Telefon klingelt....
1: "Hi, this is John Paxson, GM of the Chicago Bulls..."
2: "Hi John, this is Zeke from the New York Knicks... I'm calling to inquire about Eddy Curry... The press is mentioning his name frequently here, the pressure is mounting, I've got to do something..."
1: "Well Zeke, you know there are some issues about his hea.."
2: "Wait wait John, I've thought about a reasonable offer... How do you like this idea: Michael Sweetney and next years 1st rounder without any restrictions for the rights to Eddy Curry?"
1: (lacht sich ins Fäustchen, denkt schon zwei Schritte weiter):  "Zeke, you know... Eddy is still very young and a very gifted athlete. There's a reason people nicknamed him "Babyspeck" errrr sorry, I mean "Baby-Shaq"... I don't know... I'll think about it and get back to you in 2 or 3 days. Thanks for your call and talk to you soon, Zeke!"
2: (nervös) "Ok, b-b-b-bye John!"
15 Minuten vergehen. Paxson sitzt ruhig und erwartungsfroh in seinem Sessel, und siehe da, das Telefon klingelt erneut....
1: "Hi, this is John Paxson, GM of the Chicago Bulls...."
2: "Hey John, it's me again, Zeke."
1: "Hey Zeke, what can I do for you?"
2: "John, I've thought about the trade offer for Eddy Curry and I agree with you, the package isn't really enticing.. He has huge upside! What do you think about me adding the option to swap 1st round picks in 2007 besides sending you next years pick unconditionally and Michael Sweetney?"
1: (kann sein Glück kaum fassen, Freudentränen laufen die Wange hinunter, beisst sich auf die Lippen um keinen Lachanfall zu bekommen) "Zeke, we're getting closer, I mean (muss sich noch fester auf die Lippen beissen)...  Are you serious?"
2: "Oh you bet I am!!!"
1: "Well, I'm not sure yet, I've got some other offers on the table but... Yeah, sounds fair. You've got yourself a deal, let's get the paperwork done as quickly as possible before you change..... errrrrrrrrrr, I mean, before the league office closes!"
2: "Don't worry John, I'll get it done immediately, then I'll send you the paperwork for you to sign it. Thanks for the quick negotiations, always a cakewalk dealing with you!"
1: (liegt fast am Boden vor lachen) "Oh yeah Zeke, I agree wholeheartedly with you, especially about the last part. I thank YOU! We'll talk again when everything has been done, bye bye!"
2: "Hell yeah John, talk to you later... Bye!" (legt den Telefonhörer auf) : "Yessssssssssssssssssssssssss babyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy! I've done it again!!!!!!!!!!!"
1 Stunde vergeht, nichts passiert. 2 Stunden, nichts. Nach 3 Stunden wird John Paxson nervös und entscheidet sich, nochmal anzurufen....
1: "Hi, this is Isiah Thomas, Hall of Famer and best GM in the NBA, currently employed by the New York Knicks."
2: "Hey Zeke, it's me, Paxs. What's up with the Curry deal, I haven't heard from you again... Are you having second thoughts?"
1: "No no Paxs, wheeeew... You know I'm not the smartest guy in the world when it comes to trading.... I can't get my fax machine to work but don't worry, I've already called my assistant, he'll get it done. Don't worry!"
2: "Great Zeke, just wanted to make sure... Talk to you later then! Bye!
1: (noch immer total enthusiastisch nach dem erfolgreichen Trade) "See you later, alligator!"
15 Minten später, das Fax rattert in Paxson's Büro. Er unterschreibt schnell und leitet das Papier weiter an die Liga. Der Deal wird abgesegnet. Das letzte Telefonat
1: "Hi, this is Isiah Thomas, Hall of Famer and best GM in the NBA, currently employed by the New York Knicks."
2: "Hey Zeke, it's Paxs here again. Just wanted to thank you again, your assistant was able to solve the problem with the fax machine really quickly it seems..."
1: "Haha, absolutely... I changed the layout in my office yesterday and forgot to connect the connector to the socket... This is what stress and pressure does to you!"
2: (ungläubig, kopfschüttelnd) "Ah ok... I see.. Well Zeke, always a delight dealing with you, hope we'll be talking trade soon again. Have a nice day, bye bye. Thanks again!"
1: "Oh you bet we will! I thank YOU, Paxs! Bye bye!"