234: 108: During the transaction, the old king’s influence is visibly declining (asking for monthly tickets!) 234: 108: During the transaction, the old king’s influence is visibly declining (asking for monthly tickets!) “Guy, I just don’t know how many armored trucks it’ll take to carry $120 million!
That’s a whole $120 million!” On the phone, O’Neal was very excited.
He was happy for Roger.
And he was happy for himself as well.
Because Roger’s contract amount proved that the DeVos family was indeed generous.
This also meant that his contract price next summer would definitely not be low.
“I don’t know how many armored trucks it would take either since they’re not handing me the $120 million all at once.
Next year when they pay you, you can try out the trucks yourself.
Relax, Shaq, you supported me wholeheartedly this year; next year, I’ll definitely support you fully,” Roger replied.
Roger didn’t know if Magic would go crazy in this history, but he was sure to support O’Neal wholeheartedly as O’Neal had always been on his side in this matter.
Whatever the use of O’Neal’s support, at least he had made his stance clear, and that was enough.
Roger would never do something like a Nike endorsement that costs a brother tens of millions.
Yes, Roger was talking about Penny.
In the original history, O’Neal had compared his three most famous teammates to the Corleone brothers from “The Godfather.”
Wade was Michael, the central figure, who, in Shaq’s eyes, was the most trustworthy and the godfather-like figure of the Heat’s future.
Kobe was Santino, capable but reckless and loose-lipped.
Santino in the movie died at a toll booth with an ulterior motive; real-life Kobe almost fell prey to a woman with ulterior motives.
And O’Neal’s assessment of Penny was Fredo: a darling child that every Italian prayed to get but who ultimately betrayed the whole family.
From this metaphor, it was evident that Shaq might truly hate someone more than Kobe.
The Magic not giving Shaq a big contract wasn’t solely because of Penny, but he undoubtedly played a very negative role in it.
Roger wasn’t as petty as Penny; a team’s position was earned through genuine talent, not scheming.
It was unknown what kind of chain reaction his taking sides would trigger.
Magic Team surely wouldn’t give him and Shaq a happy double deal with just one word, right?
Roger’s $120 million renewal not only made O’Neal feel good about himself but also filled Michael Jordan with anticipation for his summer of 1996.
Of course, that was provided he could prove he still had a dominating presence.
Jordan’s dominating power was visibly waning.
Not to mention the entire league, even in Chicago, the media and fans began to criticize him.
And now, in the radio call-in show, plenty of fans were venting their frustrations to the host.
“For his own selfish interests, he let go of the youngest FMVP in NBA history, which is just foolish.
I don’t know why Michael forced the team to do this.”
Last season we got slaughtered 8-0 by Orlando Magic, 8-0!
That’s an utter humiliation!
Roger pulled off a comeback more perfect than ‘The Count of Monte Cristo’, and all of Chicago became a joke!
Are we really blaming Jerry Krause alone for this?
Does Michael carry no fault at all?
We all wanted him to come back, but he shouldn’t have made those excessive demands!”
“We love this team so much; we plan our vacations around the team’s schedule and have bought season tickets for five consecutive years.
They can’t just ruin the Chicago Bulls !”
Michael sat in the car, his expression extremely fierce.
Afraid of affecting Michael’s mood, the driver turned off the radio, but Michael yelled out instead: “Damn!
Who told you to touch it!
Don’t switch or turn off my radio without my permission, just focus on driving!”
With no choice, the driver turned the radio back on, though the fan call-in segment had already ended, yet Michael’s rage was still burning fiercely.
Ruined the Chicago Bulls?
How dare you say that!
I created the glory of the Chicago Bulls, I made this team truly unique.
And now, you dare say such things!
Michael could clearly feel many things gradually slipping away from him.
Respect, affection, victories, status and even money, everything he once had was moving away from him.
This is the cruelty of competitive sports; failure changes a lot of things.
He needed to take it all back!
Today, Michael was here for this very reason; he was going to meet in person with Phil and see that dangerous man who could decide victories.
When he arrived at the restaurant where they agreed to meet, Michael found only Phil there; Dennis Rodman was nowhere to be seen.
After sitting down, Michael looked at his watch: “It’s time already, where is he?
Wait, don’t tell me he’s late.”
Phil just shrugged: “Late?
I’m not even sure if he’s going to show up!
Damn, we really must be desperate to even consider this guy!
A few days ago, he stuffed a golf ball into a female companion’s…
fuck, he’s absolutely crazy!
David Stern would love nothing more than to dig a hole and bury him straight in it!”
“Heh, as if you were any saint,” Michael laughed, “Phil, you were a hippy in your youth, did drugs, promiscuous, did it ruin you?
So don’t talk that defeatist crap.
And what’s this ‘desperate’ talk?
Even without him, we can win, it’s just better with him.
Didn’t you talk to Chuck Daly on the phone?
What did old Chuck say?”