Ewings Epilogue: Episode 6.
January 30th 2012
So my contract here is up tomorrow. But if i dont get a new one, i wont be travelling to California with the team tomorrow. I'd be heading back to Portland to meet up with Red Claws again. The terms of my 10 day contract stated that if i am released, i can return to the Red Claws to complete the year i signed up for. If the Hornets choose to sign me, they will fully compensate the Red Claws for my $12k contract. But there is plenty of time to worry about that later. Off to meeting in room 303 first.
Ewing Jr: Hey Dell, so how goes it?
Dell Demps: Well Patrick firstly let me say we have been very impressed with your performance so far.
Ewing Jr: Thanks Dell, it’s been a pleasure being back here.
Dell Demps: Well as you know we have a bit of an injury crisis here. What with David, Trevor and Peja being out. They are all due back in less than a fortnight though.
Ewing Jr: Yeah I kno, so you guys are going to be down numbers for another while then.
Dell Demps: Yes and it’s important that we have backup for all positions. We are really chasing a top 4 seed in the West this year. As you know, Chris Paul is opting out to be a free agent this summer. It’s paramount we challenge in the West this year, with a view to becoming championship contenders next year.
Ewing Jr: He loves it in New Orleans though, I can tell from being around him. But I can understand the need to make a run at the West this year.
Dell Demps: Yes, the one problem I have is about the mini slump we have been on lately. 2-4 just ain’t gonna get us where we want to be. So we are in a predicament. I’m never one to make panic changes. But I do go with my gut feelings a lot. Your numbers have been impressive in the 10 days. 13.8ppg, 6.3rpg and 3.2 apg. Your defense is improving all the time. I liked how you rose to the challenge of guarding Kobe. But..
Ewing Jr: But what?
Dell Demps: Well I’m going to be honest and say it Patrick, you’re a good kid and I want to see you succeed. I know last year didn’t end on the best of terms, but in hindsight I think I made a mistake in not resigning you. It would have eliminated this problem a lot easier this year.
Ewing Jr: Yea I thought I had shown enough potential to get a contract for this year.
Dell Demps: Almost. Listen we could quite easily sign you up for a 2nd 10 day contract, but I just don’t think that would be the decent way to resolve this problem. I feel I owe you something, you’ve played your heart out every game here for the Hornets.
Ewing Jr: Thanks, as I said before I really like this ball club, and New Orleans.
Dell Demps: I know, and that is very much appreciated by us all here. Listen every team we have played so far had been impressed by you. On offense and Defense, you’ve shown great potential. With Peja possibly coming back next week, and David and Trevor the week after, I don’t feel a 10 day contract is the right thing to offer you.
Ewing Jr: You mean?
Dell Demps: Well yes but no. We feel you should be signed for the rest of the year, but there is a major condition attached to that. It’s not just by us that the decision will be made by.
Ewing Jr: Well thanks, but what do you mean exactly?
Dell Demps: Well 2 other teams in the league want to sign you up for the rest of the year. We don’t want to let you go for nothing though.
Ewing Jr: Wow really who are they?
Dell Demps: The Bobcats and the Pistons. I’ve been on the phone to both of them, and I think we are getting close to a deal that suits all sides. Questions is, how do you feel about Detroit? Joe Dumars is really shaking things up over there. Putting together a tough side, he thinks you’d really fit in well. Rumor has it they may be looking to make one more big trade for an ex player after this too. Somebody to mentor you. They see some potential in you. The Bobcats are willing to give us two players for you and Quincy Pondexter.
Ewing Jr: Detoit? Motor City sounds good to me! Brandon Knight has a great future. They still have some vets like Hamilton and Wallace I think I could learn from. Will Charlotte be involved in the trade?
Dell Demps: Yes I think so, we have a deal on the table that suits all sides. It means we can give you that chance we feel you deserve. You can be a great pro, it’s just unlucky for you we are pretty strong at your positions. We want to shake things up a bit too.
Ewing Jr: Ok, sounds fair enough. I appreciate what you’ve done for me Dell.
Dell Demps: Great Patrick. If you’ll just sign here, this will confirm you have signed for a 1yr $480k deal.
Ewing Jr: Sweet. Thanks Man. See ya around!
Dell Demps: Pleasure doing business Patrick, keep in touch. Check out NBA.com later on to see the details of the full trade. Should be finalised by tomorrow. Get your bags packed for Detroit, they want to give you a medical there. Good Luck.
Ewing Jr: You too. See you in the NBA Finals!!