Road to Glory II

[Valor]

I like the trade. Was never too thrilled about you getting Wade or Smith in the first place, and now your team resembles the current one more. Your team definitely loses out talent-wise, but I never liked the Rose-Wade backcourt fit.

ditto... but goddamn you gave up the farm, especially defensively

It's gonna take a lot of work if i want to remain as the best defensive team in the league

[Valor]

Chapter 14

"Welcome ladies and gentlemen to today's press conference to announce our latest acquisitions." The Bulls team spokesperson announced "The General Manager of the Chicago Bulls, Leo Lai will now speak"
"Thank you. Now, before I introduce to you the newest members of the Chicago Bulls organization, I would like to thank Dwyane Wade and Josh Smith for their brief, but significant contributions in the past season, both on and off the court." Lai stated "The Bulls organization would like to wish them all the best in their future careers"
Lai allowed the audience to give their applause "But now, it is my pleasure to introduce to the community of Chicago, the latest members of the Chicago Bulls"
"The first member needs no real introduction, as he is a former Bull. It is my pleasure to welcome back to Chicago, Kirk Hinrich!"
Everybody clapped and cheered as Hinrich shook hands with Lai and received for the second time in his career, the number 12 Bulls Jersey.
"And now, there is one more introduction that needs to be made." Lai continued "He is a 3 time all-star that was a member of the 2008 USA Redeem Team. A 6-9 power forward out of Duke. It is truly my pleasure in introducing to the city of Chicago today, Carlos Boozer."
Everybody in the room cheered as Boozer shook hands with Lai and head coach Byron Scott before posing with his new Chicago jersey.
Lai and Scott ducked out of the room as Boozer and Hinrich got ready to field questions, Scott gave Lai a hi-five as they walked towards the office.

"Sir, you have a call waiting for you" Lai's secretary said as the two walked into the office "I've put them on hold on your line"
"Thanks, I'll take it now" Lai went to his phone "Hello? This is Leo Lai of the Chicago Bulls"
He listened to the caller "Yes, of course." Lai pause for a moment "....Deal, I'll get the paperwork done by tomorrow morning."

"Let me guess, you got a trade completed" Scott asked "Which one did we trade away"
"Well, seeing as I couldn't get any takers for Luol, I had to settle with trading away our pick from last season" Lai replied with a sigh "We're going to have to work real hard to sign some good players now"
"Well, what was the trade?"
"We sent Evan to the Nets in exchange for their top-3 protected first round pick for next season, and also Sean Williams"
"Knowing the Nets, it's going to be lottery, but Sean Williams? I thought that guy has even more trouble in locker rooms."
"It can't get any worse though can it?" Lai said as he rang up his secretary "Get me a press conference"

✧✧✧✧✧

Lai had successfully solved the chemistry problems in the locker room with the two trades, but the team still had quite a few gaps to fill. With the help of Carlos Boozer, Lai was able to convince Kyle Korver to resign with the team, although at a higher price than last season.

"Totally worth it" Lai thought to himself, the team would need Korver's long range capabilities coming off the bench. Additionally, veteran point guard Jason Williams also agreed to resign after not gaining much interest in the free agent market.

Anthony Morrow had been contacted but he wanted to wait for more offers before deciding whether to return or not. Lai did talk to several veteran players such as Kurt Thomas, Sasha Vujacic and Matt Barnes, but they were either demanding a price that was too high or was just not interested.

With July passing by and August approaching, Lai decided to make a gamble, as he contacted Five time champion Shaquille O'Neal about possibilities of joining the team. Additionally, he also contacted a much lesser known player, one that could yield high returns in the future.

✧✧✧✧✧

"As you can see here, these courts and trophies speak for themselves about the high quality of this organization" Lai was showing Shaquille O'Neal around "We have six right now, and if you come, you can get us that 7th, 8th, or even 9th one"
O'Neal was impressed, but he didn't show it "What makes you think this team can beat everybody else? You don't have that kid Wade no more, you just lost my man J-Smoove. Why would I bet my chances on this ball club when Miami and the Lakers want me back?"
"Because we have the next great player in Derrick Rose" Lai stated boldly "and if you can come here, our team gets that much better"
Lai continued "The fans here in Chicago love you Shaq, this is a city that embodies basketball"
"Or can you not live up to the expectations?"
Shaq smiled, but he didn't want to commit just yet "Give me a week or so, the Shogun will get back to you"

✧✧✧✧✧

A few days has passed and Lai was happy to see the return of Anthony Morrow, he flirted with the ideas of joining LeBron James in Sacramento but ultimately decided to return to Chicago.

Meanwhile, the other player that Lai was pursuiting was undergoing a workout for the Bulls.

Lai walked in and immediately saw the player draining jumpers and making sweet moves to the basket, he caught Byron Scott's eye and motioned for him to come over.
"Well, how does he look?"
"Kid's not half bad, he's got good potential and seems to be very coachable" Scott replied "Still needs a lot of work but at that price I think it's a safe bet to take"
"Alright, send him over when he's done"

"Well, both me and the coaching staff are impressed by your performance" Lai stated "We would like to give you an offer but tell us one thing."
"What do you hope to achieve in the NBA"
The kid looked at Lai straight in the eye "I want to win a championship"
At that, Lai smiled and extended his hand

"You're in"

[Martti.]

You just traded 2 of my favorite players from your team. (Turner & Wade)

At least you still have Noah and Rose.

[Valor]

You just traded 2 of my favorite players from your team. (Turner & Wade)

At least you still have Noah and Rose.

Couldn't help trading Turner, no one was agreeing on any Deng offers...and don't you forget about your main man Kyle Korver

[Martti.]

Valor, well that's true.

[George7]

Great! The team is getting stronger and stronger!

[Valor]

Grading the Deal: Bulls Deal Turner to Nets
July 25th, 2011

It had been two days since the Bulls announced their last offseason transaction, in which they traded away Dwyane Wade and Josh Smith in a three team deal to acquire Kirk Hinrich and Carlos Boozer. Now, two days later, the Chicago Bulls have announced yet another trade, sending last season's number 3 overall pick Evan Turner to the New Jersey Nets for forward Sean Williams and the Nets' top-three protected 2012 first round draft pick.

Again, if by plain view of values, this deal makes absolutely no sense for Chicago.

Turner is coming off a solid rookie campaign, although he had his debut season cut short with an ankle injury for half the season, the Chicago native piled up just over 9 points per game along with nearly 2 and a half rebounds and just over 1.7 dimes in just approximately 18 minutes coming off the bench.

However you look at it, these are some solid numbers for a rookie.

Additionally, Turner came back in the middle of the Bulls playoff series against the Boston Celtics after Luol Deng went down and provided excellent play off the bench. With the exception of the decisive game 7, Turner shot nearly 58% from the field as he chipped in just over 8 points per game over the three game stretch. That's 8 points per game in under 20 minutes of playing time.

So why did the Bulls trade him for so little in return?

The answer is simple, just like the Dwyane Wade situation, there are chemistry issues in the locker room.

There had been numerous rumors and reports over the season that Bulls veteran forward Luol Deng, a former all-star, has had various confrontations with the Ohio State product. These confrontations ranges from verbal jousts to chaotic fistfights.

The Bulls simply could not afford to have these issues on hand if they want to win a championship, and since there is no takers for Luol Deng (or rather, his 12+ million dollar per year contract), Turner gets the axe.

For the Nets, this is simply a tremendous deal, they get a promising rookie in return for a semi-protected first round pick in a relatively weak draft class of 2012, what's even better is that they have sent away the problematic Sean Williams, who is known for not only his athleticism and shot blocking ability, but also for his poor work ethic and bad attitude.

Grade for Bulls: C
Grade for Nets: A

[Valor]

Bulls Resign Korver, Williams
July 30th, 2011

The Chicago Bulls have announced the resigning of swingman Kyle Korver and
guard Jason Williams, ESPN reported earlier today.

Korver will return in a 2 year deal that is worth approximately $2.5 million, and has a team
option for the third year while the veteran point guard known as White Chocolate will return
for one year at the veteran minimum.

Korver, a 8 year veteran out of Creighton, is one of the NBA's best at shooting the long ball.
He had a down year last season for the Chicago Bulls, averaging just 3.3 points per game on
a mere .383 from the field, the lowest average since his rookie season (.352), but Chicago
has confidence that the sharpshooter can regain his rhythm this season.

On the other hand, the 35 year old, 12 year veteran Jason Williams will continue to provide a
solid veteran presence in the Bulls locker room. More importantly, he will be able to continue
mentoring the Bulls' star point guard Derrick Rose. A former NBA Champion, Williams was one
of the NBA's best point guards as a member of the Sacramento Kings, he was nicknamed White
Chocolate due to his spectacular ball handling and passing abilities.

Chicago's roster now stands at 11, the NBA minimum requirement is 13.

[rise]

These trades are terrible. You couldn't get anything more?

[Valor]

These trades are terrible. You couldn't get anything more?

If i could, i would've

[Houndy]

Did you try attaching a 1st rounder to Deng,? You wouldn't need it if you win the finals...

[Valor]

Did you try attaching a 1st rounder to Deng,? You wouldn't need it if you win the finals...

Deng's contract is the main reason, deals wont work under the salary cap restraints if it's like equal value or even me giving up more for less, and if salaries are similar the trade is completely one-sided and...
1. CPU won't accept
2. I wouldn't want to make it

[Lamrock]

Turrible. Williams is a scrub and I thought the reason (for you) to get rid of Wade was so Turner could start. That said, I like the Korver signing, as it happened in real life and fills a need.

[Valor]

Turrible. Williams is a scrub and I thought the reason (for you) to get rid of Wade was so Turner could start. That said, I like the Korver signing, as it happened in real life and fills a need.

Yea, I know he's a scrub, and i probably won't play him much anyways, might even send him to the dleague but chemistry does come into play when considering the deal...but yes, keeping Korver fills a need as well as keeping it close to real life

[kibaxx7]

IMO, terrible as well. Turner was one of my favs in your team, despite Korver and Morrow onboard.

At least you got Booz.

[Valor]

Anthony Morrow Returns to Chicago
August 2nd, 2011


The Chicago Bulls have successfully come to terms with Free Agent Anthony Morrow
on a two year deal worth approximately $2.1 million, the team had announced earlier this morning.

Morrow, a 6'5" guard from Georgia Tech, is one of the NBA's best pure shooters. He joined the Bulls
in early February last season and finished the season averaging 6.5 points on .408 shooting from the
field, he connected on .347 from three and was almost automatic from the free throw line (.937) in
his 36 games played for Chicago.

Morrow spent the past four weeks considering offers from several teams, including New York,
Cleveland, Indiana and Detroit. Most offered longer deals with more security, but little shot at
title contention.

[Valor]

IMO, terrible as well. Turner was one of my favs in your team, despite Korver and Morrow onboard.

At least you got Booz.

I think it's terrible myself, but chemistry was affecting the play on court (noticeably more sloppy plays, turnovers, miss passes, shots dont go even if its wide open...etc) and half the roster was upset...now it's a lot better

[kibaxx7]

I must admit, that's one of the reasons I turned Team Chemistry off until now. But will use it on 2k11 for more realism...

[megarover]

I guess if that's the best you can do trade wise you go for it.

[Valor]

Bulls Sign Free Agent Guard Jeremy Lin
August 3rd, 2011


The Chicago Bulls have signed free agent guard Jeremy Lin to a two-year deal, the
team announced today.

The deal is a guaranteed contract approximately worth a total of $1.50 million over
the course of two seasons, the team holds the option for a third season.

Lin, a 6-foot-3, 200-pound combo guard out of Harvard, was undrafted in the 2010
NBA draft despite averaging 12.9 points, 4.3 rebounds and 3.5 assists in 115 career
outings for Harvard, and became the first player in Ivy League history to record at
least 1,450 points, 450 rebounds, 400 assists and 200 steals.

However, Lin was not discouraged, as he went for a stint in the China Basketball
Association where he dominated, averaging nearly 26 points and 6 assists per game,
and caught the eye of Chicago's prospect scouts. The Bulls invited Lin for a workout a
few days ago and it was then that a deal was made.

Lin is the first Asian-American player ever to be signed by the Chicago Bulls.

"I consider myself a basketball player more than an Asian-American," said Lin "I'm ready
to play at this level and I appreciate the support of the Asian community."

The last Asian player that played for the Bulls was Sun Yue, who played for Chicago last
season and averaged 1.6 points, 0.6 rebounds and 0.7 assists in 2.7 minutes per game
over 30 games played.

[Clutch]

THIEF! j/k

Lin should help add at least a little depth back to the massive VOID of a backcourt; hopefully anyways

while i'm in agreement with the masses regarding your 'turrible' off-season moves, i do respect your making them and sticking with it. Being able to make the tough decision, taking the flak and forging ahead requires balls - the mark of a seasoned Dynasty/Assoc. Maker

[Valor]

THIEF! j/k

Lin should help add at least a little depth back to the massive VOID of a backcourt; hopefully anyways

while i'm in agreement with the masses regarding your 'turrible' off-season moves, i do respect your making them and sticking with it. Being able to make the tough decision, taking the flak and forging ahead requires balls - the mark of a seasoned Dynasty/Assoc. Maker

Haha, i could say the same to you with your "steal" of Noah
jks aside, Thanks for the kind comments I still remember the "beating" you took for trading Deron Williams for Shane Battier in your old Rockets one

[Clutch]

heh that was nothin'! wait til I reveal the Warriors' latest Noah-for-Brian Cardinal trade... OH SHHNAP!

btw, Noah was an FA (like Lin for you) so technically both were fair game

[Valor]

heh that was nothin'! wait til I reveal the Warriors' latest Noah-for-Brian Cardinal trade... OH SHHNAP!

btw, Noah was an FA (like Lin for you) so technically both were fair game

Yup, I'll forgive you for that, but def not if you're trading him for Brian Cardinal (dw, i know you're joking..or are you?)

[Valor]

Billups returns to Motor City
08/01/11


The Detroit Pistons have announced a deal with the Denver Nuggets that will see
the return of their former finals MVP back to the Motor City. ESPN reported earlier today.

Billups, now entering his 17th NBA campaign, will head back to the city that he had played in
for just over 6 seasons. In return for the 5 time all-star, the Nuggets will be receiving guard
Rodney Stuckey and the Pistons' 2012 top 5 protected first round pick.

Detroit is clearly in full rebuilding mode after the Ben Gordon - Charlie Villanueva signings did
not pan out in the 2009-10 season, Gordon was traded to New Orleans at the all-star break last
season while Villanueva is rumored to be in the hot seat. More than anything, it is the huge
expiring contract that Billups has attached to him that propelled this deal.

The Nuggets, on the otherhand, will look to get younger and add building blocks such as Stuckey
and stockpile potential lottery picks as they will most likely move on from the Carmelo Anthony era,
Anthony is still on the market but it's unlikely that he will resign with Denver.

_____________________________________________________________________

Big Z, Mo Joins LeBron in Sacramento Following Trade
08/05/11


Rejoice, Zydrunas Ilgauskas and Mo Williams, you are no longer on the 21 win Cavaliers team.

Or should I say, rejoice, you are now reunited with your King James?

The Sacramento Kings have announced the acquisition of Cavaliers center Zydrunas Ilgauskas and
guard Maurice "Mo" Williams in return for Omri Casspi, Beno Udrih, and Francisco Garcia.

Williams and Ilgauskas were Kings' star forward LeBron James' teammates back in his days with the
Cleveland Cavaliers, and sources close to the Kings said that LeBron pushed for this deal. The Kings
have refused to comment on the issue.

Omri Casspi headlines the three players that will be joining the Cavaliers in this deal, a 6-9 forward
from Israel, Casspi was drafted 23rd overall by the Kings and became the first Israeli player selected
as a first round draft pick. Prior to joining the NBA Casspi had won a Euroleague Championship in 2005
and had finished in fourth place in voting for the FIBA Europe Young Men's Player of the Year Award for
the 2008–09 season.

_____________________________________________________________________

Wizards Sign Andrei Kirilenko
08/06/11


The Washington Wizards have announced the signing of former Jazz forward Andrei Kirilenko,
per team poilcy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Being one of the best and most versatile defenders in the NBA, Kirilenko will provide immediate upgrades
on that end of the floor for the Washington Wizards and form a formidable trio with an already tough duo
of Chris Bosh and Gilbert Arenas.

This is a win-win situation for both sides as Kirilenko gets the money that he wasn't going to get in Utah,
and the Wizards upgrade big time in their hopes of challenging the upper echelons of the Eastern Conferece.
Washington was knocked out of the playofs in the first round by the Chicago Bulls last season.

The only knock on this signing is that there may be more gun-related jokes and pranks in the Wizards locker
room, as Gilbert Arenas, known for his infamous gun incident, now obtains a teammate with the nickname AK-47.

David Stern is not pleased

_____________________________________________________________________

Tracy McGrady Goes to Denver
08/08/11


Free agent guard/forward Tracy McGrady has agreed to a three year deal with the Denver Nuggets,
according to a source close to the team.

The deal will pay the former All-Star approximately 17 million dollars over the course of the three seasons.

As a member of the Knicks in the 2010-11 season, McGrady averaged 18 points, 4.8 rebounds and 3.4 assists
per game. The numbers are an improvement over his career lows averages in the previous two seasons, but are
still below his career averages by a fair bit.

McGrady fielded offers from the likes of the Chicago Bulls, the Detroit Pistons and the Indiana Pacers, but
ultimately decided on going to Denver.

_____________________________________________________________________

Dirk Nowitzki remains in Dallas
08/11/11


As predicted, Dirk Nowitzki has resigned with the Dallas Mavericks. The deal is believed to be a
3 year deal worth approximately $42 million, but per team policy, the Mavericks have not announced details.

A former NBA Most Valuable Player, Dirk Nowitzki has career averages of over 23 points per game and just
under 9 rebounds per game. The 7 foot sweet shooting big man out of Germany was drafted by the Milwaukee
Bucks with the 9th overall pick in the 1998 NBA draft before being traded on draft-night to the Dallas Mavericks,
where he has spent all of his 14 NBA seasons.

In a related move, the Mavericks have also signed center Marc Gasol to a 5 year deal worth approximately $43 million.

_____________________________________________________________________

"The Decision" 2011 version: Melo chooses Milwaukee
08/11/11


Following weeks and weeks of speculation, the 2011 edition of "The Decision" featuring
Carmelo Anthony has been decided.

The all-star forward will join forces with Derrick Favors, Andrew Bogut, Brandon Jennings and
Michael Redd in Milwaukee as part of the Milwaukee Bucks.

Following his friend LeBron James' footsteps, Carmelo Anthony announced his choice of signing in a
special televised presentation produced by ESPN know as "The Decision".

Carmelo's deal is a four year deal worth approximately $77 million and he holds a player option
for the 5th season.

_____________________________________________________________________

Shaq Signs One-Year Deal With Chicago
08/13/11


Five time NBA Champion Shaquille O'Neal has signed a one year deal worth approximately
two million dollars with the Chicago Bulls, the Bulls announced today.

O’Neal, a 7’1” center, posted averages of 13.1 points, 5.4 rebounds and 1.1 blocks per game last
season playing for the Golden State Warriors and the Los Angeles Lakers. He ended the season as
a member of the championship winning Lakers squad.

"I said I was going to retire, but after I helped Kobe win his 6th I realized I had a lot left in the
tank" said O'Neal "I'm coming here to Chicago to help D-Rose win his first"

"I still got about two good years in me left"


_____________________________________________________________________

San Antonio adds Oden, Smith to team
08/14/11


The San Antionio Spurs have announced that they have signed free agents Greg Oden and
JR Smith. Per team policy, terms of the deals were not disclosed.

Sources close to the team indicated that both were 4 year deals, with Oden's worth approximately
$46 million and Smith's being worth slightly less at $39 million.

Oden and Smith will fill huge voids at the two guard and center position, where the projected starters
before the signings were George Hill and rookie Octavius Ocho respectively.

The Spurs are clearly looking to make a final run at the title in the Tim Duncan era, and this should
improve their chances considerably.

_____________________________________________________________________

Nuggets Sign Zach Randolph
08/14/11


After Carmelo Anthony had bolted to the Milwaukee Bucks, the Nuggets have decided to
replace the 'superstar void' that Anthony had left behind by signing forward Zach Randolph.

The forward's contract is approximately 5 years and just over $64 million.

Randolph will join Tracy McGrady, Ty Lawson and Nene to form a solid core in the post-Anthony era.

A 6-9 power forward of Michigan State, Zach Randolph averaged 21.2 points and just under 10
rebounds per game last season for the Memphis Grizzlies.

_____________________________________________________________________

Jason Richardson Returns to Golden State
08/14/11


The Golden State Warriors have announced the return of former Warriors fan favourite
Jason Richardson.

A 6'6", 225 lb. shooting guard/small forward, Richardson was taken by the Golden State Warriors as
the fifth overall pick in the 2001 NBA Draft. He is regarded as one of the NBA's most demonstrative
dunkers, winning the NBA Slam Dunk crown in 2002 and 2003.

The long time captain of the Warriors, Richardson organized a letter of apology to Warrior fans after
the team failed to make the playoffs for the 12th straight season. The letter ran in several Bay Area
newspapers. The following year, Richardson helped lead the Warriors to their first playoff game in
13 years. They won in the first round, upsetting the top-seeded Dallas Mavericks.

He was traded to the Charlotte Bobcats in 2007 and moved on to the Phoenix Suns in 2008,
where he has helped in making several deep playoff runs alongside Steve Nash and Amare Stoudemire.

Richardson's deal is speculated to be approximately $44 million dollars over 4 years.