The next day, Livingston found Zhang Zhiyuan and expressed his willingness to leave the Clippers.
Staying with the Clippers will give you exposure and win games, but it will also be a lot of pressure.
Moreover, his technical characteristics do not match those of Zhang Zhiyuan.
His specialty is breakthroughs, which require the ball to be used. In the Clippers, the ball is concentrated on Zhang Zhiyuan, and what the team needs is his three-point ability.
He has practiced, but has not yet mastered it, and he also feels that he does not have the talent.
Therefore, he wants to go to other teams to see if he can play well.
Livingston is also a high-ranking player, and he is still young and has ideas for the future.
"It's really good for you to change teams."
Zhang Zhiyuan said.
In fact, he also wanted to replace Livingston, but he was too full of words before, saying that he would not give up any teammate.
It would be great if Livingston took the initiative at this time.
After Livingston mentioned that he wanted to leave, Zhang Zhiyuan began to study the transaction.
If he doesn't take action, he will get the benefits.
What kind of trade would be good for him? Of course it would be picking up future stars.
Get those potential stars who have not yet played by his side. When they play in the future, he can also earn a reputation as a bole.
At the same time, the media may still attribute the credit to him.
This is much better than bringing in a star and then having his stats drop.
He needs a point guard, he needs to have potential, and he needs to be cheap. Such players are actually hard to find.
Zhang Zhiyuan looked through it twice and finally found only Kyle Lowry.
At this time, Kyle Lowry has been playing in the league for more than two years, currently averaging only 6.7 points and 3 assists per game, and is considered to have no potential.
People today may never have imagined that this guy would be selected to the All-Stars 6 times in the future, and would be a starter 2 times.
Lowry is capable of three-pointers, but at this time because he needs to create his own opportunities in the Grizzlies, Lowry suffers a bit personally, so his three-point shooting rate is not high.
But Zhang Zhiyuan believes that he will be different after coming to the Clippers and will definitely be able to develop his three-point ability.
After identifying the target, Chen Xiangwen started taking action.
However, he did not name Lowry at the beginning. The outside world said that he was stupid, but it does not mean that he is really stupid.
Chen Xiangwen directly stated that he would trade Livingston for Mike Conley, and the Grizzlies manager almost hung up the phone.
He said: "Are you kidding me? Mike Conley is the core of the team we drafted with the fourth overall pick last year."
Chen Xiangwen said: "What a coincidence, Livingston is also the fourth pick, which is just right."
Suitable for your uncle.
The Grizzlies often almost spoke out what was on their mind. He explained patiently: "First of all, Conley is now 115. Three
The shooting percentage is 41%, and the shooting percentage is 46%. Livingston currently only has 7 points, 2.4 assists, and only 30% three-point shooting. This is because Zhang Zhiyuan attracted the defense. Moreover, Livingston has also suffered a serious injury. You use him for it.
Do you think the core of our team is suitable?"
"But Livingston has a field goal percentage of 52%. He scores less because he has less shot rights. Go to your team and give him more ball rights and he can immediately hit 15. And his current performance is also due to injuries. Wait for him.
After a full recovery, he will be an absolute All-Star."
Chen Xiangwen said a lot of nonsense, which naturally failed to fool the Grizzlies manager.
The two sides talked some nonsense again, and the Grizzlies manager lost his patience and said: "Conley is absolutely impossible, not for sale. Well, if you really want to trade, we still have Lowry on our team who is suitable for you.
"
"That little rookie who only has 27 percent three-point shooting?"
Chen Xiangwen complained.
"Please, he has a strong impact and excellent defense. Your team's defense needs to be strengthened. As long as you are willing to give out one more first-rounder, Lowry will be yours."
Although the Grizzlies manager also wanted to sell Lowry, he also wanted to trick Chen Xiangwen and start the first round.
The negotiation process was very difficult, and Chen Xiangwen patiently spent a long time with the other party before finally reaching a deal.
The Clippers traded Livingston and Aaron Williams for part of the cash in exchange for Lowry and Milicic from the Grizzlies.
Although Milicic is ranked second in the rankings, he has now been classified as a parallel import. Although Aaron Williams' current statistics are not outstanding, he still played very well last season.
It's just that because the Clippers selected DeAndre Jordan to focus on training, Aaron Williams' playing time was much less.
The Grizzlies manager felt that he made a small profit in this transaction, getting rid of two players who were proven to have no potential in exchange for a capable Aaron Brooks.
As for Livingston, we can also look forward to it. Most of the outside world's evaluations of him are that he is not suitable for the Clippers, but few people say that he is not good enough.
At the same time, he also got rid of the salary burden of Milicic, paving the way for the subsequent contract renewals of Conley, Gayon, and OJ Mayo.
Small cities are so prudent in their budgets that they will never pay a penny of luxury tax.
The Grizzlies felt they had made a profit, while Zhang Zhiyuan felt that he had made a profit.
Needless to say, Kyle Lowry is a future All-Star.
As for Milicic, he is just a bonus. If he can't play, it won't be a loss. If he can play, Zhang Zhiyuan's evaluation will rise to a higher level.
Milicic is a cheap import around other people, but is useless around Zhang Zhiyuan. What does this mean?
All four players had no health problems, and the deal was quickly concluded and announced.
After all, it concerns the Clippers. Even if it is just a small transaction, it has attracted great attention from all parties.
Barkley complained on the show: "When I saw the Clippers trade, I thought Zhang Zhiyuan had finally figured it out and decided to strengthen it. But when I looked at the content of the deal, I was like, are you kidding us? I want to know what this kind of deal is about.
significance?"
Smith laughed and agreed: "Indeed, Lowry's three-pointer is not good either. Although he is faster than Livingston, he is still shorter. As for Milicic, if it weren't for this deal, I almost forgot about it.
He's still in this league."
Not only Barkley and Smith couldn't understand it, but everyone else outside also couldn't understand the Clippers' intentions.
Ever since, after the Clippers game ended, reporters ignored the game and asked directly about the deal.
"Why trade Livingston?"
the reporter asked.
"Because he wants to seek greater development in a wider space, I took up too many shots in the Clippers, and it was difficult for others to perform well."
Zhang Zhiyuan said.
These words were quite modest, which surprised the reporter.
"Why trade him for Lowry? It doesn't look like a reinforcement."
the reporter asked.
"I also want to trade Livingston for Billups, but the key is that the Nuggets refuse."
Zhang Zhiyuan complained, Livingston’s value is there, it’s good to get Lowry in exchange, what else do you want?
This was a bit disrespectful to Lowry. Zhang Zhiyuan added: "Just kidding, in fact I asked Lowry by name. I have played against him. He is very fast and has good confrontation. He is a player with great potential."
The reporter ignored the content related to Lowry and asked directly: "You just said you wanted Billups, but didn't you say you wouldn't join forces with stars before?"
Zhang Zhiyuan smiled bitterly. Being a star is tiring. Every word and deed will be remembered by others. You can't say a word wrong.
He used to just say it casually, but now he just mentions it casually, but the reporter took it seriously.
Helpless, Zhang Zhiyuan could only explain: "I don't want stars who are still in their playing years, but when they get older and want to become champions with me, I will be happy to accept them."
Helping veterans realize their dreams is a good story and can earn praise. Zhang Zhiyuan has no reason to refuse.
Moreover, his statement can also win the favor of some players and fans. After learning about his statement, some players are ready to find opportunities to improve their relationship with him and leave a way out for the future.
For those who have been playing for more than ten years, have achieved great success, and are not short of money, a championship is very important, it is a dream.
Playing in the NBA for more than ten years and not being able to win a championship is undoubtedly a great pity.
As soon as the news came out, someone immediately came to the door.
The former second overall pick, Rookie of the Year, boss of the Rockets, and three-time All-Star starter, Francis came to the Clippers and recommended himself.
He was waived by the Grizzlies last month and is staying home to find a new home.
Just then Zhang Zhiyuan said he was willing to take care of veterans.
Today, Francis is no longer the proud man who can refuse to report to the Grizzlies. He doesn't choose anything now, is willing to go to any team, and can accept any contract.
He just wants to continue playing, and of course it would be best if he could become a champion.
On February 2, the Clippers announced that they had signed Francis with a one-year veteran's minimum salary. Yao Ming immediately sent out congratulations. "This is the best destination. Thank you to my little brother. I wish Francis can realize his dream with the Clippers."
The Clippers' move to sign Francis has received high praise from the outside world. Who dares to complain about helping people realize their dreams?
On February 3, the Clippers played against the Thunder at home. Lowry, Milicic, and Francis were all selected for the 12-man roster, and Kaman took a rest.
Francis received a lot of applause when he came out. This former All-Star starter still has some loyal fans.
The fans' actions almost made Francis cry. There is nothing better than being able to return to the game.
The game begins.
The Clippers started with Lowry, Zhang Zhiyuan, Maggette, Thornton and DeAndre Jordan.
The Thunder started with Westbrook, Sefolosha, Durant, Jeff Green and Sketic.
"The Clippers' starting lineup somewhat looks down on their opponents."
Smith complained.
Lowry has only played one game with the Clippers and started as a starter. Will they be able to cooperate well?
Is it appropriate for a first-year second-round pick like DeAndre Jordan to start?
"Okay, he is giving face to his opponent by not letting Francis start the game. Against a weak team like the Thunder, we can win no matter what we play. I can be a starter even if I go there."
Buckley said.
Durant didn't hear the discussion, but he also sensed the Clippers' slight.
He was very angry. After all, he was also a potential superstar that everyone was optimistic about, so he had no cards and just arranged for some cats and dogs to compete with him?
Durant decided to teach the Clippers a lesson.
The two teams jumped the ball, and Jordan easily gave the ball to his side.
In terms of physical talent, Jordan is better than most starting centers, but his brain is not very good, he often makes low-level mistakes, and he does not have the ability to attack independently.
The Clippers attack first, Lowry controls the ball and advances.
After halftime, he passed the ball to Zhang Zhiyuan and ran to the side, waiting for the opportunity.
Although he has never cooperated with Clippers players before, the Clippers' style of play is simple, and Lowry fully understood it after practicing together twice.
Zhang Zhiyuan broke through with the ball, and Sefolosha was blocked. There was no expression on his face. It seemed to be saying, if you get hit, just get hit. Other star players have been hit, so isn't it reasonable for you to be hit?
Zhang Zhiyuan rushed to the basket, Sketic covered the defense, Zhang Zhiyuan threw the ball above the basket, Jordan had already taken off, and dunked with an alley-oop.
"Look, is there a problem?"
Buckley asked.
Lowry and DeAndre Jordan's performance was not outstanding, but the Clippers didn't need them to perform well.
They only need to do their little bit of work, and Zhang Zhiyuan will solve the most difficult part.
When the Thunder attacked, Westbrook held the basketball and wanted to rush to the basket, but he was unable to match Lowry's strength and speed.
In the confrontation, Lowry didn't suffer at all.
Westbrook's skills are still very rough. When encountering such a strong defense, he will not be able to break through and can only reluctantly take action.
This shot choice was too bad and the ball didn't go in.
Seeing this scene, Durant felt mixed emotions.
The Clippers attacked, Zhang Zhiyuan made a move from outside the three-point line, and Durant rushed over to double-team.
Zhang Zhiyuan passed the ball to Maggette, Maggette rushed to the basket, Westbrook went to cover, and Maggette passed the ball to Lowry.
Lowry caught the ball and shot from mid-range.
The ball goes in.
Lowry is good at mid-range?
Fans don't feel this way. They have the impression that Lowry can only make breakthroughs.
In fact, Lowry can shoot from mid-range, but it is difficult to get open opportunities on other teams.
When the Thunder attacked, Durant singled out Maggette and took advantage of his height to take a shot and score.
In only his second year, he has already reached the edge of no solution.
Those who are taller than him are not as fast as him, and those who are faster than him are definitely not as tall as him. He can easily get shooting opportunities, and his touch is quite good.
Durant currently averages 26.4 points per game, sixth in the league.
It is already very good to achieve such an achievement in the second year of his career. If it were not for the even more evil Zhang Zhiyuan, he would definitely be praised to the sky by the media.
Unfortunately, both Zhang and Du are born.
The Clippers attacked, Zhang Zhiyuan broke through and passed the ball. Thornton caught the ball and made a layup and scored.
In just three rounds, Zhang Zhiyuan has already received two assists.
This is just the beginning. Zhang Zhiyuan has decided to take as few shots as possible in this game, and then record an assist.
He wants everyone to know that he can not only score, but also assist and help his teammates become better.
In order to achieve this goal, his attribute chain in this game was not thrown on the opponent, but on Thornton and DeAndre Jordan, improving their abilities.
