NBA's King of Talking

Chapter 346 Recruiting and Hiring

Jia Fei is now experiencing decision paralysis. His motivation tells him that the Hawks aren't where he wants to stay, so leaving the team is a decision he shouldn't overthink.

On June 18, Jia Fei and Art Mayok were invited to dinner in a private room at a hotel in Atlanta. Sitting opposite him were his good friends Kemba Walker and Lamb, as well as another person, Rich Joe, the current general manager of the Hornets.

Clearly, the Hornets are trying to recruit Jia Fei through his relationship with Kemba Wesley. As for Art Mayok, in the eyes of the Hornets' management, he's just an add-on to Jia Fei's resume.

Jia Fei and Rich Joe had crossed paths; during their tryouts, Jia Fei left a deep impression on the general manager. If Jordan hadn't looked down on Jia Fei, this Chinese-American talent might have already made a name for himself with the team then known as the Bobcats.

Unlike his boss, Richie Joe wasn't arrogant. With his intuition and professional insight, he naturally saw Jia Fei's potential. However, within the team, he often lacked real authority. Jordan was the one making the decisions. While he was called the general manager, he was really just a mouthpiece, much like a gofer.

"Jackson, on behalf of our team and on behalf of MJ, I sincerely invite you to join us!" Richie Joe had a fawning expression on his face. Of course, he knew he had to be respectful and courteous. This guy was no longer the unknown young boy he used to be; he was a young superstar who had won MVP and championship.

Kemba Walker was also looking at Jia Fei, hoping he would agree to join. He genuinely wanted to play with Jia Fei, even if he was no longer the King of the Hornets but just his assistant after Jia Fei joined. He recognized Jia Fei's abilities and had no complaints about becoming Jia Fei's assistant.

“Mr. Qiao, I am very grateful that you value me so much, but I'm sorry I can't give you a definite answer right now. I can assure you that I will seriously consider joining the Hornets!” Jia Fei said with a smile.

Rich Joe was naturally disappointed. The longer they couldn't sign Jia Fei, the more unpredictable things would become. But he didn't have a good solution. Kemba Walker and others had come to persuade him, bringing out the team's trump cards, and if they still couldn't get him, it could only mean that Jia Fei really didn't want to join their team.

If the Hornets can acquire Jia Fei, they can field a lineup next season consisting of Jia Fei, Kemba Walker, Batum, Marvin Williams, and Cody Zeller. This lineup is well-rounded on both offense and defense. While it may not be the most talented lineup in the league, it would certainly be a force to be reckoned with in the Eastern Conference against the Cavaliers.

After the Hornets' recruitment team left, Art Mayor asked Jia Fei in confusion, "Jia, since you don't plan to go to the Hornets, why don't you just refuse them outright?"

“A direct rejection would be such a slap in the face! Ricky Joe is the team's general manager, and he really valued me when I tried out for the Hornets. Besides, a direct rejection would also make Kemba lose face!” Jia Fei said with a grin, looking at Art Mayork.

“Well, you’ve really thought of everything!” Art Mayor shrugged.

Jia Fei smiled without saying a word. What's this? It's just ordinary social etiquette! In China, those who know nothing will only end up getting hurt in society.

That evening, Jia Fei also received a recruitment team from Russia.

And it's true, the closer the NBA draft gets, the more active the teams become. Jia Fei, currently a super-rich prospect, could potentially reshape the league, making him a highly sought-after player by every NBA team.

There are a lot of big fish in the free market this year!

The Running Man, who signed a 1+1 contract, will theoretically opt out and become a free agent. Although he will most likely stay with the Cavaliers, he is still a big free agent. Dwight Howard's contract with the Rockets has expired, and it's obvious he's unhappy with the team. As someone who prioritizes playing for enjoyment, leaving the Rockets is highly probable. Even if he's no longer a top superstar, he's still a very strong center in the league. Kevin Durant hasn't opted out of his contract yet, but it's only a matter of time. Given the way the Thunder reversed the game, many think he might choose to leave, making him a contender for the biggest free agent in this year's market, alongside Jia Fei. Grizzlies' starting guard Mike Conley's contract has also expired, making him a free agent. He's not a big name, but he's consistently strong and a low-key guard, and is expected to be the biggest free agent at point guard this year. Other free agents include Chandler Parsons, Andre Drummond, Bradley Beal, Jeremy Lin, and Timofey Mozgov.

The recruitment team from Oklahoma City was mainly composed of Presti; Westbrook and Durant did not come.

Jia Fei also found it quite funny. Back then, you were the ones who refused to renew their contracts, and now you're the ones recruiting. Do you think you're funny or handsome?

Jia Fei and President Pu had a good relationship in private, and they parted ways amicably back then, but he wouldn't consider going back.

If the Hornets recruited him using the "brotherhood basketball" strategy, then the Thunder used "staying true to your original aspirations." Jia Fei may not get the "one man, one city" award, but he can stay true to his original aspirations!

Returning to where the dream began, fighting alongside your old comrades, and bringing back that damn championship—isn't that exhilarating?

Jia Fei said he wasn't excited at all. His former brothers? Durant or Westbrook? Were they really his brothers? Did they even consider him a brother?

The Thunder were indeed his first team in the NBA, but was a championship really that appealing to him? He already had a championship!

Furthermore, if they were to join the Thunder, with Durant and Westbrook still not having renewed their contracts, the Big Three could take a pay cut, just like the Heat's Big Three did back then. This way, the team would still have some money to strengthen its role player roster.

"A Big Three!" Jia Fei thought to himself, laughing. He hadn't expected that Thunder, who were unwilling to spend money, would want to form a Big Three. "Are you really willing to spend money to play with such an expensive thing?"

If you really want to win a championship, wouldn't joining the Warriors be a much better option? The Thunder are a team the Warriors have defeated! Besides, you wouldn't have to take a pay cut to join the Warriors. Their star player is on a rookie contract, and the other players have Bird rights that allow them to re-sign above the cap. The owner is willing to spend money!

The Warriors also recruited Jia Fei, but not as aggressively as other teams. After all, they're still in the Finals, and the outcome of the Finals will determine the direction of their offseason reinforcements.

Jia Fei didn't directly refuse President Pu. President Pu wasn't having an easy time either. The boss wasn't willing to spend money, and he had already done a great job with the talent show. He had really pushed his internal recruitment to the limit, but it was always just a little short. What could he do?