CHAPTER 471: CHAPTER 383: OFFSEASON TRADE TURMOIL

Butler organized all this information.

Firstly, it was on June 29, 2017.

The Pacers reached a deal with the Thunder.

The Pacers sent Paul George and received Victor Oladipo, Domantas Sabonis, and some cash from the Thunder.

Zeng Xingyang knew the Thunder were preparing to form a trio, to help Westbrook make one last championship push.

In his mind, they would also trade for Anthony.

However, Anthony, Paul George, and Westbrook’s playing styles were really incompatible, and they couldn’t get past the Blazers in the playoffs, ultimately leading to their breakup.

But Butler was quite hopeful about them.

In the group, Butler said: "Next season, the Thunder will be our main competitor, we should pay more attention to their movements."

Gordon said: "I think we don’t need to worry about them, they don’t have much chemistry, it’s hard for Russell to have great chemistry with other players."

Westbrook has a typical style that requires ball possession.

Gordon wanted to add that perhaps only Zeng Xingyang and Jokic could cooperate well with Westbrook.

Zeng Xingyang and Jokic rarely spoke in the group but both paid attention to the group’s information.

Then on June 30, 2017.

The Clippers traded with the Rockets.

The Rockets sent Patrick Beverley, Lou Williams, Sam Dekker, Montrezl Harrell, Darrun Hilliard, DeAndre Liggins, Kyle Wiltjer, a 2018 first-round pick (lottery protected from Clippers), and a 2019 second-round pick, and received Chris Paul.

This trade obviously aimed to form a star backcourt duo of Harden and Paul.

A combination of two stars in their prime looks more imaginative than Westbrook and Paul George.

Zeng Xingyang remembered, if not for Paul’s injury at a crucial moment, this Rockets team could have taken out the Warriors.

In the previous life, they were the closest team to defeating the super Warriors.

Indeed, compared to the Thunder, they were more threatening.

D’Antoni maximized the power of the "Moreyball" concept.

August 2, 2017

The Knicks traded with the Thunder, sending Carmelo Anthony for Enes Kanter, Doug McDermott, and a 2018 first-round pick (top ten protected from Bulls).

The Thunder’s trio was officially formed, shocking the league.

Then the Cavaliers traded Kyrie Irving to get Isaiah Thomas, Ante Zizic, and a 2018 unprotected first-round pick (from Brooklyn Nets).

Hayward signed with the Celtics, forming a trio of Irving, Hayward, and Horford in Boston.

In general, this year’s trade market focused on forming star-studded lineups, with teams like the Thunder, Rockets, and Celtics building championship-contending rosters through trades, while teams like the Pacers, Bulls, and Knicks entered rebuilding phases.

Experts and fans were overwhelmed by the wave after wave of shocking trades in the offseason, marveling that the NBA arms race had arrived.

The Nuggets became the target of the entire league.

Last season’s Nuggets were terrifying, showcasing an almost unbeatable stance in both the regular season and playoffs, so teams aiming to win the championship had to find ways to deal with them.

Zeng Xingyang just glanced at the trade information while on vacation, it didn’t interfere with his holiday.

In July, Zeng Xingyang went to Europe with Taylor Swift and Scarlett to play.

The three had a great time, occasionally caught by the media, and they also swung by Serbia to visit Jokic.

Jokic entertained them at his purchased ranch, while Natalia taught them horse riding, having a fantastic time.

Jokic pulled Zeng Xingyang aside and asked curiously: "Zeng, who exactly are you dating among them?"

Whether Taylor Swift or Scarlett Johnson, in Jokic’s view, they are famous entertainment industry stars, and he was a bit curious.

Zeng Xingyang laughed: "They’re just friends, I’m still single, don’t overthink it."

Don’t ask, they’re just friends!

Jokic said: "What will you do when you have kids in the future?"

Zeng Xingyang replied: "Well, then we’ll have them, I’m not short on money."

Jokic shrugged: "Okay, though I don’t quite understand this relationship, Natalia and I hope you find happiness."

Zeng Xingyang nodded: "I will."

After staying in Serbia for three days, Taylor Swift and Scarlett returned to the United States, having a lot of work to do after the holiday.

They also had their own teams, not like NBA players with such long offseasons.

...

In late August, Zeng Xingyang returned home to accompany his parents.

This time, the girlfriend by Zeng Xingyang’s side was a Chinese girl, a student he met in Denver, also from the south, and they had many potential topics to talk about.

Zeng Xingyang’s parents clearly liked the domestic girl very much, they were more traditional compared to those white girls.

In the living room, Zeng Xingyang and his younger brother Zeng Xingyu were watching TV.

While the girlfriend wasn’t around, Zeng Xingyu quickly asked: "Brother, who will be my sister-in-law, Scarlett or Taylor Swift?"

"Don’t be so gossipy, tell me, what do you want this time, an autograph or an album?" Zeng Xingyang rolled his eyes at his brother.

"I, I have a girlfriend who really likes listening to Taylor’s songs, can you get her a signed album?" Zeng Xingyu said nervously.

"Alright, a signed album isn’t that meaningful, Taylor should have a concert in Shenzhen soon, and she’ll probably swing by our house, so you can bring your girlfriend over for a meal together." Zeng Xingyang said.

"Wow, really? Brother, you’re awesome." Zeng Xingyu said excitedly.

Due to Zeng Xingyang’s connections, both Taylor Swift and Scarlett scheduled more work specifically in China.

His family had some celebrity filters for them, he had none whatsoever.

For Zeng Xingyang, Taylor Swift had a more melodious voice in bed...

For Zeng Xingyang, Scarlett was better at role-playing, whether as an innocent student or an intellectual wife, these roles really moved his emotions.

...

In September, the hired training team came to Zeng Xingyang’s hometown.

Rather than conducting special training abroad, Zeng Xingyang preferred training near home.

This was also to spend more time with his parents.

As for whether the training team agrees to come here, it’s just about money.

As for the training venue, before returning to China, Zeng Xingyang spent money to build an NBA-level training gym near his home.

During his time back, the gym was exclusively for him, and if he wasn’t home, Zeng Xingyang’s father would organize training camps.

Thanks to Zeng Xingyang’s reputation, admission for the training camp was never an issue.