"Mr. Jerry West, regarding the current personnel issues with the team, I have a few good candidates."
In Los Angeles, Kai Chen, who had been invited to dinner by Jerry West, suggested to the team manager, "There are still a few players in the free agent market whom I believe would be good for us. Perhaps their arrival will provide significant help in the upcoming season."
"Kai, if you have an idea, just say it!"
Jerry West wiped his hands and looked at Kai.
Currently, there were almost no quality players left in free agency, and the Clippers management had been trying to strengthen the team through trades.
But other teams either demanded too high a price or wanted the Clippers' future draft picks.
Jerry West had always been disdainful of strengthening the team by mortgaging the future.
Now, upon hearing that Kai had a few free agents he thought were promising, the Clippers could definitely consider them.
They didn't need to offer long-term contracts; they could sign them to minimum, mid-level, or one-year deals, treating it like a lottery ticket.
If it didn't work out, they could simply choose not to re-sign them the next offseason, freeing up cap space to pursue a superstar.
Kai Chen, putting down his cutlery, said, "The players I recommend are Carmelo Anthony, Jeff Green, and Brook Lopez."
"Jeff Green and Brook Lopez are worth considering!"
Jerry West thought for a moment. "But Carmelo Anthony… can he really help us?"
"Yes!"
Kai nodded heavily, then introduced them as if listing his family treasures: "Carmelo Anthony's strength, I believe you understand without me saying. Although he had a very poor performance with the Thunder last season, he is still a top-tier star in the league. Furthermore, he was traded to the Hawks in the offseason and has now been waived; he needs a contract to continue his career."
Kai's tone was calm, and to Jerry West, it didn't sound like an order. This conversational style made Jerry West very comfortable.
After dinner, Jerry West immediately contacted Carmelo Anthony's agent, hoping for a face-to-face meeting with Anthony.
Anthony, upon receiving the news, was extremely excited.
It's important to remember that after the Thunder were eliminated 4-1 by the Jazz, led by rookie Mitchell, in last season's playoffs, the blame for the loss fell entirely on Anthony.
Facing the Thunder fans' insults and ridicule, Anthony was disheartened. After being traded from the Thunder to the Hawks, he was quickly waived.
After a few days, he received a call from Chris Paul, but the Houston Rockets' condition for signing him was that he would play a bench role.
After thinking it over, Anthony agreed to Houston's proposal—but just as he was about to head there, his agent informed him of Jerry West's invitation for a face-to-face meeting.
Anthony knew very well that playing a bench role for the Rockets was not the life he wanted.
What he wanted was to prove himself again as one of the league's top players on a team.
The next day, early in the morning, Anthony arrived in Los Angeles with his agent.
Jerry West personally received him and laid out the team's future plans.
"Carmelo, the team's core for building is currently Kai Chen; he needs a mentor like you to guide him forward."
After a brief exchange, Jerry West earnestly said, "Moreover, I believe you still have gas in your tank; you are still one of the best players in the league today. I promise you, when you come to the Clippers, you will be the team's undisputed starting small forward!"
Anthony's expression was serious; he hadn't expected that when all other teams lacked faith in him, Jerry West was full of confidence.
"Thank you for your trust; I will definitely not disappoint you!"
Soon, Anthony finalized a one-year, $12 million contract with the Clippers.
"Carmelo, you might not believe it when I say this," Jerry West said, patting Anthony's shoulder. "It was Kai who strongly recommended that I sign you."
"Kai Chen!?"
Hearing that name, Anthony was surprised. "You mean the Kai Chen who led Duke University to defend the NCAA championship this year, who took the world by storm!? He recommended I sign?"
Jerry West nodded. "That's right. After we thought about it, our entire Clippers organization also believes you are still one of the best forwards in the league."
"When can we meet?" Anthony asked.
"You can meet once training camp begins," Jerry West replied.
"It's only a few days away; you'll meet very soon," he added.
As Jerry West said, time passed quickly.
September 20th.
The NBA 2018–2019 season training camp officially began!
The offseason was over, and players who weren't traded during the summer returned to their familiar arenas.
Undoubtedly, the two training camps receiving the most media attention were the Golden State Warriors and the Los Angeles Lakers.
The Warriors' five superstars made their first combined appearance at Oracle Arena, official photos of Curry, Thompson, Durant, Green, and Cousins signaling an unprecedented dynasty.
At Staples Center, the revamped Los Angeles Lakers were ready to go; their primary goal this season was to challenge the Warriors.
LeBron James looked very happy; it was his first time in the Western Conference, and everything that followed would be a new challenge.
Compared to the Lakers' excitement, the Clippers on the other side of Staples Center seemed much quieter.
Early in the morning, new additions Carmelo Anthony, Jeff Green, and Brook Lopez all arrived at the arena early.
As new players, they also wanted to set a good example for their future teammates.
To their surprise, a young man had already arrived and was engaged in shooting practice.
Kai Chen!?
Anthony recognized the young man who had taken the world by storm this year: "Why are you here so early!?"
"I just arrived too."
Seeing Anthony approach, Kai stopped shooting and wiped the sweat from his forehead. "Welcome to the Los Angeles Clippers, Carmelo!"
The two talked like old friends catching up, chatting non-stop from college league to the draft and now his joining the Clippers.
Soon after, the rest of the Clippers players arrived at the arena.
Head Coach Rivers gathered the team and outlined the new season's goals and tactical arrangements.
Ding!
While listening to Coach Rivers' lengthy speech, a strange yet familiar electronic prompt sounded in Kai Chen's mind.
[Detected that the host is about to begin his NBA career; announcing the mission now!]
[Mission: Win Western Conference Player of the Month.]
[Mission Reward: Any attribute +8.]
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