There was one thing Peja hadn't told Chen Yilun.
Among the contracts tucked away in his briefcase, the one prepared for Chen Yilun was actually the smallest of them all.
If Fred VanVleet and Dillon Brooks were thrown onto the free agent market, as long as Chen Yilun held firmly onto their contracts, then on top of two first-round picks, it would be no problem at all to squeeze out a few second-round picks as well.
After all, although these two were fringe rotation players on the Kings, the league's data analysts weren't idiots.
With just a simple sample analysis, anyone could see that within their limited minutes, both of them ranked near the top of the league in terms of productivity. Add in their background as Kings players, and if someone really wanted to hype them up, they could definitely sell for a very good price.
But Chen Yilun had a bad habit when it came to making deals.
When dealing with people outside his inner circle, no matter how good their personal relationship might be, he would never give up an inch where it mattered.
On the other hand, if you were someone Chen Yilun truly considered one of his own, then a lot of things suddenly became negotiable.
And Peja was exactly that kind of person to him.
That was why Chen Yilun was willing to give Peja that price—whether it was helping out his former assistant or doing a favor for the Nets' new owner, it was all upside with no downside.
After all, the team's goal next season wasn't to win a championship anyway, and the Kings' first-round pick swap had already been sent to the Bulls in the earlier Butler trade.
Given the Bulls' current situation, it wouldn't be easy for the Kings to finish with a worse record than them.
Soon, more news broke on the free agent market.
Butler signed a four-year, $142 million deal with the Miami Heat. Butler might have moved on, but after years of Chen Yilun's sustainably ruthless resource extraction, the Heat had basically been stripped clean.
Miami's four undrafted gems were gone entirely, and it was hard to say whether Pat Riley would still be able to turn decay into magic.
Meanwhile, after the Nets completed their trade, Thaddeus Young—who was far away in Cleveland—opted out of his contract without any warning, becoming a full free agent. He then signed a two-year, $24 million deal with the Nets.
Durant + Dillon Brooks + Fred VanVleet + Young.
Just like that, the Nets quietly assembled a brand-new version of the Kings' old lineup.
"Next,"
Chen Yilun sat at the head of the conference table, looking at the team he had personally built from the ground up.
"The most important thing is to re-sign anyone whose contract has expired or is about to expire. If we can extend them, do it."
"Kevin and Jimmy are gone, but the team can't fall apart because of that. These guys are our chips for getting back to the table."
As he spoke, Chen Yilun glanced at Malone.
"Next season, we have two main objectives."
Hearing this, Malone, who was seated to the side, instinctively straightened his back.
"First, we officially elevate Jokić and Booker. The two of them will be the team's number one and number two going forward."
"Second, because we were chasing a dynasty before, the development of a lot of young players was delayed. Starting next season, aside from the two I just mentioned, team resources will begin shifting toward the younger guys. I did a rough count."
Chen Yilun glanced down at the document in front of him and continued.
"The main focus will be on Dejounte Murray and Alexander, who both performed fairly well last season."
"As for the rest—Siakam, Caruso, Anunoby, Donte DiVincenzo—guys who have already shown something, just gradually increase their touches according to the plan. No need to rush."
"And for the younger players who just joined this year, we'll bring them along slowly."
Once Chen Yilun finished speaking, the Kings' overall strategy for the coming season was set.
No one questioned his decisions. That's how it had been for the past five years.
They only needed to carry out their own duties once Chen Yilun had set the direction.
"One more thing."
After finishing the assignments, Chen Yilun tapped the table lightly with his index finger.
"I've said this many times already, but starting next season, I'm officially putting it into practice."
"From next season on, Graham will handle the team's daily operations, and McNair will take care of all player-related matters. If there's anything you can't handle, then come find me. I'll be staying in Sacramento."
As soon as he finished, a low buzz of discussion spread through the conference room.
Graham and McNair, whose names had just been called, wore complicated expressions.
Even though one was the president's assistant and deputy general manager, and the other was the general manager, in practice they'd often been nothing more than Chen Yilun's assistants and tools. Now that such heavy authority had suddenly been dropped into their laps, both of them felt at a loss.
"You don't need to worry," Chen Yilun added. "I already talked to Vivek before the meeting. He fully supports the team being run by you two."
This step back was really Chen Yilun advancing through retreat, meant to guard against Ranadivé.
The wealthy tycoon from that South Asian country hadn't had much presence within the team over the past two years, but that was only because Chen Yilun had been fully focused on building the dynasty. Ranadivé knew what mattered most and naturally wouldn't play the villain who disrupted the team.
Now that the dynasty had been established and the old team structure dismantled, there was no way Ranadivé would tolerate the franchise turning into Chen Yilun's one-man show again.
At that point, stepping back after success, holding team shares and the president's title, and honestly serving as the team's mascot—wasn't that the perfect life?
As long as Chen Yilun didn't use his status as a dynasty architect to interfere with team affairs, Ranadivé would absolutely be willing to guarantee him lifelong wealth.
Making money while lying down.
Wasn't that the ultimate dream of every working man? Back when he'd first crossed over, Chen Yilun had been full of ambition, wanting to build his own business empire. But as time passed, and with all the shares he'd bought early using his knowledge of the future, he'd already achieved financial freedom.
"I'm already this rich—why the hell would I keep grinding? Isn't lying flat way more comfortable?"
"Who would've thought… who would've thought I'd retire successfully at thirty."
After the meeting ended, Chen Yilun and Malone returned to the office.
Chen Yilun sighed as he pulled two cigars from the cabinet.
"You've got it easy. I still have to keep grinding."
Malone laughed as he accepted the cigar.
"It's fine. Even if you're stepping back, the team's foundation is solid. The roster structure and team culture are already in place. As long as we keep the core together, we'll definitely be back in the Finals within five years."
Chen Yilun pulled out a torch lighter and lit his cigar.
"Don't act all humble after cashing in, dynasty coach. In the entire history of the league, only a handful of people have ever earned that title."
"Work hard. I believe in you."
He took a puff and continued.
"The team's core right now is Jokić and Booker. Jokić was suppressed too hard before because of Durant and Butler. Starting next season, he's bound to break out. Booker guarantees stable perimeter firepower."
"Among the remaining young players, Alexander is the best. Talk to Rose later—make sure his on-ball offensive development gets special attention."
"As for Murray, he's a good kid, but his ambition is a bit too big. You decide for yourself. If he's willing to stay and keep his head down, let him stay. If not, trade him while his value is still high and cash in."
"Caruso, DiVincenzo, Anunoby, Siakam, Washington, Gafford—just let them each do their jobs. Give these guys some time, and they'll definitely surprise you."
"And lastly, the three veterans. Just leave Gay alone—if he wants to stay, let him stay. Have Oden help train Zubac, and let Rose keep serving as the head instructor for the perimeter guys."
As Malone listened, his expression grew darker and darker.
"Seriously,"
he took a deep breath before speaking with difficulty.
"I'm used to you handling everything while I focus on tactics. Now that you're stepping away, I really don't feel secure."
"Stop it."
Chen Yilun cut him off impatiently.
"I'm just stepping back from managing things. I'm not dead. If something comes up, I can step in anytime. And I've already prepared plenty of future assets for the team—more than enough."
Just as the two were talking, an unfamiliar Asian face knocked and walked in.
"Boss, the matter you asked me to handle is done."
As he spoke, he handed over a document envelope. "Both the non-woven fabric machines and the pharmaceutical inventory are ready. We can arrange shipment at any time."
"What's that?"
Malone craned his neck, trying to get a look.
"What's there to see?"
Chen Yilun shifted his body to block his view. "He's a relative from my family, here to help manage my personal assets in North America."
"So mysterious."
Seeing that Chen Yilun clearly wasn't going to show him, Malone dropped the topic.
"My journey here is over."
After skimming the report, Chen Yilun satisfiedly slipped it back into the envelope.
"There's somewhere that needs me. A new journey—one that belongs to me—is about to begin."