"I can't believe the Kings actually traded Cousins." Charles Barkley brought up the hottest trade on his blog.
"Last season, Chen Yilun showed us his unique style of play and led the Kings back to the playoffs after eight years."
"But now they've dismantled that playoff roster. And instead of getting an All-Star in return, they only brought back future assets. I really have to question Chen Yilun's decision."
Today's guest on Barkley's blog was Reggie Miller.
Miller thought for a moment before replying. "At first, I didn't understand what the Kings were doing either, but after thinking about it, maybe they're trying to clear the way for Jokić?"
"Does a second-rounder with just one good year really justify all this?" Barkley asked in confusion.
"I don't get it either, but that seems like the most reasonable explanation," Miller continued.
"Jokić made the All-Rookie First Team this year, so the Kings definitely want to develop him. And as a team aiming for success, Oden's contract is way too valuable to let go of."
"If I were the Kings' GM, I'd be torn too. What do you even do with three centers?"
"The Kings have to solve that problem—those three can't coexist. But I really didn't expect Chen Yilun to make the move that shook things up the most!"
"Other than the Cousins trade, which I still question, his draft picks and trades have been spot on."
Seeing the discussion hit a dead end, Barkley quickly shifted the topic.
"They drafted Devin Booker to add another ball handler on the perimeter. Then they traded for Otto Porter, a stretch big who can space the floor. And they got a proper-sized forward in Oubre."
"Under Chen Yilun, the roster is looking more and more balanced."
"But now the question is, do the Kings have too many future assets in hand?"
Miller started counting on his fingers.
"They only gave up their 2017 first-round pick to the Blazers in the CJ trade. If I remember correctly, that pick has two years of lottery protection. With the Kings' momentum right now, it's basically gone—but losing a late first-rounder doesn't really matter."
"Right," Barkley recalled. "Not counting second-rounders, since Chen Yilun took over, they've acquired the Cavs' 2016 first, the Knicks' and Wizards' 2018 firsts, swap rights with the Wizards in 2019, and a 2020 first."
"The Kings now have the second-largest stash of draft picks in the league, only behind the Celtics."
"That means Chen Yilun has a ton of room to maneuver."
"Other than being a little too young, I can't see many weaknesses on this roster."
...
While Barkley and Miller kept talking, Chen Yilun was busy himself.
"Is it worth keeping Casspi?"
Malone immediately responded. "Yes, it is. Even though we've filled the forward spots, Crowder and Oubre still need development, and Porter isn't consistent enough yet. At least for next season, we'll still need Casspi."
Casspi's contract expired this year, and Chen Yilun had originally planned to let him go to make room for younger players. But he decided to follow Coach Malone's advice.
"Alright, I'll go talk to him later."
Just then, Anjali knocked and walked in. "Boss, Rudy's here for the extension meeting we scheduled."
"Take him to the conference room. I'll be right there."
Malone stood up tactfully to leave. "Oh, one more thing—when's the friendly against China? I'd like to get it done so the players can get their break."
"This month. I'll handle it soon. "Good chance for you to work on some tactics with the new guys too."
...
In the conference room, Rudy Gay sat next to his agent.
Gay was glued to his phone, barely paying attention, while his agent looked at him with frustration.
"Can you at least focus a little? We're talking about your salary here."
"What's there to talk about?" Gay lazily put away his phone.
"In my current condition, you still expect me to get a max deal? Yilun's a good guy, he won't screw me over."
"I think it's just because the Kings are an easy situation that you're dead set on staying."
Among free agents, Gay was probably the most laid-back. He had zero desire to explore other opportunities, spending his days at home just waiting for the Kings to hand him a contract. If it weren't for his agent dragging him out, he wouldn't even bother leaving the house. If the Kings could just send the contract to his door, that'd be perfect for him.
"Rudy, like I've said before, we'd be very happy for you to stay. But it comes down to the numbers."
Just as his agent was about to negotiate, Gay interrupted with his usual lazy tone.
"I get it, I like the atmosphere here too. I'm not hung up on the money."
Watching Gay and Chen Yilun exchange looks, the agent suddenly felt like he was the outsider.
"The contract I offered earlier was three years, $33 million, with a team option in year three. But as you can see, with so many young guys to develop, your touches may decrease even more next season."
Chen Yilun hadn't even finished when Gay's eyes lit up. "I'll take it! It's all for the team, no problem!"
"And with DeMarcus gone, the locker room will need you to set the tone. So I'll bump it up a bit—three years, $35 million, 5% increase each year, team option on the third year. If you're good with that, we can sign today."
"No need to think twice! Let's sign!"
???
???
Both Chen Yilun and Gay's agent were stunned, exchanging confused looks.
Shouldn't they at least haggle a little? Talk it over more?
But Gay wasn't waiting around. Ten million a year, fewer shots, and he could coast. Plus, with Cousins gone, he'd be the unquestioned leader in the locker room.
Where else was he going to find a setup like this? Sign! Sign right now!
...
Soon after, news broke.
The Kings re-signed Rudy Gay on a three-year, $35 million deal.
They also re-signed Omri Casspi on a two-year, $5.6 million deal.
...
(40 Chapters Ahead)
p@treon com / GhostParser