Chapter 60: Operating Space

"I find it hard to believe the Kings really traded Cousins," Barkley wrote on his blog, diving into the league's latest headline. "Even though Jake led the Kings to the playoffs last season after an eight-year drought with his 'mysterious magic from the East,' this trade is baffling. They've dismantled their playoff lineup without landing an All-Star in return—just future assets. I'm really scratching my head at Jake's decision here."

Miller, Barkley's guest for the day, thought for a moment before jumping in. "I couldn't figure out the Kings' angle at first either, but after some thought, it hit me—they might be trying to build around Jokic."

Barkley raised an eyebrow. "You think they'd gamble the whole franchise on a second-round pick who just had one solid season?"

"I don't know," Miller replied, "but it's the only logical explanation. Jokic was named to the All-Rookie First Team, and the Kings seem keen on giving him a bigger role. Plus, with Oden's team-friendly contract, they might feel they're in a good spot."

"If I were Jake, though, I'd be in a bind deciding which of these three centers to prioritize," Miller added. "They all bring unique skills to the table, and it's clear that they can't all stay."

After a pause, Barkley changed gears. "Let's not forget Jake's moves in the draft and free agency have been spot-on otherwise. He picked up Devin Booker to improve their perimeter shooting and ball-handling, traded for Otto Porter to stretch the floor at the four or five, and added Oubre for some athleticism on the wing. His roster construction has been impressive."

Miller began ticking off his fingers. "Not counting the recent pick sent to the Trail Blazers, the Kings have their own first-rounders—plus a first from the Cavs in 2016, picks from the Knicks and Wizards in 2018, the Wizards' swap rights in 2019, and another first in 2020. After the Celtics, the Kings have one of the strongest draft stashes in the league."

"Sure, they might be young," Barkley conceded, "but this setup gives Jake a lot of flexibility. Aside from being young, I don't see many weaknesses here."

Meanwhile, Jake wasn't resting on his laurels. "Do we really need to keep Casspi?" he asked in a team meeting.

Malone replied instantly. "Yes, Casspi is valuable. Although the forward positions are covered, our younger guys like Crowder and Oubre still need time to develop, and Porter's consistency is still unproven. We'll need Casspi next season."

Jake nodded, taking Malone's advice to keep Casspi on the roster. "Alright, I'll handle it later."

Just then, Ajiali walked in. "Jake, Rudy's here for his contract discussion."

"Great. Take him to the conference room; I'll join in a moment," Jake said as he got up to meet with Rudy Gay, who sat with his agent, seeming a bit uninvested.

"You could take this a little more seriously," his agent muttered. "We're talking about your salary, after all."

"What's there to talk about?" Gay replied, putting his phone down. "At this point, I don't expect a max contract, but Jake's been straight with me."

"Alright, then," Jake said as he entered the room. "We're glad to have you back, and here's what we're offering: $33 million over three years, with a team option in the final year. But with all the young players we've brought in, you may see a drop in your shooting opportunities next season."

Before Jake could finish, Gay's eyes lit up. "I'm in! It's all about the team—no problem!"

"And with Cousins gone, you'll be the veteran leader in the locker room," Jake continued. "So, I'll bump the offer up slightly: $35 million over three years, with a 5% increase annually and a team option for the third year. We can finalize it today."

Without hesitation, Gay grinned. "No need to think it over. Let's sign it now!"

Jake and Gay's agent exchanged bewildered looks, both thinking they'd need to negotiate a bit more. But Gay was eager—$10 million a year for fewer shots, a clear role as locker room leader? This was perfect.

Within days, the Kings made the headlines again, announcing a three-year, $35 million extension for Rudy Gay and a two-year, $5.6 million contract for Omri Casspi.