying that they would give him a max contract now, but when there were good players on the free agent market next year, Demps might not say the same thing.

Demps didn't represent himself; he represented the Pelicans' management.

Tang Tian's commercial value was there; it wouldn't be a problem to give him a big contract, but it was different for Walker.

It would be a bit ridiculous if Walker only got 10 million after playing a peak season.

And Adam Silver would definitely seize on this and try to find a way to stop it.

After all, such a signing would look very abnormal, and it was easy to make up reasons for abnormal things.

"But if we don't do that, Kemba won't be able to come."

Demps said.

Because of Adam Silver's intervention, things had become complicated, and they seemed to have to make a choice, or take some risks.

"I remember you told me before that Adam Silver's vote for reinstatement was exactly 24 votes, right?"

Tang Tian suddenly said.

ps: Special thanks to 油条丶 for the 10,000 reward!!