Chapter 34: New Year

In a high-end restaurant in Boston, Jake and Angie sat across from each other. As someone who had the potential to challenge Cleveland's dominance in the East, Jake wasn't opposed to helping Angie—after all, the enemy of my enemy is my friend.

"Tsk!" Angie took a sip of fine sherry and said, "Jake, I've been wanting to sit down and chat with you for a while, but I never got the chance. Tonight, I finally caught you, and we must have a good drink."

Jake raised his glass and took a sip. It wasn't Angie's fault for not knowing Jake well. In fact, few in the general manager circle did. Jake had risen too quickly. Apart from some attention from the Spurs, most people hadn't taken notice of him.

"I've heard a lot about you, Angie, but unfortunately, we haven't crossed paths before."

"The Kings are running the show in the West right now, even your old mentor is under your shadow," Angie said slyly, referring to Popovich.

Jake laughed, raising his hands in surrender. "Don't let Pop hear that, or I'll be in trouble."

Jake casually arranged his food, but he knew Angie had more in mind than just a friendly chat. "So, Angie, I doubt this dinner is just about getting to know me, right?"

"I enjoy working with young folks like you," Angie replied, giving Jake a thumbs-up. "Just like Stevens. We cut to the chase. No nonsense. We're making moves before the trade deadline, and I wanted to see if you're interested in getting involved."

Jake stopped mid-bite. "Oh? What moves are you thinking?"

Angie leaned in slightly and lowered his voice, glancing around the room. "Phoenix."

Just as Jake suspected. Angie had his sights on the Suns.

"You want one of their three guards?"

"It's not finalized yet—either Dragic or Isaiah."

"So why involve me?"

Angie spread his hands. "Because we haven't agreed on the price yet. I was wondering if you'd be interested in a three-way deal."

Jake immediately pieced it together. Historically, the Celtics traded Marcus Thornton and a protected first-round pick for Isaiah. But Thornton had already been traded to the Cavaliers, so that had created complications in the current negotiations.

"Hmm..." Jake said, rubbing his hands as if hesitant. "I can't give you an answer today. I need to go back to Sacramento and review some things before deciding."

"Of course, of course," Angie said, raising his glass to clink with Jake's. It wasn't about closing the deal tonight anyway. Most NBA transactions, much like their English football counterparts, were hashed out informally at dinners like this.

Angie, pleased with the discussion, eagerly pulled Jake into a drinking spree. The two drank until the hotel closed.

As Jake stumbled out, pretending to be more inebriated than he really was, he pulled Angie aside. "If you're really serious about this trade, I'd suggest going for Isaiah. He's the better fit for your team right now."

After that, Jake dragged himself back to his hotel room, only to be greeted by the familiar sound of the system's emotionless voice.

"Beep! Task completed. Commencing settlement."

"The evaluation is: A+. Distributing reward."

A turntable appeared in front of Jake, spinning rapidly before finally stopping.

"Congratulations to the host for acquiring the 'Bronze Open Shooter Badge.' When bound to a player, this badge increases catch-and-shoot ability by 5."

Jake immediately sobered up. He recognized the value of this badge—especially for developing a strong 3-and-D player.

Suddenly, an idea popped into his head. He jumped out of bed and grabbed his laptop, looking something up. When he found the information he wanted, a sly grin spread across his face. He originally planned just to help the Celtics, but now he realized he had an opportunity to take advantage of the situation.

The next day, Jake flew to Minnesota with the team. As soon as they landed, Cousins and Oden blocked the door, their towering figures casting shadows over Jake.

"Boss, today's New Year's Day in your country. Don't you think you should give us a little red envelope?" Cousins said with a grin.

Jake sighed. "Who told you that? Red envelopes are given during the Lunar New Year, and only from elders to younger generations. You're my age, and you want red envelopes? Rudy, aren't you too old for this?"

Rudy Gay, the oldest player on the team, sheepishly emerged from the crowd. "Boss, we asked the coach first, but he said he's half Asian and doesn't do that. So we thought you might."

At that, Mike Malone, the slightly chubby middle-aged coach, took off running, leaving Jake to shout after him.

In the end, Jake gave in and handed out modest red envelopes to everyone. It was all in good fun. As professional athletes, most of them made more than he did, so they weren't expecting much.

Later, back in his hotel room, Jake opened his laptop and began planning. He glanced at his calendar, lost in thought.

"If things go as I expect, this is going to be a busy time," he murmured to himself.