"Clippers?"
Tang Tian was somewhat surprised by that outcome.
He had thought Butler would want to go to the Heat, just as he had in history.
The Clippers had drafted Dončić, a Son of Heaven. If Butler went there, he would not be able to remain the top dog for long.
"You didn't consider the Heat? I know you and Wade have a pretty good relationship."
Tang Tian asked.
"Yes, I considered them, but a Los Angeles team would benefit me more."
Butler gave a very reasonable explanation.
The cities where NBA teams were located in the United States were also divided into first through fifth tiers.
Charlotte, Milwaukee, and New Orleans were all fifth-tier cities;
Toronto, Minnesota, and San Antonio were fourth-tier cities;
Portland, Dallas, and Atlanta were third-tier cities;
Miami, where the Heat were located, was a second-tier city. Chicago, Boston, Philadelphia, and Houston were as well.
There were only two first-tier cities with NBA teams: New York and Los Angeles.
Both cities had two teams. New York had the Knicks and Nets, while Los Angeles had the Lakers and Clippers.
New York's two teams were unstable, and neither of them wanted him. The Lakers already had James, so that only left the Clippers.
"Have you made up your mind?"
Tang Tian confirmed it once more.
"I want to stay... but if you won't let me stay, I'll go to the Clippers."
Butler continued.
"Yeah, it's not a bad place. But I have to remind you, Dončić has the makings of a superstar. He'll achieve great things in the future, so you need to be mentally prepared."
Tang Tian warned him.
"He's just a European rookie."
Butler did not take it too seriously.
"I was just an Asian rookie back then too."
Tang Tian smiled and teased him.