Chapter 99: Breaking News 2

"Alright, let's finalize those two second-round picks," Gar Forman said, wiping his forehead with relief as he gazed across the negotiating table. For two days, he'd been going head-to-head with Jake, whose relentless intensity had left him feeling like he was barely keeping up. Now, Gar understood why league executives feared negotiating with Jake—it was like being in a chess match with a grandmaster.

"I can give you an unprotected 2017 second-round pick," Gar proposed, a bit weary. "And, as for the other, a second-rounder with top-45 protection."

Jake shook his head firmly, eyes narrowing. "No, I'm not touching the 2018 second-round pick. The 2018 draft class has enormous potential. That's off the table."

Gar leaned forward, eyebrows raised. "But you already have three first-round picks in 2018. Holding on to a second-round pick seems excessive, don't you think?"

Jake was unmoved. Despite the logic, he saw the 2018 pick as a crucial asset. After another intense round of back-and-forth, they agreed on terms—an unprotected second-round pick for 2017 and a top-45 protected second-round pick for 2018.

"It's a deal, then," Jake said, standing up and gathering his things. "I'll file the paperwork with the league when I get back to Sacramento. We'll aim to wrap this up in the next few days."

Gar offered him a rare smile, breaking some of the tension. "No chance for dinner? A celebration, maybe?"

Jake chuckled. "Not today! But next time I'm back in Chicago, you're treating me to the best the city's got!" He left the room with a wave, already switching back to his to-do list for Sacramento.

Later that evening, Coach Malone found Zach LaVine in a dimly lit gym, alone, still wearing his Kings practice gear as he shot jumpers in silence. "Zach!" Malone's voice echoed, snapping LaVine out of his thoughts.

Forcing a small smile, LaVine glanced at his coach, but the pain was evident in his eyes. "Walk with me, Zach," Malone said gently, tossing him a coat.

They strolled down Sacramento's streets, the glow from streetlights casting soft shadows. LaVine already knew why Coach had sought him out—Jake had informed his agent earlier, so he was expecting the news. But hearing it from his coach felt like a confirmation he wasn't quite prepared for.

"So, Coach… I'm really leaving?" LaVine finally managed to ask, his voice barely above a whisper.

Malone looked at him with sympathy. "Yes. But look, this is an opportunity, Zach. The Bulls are a solid team. You'll get more playing time and a central role. It could be a great next step in your career."

"Does the team not need me anymore?"

Malone stopped, placing a hand on his shoulder. "No, Zach, it's not like that. We all care about you here. But the league is a business first, and sometimes we have to make tough choices. Even I don't get the final say."

They reached the banks of the Sacramento River and sat in silence on a nearby bench, watching the reflections ripple on the water. "Zach, in this league, nothing is forever. Today, it's you. Tomorrow, it could be me or even Jake. But life has a way of bringing people back together, especially those who keep pushing forward. One day, we'll all meet again at the top of the mountain."

LaVine nodded slowly, his initial shock giving way to a sense of closure. Sacramento was his first home, the place he had hoped would become his long-term base, maybe even the place where he'd see his jersey retired someday. Instead, reality had thrown him a curveball he hadn't anticipated.

"Just… promise me, don't hold it against us—or Jake. He's just doing his job as a GM."

"I won't, Coach," LaVine said quietly. He looked at the river, letting the cool breeze dry the faint sweat on his face. "No matter where I go, I'll always remember Sacramento. You and Jake—always."

Malone put an arm around him, pulling him in for a quick embrace. "Good. Work hard, and if you ever need anything, call me anytime."

As news of the trade broke across the league, commentators were quick to weigh in. Charles Barkley, ever blunt, took to his blog to deliver his thoughts. "Jake just hit us with some wizardry! Today, the Kings traded Zach LaVine, their 2019 first-round pick, their 2020 first-round swap rights, their 2017 unprotected second-round pick, and a top-45 protected second-rounder in 2018 for Jimmy Butler! That's a 7-for-1 trade!"

Barkley's guest on his podcast, Shaquille O'Neal, jumped in with his own thoughts. "I'm not shocked. This is classic Jake Allen. He always makes a move no one sees coming," Shaq chuckled.

"So, Shaq, what's your rating for this trade?" Barkley asked.

Shaq paused, considering his answer. "Right now? I'd say an A, maybe even an A+. Allen's building something that could last. He's not just gunning for a single championship. He's strengthening the Kings piece by piece, and he's not just chasing flashy superstars."

Barkley leaned in. "Alright, break it down for us. Why so high?"

"No question," Shaq replied confidently. "Allen has crafted a team that's going to make waves, not just for this season but for years. Butler doesn't just bring talent—he brings grit and playoff experience. This deal isn't just another trade. It's Allen putting the final piece in place."

The league buzzed with excitement and speculation. Fans and analysts alike recognized that the Kings weren't just trying to win—they were attempting to build a dynasty. Allen's strategic patience was paying off, and the Kings' rising trajectory was undeniable.

Back in Sacramento, Jake could feel the momentum shifting. As he looked out over the bustling city, he knew the stakes were high, but he had set the foundation for something big. Winning wasn't just about talent; it was about heart, resilience, and the vision to see possibilities others couldn't. The journey wasn't over, but the Kings were one step closer to becoming a force to be reckoned with.