Chapter 991 Butler Did It Too

Irving returned to Cleveland that night after dinner.

He won't announce tomorrow that he is leaving the Cavaliers, but he has already made up his mind and he needs to make a lot of preparations.

At 2 p.m. the next day, the NBA free market officially opened.

As in previous years, the moment the door opened, various signings directly bombarded the fans' attention.

Compared with the fans who could not wait but had to go to the hospital to line up a bed, now there is so much news that they can't keep up with it.

Curry and the Warriors reached a five-year, $201 million contract extension;

Durant and the Warriors reached a two-year, $53 million contract extension;

Iguodala reached a two-year, $36 million contract extension with the Warriors;

Livingston and the Warriors reached a two-year, $18 million contract extension;

Millsap joined the Nuggets for 90 million in three years;

Nowitzki continued to opt out of his contract and signed a two-year, $10 million contract with the Mavericks;

The Clippers signed Gallinari to a three-year, $65 million deal;

Harden and the Rockets reached a six-year, $228 million early contract extension;

Mills and the Spurs reached a four-year, $50 million contract extension;

Ibaka and the Raptors reached a three-year, $65 million contract extension;

The Kings signed George Hill for 3 years and 57 million;

Hawks extend Bazemore's contract for 4 years and $71 million;

The Timberwolves signed Jeff Teague to a three-year, $57 million deal;

…

The fans who had been holding it in for a week were finally released on this day.

"Five million a year, Dirk Nowitzki really doesn't need money."

"I don't believe you when you say that the old driver and Cuban don't have any romantic feelings. The Mavericks will reach the top in the new season!"

"I have to ask the Warriors and Pelicans if they agree."

"Aren't there still Cavaliers? Speaking of which, both the Cavaliers and Warriors have retained their original lineups. Are they going to stay with the Pelicans for another year?"

“Pelicans fans: I heard you haven’t changed, that’s good, our dynasty is stable!”

"Since the new collective bargaining agreement came into effect, money is just a number. In the past, the starting salary was more than 10 million, but now more than 10 million is not enough to sign a role player."

"At this point, you can't deny Xiao Hua's contribution to the league. If it hadn't been for what happened before, I think the players would be very grateful to Xiao Hua."

"How is Xiao Hua's depression? Technically speaking, Tatum is still acting president, right? Can Xiao Hua continue to be president after he recovers?"

"Who knows, but in theory it is possible."

"It's a bit ironic to say that the Spurs extended Mills's contract for 4 years and 50 million, but they originally refused to give Don a 44 million contract for 4 years..."

"It's a bit heartbreaking, brother! But don't say it. Holt has a bad heart and he won't be able to stand it."

"At this moment, no one knew that the salary cap would rise like this. Let alone Mills, the contracts of Teague and Hill were almost 20 million."

"The Hawks are starting to rebuild again. Teague, Millsap, Horford, Korver, and the former F4 All-Stars are no longer here."

"It seems that the layout of the league will be similar to last season? Speaking of which, why hasn't there been any news about George? Will he go to the Pelicans or not?"

"Same question, I really want to see how the Pelicans with George can defend their title? How about 80 wins?"

"After thinking too much, I think it is impossible for the Pacers to let George get his wish, and now the president is Tatum. His style is very similar to Stern, and he will not allow such a transaction to happen."

"Tangled, this damn free market, update the news quickly!"

…

The door to the free market is open, and signings are being made one after another, but there are still many free agents who have not signed with the team.

For example, there is no news about big-name players such as James, Hayward, Griffin, Lowry, and Walker.

The seemingly calm free agent market without many surprises is still full of undercurrents.

Just when the fans were eagerly looking forward to the new signing, Woj broke a piece of news that shocked everyone.

Including Tang Tian.

According to Woj reports, Butler submitted a trade request to the Mavericks management and designated the Pelicans as his next team!

This news was even more explosive than what George had received before.

Because the Mavericks were still fifth in the Western Conference last season, a five-star lineup, and Butler was also selected for the best first defense and best second team!

Of course, the most important thing is, it is also the Pelicans!

Everyone knew that the Pelicans' small forwards needed reinforcements, so they all went to the Pelicans!

What’s even interesting is that George and Butler are competing!

Fans exploded on social media again, and it was like one wave after another.

“Don’s brother basketball!”

"Why don't you sign Walker too! Let's combine the hard-working brothers together!"

"You are such a damn talent, I would love to have you as the general manager of the Pelicans!"

"Walker is impossible. The Pelicans have no space and already have Holiday, but I think Butler is really good and more reliable than George!"

"Yes, Butler is not only Tang's brother, but also a fan! Every time there is negative news about Tang, he is the first to come out to support him, and he has said in front of the media N times that Tang is his idol and example!"

"Yes, this way there will be no problems with ball rights and running-in, and the Pelicans will be greatly strengthened!"

"And Butler is very tough in the playoffs, much tougher than George. This is the most important thing!"

"Come on, come on, if George is not enough, then there will be a Butler. Demps, if you give me some strength, you will have to get one!"

"There are not enough beds again, nurses are adding bottles of water! This is the damn offseason!"

…

Fans were discussing it heatedly on social media, and Tang Tian was a little unresponsive after learning the news.

Although there were conflicts between Butler and Carlisle last season, they did not reach the point of breaking up.

And he also wanted to come to the Pelicans. Irving greeted him in advance and even went to New Orleans specifically.

But Butler said nothing.

This is obviously unreasonable. In terms of relationship, among the hard-working brothers, apart from Walker, Butler has the best relationship with him.

Just when Tang Tian was confused, his cell phone rang.

I picked it up and saw that it was Butler calling.

"Don, I'm ready to come to New Orleans!"

When Butler spoke, his tone was full of excitement.

"Why didn't you say hello to me beforehand?"

Tang Tian asked slightly reproachfully.

"I'm sorry, but I know you wouldn't let me do that if I said hello."

Butler was very honest with Tang Tian.

Tang Tian couldn't refute for a while. It was true that he didn't like team basketball. If he had known about it in advance, he would definitely not let Butler do that.

Butler still knows him better than Irving does.

"Can you tell me the reason?"

Tang Tian then asked.

"I know from the front office in Dallas that they want to trade me."

"What?"

Tang Tian never expected this answer. He originally thought that Butler was impulsive as the conflict between Butler and Carlisle intensified.