June 22, 2000, Boston, FleetCenter Arena, President's Office.
The clamor of the championship parade had just subsided, but the entire city was still immersed in the fervor of winning two consecutive championships.
There was a gentle knock on the office door.
The man who pushed open the door was Dikembe Mutombo, who had changed into casual clothes. This defensive pivot, who had fought fiercely with O'Neal in the NBA Finals and made great contributions, still walked with a slightly unsettling gait.
"Sit down, Dikembe." Lin Qi gestured to the sofa opposite him, then got up to pour him a cup of coffee. "Don't you need the ice pack anymore?"
"The team doctor said I need to ice it for another week, but I just can't stay idle." Mutombo took the coffee, a hint of hesitation on his weathered face, but he finally got straight to the point, "Lin, I'm here today to talk about my contract."
Lin Qi leaned against the edge of his desk, calmly watching this meritorious official.
Mutombo's current contract has only one year remaining, worth approximately $12 million. For a 34-year-old veteran who has just won two consecutive championships as the defensive anchor in the paint, seeking a long-term contract extension at this point is an extremely reasonable request.
"You want to talk about an early contract extension." Lin Qi didn't beat around the bush and got straight to the point.
"Yes," Mutombo nodded, his voice deep. "I'm 34 years old. Lynn Boston gave me the best two years of my career. I love the fans here, and I love this team. I want to retire here, so I'm hoping to get a long-term contract guarantee."
The office fell silent. Lin Qi didn't answer immediately; he picked up his Mark, took a sip, and his gaze was deep and rational.
If it were any other team's general manager, faced with a championship contributor's contract renewal request, they would most likely first offer promises, using phrases like "please take a pay cut for a three-peat" or "we'll talk again next year" to reassure the player. But Lin Qi doesn't intend to do that.
Facing Mutombo, who had bled for Boston's paint, Lin Qi chose the most brutal, but also the most sincere, confrontation.
" Dikembe, I can be frank with you." Lin Qi put down his cup, looking directly at Mutombo. "If you choose to stay, Boston can't offer you a satisfactory salary."
Mutombo froze, his grip on the coffee cup tightening slightly.
" Chris Paul ( Pierce )'s rookie contract expires soon, and he'll need to re-sign... Kevin ( Garnett ) and Rasheed ( Wallace ) also have large contracts. To maintain the team's long-term competitiveness, Boston's salary cap must remain extremely flexible." Lin Qi analyzed the harsh reality in the most objective tone. "If you stay, I can only offer you a two- to three-year mid-level contract at most. That's not commensurate with your contributions, nor with your current value."
Mutombo fell silent. He knew Lin Qi was telling the truth; the NBA salary cap was a ruthless mathematical problem.
"But," Lin Qi changed the subject, his tone becoming serious, "If you're willing to go to another team, with your performance in the NBA Finals, getting a four-year, or even a super contract worth over $60 million, would be a piece of cake."
Lin Qi straightened up, walked up to Mutombo, and handed the decision-making power over to the veteran.
"Now, the choice is yours, Dikembe. I'll give you two options."
"First, you stay and fulfill the final year of your contract, and we'll aim for a three-peat together. But the price is that you'll have to bear the risk of injury this year, and next summer, at 35 years old, you'll face unknown offers on the free agent market."
"Secondly, I'll put you on the trading block right now. But I assure you, I'll only trade you to teams willing to offer you a long-term, big contract immediately. You'll get the retirement contract you deserve and start the final stage of your career."
These words contained not a trace of management maneuvering, but rather a stark reality and a display of respect.
Mutombo lowered his head, falling into a long silence. On one hand, there was the allure of a three-peat and the glory of Boston. On the other, there was his family's future and the last huge sum of money to secure his career. For a 34-year-old Africa -American center, this choice was incredibly difficult.
Five minutes passed before Mutombo raised his head, his eyes slightly red, but his gaze had hardened.
"Lin..." Mutombo took a deep breath, his voice hoarse, "I have four children, and my hospital project in Africa needs funding. I... I need that big contract."
"I see."
Lin Qi showed no disappointment; instead, he reached out and firmly grasped Mutombo's broad hand.
"You've made the most rational decision, Dikembe. You've given your all to Boston, go get that big contract that's rightfully yours." Lin Qi patted him on the shoulder, his tone carrying an undeniable promise. "Leave the rest to me."
Mutombo nodded gratefully and was about to get up and leave.
"There's one more thing, Dikembe," Lin Qi suddenly called out to him.
Mutombo turned around.
Looking at this tough guy with reddened eyes, Lin Qi's originally stern face broke into an extremely sincere smile.
"After you finish this big contract... if the opportunity arises, I hope you can return to Boston and retire as a Celtics player."
Lin Qi pointed out the window towards the New Garden, his tone solemn. " The Boston Dome will always have a place for you."
Upon hearing this, Mutombo could no longer hold back his tears. He didn't say anything, but simply gave Lin Qi a hug that was almost suffocating, then turned and strode out of the office.
That afternoon, at the Boston Celtics Media Center.
With less than a week to go before the NBA draft, general managers across the league are secretly recruiting. At this extremely sensitive juncture, news from Boston has been like a bombshell, directly detonating the entire NBA trade market.
Celtics president Lin Qi released a high-profile public statement through various sports media outlets.
The Boston Celtics have officially begun listening to trade offers for Dikembe Mutombo.
The entire league went crazy. A two-time champion center who had just defended Big Shark O'Neal in the NBA Finals and whose rim protection was still among the league's best was put on the trading block?! General managers of teams desperately needing interior defense and aiming for the championship almost simultaneously grabbed the phone on their desks.
However, Lin Qi's statement came with an extremely tough, even somewhat domineering, precondition.
"Any team that wants to acquire Mutombo must commit to a long-term contract extension of at least four years, commensurate with his value, upon the completion of the trade. Boston will refuse to initiate any negotiations if the player's salary demands cannot be met."
"Under this premise, the Celtics are demanding matching quality draft picks or young assets as compensation."
This statement caused an uproar across the United States.
"Is Lin Qi crazy?" an ESPN basketball commentator exclaimed on the show. "He's not only trading his starting center, he's even negotiating a max contract for him with potential buyers?! What makes him think other teams will accept such exorbitant terms?"
"Because that's Dikembe Mutombo!" another commentator pointed out Lin Qi's confidence incisively. " Lin Qi's strategy is blatant! He knows how hungry those championship contenders are for Mutombo. He's openly squeezing every last drop of blood from the buyers!"
At this moment, Lin Qi was sitting in his office, looking at the constantly flashing telephone indicator light, a satisfied smile on his lips.
He not only gave Mutombo a final moment of dignity, but also pushed the trade value of this veteran player to its peak after winning the championship.
Now, the net has been cast, and it remains to be seen which big fish will be willing to take the expensive bait, along with a wealth of draft picks.