Welcome!

The next morning.

Sun's manager's office.

Lance and Gentry sat facing each other on the sofa.

"How did the Warriors deal go with Carlos wanting Curry?" Gentry asked.

Lance rubbed his chin and happily said, "It's settled. I traded Richardson + Hill for Curry and small forward Reggie Williams. This trade is not bad."

"Not bad?" Gentry frowned, dissatisfied. "Richardson averages 19.3 points and 4.4 rebounds, and he has years of experience playing in the NBA. Trading him for a second-year player like Curry, isn't that a loss? Hill, although not as offensive as before, has a lot of experience too."

"No!"

Lance shook his head and said, "Leave Hill aside for now. Firstly, Stephen Curry averages 18.6 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 5.8 assists, not inferior to Richardson. He achieved this even under Monta Ellis's shadow. Besides... the so-called experience you mentioned, Curry might be a bit lacking, but he's younger, with greater personal potential. Most importantly, I believe in Nash and Carlos's judgment."

"What?!" Gentry was taken aback. "Nash also hopes you trade for Curry?"

"Yes."

Lance did not deny it and slowly said, "Curry's shooting is very accurate, and his three-point shooting percentage is quite high. Nash + Curry is a pair with great potential in the backcourt."

"That makes sense."

Gentry raised his hands, indicating agreement with Lance's statement.

Lance continued, "Nash + Curry + Carter, plus the strongest Carlos and the current 6-game winning streak, seems unstoppable. We have a chance to contend for the championship this year."

At this point, Lance's eyes were filled with excitement, and his expression gradually became more animated.

Indeed...

For a team that started the season aiming for the bottom, to suddenly possess the strength to contend for the championship was a thrilling transformation.

"Right..."

Gentry's eyes were also filled with excitement.

Lance suppressed his inner excitement slightly and said, "As for Hill, the Warriors insisted on having Hill, or else this trade wouldn't go through. And... Richardson must also go, but as compensation, we'll bring small forward Reggie Williams in.

Hill, although experienced, is already 38 years old. The Suns, about to have Carlos and Curry, are younger and more suitable for... fast-paced tactics! In this way, I agree to this trade."

"Ah, I see!"

Gentry understood and nodded, and Lance continued to ask, "Gentry, what do you think our lineup is lacking now? Or... who do you think would be a good player to trade for Reggie Williams?

Reggie Williams entered the league as a free agent last year and had good numbers with sufficient playing time, averaging 15.8 points and 4.7 rebounds last season. But we might not be able to give him much playing time."

"Perfect!"

Hearing Lance's words, Gentry clapped his hands with a smile. Seeing Lance's confusion, Gentry said, "I recently discovered a forward with good potential. And now the team lacks forwards, so why not trade for him with Reggie Williams?"

"Who?!"

"The 10th overall pick this year, the Pacers' backup small forward... Paul George."

At these words...

Lance checked some data, shook his head, and said, "He averages 7.8 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 1.1 assists in just 20 minutes per game. Can he really do it?"

"Trust me, he'll surprise you soon."

Gentry's gaze was affirmative, Lance was half-believing, half-doubting, and after a few minutes of hesitation, he nodded and said, "Okay, I trust you. He can have some time to grow."

At 9 o'clock in the evening...

The lights were on in the Suns' training facility locker room.

Carlos, Nash, Carter, and other Suns players were all gathered here. Because... tonight there was a matchup between the Thunder and the Magic, and tomorrow night, the Suns would face the Thunder.

The Thunder was also the strongest opponent Carlos had encountered since joining the Suns.

They needed to take it seriously.

However, before this game, there was another highly anticipated matchup between the Heat and the Spurs tonight. 

The Heat's "Big Three" is still strong. Even though they suffered an unexpected loss to the Wizards, facing the Western Conference leaders, the Spurs, they still appear like movie villains, with a dominant and evil presence. Just halfway through the game, their crushing offense has left the "GDP" struggling, and they are currently trailing by 11 points. At this rate, they might be defeated in three quarters.

Nash analyzed the situation. "Yes..."

Carter nodded and said, "How can they not be strong? LeBron led a team to the NBA Finals as a solo act, Wade won FMVP, and Bosh was the Raptors' star. The three of them together can dominate everything on the court. These guys will be even more formidable in the playoffs. To be honest, I don't know how to beat the Heat's 'Big Three' in the playoffs; they are just too strong."

"That's true."

Dragic nodded and mumbled, "Even though they are strong, they still suffered an upset loss to the Wizards last night, showing that they can be beaten."

"No..."

Carlos gently shook his head and said, "That's just because they are still in the process of getting used to playing together. Moreover, precisely because it's a period of adjustment, they can press the Spurs' 'GDP' so hard. Just think about it... after half a season of regular-season adjustment, how strong will they be in the playoffs when their cooperation and understanding are in place!"

"Ah!"

Hearing Carlos's explanation, Dragic sucked in the corners of his mouth, feeling a sense of fear in his heart.

"The Heat assembled this 'Big Three' this summer to challenge the league, to target the championship. Now... the focus is on the Bulls in the East. Let's see how the 'Windy City Assassin' unfolds!"

Nash said. "Right..."

Carlos added, "The Bulls are strong this year, and Rose is even stronger."

This year, Rose grabbed one of LeBron's five consecutive regular-season MVP awards and became the youngest MVP in NBA history.

This year...

The rose blossoms!

As they chatted, the live broadcast on TV showed that, as expected, the Heat defeated the Spurs in less than four minutes of the fourth quarter, causing Popovich to give up on the game.

The Heat won against the Spurs!

Carter changed the channel.

The warm-up between the Thunder and the Magic was entering its final stages. "Here it comes!"

"The matchup between the Thunder and the Magic is also a battle between strong teams!"

Bang!

At this moment, the locker room door was pushed open. Coach Gentry walked in, accompanied by a player.

"Stephen Curry?!" Carter exclaimed.

The sudden appearance of Curry surprised the Suns players. 

Of course, except for Nash and Carlos. 

Carlos took a step forward, looked at Curry, and smiled slightly, 

"Curry, welcome!"