Chapter 48: The Purely Business-Minded Nuggets Owner
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"Randy, do you think Wang Song will really stay with Denver?"
The Heat's junior scout still couldn't let go of Wang Song.
During the offseason, the Miami Heat had laid out all their possible trade assets, yet they still couldn't secure a top draft pick.
Teams holding the top three picks were like sly foxes, each more cunning than the last. The class of new prospects this year was simply too exceptional for anyone to let a top pick slip away.
Rather than trading their picks for immediate help, these teams preferred to take their chances with the draft, where they could snag ready-made talent.
This draft class was widely regarded as one that could carry the league's torch into the future.
"Not necessarily. In fact, I'd say it's highly unlikely," Randy Pfund replied with certainty, piquing John's curiosity.
"What makes you say that, boss?"
"Remember how we tried negotiating with Denver? They flat-out refused to trade. Do you think they're holding onto this pick to reel in a big fish, or have they already cashed in on their 'bait'?"
Hearing this, John recalled his trip to Denver and suddenly understood.
Rather than nurturing a young center while simultaneously rebuilding the team, the Nuggets' management was likely aiming to construct a playoff-ready team as quickly as possible.
To Denver's owner, results on the court mattered far more than the patience required for player development.
Stan Kroenke, the owner of the Denver Nuggets, is one of the largest sports magnates in the world. He owns the Nuggets, the Colorado Avalanche (NHL), and the St. Louis Rams (NFL). Rumor has it that he's also looking to acquire an English Premier League team to round out his portfolio in soccer.
Kroenke is a businessman, through and through. From an investment standpoint, the monetary value of the Nuggets' third overall pick likely outweighs any on-court impact Wang Song could bring to the team.
The Nuggets had never won a championship in franchise history. By 2003, they had gone 27 years without even reaching the NBA Finals.
Even though Kroenke generally allowed his team's management significant autonomy, the front office was keenly aware of the need to deliver results sooner rather than later.
"Those dirty Pistons! Instead of using their second pick to strengthen their roster, they wasted it on some no-name Serbian center," Randy muttered through gritted teeth.
John scratched his head sheepishly, feeling a little guilty for reminding his boss of this sore topic.
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The draft was over, but for NBA teams, the real work was just beginning.
**July 1st** marked the opening of the trade market. Teams were eager to make moves—hunting for free agents and finalizing trades, including deals involving newly drafted players.
The Denver Nuggets were one of those teams.
Scott Layden, the Knicks' general manager, had been pacing anxiously outside the trade market offices, clearly worried about the outcome of negotiations.
Interestingly enough, the Nuggets felt the same way.
If they could swap Wang Song for the Knicks' second-best scorer and their sixth overall pick—a highly-touted NCAA star forward—it would be an absolute steal.
Denver's front office was already envisioning their revamped lineup, convinced this would be one of the most successful trades in franchise history.
With both sides agreeing on the terms, contracts were signed, and each team got the players they wanted.
As the deal was finalized, Carmelo Anthony muttered under his breath on his way to Denver:
"Just you wait, Wang Song! Knicks, you'll regret this!"
Being selected sixth overall meant Anthony's rookie salary would be significantly lower than that of a third pick. This discrepancy would also impact his eligibility for a max contract down the line.
Naturally, he wasn't thrilled about how things had played out. By the time the Nuggets informed him of the trade, it was already too late for him to explore other opportunities.
Anthony couldn't help but think of that old saying: *"You didn't want me back then; now you can't afford me."*
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**Later that evening.**
After leaving Madison Square Garden, the Knicks' management hosted a celebratory dinner to welcome Wang Song to the team.
David Falk, Wang's agent, joined the festivities, fully endorsing the warm reception from the Knicks' brass. When executives were willing to let loose and drink alongside their players, it spoke volumes about their commitment to fostering strong relationships.
"By the way, Wang, you don't have a place in New York yet, do you? Let me buy you a condo—save you the hassle of renting and moving around. When are you moving? Call me, and I'll send people to help," Knicks President Ernie Grunfeld said, slurring slightly.
Scott Layden raised an eyebrow at his boss. "Are you drunk?"
Wang exchanged glances with David Falk and shrugged.
The two Knicks executives were clearly intoxicated. Whether their words were sincere or just playful banter was anyone's guess.
Either way, Wang didn't take it seriously.
With a recent $1.5 million advertising deal from Xinhu Sports, Wang had plenty of funds to set himself up in New York. Getting a decent place to live wasn't going to be an issue.
He also planned to buy a car. While he could get by with campus housing and walking to the gym during college, playing in the NBA came with different expectations.
After the festivities, Wang returned to the hotel suite the Knicks had arranged for him.
Suddenly, a familiar voice echoed in his mind:
"Ding! Task detected: Successfully join an NBA team. New mission issued!"
**[Shine Bright: Win Rookie of the Year and lead the Knicks to the Eastern Conference Finals!]**
**Rewards: 50,000 experience points and three randomly activated badges.**
The system's announcement sobered Wang up instantly.
"Come to think of it, I haven't even used the badge system since unlocking it," he thought, intrigued.
But first, he needed to return to North Carolina to gather his belongings and bid farewell to his college teammates.
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The next day, while Wang was en route to North Carolina, the news of a blockbuster trade involving the Knicks and Pistons broke, sparking a heated debate among fans and analysts.
Online, the chatter was relentless:
- "Unbelievable! Denver gave up Wang Song, and he looked perfect for them!"
- "They already have Nene and Marcus Camby. They didn't need another big man."
- "Am I the only one who noticed the Knicks traded away Latrell Sprewell? He was their second-best player! Their front office must be insane!"
As opinions clashed, one thing was clear: the 2003 draft class and subsequent trades had set the stage for an unforgettable season.
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*(End of Chapter)*