In this sprint stage, some media came out and began to talk about Zhao Yong's contract.

The media began to hype that Zhao Yong would leave the Clippers after becoming a free agent in the summer, and that the Clippers' four draft picks would be lost.

Now that Zhao Yong has played the maximum salary level, his current contract is obviously a contract that is lower than his personal value, and if other teams also offer the same maximum salary contract as the Clippers, then Zhao Yong has a chance to leave the Clippers.

According to inside information, the general managers of more than 20 teams in the league have privately expressed interest in Zhao Yong.

Then, Zhao Yong's opportunity to get the top salary after only playing for one year made other high-ranking rookies very envious.

It's just that except for Zhao Yong, there doesn't seem to be such a strange thing in the second round or the draft.

Zhao Yong is also unique in history.

In many cases, the NBA draft pick can also determine the potential of most people, and falling to the second round or losing the draft basically means that it is difficult to survive in the NBA.

In a show.

Clippers owner Ballmer was also asked about Zhao Yong's contract.

The reporter asked: "Will Zhao enter the free market this year?" Are you worried about 4 picks falling through? ”

"We're not going to let him into free agency, and I'm confident that Cho will stay in L.A., and we've got great salary space right now," Ballmer said. ”

The reporter asked: "In your mind, what level of player is Zhao?" ”

Ballmer said: "Kevin Durant, James Harden, he's at that level with me. ”

Ballmer seems to have become a fan of Zhao Yong, and he is also very optimistic about Zhao Yong.

After Ballmer finished the show, Arsene Wenger and other management quickly drew up a five-year contract with a maximum salary and sent it to Zhao Yong and his agent.

Schwartz and Zhao Yong were also very cautious about this contract, and in the end, Zhao Yong still chose to renew his contract with the Clippers in advance, but the term was short.

$100 million for three years, with a player option for the third year.

As soon as the news of this verbal contract renewal was exposed, it immediately caused a shock in the league.

"Damn, Zhao Yong's salary is so high, is this Mr. 100 million yuan?"

"It's only going to take effect next season, it's about the same as Harden."

"That's an exaggeration."

"Damn, according to the news, the Clippers offer a five-year contract, but Zhao Yong only signs a three-year contract."

"Zhao Yong estimates that he didn't sign for too long because he wanted to seize the initiative in his own hands."

"After 3 years, if Zhao Yong is still an All-Star player, then his contract will be higher."

"100 million, if it were me, my hands would tremble when I signed this book."

"Take the money to work, the Clippers are worth the money."

"Zhao Yong muttered while signing, he gave too much, too much."

"I'm sure the Clippers will win this time!"

Zhao Yong's contract is similar to that of other top-paid players, of course, the outside world does not question his strength now, after all, there are only players who can get three 50+ triple-doubles in the rookie.

The outside world thinks that Zhao Yong's qualifications are too shallow, which also gives many second-round picks and undrafted picks the opportunity to ask for sky-high prices.

The league is also concerned about the issue, and they have held an emergency meeting to discuss whether to implement a supplementary clause next season that would limit the amount of the second-round pick or the contract extension the following year after the draft, which the media jokingly called the "Zhao Yong clause."

The news of Zhao Yong's verbal contract extension with the Clippers quickly spread, and the dust settled on the matter.

There is no media discussion about Zhao Yong leaving the Clippers.

Zhao Yong's early contract renewal is also to reassure the management.

The two sides share a common goal.

That same evening.

After the Thunder defeated the Lakers on the road, Westbrook recorded a triple-double of 42 points, 15 assists and 10 rebounds.

At the press conference after the game, the reporter asked Westbrook about Zhao Yong's views on the three-year, 100 million contract.

Westbrook said bluntly: "It's disrespectful to a lot of All-Stars in the league, and it's not fair that they get paid more than them in the second round in their second year." ”

Westbrook is blunt.

Westbrook's own salary this season is $28 million, and his salary next season is $35 million, which is only two million higher than Zhao Yong, which is also uncomfortable for Westbrook.

What qualifications does he have, and what qualifications does Zhao Yong have?

Besides, isn't it tonight when he gets a triple-double to beat his opponent? What does it mean to talk about Zhao Yong's contract?

Westbrook felt like he was the one to be interviewed tonight!

"Kakaka."

The reporter continued to ask: "Russell, how do you evaluate Zhao's strength?" ”

Westbrook replied irritably, "Next question." ”

The reporter asked: "Russell, do you think Zhao's strength matches his salary?" ”

Westbrook replied, "Next question...."

It was an unpleasant interview.

The media also put Westbrook's feedback on the issue in the news.

Zhao Yong also saw these news on the Internet.

He didn't feel any offense to Westbrook's answer.

This is true, and most All-Stars probably think the same way he does.

And then if he is frantically asked questions about other players after he has played a good game, he will also write his dissatisfaction on his face.

.....

Westbrook has averaged a triple-double per game since Durant left the Thunder, and he won last season's MVP.

Those who love him like his personality, his passions, and those who hate him think he is a cancer, a brush.

Westbrook is another crazy polarizing player after Kobe Bryant and James.

There are many people who praise and step on it, all of which come from his own personality and style of play on the court.

Mr. Zhao did not respond publicly on the Internet.

During the pregame press conference against the Thunder the next day, Zhao Yong was surrounded by reporters.

The reporter asked: "Zhao, who do you think will play better against Russell in the next game?" ”

Zhao Yong said: "Me." ”

The reporter asked, "Do you think you have a chance to get a triple-double this season?" ”

Zhao Yong said: "This is difficult, but it is not impossible to do. ”

According to Zhao Yong's statistics after crossing, as long as he pays a little attention to the scramble for rebounds, he can complete an average triple-double per game.

The reporter asked, "Then you don't think Westbrook's average triple-double per game is a big deal, right?" ”

Zhao Yong said: "I don't say that, averaging a triple-double per game is a great achievement. ”

The media hopes to raise the anger between Westbrook and Zhao Yong, but Zhao Yong is not so easily pushed.

He just had to settle the matter with Westbrook on the field.

.....

.....

In 2016-17, the Thunder finished the playoffs with a 47-35 record and finished sixth in the West.

Everyone can see that under Westbrook's leadership, the Thunder are still a playoff team.

And without Durant by his side, Westbrook has also achieved a double harvest of personal honor and money.

Westbrook averaged 31.6 points, 10.7 rebounds and 10.4 assists per game in 2016-17, becoming only the second player in history to average a triple-double per game and a record 42 triple-doubles in a single season. And he was also the key man in the 2016-17 season, according to statistics, Westbrook scored a total of 247 points in the fourth quarter or the last five minutes of overtime to within five points, ranking first in the league, and he also won last season's regular season MVP.

The much-criticized Thunder management also raised their eyebrows in the summer of 2017, and they successfully brought in George and Anthony to form a triumvirate lineup.

However, the Big Three Thunder have also experienced a painful period of roster running-in, they have only an 8-12 record in the first 20 games of the season, during which Westbrook is no longer as unstoppable as last season, although he still averages 22.4 points, 9.5 assists and 9.2 rebounds per game, but the shooting percentage is only 40%, which is a far cry from last season's performance, and then Anthony, who averaged 24.5 points per game in his career, averaged only 19.7 points per game in the first 20 games of the season.

And because Oladipo, who was traded, played very well with Sabonis and others, Westbrook was also known as a god pit...

Of course, the situation has improved now, and the Thunder have quickly found their rhythm and have caught up, with the Thunder currently sitting 40-26 in sixth place in the West, and they still have a chance to be championship contenders again.

Although the Thunder's strength on paper is very strong, Zhao Yong remembers that the results of the Thunder Triumvirate in their previous life were not good.

Westbrook, Paul George, Anthony, the trio was first defeated 4-2 by the Jazz led by Mitchell, and then in the playoffs next year, it was overturned by the Trail Blazers led by Lillard.

When the three of them lead the team alone, they are losers, and when they get together, they are just losers.

This is different from Durant's defection to the Warriors, they won the championship before Durant went to the Warriors, and the Warriors have championship genes, which are two completely different crowd atmospheres.

March 10th.

The Clippers' game against the Thunder is about to begin at Staples Arena.

The popularity of the Thunder Big Three is very high, and with the Clippers also being hot recently, fans quickly fill up the place.

The appearance ceremony is followed by a two-minute adjustment period.

Anthony came to Westbrook and said, "Russell, that rookie has been comparing himself to you a lot lately. ”

"I don't take it seriously, the media is just that kind of morality, and if I blow him up tonight, their mouths will be closed," Westbrook said. ”

Westbrook's personality is so direct.

Paul George said cautiously: "You can't underestimate that rookie, the guy who can cut down 50+ triple-doubles many times is not so weak." ”

Westbrook said: "It's just a 50+ triple-double, I can get it too, man, I'll play more tonight." ”

Paul George nodded to Anthony.

The Clippers over there.

Rivers is still pouring chicken soup: "I don't stress how important the last games are for us, we're in the top eight now, we need to win every game we can win, especially at home like this, we're very strong, we're in great form, we can do our best. ”

Rivers loves to talk this kind of nonsense that doesn't help the game much.

The Clippers' players are also used to his approach.

Zhao Yong's way of coaching Rivers is that you can say whatever you say off the court, and when you get to the court, he will watch and play by himself.

Soon, the starters of both sides settled down.

Clippers starters: Zhao Yong, Beverley, Harris, Gallinari, Jordan Jr.

Rivers asked Beverley to start in place of Te'o, mainly to get him to relieve Zhao Yong's defensive pressure.

Thunder starters: Westbrook, Paul George, Anthony, Patterson, Adams.

TNT commentary platform, CCTV, Penguin Sports and other live broadcast platforms have also prepared for the commentary of this game.

Smith asked, "Charles, Shaq, who do you think will win this game?" ”

Barkley said: "I support the Clippers, and Zhao is the poor man's version of me after all. ”

O'Neal said, "I'm rooting for the Thunder, Russell Westbrook can completely blow up strange creatures like "flying pigs" and "flying elephants." ”

"Hahaha!"

Kenny Smith and Reggie Miller applauded and laughed.

Reggie Miller arched the fire and said, "Do you want the two of you to make a bet that the losing side will do pole dancing." ”

Kenny Smith said, "OMG, Reggie, I don't want to see that like that. ”

O'Neill raised his eyes: "I think it's okay, it's not me jumping anyway." ”

Barkley said, "Come on." ”

The audience watching TNT could no longer imagine the picture of the next game.

Whoever wins or loses, Barkley and O'Neal are bound to have one pole dancing there.

It's disgusting.

Two big fat pigs affect the city's appearance.

Although the eyes may not be able to stand it, fans still love to see these two people mess up.

While the TNT commentator was chatting, the game started on the field.

Jordan Jr. jumps with Adams.

Adams tossed the ball to Westbrook.

Westbrook pushed forward quickly.

Zhao Yong defends Westbrook.

Without any hesitation, Westbrook wanted to rush Zhao Yong with a scissor step.

In his opinion, Zhao Yong is so fat, his movements should not be able to keep up with him.

But Zhao Yong's reaction was quick, and he immediately crossed in front of Westbrook.

"Bang!"

The two confronted each other directly, and Westbrook was forced to retreat.

Zhao Yong's defense established a position in advance and did not block fouls.

Westbrook's first break failed.

Anthony leaned on the inside to get Harris and Westbrook for the ball.

Westbrook hits the ground and passes to Anthony.

Anthony's current offensive routine is simple, which is to use a variety of tentative steps combined with dribbling to find space to shoot.

Harris defended him tightly.

Anthony's successive tentative steps didn't shake up the space.

Anthony gives the ball to Paul George at the top of the arc.

Adams goes over to cover and Adams blocks Beverly.

Jordan Jr. was slow to follow, and Paul George dribbled a step sideways and shot a three-point shot at the top of the arc.

"Box!"

"Huh!"

The basketball smashed into the rim of the basket and fell.

3 to 0

"Pay attention to the defense, and quickly prevent it after the block." Zhao Yong shouted at Little Jordan.

Jordan Jr. is not motivated enough in helping to defend.

Jordan Jr. nodded in response.

Paul George's face was relaxed and compelled after the goal.

The Clippers attack.

Zhao Yong dribbles to the frontcourt.

Westbrook's eyes were sharp, and he looked at Zhao Yong with an aggressiveness.

Zhao Yong first gave the ball to Harris who was in the low post at the top of the arc.

Harris relied on beating Anthony.

After a series of impacts, Harris made a turnaround jumper.

Anthony's defense was a little slower.

But.

"Box!"

Harris was a little bit more difficult and he didn't make it.

Adams was firmly stuck with Jordan Jr. behind him, and Westbrook jumped to his feet to collect the rebound.

Zhao Yong was still surprised when he looked at Adams's movements.

It was the first time he had seen a center deliberately concede a rebound to a point guard.

Really show.

Kafeng lives up to its name.

Thunder offense.

Westbrook calmed down and instead of playing on his own, he continued to give the ball to Anthony on the right.

After Anthony received the ball, he shook in successive tentative steps, and then dribbled the ball on the right side and made a quick jumper.

Harris couldn't get the block, and Anthony was very fast.

"Huh!"

5 to 0.

The Thunder's two giants made their first shots after the game began.

The Clippers are here.

Zhao Yong and Jordan Jr.'s blocking.

After blocking and demolishing, Little Jordan went down, and Zhao Yong sent one to the ground.

Jordan Jr. had a dunk opportunity across the defense of Patterson.

"Box!"

Jordan Jr.'s dunk smashes flying!

The first few minutes of the game didn't look good for the Clippers.

The overall feel of the Clippers is not good, mainly relying on Zhao Yong to burst to the inside to cause kills to score.

At 6 minutes and 11 seconds, the score came to 16-7.

The Clippers are nine points behind at home.

Rivers called a timeout.

Smith said: "The Thunder were in better shape today, the Clippers didn't look good, they didn't take some open shots, and Zhao Yong's chances were wasted. ”

Reggie Miller said: "Beverley's point is almost invisible, it is too difficult for him to defend Paul George, of course, the main thing is that Harris is not open, he is the second offensive point of the Clippers' starter, 0 of 4 on the court, did not score a point, and he performed very badly in the face of Paul George and Anthony's defense." ”

O'Neal smiled: "This guy doesn't deserve the top salary, but thinking about getting the top salary every day, the Clippers owner is not a fool." ”

Barkley said: "Zhao hasn't made a force yet. ”

Pause back.

Beverley and Gallinari were taken off and replaced with Te'o and Harrell.

The Clippers are back on the offense.

Westbrook and Zhao Yong were on one side.

With the score in the lead, Westbrook felt good.

"Rookie, it's not that easy to score in front of me, I'll let you feel the intensity of my confrontation." Westbrook said to Zhao Yong.

"Russell, how does it feel to be abandoned and betrayed by your teammates?" Zhao Yong shot back.

Hearing this, Westbrook's face immediately pulled down.

Zhao Yong was very ruthless.

If Westbrook doesn't press, Zhao Yong won't fight back.

Since he wants to talk trash with Zhao Yong, then he has to accept the intensity of Zhao Yong's trash talk.

Special Olympics ball to the frontcourt organization.

Zhao Yong asks for the ball on the right side.

Te'o gives the ball to Zhao Yong.

Zhao Yong didn't have that much advantage in playing Westbrook on the outside, and he chose to play with the help of pick-and-roll.

Harrell came up to give Zhao Yong a cover.

Westbrook was blocked.

Zhao Yong accelerated on the right side and rushed into the inside line, and after Paul George bypassed the cover, he could only see Zhao Yong's back.

Adams on the inside came to help defend Zhao Yong, and Anthony also came from the other side, and they were ready to surround Zhao Yong.

It's just that Zhao Yong's impact is far beyond what Adams and Anthony imagined.

The two of them have not yet fully closed.

"Bang!"

Zhao Yong burst in from the middle strongly, grabbed the ball with one hand, raised the fire, and smashed the ball into the basket.

"Box!"

The basket was bombarded with force.

16 to 9

"Good shot!"

"It's beautiful!"

"That's how you beat them."

Clippers fans were thrilled to see such a crisp and crisp goal.

Zhao Yong just rushed in with a cover and gave Thunder a heavy blow.

Zhao Yong pulled the basket and landed on the ground and looked back at Westbrook.

Reggie Miller smiled: "Well done, simply and neatly seized the gap after the block to complete the breakthrough dunk." ”

"Keep playing like this, and you'll be able to catch up quickly," Smith said. ”

Thunder offense.

Westbrook didn't lose his mind because he was trash talking to Zhao Yong.

Westbrook gives the ball to Paul George, who wants the ball on the left.

Paul George is playing against Te'o, which is clearly misplaced.

Paul George's shooting ability is very strong, and the Te'o defense is posted to defend.

Paul George was not as explosive as he was before the injury, and he chose to break through on the left side and carry Te'o away.

"Hurry up and flank." Zhao Yong shouted.

Harrell's feet were quick, and he quickly flanked over.

Paul George was caught and he was out for Westbrook.

It's just that Westbrook didn't seize the position in the confrontation with Zhao Yong.

Zhao Yong took the first step to intercept Paul George's pass.

Zhao Yong completed the steal, and the whole Thunder team quickly retreated.

O'Neill said: "Paul George's pass was too careless, he shouldn't have passed it that way. ”

Barkley said: "The defensive anticipation was well done. ”

Paul George signaled to Westbrook that the ball was his problem.

Zhao Yong patted Harrell's buttocks, this guy did a great job of actively assisting in defense this time.

The Clippers' offense.

Zhao Yong dribbles to the right side of the frontcourt.

After Zhao Yong gave the ball to Te'o, he then leaned on the spot against Westbrook to complete the turn and get rid of it.

Westbrook would be stunned when defending without the ball, he didn't expect Zhao Yong to run so quickly.

Zhao Yong was in a straight line in front of him, and the inner lines of the thunder were scattered on both sides.

Te'o saw Zhao Yong's opportunity, and he directly chose to send the ball into the sky.

Zhao Yong decisively stepped into the air, grabbed Te'o's pass with both hands, and glided into the three-second zone to smash the dunk!

"Box!

”

16 to 11

Zhao Yong's two consecutive dunks helped the Clippers score four points in a row.

Fans and the media have also seen why Zhao Yong is eligible to sign a contract with an annual salary of 3,000.

This talent, a blank connection can be directly deducted casually.

Ballmer, the boss of the front row, kept shouting excitedly that this signing would definitely not be lost.

Thunder offense.

Westbrook dribbled the ball to the front court, and this time he didn't pass to his teammates, and he was ready to come on his own.

Westbrook beckons to Adams' cover.

Adams Ti blocked Zhao Yong, and Westbrook cut in on the right to change direction and break through.

Westbrook only targeted the basket, and he took two steps before taking a stride to get straight to the frame.

There are offensive opportunities in this straight line, and if there are no accidents, Westbrook will dunk directly like Zhao Yong.

But when Westbrook was flying high and was about to smash the ball into the basket.

"Bang!"

Zhao Yong stretched out his palm behind Westbrook, and he covered the ball in Westbrook's hands with one hand.

Westbrook's powerful slam dunk was unsuccessful, and the two landed in a stalemate in the air!

Beep!

The referee was not embarrassed to blow Westbrook walking, and finally blew the two for the ball!

After landing, Westbrook stumbled to the ground because of the huge impact, and Zhao Yong stood firmly, he looked down at Westbrook who fell to the ground, and then smiled at him.

Westbrook saw Zhao Yong's smile and swallowed.

He felt like he was being targeted by a lion at the moment, and he was instinctively a little afraid.

"Kakaka!

”

Slow motion shows that when Zhao Yong grabbed the ball with Westbrook with one hand, the ball in their hands was deformed.

"It's miserable basketball."

"Young Master Wei's violent buckle has been blocked."

"It's such an exaggerated explosiveness and bounce."

"Zhao Yong was obviously passed, but he just caught up."

"The basketball is actually deformed."

"It's the first time Westbrook has encountered such a block."

The fans were talking.