As the highly anticipated draft slowly drew to a close, the entire NBA was instantly set ablaze, and the trade market burst open like a door that had been shut for far too long.
And on this turbulent, spectacular stage, there was no doubt that this year's most sought-after "big fish" was Yao Ming of the Houston Rockets!
The giant from the East had seen his contract with the Houston Rockets expire, yet puzzlingly, there had still been no definite word of a renewal between the two sides.
The sharp-nosed, shrewd general managers immediately understood the situation. As though they had caught the scent of prey, they rushed to extend olive branches to Yao Ming, throwing enticing contracts his way one after another.
Although Yao Ming was now 34 years old, he remained in excellent competitive form.
Last season, he was still able to put up an impressive average of 16.6 points, 11.3 rebounds, 3.3 assists, and 1.6 blocks per game.
What was more, thanks to his enormous influence and broad fan base, Yao Ming's commercial value was simply immeasurable.
For that very reason, numerous teams did not hesitate to offer him max contracts, hoping to bring the superstar under their banner.
Yet faced with high-paying offers flying in like snowflakes, Yao Ming remained unmoved. For him, money was not the only consideration.
If it had only been about money, he might never have chosen to leave the Houston Rockets—after all, the team had already offered him a highly sincere max-contract extension.
Just as everyone was wildly speculating about Yao Ming's destination, the Boston Celtics, who had always kept a low profile during the offseason, suddenly burst into public view in astonishing fashion.
Like a bolt of lightning tearing through the night sky, they instantly drew everyone's attention, becoming the