196th Chapter: When Eagle County is Graceful

Although the off-season featured many high-profile players, once the suspense surrounding Kidd was unveiled, the rest seemed somewhat less significant.

Jermaine O'Neal unsurprisingly renewed his contract with the Pacers, followed by Miller. Subsequently, most of the prime-aged stars opted to renew with their home teams.

Gary Payton announced he was joining the Los Angeles Lakers; in pursuit of a championship, the veteran with a bigger mouth than anyone else now didn't care about anything else.

Payton's choice was like a signal, strongly reminding other veterans who desired a championship.

The gathering of veterans is where the hopes for the championship lie.

Thus, Karl Malone also decided to leave the Jazz after nearly 20 years and seek new possibilities toward the end of his career.

The Lakers' desire for Malone was desperate.