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Chapter 47 - Chapter 47: Trade Deadline Day 2

The night in Sacramento was lively—not quite on the level of New York or Los Angeles, but as California's capital, it had everything a city needed.

Small-market cities had one advantage over the metropolises: fan loyalty. And that was something the big cities couldn't match.

Which is why, as soon as Chen Yilun and Mike Malone stepped out of the car, a few fans immediately recognized them.

After greeting the enthusiastic fans, Chen Yilun and Malone entered the restaurant one after the other.

"Why do you always bring work to the dinner table? You're like one of those corporate guys who never switches off."

Malone asked suddenly as he adjusted the napkin in front of him.

"Huh?"

Chen Yilun blinked, surprised by the comment. He hadn't expected Malone to toss out something so random.

"Uh…" Chen Yilun thought for a moment. "Maybe it's just the way things are back home. We're used to doing it this way."

"Maybe so."

Malone took a sip of his lemon water and let the subject drop.

"It's basically settled that we're trading Mozgov, right?"

Malone trusted Chen Yilun almost completely. He didn't pry into his decisions—he only needed to be informed of the final result.

"Yeah. You've been telling me the frontcourt's too crowded and that I needed to find a solution."

Chen Yilun skimmed the menu, placed his order, and handed it to Malone.

Right now, the Kings' frontcourt was a full-on logjam.

Cousins, Jokić, Oden, and Mozgov—four usable bigs.

That alone had blown up the small-ball tactics the two of them had discussed before the season even started.

With four traditional big men, how could you possibly run small ball? Before the All-Star break, they'd already been forced to play Cousins at power forward.

"This Crowder kid isn't bad. He could be a great piece, and he'd help patch up our perimeter defense."

"I know. Do you think I don't trust your eye?"

Malone shook his head. "The thing is, Mozgov's leaving and you're bringing in another young guy. Isn't the team getting a little too young?"

This season, while the Kings still had Cousins and Gay as their core, most of the rest of the rotation had been turned over.

And now Mozgov was out, replaced by the younger Crowder.

Malone couldn't help but wonder if this group of young players could really handle the pressure of big games.

Chen Yilun thought for a moment.

"It should be fine. We'll manage for now. Once we hit the playoffs, we'll still have Gay."

Right now, Rudy Gay was the undisputed leader in the locker room.

Most of the players with comparable experience had already been traded away by Chen Yilun. Cousins alone couldn't carry the team.

"With Gay there, I'm not worried about the young guys losing their composure."

Malone thought it over and relaxed. "But are you that confident we'll even make the playoffs?"

"If we don't, what the hell have I been working on for the last six months?"

Chen Yilun shot him a look. "We're both on the line this year. With the record we've built, you know how temperamental our boss is."

"As long as we make the playoffs, we'll be fine. But if we blow it at the finish line, just wait to see if the boss spares us."

At that, Malone shivered involuntarily.

Honestly, their current owner wasn't exactly one of the league's better bosses. He loved meddling in team operations, just like a headmaster at a school.

So far, the only reason Chen Yilun and Malone had been running things their own way was because the team's progress had been so good that the boss hadn't had an opening to interfere.

"Either way, we have to make the playoffs this year."

Chen Yilun took the champagne from the waiter and poured two glasses.

"As long as we get there, we'll be fine."

He clinked glasses with Malone before continuing.

"And honestly, I don't think it'll be that hard. As long as we maintain this level after the All-Star break, a playoff spot is basically guaranteed."

"That's manageable," Malone said after a pause. "With this roster and chemistry, we should make the playoffs. We just might not hold on to home court advantage."

"Home court advantage, my ass!"

Chen Yilun downed his champagne in one gulp.

"You're still thinking about a championship? I'll be thankful just to make the playoffs, let alone get home court."

"Just give people enough to dream about."

Chen Yilun stared directly at Malone as he spoke.

Taking a bottom-feeder to a championship in your very first season? That only happens in some brainless fantasy novel.

In reality, it takes two or three seasons to build up.

Team chemistry has to be developed. Tactics have to be drilled. Rookies need time to grow. Role players have to be tested in different combinations to see who actually works.

Only once all those questions are answered can a team be considered a true contender.

Right now, the Kings weren't anywhere close.

"Got it."

Malone took the appetizer from the waiter, already forming a plan in his mind.

"If we do it your way, I'm confident I can get it done."

"That's what I like to hear!"

Chen Yilun accepted his appetizer and refilled his glass.

"With that, I can count on you. Everything I do depends on your work."

...

The same scenes were playing out across the country, as front offices scrambled to close deals.

Before they knew it, February 19 had arrived.

"I knew you weren't asleep yet, kid!"

Buford's hearty laughter came through Chen Yilun's headset.

"Coach! Are you kidding me? At this hour, you're calling just to joke around?"

Chen Yilun sat in the Kings' conference room, exhausted. The entire coaching and management staff had stayed up all night, waiting for the trades to be finalized.

"That's your job, not mine. I'm lying in bed already. Just wanted to say hi before I sleep! Hahaha!"

Buford chuckled a few more seconds before hanging up.

It was confusing and even a little disruptive, but Chen Yilun knew his mentor was only trying to ease his nerves.

The seconds ticked away, closer and closer to midnight.

And when the clock finally struck zero, the three teams completed their moves as planned.

When the dust settled, Chen Yilun collapsed back into his chair.

In theory, his work for the season was done.

The rest of the year would be about doing his part—and leaving the rest to fate.

The Kings, Celtics, and Suns had finalized a three-team trade.

Details:

Celtics sent out Jae Crowder, the 2016 Clippers first-round pick, and their lowest 2016 second-round pick; they received Isaiah Thomas.

Suns sent out Isaiah Thomas and their 2017 second-round pick; they received Timofey Mozgov and the 2016 Clippers first-round pick.

Kings sent out Timofey Mozgov; they received Jae Crowder, the Celtics' lowest 2016 second-round pick, and the Suns' 2017 second-round pick.

Everything was settled!

...

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