The No.1 Anti-Fans in Basketball
Chapter 509 - 254 I’m back

Chapter 509: Chapter 254 I’m back

...

"What? Han is back in Cleveland?!"

When Rich Paul told James about what was happening outside, James was utterly dumbfounded.

This summer, he had signed a four-year extension with Nike for $80 million, similar in price to his previous contract.

But a shoe contract is like rowing against the current; if you don’t advance, you will fall behind.

Normally, his third contract should have been a lifetime deal with Nike.

Instead, Nike had just signed Durant to a ten-year, $300 million extension.

The contrast in contracts clearly showed that even though Durant hadn’t won the championship last season, Nike was shifting its focus.

This wasn’t surprising, especially since James hadn’t achieved any notable results in the past two years.

Moreover, James’s extension came with a price—he had to comply unconditionally with Nike’s arrangements.

His team had been in talks with Adidas too, but Adidas seemed more interested in another James—James Harden.

In the end, he accepted Nike’s offer, especially after the Nike executives presented him with a blueprint for hometown basketball.

All the struggles he’d been through these years stemmed from "The Decision," and he could reverse it all if he could return to Cleveland and fulfill his championship promise.

"Hometown basketball" would be the warmest Chapter of his story.

Besides the sentimental aspect, Nike would also build the most suitable team around him.

Irving, a Nike rising star, had a flashy playing style but had never been to the playoffs. He needed James, the Nike elder, to lead him.

Love, despite his impressive stats in Minnesota, had also never seen postseason play and was desperate for a bigger stage to prove himself.

James was even ready for "The Decision II," to once again become the focus of the summer.

But now, all of that had been wrecked by Hansen’s trade!

Previous rumors had only temporarily overshadowed him, and he could tolerate that, knowing that as a free agent, it would be his home court when the market opened.

And now you’re telling him Hansen went to Cleveland?!

If Hansen went there, where would he go?

The meaning of "hometown basketball" was rooted in his being a son of Akron, with both Akron and Cleveland being in Ohio.

He certainly couldn’t say he was an American and hence his hometown was the United States, and going to any other team would count, could he?

James’s expression gradually turned fierce as he came back to his senses.

That bastard Hansen had 28 other options; why the hell did he choose Cleveland!

"Apparently, Han wanted to stay in Memphis, and it was the Grizzlies’ owner who traded him over salary issues," Rich Paul said consolingly, seeing the look on James’s face.

"Do you believe that?" James retorted; that bunch in Memphis might buy Han’s excuses, but no one else would.

Rich Paul shook his head: "But one thing is certain, Hansen’s first choice wasn’t to return to Cleveland; otherwise, there was no need for such a fuss."

Now that was effective persuasion; James’s fierce expression gradually eased after Paul finished speaking.

Even though he knew Hansen hadn’t chosen to go back to Cleveland himself, James still couldn’t feel any joy.

After all, this meant Hansen had blocked his path; he couldn’t return to Cleveland now!

"The people from Nike have been in contact with me. They’re discussing Plan B and should have a result soon."

James let out a long sigh of relief when he heard this.

Nike had given him a new contract and would definitely arrange his future.

But right now, he was very annoyed and needed to find a place to vent.

"Contact Diddy and see when his next party is."

...

At this moment, Hansen stood on the balcony of the villa he rented.

Because where he lived wasn’t far from the FedEx Forum, he could see the spectacle at the stadium from here.

As expected, Heisley probably couldn’t take it anymore in Memphis.

If he dares come back now, he might really be treated to some peanuts.

No one dared to mention the prior contract stipulations anymore, including the Grizzlies players.

Of course, even if someone did mention it, no one would believe them.

After all, his departure from Memphis was a settled fact; someone had to be blamed.

But this was a mess Heisley had brought upon himself; although there had been some unpleasantness, Hansen had intended to part ways amicably.

Yet some always overestimated his tolerance.

At that moment, Rondo joined him on the balcony.

Hansen had come out for some fresh air.

They had been watching the draft inside the house earlier.

The Cavaliers unsurprisingly chose Wiggins with the first overall pick in the first round, of course, for the Grizzlies.

Wiggins’ talent was undeniable, but it remained to be seen if he could ditch his thermos once he was in Memphis.

Even though it was different than expected, for Randolph and Guy, this might be a good pick.

"The call went through," Rondo said, holding the phone in his hand.

On the other end was David Griffin.

Because the draft was ongoing and the Cavaliers were the first to pick, it had taken some time to get through.

"Han, I can’t wait to see you!" Griffin’s voice came through the phone, filled with excitement.

One thing had been left out of the many advantages of returning to the Cavaliers—David Griffin.

Hansen had a good impression of the general manager who had once provided him with a locker nameplate, helped him move his stuff, and showed concern for him immediately after an injury.