589 Fighting For His Dignity (2/2)

”Osef returns: a one-year veteran signing with the Clippers!”

Although Dai Li had only said it was a possibility, it became confirmed when it reached the news media. People were predicting what kind of contract he was going to get.

...

”Coach, this is a perfect move. Deliberately saying that you want to give a contract to Osef. Ronny must be anxious now.” Cassel pointed to the headline of a sports magazine.

”You're not thinking that I planted journalists there to ask that question, right?” Dai Li asked.

”Isn't that the case?” Cassel was surprised.

”Of course not!” Dai Li shook his head.

Cassel's eyes widened. ”Aren't you using the situation with Osef to put pressure on Ronny so we can be in a better position as we negotiate Ronny's contract renewal?”

Dai Li shook his head again. ”You think too much. If Osef really can get back to his previous condition, do we really need Ronny? On the surface, Ronny's scoring average is higher than Osef. However, Ronny is a key player and Osef is the sixth man. Really, in terms of offensive techniques and offensive efficiency, Osef is better than Ronny. Osef has organizational skills. Among the NBA's teams, there aren't a lot of substitutes who can get triple-doubles...”

”Wait,” Cassel interrupted Dai Li. ”Coach, you aren't thinking of actually offering Osef a contract? That guy only cares about drugs and women. He's useless!”

Dai Li shook his head in disapproval and said confidently, ”Don't forget, he is training in my training center. The athletes I train all come out jumping higher, running faster, and being stronger!”

...

Ever since he demanded $125 million for five years for his contract, Ronny had been ignored.

He initially thought that when the Clippers said that they would consider it, it meant that the management was leaning towards agreeing. They would eventually accept the $125 million for five years that he proposed. He did not expect that he wouldn't hear from them again.

Ronny finally got impatient. He asked his agent to ask the Clippers on the progress of their ”consideration.” The reply from the management was that they were still in consideration.

Gradually, Ronny felt that the Clippers were deliberately stalling, so he began to release that he was willing to consider other teams' offers. No teams had approached him so far. After all, the teams knew that Ronny's asking price was not low and the Clippers were likely to match the offer of the other teams.

Over time, many of the free agents got new contracts. Many of them received high-salary contracts. Each high-salary contract that the teams signed ate up more of the money the teams had for new players. Several teams had already crossed the luxury tax threshold. They could not afford to sign new contracts. The number of teams that could offer a high-salary contract to Ronny became lower and lower.

The Clippers were still in consideration and Ronny's patience was being worn out.

Ronny finally saw the news about Osef.

”What? Osef made a comeback! He is also joining the Clippers!” Ronny looked at the news in total confusion.

As a frontline player who could play in any position, players like Osef were definitely in demand by all teams. If the Clippers really signed him, they would be able to reduce Ronny's playing time. If Osef returned to his previous condition, the Clippers might not even need Ronny anymore.

Ronny called his agent immediately.

”Don't worry. This is just a way for the Clippers to reduce the price. Osef is useless. He almost died from a drug overdose last year. How could he return to the court now? Don't forget that he is still taking drugs. Of all the drug addicts I know, none of them were able to quit. You don't need to worry at all. Don't fall for the Clippers' tricks.” The agent tried to comfort him.

”But there are fewer and fewer teams that can give me high salary contracts now, I am worried...”

”Don't worry,” the agent interrupted Ronny. ”I will talk to the Clippers. Don't forget, they have given you a contract of $100 million for five years. I think this is definitely not their bottom line. We can definitely make the Clippers increase their pay!”

...

At the physical fitness training center, Osef was training like crazy.

”Osef has been training very hard recently. I have some concerns about whether his body can withstand such high-intensity training,” Payton reported to Dai Li.

Dai Li nodded in satisfaction. ”It seems that he is really the prodigal son.”

”I talked to him in between his training session. He really wants to return to the NBA. He said that you promised the Clippers would give him a chance to return, so he does not want to disappoint you.” Payton changed his tone and went on to say, ”I grew up in a family of gangsters. I have seen a lot of addicts. I have seen many people who died because of drugs. The number of people who have successfully quit is very low. Coach Li, you are perhaps the only person in this world who has the ability to change a person.”

”Don't flatter me. I just gave him hope. In the end, it depends on him.” Dai Li looked at Osef and sighed. He said, ”Osef has experienced so many bad things. His wife is openly demeaning and mocking him. He has become a laughing stock. His pride has been damaged. He needs to regain his dignity as a man. He is now fighting for his dignity!”