June 23, 2017.
Barclays Center, New York.
The new NBA Draft was about to begin, and young talents from all over the basketball world had gathered to await their fate.
Chen Yilun walked into the Kings' private room in a casual suit.
"Everyone's here already, huh?"
As soon as he entered, he saw that the small room was packed.
Malone sat at the front, smiling. "You think everyone's as laid-back as you? Come on, we've been waiting."
Expectations for this year's draft were sky-high. Analysts agreed that 2017, 2018, and 2019 would form one of the rare stretches in league history with three consecutive elite draft classes. This belief came from the sheer number of prodigies emerging from recent high school circuits, which had sent expectations for rookie potential through the roof.
"We're not the main characters here—what's the rush?"
Chen Yilun said casually as he took off his jacket and reclined comfortably in his seat.
"Any trade offers yet?"
"Yes!"
His assistant, Peja, immediately jumped up and hurried to his side, speaking in a low voice.
"The Lakers reached out. They're offering their 28th pick and two future second-rounders for our 17th."
"Tell them to get lost!"
Chen Yilun snapped.
"They think they can get my first-round pick with that pocket change? Dream on!"
"There's another one," Peja continued when he saw Chen Yilun's disinterest.
"Several teams are interested in our 46th pick. The Timberwolves are offering a 2019 second-rounder, while the Pistons are offering a 2020 pick swap plus some cash."
That finally caught Chen Yilun's attention.
He already had more second-round picks than he needed, so it was a good chance to clear some space.
"Anyone offering straight cash?"
Trading a second-round pick for future assets was basically an even exchange. In Chen Yilun's mind, selling it outright for cash made far more sense.
"Not yet, but our position is good. If we put the word out, plenty of teams will come calling," Peja replied after thinking for a moment.
"Then do it. Let it be known that our 46th pick is up for a straight cash deal. Interested teams can call me directly—the highest bidder wins."
After hearing Chen Yilun's instructions, Peja nodded and left the room.
Malone, listening to the clear and calculated plan, nodded in approval.
The Kings' 17th pick sat in an awkward spot—too valuable to dump, but not valuable enough to bring back major assets. It made more sense to use it themselves.
As for the 32nd pick—the second selection of the second round in a strong draft—it gave Chen Yilun the most flexibility.
Getting the 46th pick off the books first and reassessing afterward was the smartest move for now.
...
Meanwhile, in the 76ers' room across the hall, newly appointed GM Brown sat at the table, looking constipated with frustration.
The 76ers held the third overall pick this year, but team president Jerry Colangelo had his own ideas about what to do with it.
"No word from Boston yet?"
Old Colangelo sat at the head of the table, narrowing his eyes at his son.
"Not yet."
Young Colangelo sat beside him, his leg bouncing nervously.
"That old fox Danny Ainge never makes a move until he's sure he's got the upper hand," Jerry Colangelo said with a calm smile. "Stick to our bottom line—no more than one protected first-rounder. We have to get that No. 1 pick from him."
This year's top pick was practically locked in for Washington's superstar freshman, Mark Fultz.
The next few picks would likely be chosen among UCLA's Lonzo Ball, Duke's Jayson Tatum, and Kansas' Josh Jackson.
"Well…" Brown hesitated before speaking.
"Isn't trading up for the top pick a bit too aggressive? Jayson Tatum looks pretty good to me."
Jerry Colangelo didn't get angry. Instead, he gave the new coach a calm, almost fatherly look.
"Tatum's good, but not mature enough. Fultz is ready to contribute right away. We're pushing for a winning record next season, and neither Tatum nor Ball moves the needle enough for us."
Seeing that Jerry's mind was set, Brown wisely held his tongue.
He had expected some tension before taking the job, but only after joining did he realize how chaotic the 76ers' front office really was.
The Colangelos essentially controlled everything, while many executives still aligned themselves with former GM Sam Hinkie.
The breakdown in communication between upper and lower management and the mismatch of information made Brown's head spin.
In this environment, the best he could do was keep a low profile—speak less, stay out of politics, and focus on his job.
He didn't have anything against Fultz personally, but the recent rumors were hard to ignore.
After the NCAA season, his free-throw percentage had dipped below the league average in large-sample data.
Then came word of a poor showing during his Celtics workout, after which Danny Ainge quietly started signaling that the No. 1 pick was available.
Add to that his inconsistent playing time and possible injury issues in college—
it all painted a picture that Fultz might not be the sure thing everyone believed.
But Jerry Colangelo didn't see it that way. He remained firm in his belief in Fultz's ability and potential.
Time ticked away, second by second.
Finally, the phone rang in the 76ers' room.
Young Colangelo snatched it up.
"Hello? Yeah! Good, good! Let's do it—submit the deal right away!"
Within seconds, he hung up, grinning.
"Boston agreed! Our third overall pick and next year's protected first-rounder for their No. 1 pick!"
"Yes!"
Cheers erupted across the room.
As the praise filled the air, Jerry Colangelo's smile grew wider.
"Alright, get it reported to the league immediately. We don't have much time—the draft's about to begin!"