NBA's King of Talking

Chapter 73, Season 2

As expected, subsequent reports indicated that the Thunder offered Harden a four-year, $52 million contract, while Harden's side demanded a four-year, $60 million contract.

The two sides have disagreements, and these disagreements are widening...

Jia Fei knew things were starting to move in the direction of his past life, but a shocking thought popped into his head—wouldn't they send me away too?

This possibility is entirely real, because a Harden trade would involve multiple players and need to be balanced. What if the Rockets asked for Jia Fei?

It's worth noting that after drafting Yao Ming, the Rockets quickly became the favorite team among Chinese fans, and they've reaped the benefits from this for years, making their owner incredibly wealthy. Now, after Yao Ming's retirement, this offseason they've snatched Chinese-American point guard Jeremy Lin from the New York Knicks with a poison pill contract.

If we trade him there too, wouldn't that mean we'd have all two Asian players in the NBA?

Jia Fei dared not think any further; the more he thought about it, the more terrifying it became! He had never liked the Rockets team. Back then, it was because the team owner was stingy and refused to pay the luxury tax to strengthen the team, wasting Yao Ming's peak years and preventing the Yao-McGrady duo from achieving good results.

The fact that the general manager was a dog made him even less inclined to go there.

But the reality is he has no choice. If the Rockets specifically request him and the Thunder are willing to let him go, things will get complicated. He can only pray that Morey doesn't take a liking to him, and that he'll decisively refuse if they do!

February has arrived...

In mid-September, media outlets reported that tennis Grand Slam champion Maria Sharapova and former NBA Lakers player Sasha Vujacic had broken up, a fact later confirmed by the parties involved. This caused a public uproar…

Many people believe that the two have a significant gap in status, making a long-term relationship unlikely.

On September 13th, the Oklahoma City Thunder made another move in the free agent market. According to Insidehoops, the Thunder announced the signing of DeAndre Liggins. Liggins and Jia Fei were drafted in the same class. He was selected 53rd overall in the second round by the Orlando Magic and played 17 games for the Magic in the 2011-12 season, averaging 1.9 points and 0.9 rebounds in 6.8 minutes per game.

Clearly, the Thunder acquired him simply to increase their roster depth, and he is unlikely to have a chance to enter the regular rotation. His role is similar to that of the power forward Orton they signed previously.

Meanwhile, the Thunder's contract extension negotiations with Harden have broken down, which means that in order to avoid losing him for nothing, the team will put him on the trading block.

Harden was the third overall pick in the 2009 draft and was the league's best sixth man last season. He can shoot and drive, and he's only 23 years old. In terms of both ability and age, he's definitely a promising prospect, so his trade value is naturally very high.

Many teams interested in Harden have already begun detailed talks with the Thunder. ESPN revealed that a trade won't happen anytime soon, but Harden being traded is a done deal.

It's September now...

October 2, 2012, the annual NBA Media Day.

The entire Thunder roster was present, but Harden, who is currently being traded, did not attend the media day event.

"Jia, long time no see!" Reggie grinned, showing his teeth, and hugged Jia Fei tightly, almost touching him all over.

"Long time no see, Reggie!" Jia Fei was also very happy to see Reggie.

"You look a bit more muscular this summer!" Reggie said, patting Jia Fei's eight-pack abs.

"That's right, I've been maintaining my training and staying away from games, women, drinks, and junk food!" Jia Fei said seriously. He really didn't touch any of those things during the offseason, even when Kemba Walker kept tempting him with fried chicken, he didn't indulge. Health is the foundation of everything; even a body like LeBron James' would be ruined if he ate beer, fried chicken, and soft drinks every day!

The Thunder only have one rookie this year, forward Perry Jones III, whom they selected with the 28th overall pick in the first round.

"Finally, we're not the rookiest team members anymore!" Jia Fei said with a smile.

Reggie nodded: "We need to be in the rotation this season!" His tone was firm. Indeed, he hadn't had enough playing time last season. He had so much energy but couldn't use it. It was like a young man who hadn't had sex for a long time. It was too frustrating.

Jia Fei also met the team's three new signings at the scene – Thabeet, Orton, and Liggins.

When Jia Fei saw the tall Thabit, he went up to him and greeted him: "Hello, senior, I'm Jia Fei!"

"Are you from Cornell University too?" Thabeet asked shyly. Clearly, he hadn't known much about Cornell since graduating and rarely paid attention to it. Ultimately, it was because he hadn't fared well in recent years. No one wants to constantly mention where they graduated from; it's practically tarnishing their alma mater.

“Yeah, I entered the draft in 11. You should know Kemba Walker, right? We entered the draft together!” Jia Fei said.

"I know Kemba, we even played together for a season!" They immediately became very familiar with each other when talking about someone they both knew.

Jia Fei took his second official photos after joining the Thunder. He exuded confidence, and his handsome face made people mistakenly think that he was the team's star player.

Compared to Durant's sleazy gaze and Master Roshi's carefree grin, Jia Fei is like a beacon of light in the darkness...

After the photoshoot, Jia Fei gave interviews to several media outlets. Compared to last year's media day, he was clearly more popular this year, generating more buzz and attracting increasing attention.

"Jia, hello, what are your thoughts on your role in the team this season?" a reporter asked.

"I hope to be a part of the team's rotation in the new season. Of course, regardless of whether I'm in the rotation or not, and whatever my role in the team is, I will accept the coaching staff's arrangements." Jia Fei was calm and composed, speaking slowly and deliberately, with a firm gaze and exuding confidence.

"Jackson, James Harden is about to be traded. What's your opinion on that?" another reporter asked.

"He's still my teammate. I think trades are something that happens all the time in this league. Whatever the outcome, I wish him good luck!" Jia Fei naturally wouldn't comment on the trade. Even if James or Kobe were traded, he wouldn't say much. After all, it has nothing to do with him!

Jia Fei answered reporters' questions with ease, while Durant was surrounded by even more reporters. However, wearing a hoodie, he seemed somewhat hesitant and evasive. Anyone who didn't know better might have thought he had just been caught by the police.

In contrast, Westbrook seemed much more open and easygoing. He gave the impression of being guileless and carefree, as long as he was happy and didn't seem to care where he played.