Basketball Legend: When Pride Still Matters

This was the most satisfying offer Jordan had heard.

He had always liked Penny; he had been optimistic about the young man's growth since Penny entered the league. Before the injury, Jordan had thought Penny would take over the league after him, but injuries were indeed a key factor in breaking down a genius.

Although Penny was no longer the successor he had designated, he was still outstanding. As a combo guard, he could average 12 points, 4 rebounds, and 5 assists per game. With him, the Wizards' backcourt would have no worries, and Rodney Rogers was also a veteran who had served in the league for many years, averaging 11 points and 6 rebounds this season. Stay tuned for updates on мѵʟ

They had immediate combat power, and it met the Wizards' needs, plus a draft pick.

This was an offer like The Shot.

"I see your sincerity, Brian. Let me discuss it with my people, and you will get a response soon,"

Jordan hung up and looked at Rod Higgins: "Phoenix is willing to give us Penny, Rodney Rogers, and a draft pick."

"That's great!" Higgins also felt this was the best offer they could get.

Before making the final decision, Jordan remembered what Collins had suggested at the beginning of the season, about trading Yu Fei.

Jordan remembered what he had said at that time.

If they traded Yu Fei, it would mean his failure.

Now, perhaps not even a month and a half later, Yu Fei's trade was imminent.

Had he lost?

No, he hadn't lost. This was all Yu Fei's fault!

It was him who forced me to do this!

Jordan got lost in thoughts of the past, his brown eyes looking somewhat misty.

"Should we inform that person about the trade?" Higgins asked.

"Of course," Jordan said coldly, "after all, he is still the owner of the team."

These days, Abe Pollin was almost at the Verizon Center every day to do his work.

He was worried that Jordan might suddenly complete the trade of Yu Fei in his absence.

Pollin was against trading Yu Fei, only he wouldn't say it out loud.

Before Jordan arrived in D.C., Pollin had promised him the power to manage the team, which of course included trades, signings, and drafts. However, when it came to trades, Pollin had a requirement, that each one had to meet his "standards."

Jordan didn't ask what the standards were because, since he took over the team, every trade he had made had passed smoothly.

When the standards never interfered with the trades, their existence became unimportant.

But Pollin really did have a standard for trades.

"No news yet?"

When Wes Unseld hurried into Pollin's office, the Wizards owner seemed a bit undignified.

"There is! The trade has been settled!" Unseld said, "The trading partner is Phoenix. They're willing to send Penny, Rodney Rogers, and a first-round pick."

Pollin asked, "Does this trade meet my 'standard'?"

"Definitely not, Mr. Pollin." Unseld knew what Pollin was thinking, "Leaving Rodney Rogers aside, he's just an addition to the trade. The focus is Penny. Penny used to be great, but now he's just an average starter, and last year he even caused a huge scandal in Phoenix—he pointed a gun at his child's mother in front of the kid, threatening to kill her. How would the women's rights activists in this city view such a player? And what about those eager activists? I can't imagine, Mr. Pollin."

"Good! Good! That's good!" At this moment, Pollin's excitement made it unclear whether he was happy that the trade did not meet his standard or because he had the chance to stop Jordan. "Tell Michael I disagree with this trade, it doesn't meet the 'standard'!"

Unseld hesitated, "What if Michael insists on making the trade?"

In an instant, Pollin was like those possessed by evil spirits in horror movies, suddenly displaying a frightening demeanor with a cruel sneer, "Wes, who do you think is in charge here?"

"Of course, it's Mr. Pollin!"

"So, Michael and I will come to an understanding." After saying that, Pollin anticipated Jordan's possible reactions and muttered to himself, "My words still hold weight here."

"Go inform Michael, and also ask Frye to come over, I have words for him."

When Unseld personally informed Jordan that the trade did not meet Pollin's "standards," the NBA's unique figure who was a player, coach, general manager, and owner all in one, exploded: "Standards? What the hell are the standards? You explain to me, what are these damn standards!?"

"Mr. Pollin only has one 'standard,' that is, the Wizards team does not welcome players with scandals. There is no place here for them." Unseld said, "Penny threatened the mother of his own child with a gun last season. His violent tendencies and disrespect for women are unacceptable to Mr. Pollin. Michael, do you know that D.C. is one of the birthplaces of women's rights activists? Did you know that there are numerous women's rights activities here every year? If we trade Frye for Penny, those people will seize the opportunity to tarnish us! That is Mr. Pollin's 'standard'! No one can challenge it, that's why we replaced the name 'Bullets' with 'Wizards,'⑴. That is why even though Chris Webber is the league's best power forward, the moment he is suspected of a crime, we will not hesitate to let him go,⑵ all based on Mr. Pollin's 'standard'!"

Jordan's face grew stern: "I need to talk to him!"