"I still don't think we should let Holiday go."
Inside the Pelicans' front office, Alvin Gentry finally spoke after a long pause.
Given the chaos of this year's offseason, New Orleans' management had started to grow restless.
Last season's poor record had only fueled unease within the team—rumor had it that even their franchise star, Davis, was considering leaving.
Under those circumstances, the Pelicans' most valuable piece was Jrue Holiday, who had just returned from injury.
"Holiday is our most important engine on the perimeter. If we trade him, what do we have left?"
Facing Gentry's concern, Pelicans GM Trajano explained patiently.
"We're definitely not letting him go. Re-signing Holiday is our top priority. What I'm saying is—what if we use Holiday plus some assets to get an even better guard?"
"Where are you going to find a better guard?"
Gentry immediately saw through Trajano's thoughts.
"You're talking about Chris Paul, aren't you?"
Caught red-handed, Trajano chuckled awkwardly.
"Of course I am. You know what Paul brings—his floor as a leader is elite. He turned DeAndre Jordan, a second-round pick, into a force. If we pair him with Davis, we'd be flying."
In truth, Trajano's desire to trade for Paul wasn't just about basketball—it was about survival.
He'd been with the Pelicans for years, yet the team's results were painfully average. The one time they reached the playoffs, they got swept 4–0 in the first round.
Now his job was on the line, and ownership was starting to question his ability.
To him, acquiring a floor-raising veteran like Paul was the best way to secure his position.
"Paul's great, sure—but how are we supposed to make that happen?"
Gentry frowned. "From what I've heard, the Rockets, 76ers, and Lakers are all chasing him. Do we even have the chips to compete?"
Then Gentry tried to calm him down.
"Boss, I know you're anxious—but don't rush it."
He continued, "Holiday's developing really well. We can expect even more from him next season. The best move we can make this summer is to add complementary pieces around him."
Seeing Trajano's expression ease, Gentry secretly let out a sigh of relief.
"Sometimes standing still is better than acting rashly. Let everyone else fight over the stars. We already have our franchise guy. While they're chasing big names, we can quietly scoop up quality role players."
"So, you already have someone in mind?"
Trajano's interest was piqued.
"I've got a few ideas," Gentry replied quickly.
"For example, Bojan from the Kings. He's a restricted free agent this year, but according to my sources, Chen Yilun probably won't re-sign him."
"And also Kyle Korver from the Cavs, and Gerald Green from the Celtics."
"Those are solid choices!"
Trajano's eyes lit up.
Bojan and Korver were elite perimeter shooters who could instantly upgrade their spacing, while Gerald Green was a wild-card scorer—the kind of offensive spark the Pelicans desperately needed.
"This plan could actually work."
Trajano crossed his legs, one foot bouncing in the air.
"But can you be sure your little protégé will let Bojan walk?"
The mention of Chen Yilun still gave Trajano mild PTSD.
The last time Chen had come to New Orleans, the whole city was in an uproar—and by the end of it, he'd even managed to lure away Trajano's close friend and trusted ally, Blackstone.
"It should be fine,"
Gentry said, though even he wasn't entirely confident.
"If I talk to him personally, he'll probably give me that courtesy. The coaching tree may be gone, but the bond's still there."
"Then check with him first,"
Trajano said, lowering his leg.
"If Sacramento's willing to let him go, we'll move fast and grab Bojan. Let's go with your plan."
"Got it."
Gentry nodded, grabbed his phone, and left the room.
Back in his office, he took a deep breath to steady himself, then dialed a number he hadn't called in ages.
The phone rang twice before a familiar laugh came through.
"Buddy, you don't come knocking unless there's something up. What's going on?"
Hearing Chen Yilun's tone, Gentry knew he still had a chance.
If Chen still called him "Buddy," then there was still some goodwill to lean on.
"Well, you're always flying around busy as ever—I didn't dare bother you."
Gentry chuckled lightly. "But this time, I really do need a favor."
"Come on!"
Chen Yilun's voice boomed through the line.
"Don't be so formal! You know me—if it's within my power, I've got your back!"
"Well, it's just…"
Gentry hesitated.
"That Bojan kid on your team—his contract's up, right? Think you could hold onto him for me?"
"That's it?"
Chen Yilun burst out laughing.
"He wasn't planning to re-sign anyway. You want him? Perfect timing."
"There's just one small thing, though,"
Chen added, his tone shifting slightly.
"We're planning a sign-and-trade for Bojan. What can you offer in return?"
"A sign-and-trade? Seriously?"
Gentry laughed, half-annoyed.
"You just can't help squeezing something out of every deal. No wonder they say even a mosquito landing near you gets drained for oil."
"Alright, alright!"
Sensing Chen was about to start bargaining again, Gentry cut him off.
"Deal's done. Just don't match our offer. I owe you one. Next time you're in New Orleans, I'll treat you right!"
"And if you ever need my cooperation on a move later, you can count on me!"
Chen Yilun's resigned chuckle came through the phone.
"Ah, man, you're really putting me on the spot here. You said it yourself—if I kept arguing, I'd be heartless."
"Alright, got it,"
he said, standing up and walking to his office window, the sunlight spilling across his desk.
"I'll work with you on this. But let's be clear—I won't get in your way, though if another team jumps in, that's out of my hands."
"Of course, of course!"
Gentry replied quickly, nodding like a drumbeat.
"Alright, I'll tell the GM. We'll talk again soon!"
As if afraid Chen might change his mind, Gentry hung up almost immediately.
Listening to the dial tone fade, Chen Yilun smiled faintly.
A sign-and-trade for Bojan wouldn't bring back much value anyway—so why not turn it into a favor?
By helping Gentry, he could also ease the tension with Trajano.
Two birds with one stone.
...
(40 Chapters Ahead)
p@treon com / GhostParser