After listening to McNair, Chen Yilun nodded and stood up.
"Alright, then. That works. Go with your approach."
He casually took his jacket off the back of the chair as he spoke.
"You've got at most one week to sort out Booker's contract. We don't have time to wait."
"This has to be handled properly. The team is aiming for a three-peat—we can't do it without Booker."
With that, Chen Yilun turned to leave.
"No time to chat. I still need to make a trip to see Kevin. That's the real centerpiece."
...
...
"You're here!"
At the entrance of his Sacramento home, Durant greeted Chen Yilun with a smile and ushered him inside.
"I've been going a bit wild lately. Just finally slowed down."
After motioning for Chen Yilun to sit in the living room, Durant continued speaking.
"That's why I came now."
Chen Yilun smiled as he pulled a notebook from his briefcase.
"Before we get into anything, I want to hear your thoughts. What are your expectations for your next contract?"
If Durant had planned to leave after this season, his camp would have released signals long ago. But up until now, there hadn't been the slightest movement—clearly telling Chen Yilun that Durant was preparing to re-sign.
So Chen Yilun went straight to the point.
At his words, Durant couldn't hide the trace of awkwardness on his face.
"Mr. Chen,"
Durant rubbed his hands together and asked quietly,
"I'm thinking of signing another 1+1 contract."
As if worried Chen Yilun might be unhappy, he quickly added,
"Of course, I know that puts you in a tough spot. I'm willing to make some concessions on the money."
What Durant was really doing was laying everything out plainly.
He'd been happy here, had won two championships as the team's leader, along with two Finals MVPs. In terms of pure accolades, he could finally stand toe-to-toe with LeBron.
But Sacramento was still a small market, and it limited his commercial value.
So Durant wanted a short deal.
Winning one more title and cementing a new dynasty would be perfect. If not, that was fine too—either way, he was leaving next year.
If Durant walked away as a free agent, it would be an enormous loss for Chen Yilun. That was why Durant felt so conflicted.
Yet to his surprise, Chen Yilun showed no strong reaction at all, as if he had already expected this decision.
"Alright."
Chen Yilun pulled out a contract he had prepared long ago.
"The amount isn't filled in yet. Take a look at the terms first. It's a 1+1 deal, with a player option in the final year. You'll be completely free to leave, without anyone holding you back."
"This…"
Durant stared at the contract, frozen in place.
Chen Yilun had already thought everything through—he'd even added extra protection clauses, worried that contract issues might complicate Durant's departure later.
"Boss, this is a bit too—"
Before he could finish, Chen Yilun raised a hand, signaling him to stop.
"It's fine."
Chen Yilun pulled an ashtray over from the coffee table, lit a cigarette, and spoke calmly.
"Don't put too much pressure on yourself. Having you in Sacramento for three years was already an honor for us. The team has no lingering worries now, and besides, it's time for you to start preparing for what comes next."
He took a deep drag, pale blue smoke slowly drifting from his mouth and nose.
"It's time to go chase a big contract."
Hearing this, Durant was overwhelmed with guilt.
The team had treated him so well, yet he was about to leave Chen and his lovable teammates behind to chase money.
I'm really awful…
For a brief moment, he even thought about staying—Sacramento wasn't so bad after all.
But he quickly discarded that immature thought.
Who goes out of their way to turn down money? Taking a pay cut for one more year was already more than generous.
"Boss, about next year's roster…"
After chatting casually and settling on a rough salary range for the extension, the meeting came to an end.
"By the way, I don't know if you've heard,"
Chen Yilun said, glancing at a message on his phone.
"This just happened. Big news."
He handed the phone to Durant.
"What is it?"
Durant frowned the moment he looked at the screen.
The Lakers had traded Lonzo Ball, Brandon Ingram, Julius Randle, Omar Spellman, and three first-round picks to the Pelicans for All-Star power forward Anthony Davis.
Randle was included via a sign-and-trade.
"What are the Lakers thinking?"
Durant handed the phone back, clearly puzzled.
"They were loaded with quality young players. Why trade away most of them just to get Davis?"
"If they're betting on Davis carrying a team by himself, that's impossible,"
Chen Yilun said quietly.
"His time with the Pelicans already proved it. Davis doesn't have the ability to lead a team as a lone star."
"Then why would the Lakers do this?"
After hearing Chen Yilun's analysis, Durant felt even more confused.
"Just wait and see,"
Chen Yilun sighed.
"The Davis trade is only the beginning of the Lakers' big moves. It's definitely not the end."
"You mean…?"
After that hint, realization dawned on Durant's face. He looked at Chen Yilun in disbelief.
"That guy probably can't sit still watching us build a dynasty."
Chen Yilun smiled faintly, but there was unmistakable killing intent in his eyes.
"The road to becoming a god is always paved with trials. No throne is ever claimed easily. Our success means their failure."
"They're ready to burn their last bit of foundation just to drag us down."
As he spoke, Chen Yilun slowly rose from the sofa, his gaze blazing as it locked onto Durant.
"Kevin, this will be our final battle.
It's time to give this glorious journey the perfect ending.
I'll send you to claim that lofty throne at the very top."