Chapter 50: Rookie Contract Signed—Are the Celtics' Big Three Done For?
"Congratulations to the host for being selected as the second overall pick in the 2007 NBA Draft! You've earned 15 honor points as a reward!"
Wait, I get honor points just for being drafted?
Damn, that's a sweet deal.
This system really spoils me.
After wrapping up all the draft procedures, Chen Yan made his way to the Phoenix Suns' VIP suite.
"Chen! Welcome to the Suns family!"
Head coach Mike D'Antoni and team owner Robert Sarver both stepped up to greet him, taking turns to hug the rookie with enthusiasm.
While hugging him, D'Antoni sized up Chen Yan's shoulders and arms—solid and well-built.
This kid's more physically ready than I thought. He'll handle the NBA grind just fine.
Meanwhile, Sarver's eyes lingered on Chen Yan's face, taking in his sharp features and confident expression.
Good-looking, marketable, and backed by the massive Chinese fanbase—this guy's a goldmine.
Businessmen see dollar signs, coaches see wins. That's the game.
"You're gonna love Phoenix, and you'll love playing for the Suns. I promise," D'Antoni said with a smile.
Chen Yan grinned. "I already love it. I'm a big fan of the Suns' run-and-gun style, and I've always admired your coaching, Coach. Honestly, out of all the NBA teams, the Suns play the most beautiful brand of basketball. I can't wait to fit in and make an impact."
D'Antoni's smile widened.
Mature, articulate, team-first... I like this kid.
Chen Yan wasn't just kissing up—this was called emotional intelligence.
Besides, D'Antoni wasn't just the head coach. He also held the titles of VP and GM. Building a strong relationship with him was a no-brainer.
Before leaving the arena, Chen Yan said goodbye to Kevin Durant and Yi Jianlian.
Next time they'd meet, they'd be opponents.
All three were in high spirits.
Chen Yan had landed on a title-contending team, and management clearly had plans for him.
Durant was headed to Boston—historic franchise, massive expectations—and Danny Ainge had promised to give him the green light from day one. Pierce might not be thrilled about that…
Yi was going to a major market he actually wanted. In his past life, he'd fought with the Bucks over their small-market status and conservative playstyle, even nearly bolting back to the CBA. But this time? The guy was ready to hop on the next flight to Chicago to sign the damn contract.
The future looked bright for all three of them.
That night, back in his hotel room, Chen Yan lay on the bed, his heart still racing.
In his past life, he was just a die-hard NBA fan.
The closest he ever got to the league was through NBA 2K.
But now... this was real.
He was in. For real.
He stared at the ceiling, replaying the entire day in his mind.
This wasn't just another chapter—it was the start of his dream.
Just like the NCAA championship win, tonight wasn't a night for sleep.
Chen Yan glanced at his phone. His messages were flooded again—99+ unread.
All of them were congratulations for being picked second overall.
Even Steve Nash, Grant Hill, and Amar'e Stoudemire had texted him.
They'd met briefly during March Madness, and once news broke that Chen Yan was joining the Suns, they were quick to welcome him into the fold.
The vibe in Phoenix was elite.
No drama, no locker room politics—just hoopers focused on the game.
As Nash once said:
"Basketball should be fun. We overcomplicate it sometimes, but in the end, it's just a game."
In Phoenix, that wasn't just talk—it was real.
Basketball was pure again. No pressure. No BS.
Chen Yan could breathe here.
Plus, Nash and Hill? Certified good guys. Zero ego. No rook hazing crap.
Chen Yan felt safe—respected, even.
Then his phone buzzed.
"Chen! You made it! You're in the NBA! Congratulations!"
It was Taylor Swift calling.
"Taylor! Thank you! And hey—best of luck with your new album. Hope it crushes the charts."
The two had been keeping in touch lately. Chen knew she was grinding on her second album.
"Haha, I just finished an all-nighter recording. Wanna hear one of the new songs?"
"Of course! Let's hear it."
One of them had just stepped into the NBA.
The other was about to dominate the music scene again.
They talked excitedly on the phone until nearly 5 a.m.
Back at home, Chen Yan's parents were also too wired to sleep.
Last night was surreal for them.
Flashing cameras, interviews, media swarms—it was their first taste of the spotlight.
That's when it truly hit them.
Their son wasn't a boy anymore. He was a pro. A rising star.
They were beyond proud.
But they were parents. And parents worry.
The next morning, the lectures started.
"Xiao Yan, your career is just starting. Stay humble, don't rush anything. Never forget why you started playing basketball. And watch your lifestyle. One mistake off the court can ruin everything."
"Be respectful to your teammates and fans. You're not just playing for yourself anymore. You represent something bigger now. Look at Yao Ming—be like him!"
Yeah, they nagged. But every word hit home.
Too many players got caught up in fame—nightclubs, scandals, baby mamas everywhere.
Talent wasted. Reputations ruined.
But Chen Yan?
He wasn't about to let the spotlight blind him.
He had talent, discipline… and now, a system.
The NBA wasn't his finish line—it was just the beginning.
—-
"Cheats are just tools," Chen Yan reminded himself. "It's you who steps onto the court. If your body fails and your mind's in chaos, how can you expect to perform?"
From the moment he entered the league, Chen Yan's aspirations surpassed being an All-Star or even a superstar. He aimed to be remembered as the best in the eyes of the fans by the end of his career.
After spending three more days in New York, Chen Yan bid farewell to his parents. They had to return to China for work. Chen Yan had considered asking them to retire and enjoy life, especially since his earnings were substantial and only growing. However, his parents declined.
"Work is part of our lives," his father said. "Without it, we'd feel empty."
Chen Yan respected their decision. If his son were as successful, he'd probably travel the world daily. Generational perspectives differ, and there's no right or wrong.
At the airport, his father handed him a gift box containing a watch. It wasn't expensive, but it held deep meaning. As he watched his parents depart, Chen Yan carefully strapped the watch onto his wrist.
A week later, accompanied by his agent Bill Duffy, Chen Yan officially signed with the Phoenix Suns. In Coach D'Antoni's office, he inked a 4-year, $19.6 million rookie contract structured as a 2+2 deal.
The NBA mandates a salary scale for first-round rookies to prevent contract disputes and maintain league harmony. This system was implemented after instances like the 1994 draft when the first pick, Glenn "Big Dog" Robinson, demanded $100 million from the Bucks, eventually settling for $68 million over ten years.
Under the rookie scale, contracts can range from 80% to 120% of the set amount. The Suns offered Chen Yan the maximum 120%, starting at $4.25 million in his first year—a top-tier salary for a rookie.
Unlike many rookies who seek salary advances, Chen Yan lived modestly, relying on endorsement deals for daily expenses. After being selected as the second pick, he secured two more endorsements. Though he was drafted after Oden, he achieved significant success in business.
After signing, Chen Yan moved into his new 235-square-meter apartment in an upscale Phoenix neighborhood, chosen for its safety. Bill Duffy had previously suggested renting a villa, but Chen Yan declined.
"I'm alone and often come home late after games," he explained. "A big villa feels too empty."
The apartment was well-furnished, but Chen Yan noted one missing item.
"I need a car," he told Bill.
Understanding the desire, Bill took him car shopping. Chen Yan, like many young men, had a passion for sports cars. With Bill's assistance, he purchased a red Ferrari 458 for $260,000.
During the test drive, the engine's roar exhilarated him. Owning a Ferrari 458 through his own efforts was a dream realized.
After a brief rest, Chen Yan immersed himself in training. The Suns were a strong team, and expectations were high. Chen Yan held himself to even higher standards, aiming for impressive personal stats and contributing to the team's success.
On July 3, post-training, Chen Yan checked his computer and was stunned by NBA trade news:
"Celtics Trade Paul Pierce to Raptors."
In his previous life, the Celtics' Big Three—Pierce, Garnett, and Allen—had formed around this time. Now, Pierce was traded to the Raptors along with Wally Szczerbiak in exchange for Chris Humphries, Carlos Delfino, Jorge Garbajosa, and future draft picks.
Fans speculated about a Pierce-Bosh duo in Toronto. Chen Yan was in disbelief.
"The Celtics' Big Three are gone?" he thought.
Previously, GM Danny Ainge had bet on immediate success by forming the Big Three. Now, trading Pierce signaled a focus on developing Kevin Durant, betting on the future.
Chen Yan pondered the ripple effects. Would LeBron James still form a superteam without the Celtics' Big Three as a catalyst? Would Durant stay loyal or seek opportunities elsewhere?
His time travel had significantly altered the NBA's trajectory, creating a new storyline for its stars. Only he was aware of these changes.
In the following days, Chen Yan closely monitored trade news, sensing more surprises ahead.
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