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In 1969, the Bucks drafted Kareem #1 overall, but the Nets were also interested. Kareem had more of an interest in the New York Nets, though, because he wasn't that interested in Milwaukee. However, he let both parties take their best shot.

Finally, realizing that getting Abdul-Jabbar could be their ticket to a national TV contract and a quicker merger, ABA Commissioner George Mikan gave Kareem a check for one million dollars, and he decided to return to his hometown, signing with the Nets over the NBA's Bucks.

With the Kareem signing, the ABA immediately benefitted. They were able to finally get a TV contract with CBS. As for the Nets, Kareem made them the dominant team of the ABA. They eventually moved into a new arena in Nassau Coliseum by 1971. With Kareem, Rick Barry, and then Julius Erving, who also wanted to play for them instead of the NBA's Bucks, they won the ABA title five straight years from 1970-74.

In the Summer of 74, with their league a legitimate enterprise, the ABA and NBA had discussions about a merger. The NBA decided to take the New York Nets, Indiana Pacers, Utah Stars, and Denver Rockets(who got new ownership and would change the team to the Nuggets). After the merger, the Nets stayed a dominant team in the NBA, winning the next two championships before being dethroned by the Blazers in 1977. They would go on to be a successful team throughout the mid-80's until Erving retired in 1987, and Kareem in 1988.

But, what would have happened if Abdul-Jabbar signed with Milwaukee instead? Would Kareem have stayed there? Would the Bucks have owned the NBA for the next several years?
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