NBA's King of Talking

Chapter 432 Becoming a Team Advisor

In today's context of exploding salary cap space, DeAndre Jordan's salary of just over $2000 million a year isn't too unacceptable. Even someone like Tristan Thompson, with his 8+8 stat line, earns $1800 million annually. After all, Jordan is an All-NBA center, a First Team All-Star, and in his prime. His current problem is that with the rise of small-ball, he's somewhat falling behind.

In the current competition among the top teams in the league, apart from the Spurs, all the others—whether it's the Warriors, Rockets, or the Cavaliers in the East—initiate their offense with high pick-and-rolls and primarily rely on perimeter offense. Against these teams, DeAndre Jordan's presence doesn't offer much help.

However, DeAndre Jordan still has his place in the regular season against teams that aren't particularly strong in pick-and-roll shooting, such as against the Thunder, where he played a significant role in the paint. But as the team's second-leading player and second-highest paid employee, if he can't perform at a high level, then continuing to keep him becomes less meaningful.

Next season, DeAndre Jordan will turn 30. For a physical, rim-running center, 30 is a watershed moment. If his physical condition declines after that, he will not be able to maintain his competitive form.

Furthermore, for the Clippers, the issue of DeAndre Jordan's contract renewal will arise at the end of next season. He will be 30 years old then, and as a veteran player, will the team renew his contract or not? Giving him a lucrative long-term contract would lock up the team's cap space, while not renewing it would mean he would leave for nothing.

DeAndre Jordan still has a market. The Mavericks really wanted him before, and there was even a farce that happened. It was during that time that the nickname "Jordan the Trustworthy" appeared.

Compared to DeAndre Jordan, Doc Rivers' situation is much more difficult to handle. The Clippers traded draft picks to acquire him, and his role wasn't just head coach, but also part of the team's management. Now, the biggest problem in firing him isn't the contract amount, but finding a replacement. If a suitable replacement can't be found, keeping Doc Rivers might not be the end of the world.

Although Doc Rivers doesn't know how to be flexible, it's true that the Clippers are at a disadvantage against the Warriors, and no matter how he adjusts, it's difficult to change the outcome of the loss.

However, if the Clippers want to acquire a second star, then trading DeAndre Jordan is a no-brainer. And it's not just Jordan; Tobias Harris is also a trade asset, and upgrading him is essential, though not as urgent as trading Jordan and Doc Rivers.

"Art, the boss wants to meet with me alone, saying he has something to discuss!" Jia Fei revealed this information to Art Mayork.

Art Mayork was surprised: "When did this happen?"

“I’ve had missed calls since early this morning, one of which was from him. I think it’s probably related to the team’s upcoming rebuilding plans!” Jia Fei said.

Art Mayork was thrilled. The boss's trust in Jia Fei meant that Lao Li and his team's chances of getting out of there had greatly increased. He really didn't want to see Lao Li spouting platitudes anymore; the guy had absolutely no substance, just empty words. And then there was DeAndre Jordan, acting like he was a center like Shaquille O'Neal, only copying his free throws, not his low-post footwork at all.

On the evening of the 29th, Jia Fei dined with Clippers owner Steve Ballmer at an upscale Chinese restaurant in Los Angeles.

There were only the two of them dining, no one else around. Ballmer ordered a table full of dishes, all of which were Chinese cuisine.

"I heard you like Chinese food, so I asked the waiter to bring out some of their signature dishes. I hope you like them." Ballmer spoke to Jia Fei with a smile, his voice gentle and warm, just like a kind old father.

"Thank you, I really like it, thank you!" No matter how delicious the food was, Jia Fei wasn't actually that picky about food, but he appreciated the effort the person put into it.

The two of them chatted while eating.

Ballmer didn't talk about basketball at first. He and Jia Fei chatted about everything under the sun, from national affairs to their views on people's livelihood and social issues. They talked a lot.

After chatting for an unknown amount of time, Ballmer returned to the topic of basketball, stating that the team wanted to bring in a basketball consultant to specifically handle team operations, and the candidate was "Logo Man" Jerry West. He asked Jia Fei what he thought of this candidate.

Jia Fei was somewhat flattered. His boss had actually sought his opinion on such an important personnel arrangement; he really didn't know what to say. He certainly knew "Logo Man" Jerry West, and he also knew that Logo Man was very skilled at managing NBA teams. In his previous life, the Clippers had acquired the Kawhi Leonard and Paul George duo under Logo Man's management, creating a powerful Clippers team. Of course, it didn't ultimately succeed, but that didn't erase Logo Man's contribution.

"Of course, no problem. Mr. West is very capable, and he will definitely be able to handle this position." Jia Fei wasn't stupid either. Putting aside the issue of the Logo Man's ability, the Logo Man had accompanied owner Ballmer to the home games of the previous playoffs on multiple occasions. Could he really say that the person handpicked by the owner was not good?

Ballmer was delighted by Jia Fei's affirmation, and he laughed happily, "That's great! I think Jerry will make us even stronger in the days to come!"

"Yes, that's right!" Jia Fei nodded with a smile.

Later, Ballmer expressed his hope that Jia Fei would also participate in the team's operations and work with the "Logo Man" to build a championship-caliber team.

Jia Fei was surprised that the owner wanted him to participate in the team's operations, giving him considerable power. This excited him greatly. After all, he was a time traveler, possessing the advantage of foresight, which could provide them with significant assistance in drafting and trades.

After the dinner ended, Ballmer had his driver take Jia Fei home.

Back home, Jia Fei went straight to Art Mayor’s house and told his best friend about his meeting with Ballmer.

After saying that, Art Mayor jumped three feet high with excitement, almost breaking the chandelier in his house. He exclaimed excitedly, "Jay, I can already imagine Doug and DeAndre getting kicked out!"

Jia Fei couldn't help but laugh. He did want these two to leave, but he couldn't let them leave for nothing. The best outcome would be to get rid of them without spending much and to strengthen the team.

With things settled, Jia Fei was in a good mood and slept soundly that night. During the upcoming offseason, as the team's basketball advisor, he was ready to make a big splash!

February has arrived...

On June 3, the Clippers officially announced the signing of "Logo Man," who joined the Clippers' management as an advisor. While described as an advisory role, Jia Fei knows that "Logo Man" will essentially be the team's general manager, with current general manager Michael Wenger becoming more of an assistant.