Chen Yilun welcomed legendary scout Del Harris, the "Silver Fox" with deep ties to China, into his office.
Harris was one of the few league insiders who truly understood China. In 2004, he coached the national team, and in 2007, it was at his urging that the Bucks boldly selected Yi Jianlian with the sixth overall pick—even though Yi had openly said he didn't want to play for them and refused their workout.
Still, the Bucks stubbornly drafted him.
"Del, how have you been lately?"
Chen Yilun poured a glass of water and handed it over. At seventy-eight, Harris' temples were gray, but his energy hadn't faded.
"Very well," Harris replied with a smile. "I just visited China not long ago. The country has changed so fast. After only two years away, it felt like a completely different place."
"Del, the real reason I asked you here today is because I want your advice as a senior."
"Go on, we're practically family. Ask whatever you like."
"Would you be interested in coming out of retirement to serve as my team's chief scout?"
The question caught Harris off guard. "Me? I'm seventy-eight. It's time for me to enjoy my later years, not have my old bones worked to death."
His refusal didn't surprise Chen Yilun. The old man was already accomplished and had no need to work for a living. If he were offered Chen's position itself, maybe he'd consider it—but chief scout? Too small a role, too little pull.
"Are you looking for scouts?" Harris suddenly changed the subject. "Would you dare to take a chance on a newcomer? I happen to know a young guy who's pretty good. And—he's from your hometown!"
"My hometown?" Chen Yilun froze at the familiar word. "He's also from China?"
"That's right," Harris said calmly. "He's the son of an old friend of mine from my days in China. The kid came to the States to study sports management—I even helped him get into his program. He graduated two years ago and has been working odd jobs around the league since. Would you consider giving him a chance?"
"Of course. He's my countryman and the son of your old friend. I'd be glad to help. But..."
Chen Yilun paused deliberately.
"I get it, I get it—I'll owe you a favor. Just say what you want." Harris chuckled.
"Del, I know your network runs deep. After the lottery in two days, help me spread the word, see if anyone's interested in my lottery pick."
"You're selling your lottery pick again?"
Harris' eyes widened. What on earth was this kid thinking? Other GMs were desperate to trade up for high picks, but for two years in a row, this one had been trying to trade down instead.
"There's one more thing. I need you to pass along a message in the league as a third party."
Chen Yilun leaned in close. "Say the owner has put Cousins on the trading block."
As soon as Harris spread the word, the league erupted in chaos.
DeMarcus Cousins?
Had the Kings lost their minds? After finally making the playoffs, they were really going to trade their franchise star?
The previously quiet trade market instantly caught fire. Cousins' name caused such a stir that Harris' second message—that the Kings were shopping their first-round pick—was completely overlooked.
"I don't agree! Absolutely not!"
Jerry West stormed into owner Joe Lacob's office.
"Why not? We missed out on Kevin Love last year. Now you want us to pass on DeMarcus Cousins too?" Lacob gave him a displeased look.
"Giving up Love won us a championship!" West snapped, his voice sharp.
"And you'd blow up a championship roster just to chase some flashy All-Star? If you trade him, I'll hand in my resignation tomorrow!"
While Logo Man and Lacob clashed, other teams scrambled to tear up and redraw their own plans. Chen Yilun's phone wouldn't stop ringing.
"Get lost! You think you can buy Cousins at that price? Keep dreaming!" he shouted before slamming the phone on Udoka.
On the other end, Udoka was cursing too. "Only you Kings idiots still treat Cousins like a treasure. You think he lays golden eggs?"
The same scene repeated itself in Chen Yilun's office all day.
On paper, Cousins' trade value would peak if he made another All-Star appearance next season—but neither Chen Yilun nor the team had time to wait. He urgently needed to trade Cousins, promote Jokić, and have Oden come off the bench. That would finally solidify the Kings' frontcourt.
...
While the outside world spiraled into chaos, Cousins' home was weighed down with despair.
When his agent called, Cousins felt like his world had collapsed.
His agent had been warning him since before the season ended, and Cousins himself had noticed the team's waning need for him. Still, when the day actually came, disappointment hit hard.
The Kings were the only team he had ever played for. In his heart, they had long since become his family. And now, he might be thrown out. How could that not hurt?
"DeMarcus, don't take it too hard. Coach Malone and Manager Chen both promised me they'll send you to the team you want. Take a couple of days to think about your preferred destination."
His agent sat beside him, trying to console him.
"In other words, this trade could be a clean break. The team is set on developing Jokić, and moving you is also about considering your future."
...
Amidst the noise and speculation, the date turned to May 20.
That night, thirty teams would determine their draft order.
Normally, each team just sent a representative. This year, the Kings' representative was the ever-popular heiress, Anjali.
Chen Yilun didn't even bother attending. Whatever pick they landed was getting traded to the Knicks anyway.
"With the 21st pick in this year's draft... the Sacramento Kings!"
Scattered applause echoed through the small venue.
As a playoff team, the Kings were guaranteed to miss the lottery. With the brutal Western Conference, their record had been stronger than most Eastern teams, so the 21st pick was right in line with expectations.
The drawing continued smoothly.
"With the 5th pick in this year's draft... the New York Knicks!"