Days went by in a blur, and before long, the season was already nearing its halfway point. The long-awaited All-Star Game was just around the corner!
Before the break, the Kings sat firmly atop the Western Conference with a 42–11 record.
The Western standings hadn't changed much from last year: the Kings were first, followed by their familiar rivals, the Warriors and the Spurs.
But the Rockets had begun shaking things up. As Harden and Paul—two of the league's elite playmakers—grew more in sync, they looked ready to break the long-standing three-team balance in the West.
Meanwhile, the Thunder under Westbrook stayed close behind, determined to fight their way back into the top tier.
The real surprise, though, came from the Trail Blazers—"the Rip City" faithful.
After CJ was snatched away by Chen Yilun last year, Portland went quiet for a bit. But they turned misfortune into opportunity and picked up Mitchell.
Many people say Mitchell can't defend, but that's a stereotype.
When he first entered the league, his nickname "Spider" came from his exceptional wingspan and speed, which made him a tenacious defender. But once he joined the Jazz—with Gobert protecting the paint and Mitchell needing to focus more on offense—his defense gradually slipped.
Now, playing alongside Lillard as the No. 2 option, he doesn't carry such a heavy offensive load. And since Lillard's defense isn't exactly great, the timing is perfect. Mitchell's defensive foundation has only grown stronger.
Over in the Eastern Conference, things are much more interesting.
With Kyrie Irving gone and his successor Isaiah Thomas battling injuries, the Cavaliers finally lost their long-held throne in the East. The new leaders were the Boston Celtics.
The Cavs dropped to second place, followed closely by the resurgent Raptors. As for the Wizards—after John Wall was ruled out for the season with that bizarre injury, and their other All-Star DeMarcus Cousins also went down hurt—Bradley Beal had to carry everything alone. Predictably, the Wizards slipped fast.
Watching the standings fall day after day, Wizards GM Glenfield felt like the sky was collapsing.
The team looked ready to fall apart, yet they couldn't afford to tank. The trade assets from the Cousins deal were supposed to start paying off this year—but over the next three seasons, their draft picks all belonged to the Kings.
Brooklyn's curse had returned—this time in Washington.
Meanwhile, the Kings' franchise star Durant once again edged out Curry to claim the Western Conference's top vote-getter title.
In the East, with Giannis Antetokounmpo rising, LeBron James—after years of dominating the vote count—was finally pushed aside by the "Greek Freak."
This year's All-Star Game also came with a twist: instead of the traditional East–West format, the top vote-getters from each conference would draft from the entire All-Star pool and face off.
Just like picking teams for pickup games back in the day.
...
"You're still not cleared yet?"
In the Kings' training facility, Durant grumbled at Butler, who was still doing rehab work. "Otherwise, I'd pick you first. With the new format, this year's All-Star Game actually looks pretty fun."
"Yeah right. You obviously want to pick your little brothers."
Sitting nearby with a huge dumbbell in hand, Butler saw straight through Durant.
"No need to act loyal. I'm not that petty."
"Hey—come on!"
Durant's face flushed the moment his intentions were exposed.
"How could you say that? Sure, I'm close with my brothers, but everyone knows you're my true love!"
"Stop, stop! That's disgusting."
Watching Durant try to butter him up, Butler felt goosebumps rise on his back.
"When the time comes, just pick your little brother. I won't mind."
"Hehehe, I knew you were the best."
With Butler's blessing, Durant broke into a broad grin.
"But seriously though…"
Butler set the dumbbell down after a set, glanced around to make sure no one else was nearby, then lowered his voice.
"How long has it been since you last saw Chen?"
"Chen?"
Durant froze at the sudden question.
"Feels like a long time. But that's normal—he's a shareholder now. He can't be hanging out with us every day like before."
"No, no, no."
Butler shook his head.
"I know Chen. He's not the type to treat people differently because of status. If he hasn't come around all this time, it means something's really up."
"So what are you saying?"
Durant's brow slowly furrowed.
"Knowing him, he's definitely plotting something. I bet right before the trade deadline, we're going to see changes again."
"For real?"
Durant perked up immediately.
"You got inside info?"
"What info could I possibly have? I live in the gym."
Butler picked up his water bottle, took a sip, and continued.
"I just mean—look at our roster this year. CJ's gone, Bojan's gone, even Young's gone. We've got a lot of young guys now, sure. But in terms of depth, we're definitely weaker than last year."
"Isn't that normal?"
Durant tilted his head, thinking.
"That's how the league works. Guys come, guys go. It's constant."
"Nope."
Butler shook his head firmly.
"Chen isn't the type to sit there and watch the team decline without doing anything. He's definitely up to something."
Just as Butler predicted, once the season hit the halfway point, Malone's tactical adjustments began paying off.
LeVert stepped into Booker's backup role, averaging 14.3 points per game off the bench—numbers that even hinted at a Most Improved Player candidate.
...
"Why are you the one showing up?"
In a San Antonio café, Chen Yilun couldn't help laughing as he saw CJ sit down across from him.
"Missed you, man."
CJ let out a goofy chuckle. "Buford will be here soon. I just came early to catch up."
"Oh, so my old teacher sent you to soften me up?"
Chen Yilun didn't mind at all, smiling as he took a sip of coffee.
"How's it been playing in San Antonio?"
"Pretty great!"
CJ nodded. "Feels a lot like Sacramento. Crowder's here, and so is old man Casspi. Tony and Manu aren't the type to pull rank either. Living here's been really comfortable."
"That's good."
Chen Yilun nodded lightly, then shifted the topic.
"Hey, CJ. We're all family now. Give your big bro a hint—what's Buford's asking price?"
...
(40 Chapters Ahead)
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