Back to Coach D'Antoni.
As soon as the game ended, he enthusiastically sought out Coach Don Nelson and gave him a warm hug.
Then.
He tightly grasped Don Nelson's hands, looking deeply grateful, and happily said, "Don, thank you so much, thank your whole family.
Thank you for helping me dodge a bullet.
Otherwise... if I had really drafted Stephen, been full of anticipation, and then watched him play like this, I would have been devastated.
Looking at it this way.
Second-year Danilo Gallinari is much better!
He averages 15.4 points, 5.0 rebounds, 1.8 assists, 0.8 steals, and 0.8 Blocks per game this season, while also hitting 2.3 Three-point Shots per game with a high shooting percentage of 39.1%.
If he hadn't recently been moved to the bench, these stats might have improved even further.
Although there is still a gap compared to the league's top shooters, he is indeed much better than Stephen.
The key is.
He's only in his second year; he still has so much room for growth."
???
Thank you for thanking me.
But you should know that I'm not effing happy. I never expected Stephen to play this badly.
Speaking of Gallinari.
Now that you mention it, he really is good.
His Three-point Shot output is decent, he has some rim protection ability, his steals and Blocking are acceptable, and his defensive ability isn't bad.
A typical high-quality "3&D Player."
Thinking of this.
Don Nelson suddenly felt a slight temptation. He looked at D'Antoni and tentatively asked, "I have an idea."
"I also have an idea."
"You go first."
"No, you first."
Eventually... Don Nelson spoke first, saying directly, "Didn't you complain before that I snatched Stephen?
Now.
I'll give him back to you. The trade chips aren't complicated: Stephen for Gallinari, straight up."
D'Antoni's pupils widened.
He froze on the spot.
Hahaha~
But inwardly, he was roaring with laughter.
Heavens above, Earth below, hard work really does pay off.
The trade succeeded.
Not only did it succeed, but Don Nelson proactively requested the trade, and not only proactively, but he only wanted Gallinari.
Originally, I was prepared to also send out Wilson Chandler, the excellent "swingman" who excels at offense and defense.
Massive profit.
This is an absolute steal.
Coach Mike D'Antoni was jumping for joy internally; he'd even kiss a donkey's butt if asked.
"Mike, Mike~ Hey~ Say something, Mike!"
Don Nelson saw that D'Antoni hadn't spoken for a long time, so he waved his hand in front of him and called out loudly.
"Ah~ Oh oh oh~"
D'Antoni snapped back to reality, the joy almost spilling over his face.
But seeing his silence, Don Nelson thought D'Antoni was unwilling, and weakly added, "How about... I cover the difference in value.
You know.
Although Stephen has played poorly recently, his talent and resume are undeniable, especially the miracle he created during 'March Madness' last year.
I'm sure you understand.
Give him a little more time to adjust, and I think... he'll definitely be much better than he is now.
As for me.
I just figured it out: between Monta and Stephen, I ultimately chose Monta for his immediate combat effectiveness.
Although his personality is a bit strange.
If you really give him control of the ball, he can still deliver the corresponding points, and he's tough enough in clutch moments.
That is enough!!!"
???
Wait.
No, no, something is very wrong.
Shouldn't I be begging you to give me Stephen? How did this turn into... you begging me?!
Come on.
That's Stephen Curry; I won't allow you to look down on him like that. (Angry face.jpg) (Quiet chuckle.jpg)
"Ah, well, this..."
D'Antoni took the initiative, feigning reluctance: "Fine, fine, seeing how sincere you are.
I'll agree to it.
But if Stephen continues to suck later, I'm coming after you, Don!!!"
"No problem, no problem!"
Don Nelson quickly agreed, thinking inwardly: 'No problem, my foot! Once the trade is done.
I couldn't care less.
It has nothing to do with me.'
"Well... strike while the iron is hot. Let's finalize the trade tonight, or else I'll have to make another trip to Golden State.
That's quite troublesome."
D'Antoni said casually.
He desperately wanted to complete the trade immediately.
Yet he made it look like he was only rushing the trade because he feared trouble, not because he desperately wanted Stephen.
He didn't give Don Nelson any chance to sense that something was wrong.
In this exchange, he was on the fifth floor.
"Great, great!"
Don Nelson nodded vigorously.
He couldn't wait to throw away Stephen, this hot potato, and the more he thought about it, the more he liked Gallinari.
He agreed immediately, afraid that D'Antoni might sober up and back out.
He gave himself a thumbs-up for his quick wit.
In this exchange, he thought he was in the stratosphere, but little did he know... he was on the zero floor!!!
The two quickly signed the trade contract, with Stephen Curry and Danilo Gallinari switching teams.
Thus.
This transaction.
Decades later, it would be dubbed by the world as: "One of the most ludicrous trades in NBA history!!!"
...New York Knicks Locker Room.
Su Yan was celebrating the victory with his teammates.
Since the next game was in two days, they had plenty of time, and tonight's game started at 8 PM.
The game ended.
It wasn't even 10:30 PM yet.
It was still early, and everyone unanimously decided... to head back tomorrow.
McGrady suggested, "To celebrate the team's three-game winning streak, fellas, how about we hit up the night market and grab a drink at a bar?!"
"Sounds good to me!"
Larry Hughes raised his hand in agreement.
Wilson Chandler smirked, "Just... just one drink?!"
"Shhh~"
McGrady made a shushing gesture.
DDDD.
"I agree too!"
Wilson Chandler raised his hand without hesitation.
"Are you coming, Yan?!"
McGrady shifted his gaze to Su Yan and asked with a smile.
"No."
Su Yan refused.
Larry Hughes explained, "Yan is only 19; he can't go to a bar!"
Su Yan shrugged, showing his helplessness.
David Lee then spoke up, "Guys, I can't join you tonight either.
My girlfriend is here; I'm taking her around Union Square."
"Oh, oh."
McGrady nodded, thoughtfully rubbing his chin, and then said, "That's a bit of a shame.
But... remember the St. Francis Hotel, it's a really nice hotel.
The Queen of England, General MacArthur, President John F. Kennedy, and many others.
Lots of famous people have stayed there."
"I know, I know."
David Lee made an "OK" gesture and laughed, "I booked a theme hotel there."
"Oh?"
McGrady was immediately interested: "Mind if I ask, what kind of theme hotel?!"
"Uh... Nurse theme."
David Lee didn't hold back and just said it.
Men will be men.
Everyone understands, and since this is the US, there's no need to be too reserved.
"Holy shit!"
McGrady yelled, then gave a thumbs-up: "You sure know how to have fun!!!"
Without a word, Larry Hughes pulled a pack of contraceptives from his bag and handed it over: "Take these, you're welcome!!!"