Chapter 394: Re‑shuffling the Kuaisuan Roster

Mili Xiqi, who has regained his youthful feeling, has restored his old mindset; he feels like a fish in water, his play becomes more free‑willed, more expressive… he fully releases his inspiration… under this level of defense he plays more calmly, and he and Ding Yuyuhang inexplicably develop a strong chemistry.

Han De Jun cannot defend him, and Huaiti Seda's help defense cannot always cover his area.

Mili Xiqi's agent is unprecedentedly excited, he is very emotional on the sidelines: he hasn't seen such a confident, free‑flowing Mili Xiqi in many many many years.

Mili Xiqi plays very freely.

Once free, he can unleash his creativity, though this creativity can only be released in trials of this level; in high‑intensity NBA games he would still be outmatched. But… restoring his spirit is his first step.

Mili Xiqi plays very well.

Huaiti Seda also performed quite well; he created a no‑fly zone, and his help defense is very threatening. He and Mili Xiqi are the two most eye‑catching performers.

Soon, the 20‑minute period ended.

Huaiti Seda appears cautious; he only scored 4 points, and he thinks he might be declared a trial failure, so he anxiously awaits the final result.

Mili Xiqi, however, looks far from satisfied; he wants to keep playing, having truly found some basketball joy.

After the game, Fan Xi gathers with Mai Ke Bu Lang, Bilupusi, Han Mi Er Dun, and the two heads of the Kuaisuan scouting department to discuss.

The two trial players on the other side and their agents are waiting for the result.

"Mili Xiqi performed quite well; he is very confident, and he plays calmly. He is completely at another level of skill; under this kind of opposition he seems at ease."

"You also know this is just a very ordinary game level, not even comparable to NBA preseason. Being like a fish in water at this level is meaningless. On the contrary, that Huaiti Seda is interesting; he can provide good help defense, his block level is high, and with cultivation he could become an important backup."

"But we already have a rim‑protecting expert; De An De Lie has three years left on his contract, and he is far stronger than Huaiti Seda, so there's no need to stock two players of the same type."

"We need to make some future reserves, so we can gamble on Mili Xiqi; what if he still has untapped potential?"

"But he has already played nine years in the NBA. He spent nine years moving farther away from the NBA; why should we give him a tenth chance? We are a championship‑contending team; we aim to defend the title."

"……"

"……"

The discussion among everyone becomes a bit heated.

By the end, it even reveals a sentiment: why argue over these two players, just discard both.

As this mood gradually dominates, they turn their gaze to Fan Xi.

Fan Xi shrugs, and asks Ku Pu Qie Ke: "What do you think, if we keep them all, how's that idea?"

"Oh my god, it's downright terrible," Ku Pu Qie Ke says without hesitation, "They have little potential to mine, and it would waste two precious slots. Many veteran players are racking their brains to join us, and they can even accept minimum salary."

Fan Xi spreads his palms, "But we don't need them."

"But it looks like we don't need these two either."

"No, we need them. You have to see their qualities; they are worth a gamble. For Kuaisuan's long future, we're not just defending the title, we also aim for a three‑peat!" Fan Xi says seriously.

Then he makes a decision and says to Ku Pu Qie Ke, "Can you spend 3.5 million USD to sign Huaiti Seda to a three‑year contract? Can you spend 7 million USD to sign Mili Xiqi to a three‑year contract?" Look at the book.

Ku Pu Qie Ke scratches his hair and says, "Jie Ke, although our financial situation is very optimistic now and this year's profit far exceeds expectations, we still cannot issue contracts so casually; we must take Yi Sai Ya Tuo Ma Si as a lesson."

Yi Sai Ya Tuo Ma Si is known for offering junk contracts; he once made every free‑market player regard them as treasures.

"This is a golden contract. Go ahead."

Fan Xi pats his shoulder, encouraging him to do something he doesn't want to do. Look at the book.

Ku Pu Qie Ke, after all, is a professional; he quickly steadies his emotions and proceeds with his professional duties.

He looks very serious; he first talks to Huaiti Seda's agent, apparently without reaching an agreement, then goes to Mili Xiqi's agent.

Then he turns back to Huaiti Seda's agent, and afterwards to Mili Xiqi's agent.

He shuttles back and forth, appearing very busy.

He spends about an hour, then at the training facility pulls out two contracts and signs the two guys.

Fan Xi stands on the sideline and asks Leonard and Butler, "How are these two new teammates?"

They both are the original Kuaisuan versions of 'no‑brain' and 'unhappy'.

Leonard, sparing words, says, "Mili Xiqi is good."

Butler is more optimistic about Huaiti Seda; he says, "That guy's defense is great. If we pair up, I can push the defense into the paint and let him block. That's called closing the door on a dog."

Fan Xi raises an eyebrow.

These are his two top confidants.

"Are you thinking of trading Kuameibulang?" Leonard suddenly asks.

Fan Xi truly hadn't considered it; he says, "No. I plan to sign Huaiti Seda and send him to the NBDL."

"Then we should be ready for Kuameibulang to leave," Ba Le Te adds.

Mm.

It seems that way.

Kuameibulang came to Kuaisuan to fulfill his personal value, won the championship, and changed people's preconceived notions. He is already among the top‑5 centers in the league according to agents, so in any regard Kuaisuan cannot keep him.

Because Kuaisuan won't give him a multi‑million salary, and he cannot give up tens of millions of dollars for sentiment.

Feelings are feelings, money is money.

Fan Xi suddenly feels a bit sentimental, but this is professional sports after all.

He suddenly looks at Leonard and Ba Le Te, thinking, when these two leave later, how heartbroken will I be—just like giving away a daughter.

But they will surely go out to stand on their own, to become leaders.

Now that the sons are grown, generally let them go out and see the world.

However, that won't be until at least three years later.

They all signed four‑year contracts with Kuaisuan.

It's still a long time.

The unexpected thing is that after Mili Xiqi and Ku Pu Qie Ke signed a three‑year, $6.8 million contract, he delicately walked over and said to Fan Xi, "Can I train here in the summer? Just like them."

He points at the two guardians beside Fan Xi.

Fan Xi nods: "If you don't mind being a practice partner for the national team, I'm of course welcome."

Mili Xiqi also nods: "Then it's settled."

Then he walks to the other side and starts chatting with Ding Yuyuhang.

It seems he has already formed a friendship with Little Ding.

Basketball is that magical; after a game you get a telepathic feeling. That's probably… they peed into a jar.

Mili Xiqi walks over, and shortly after, Huaiti Seda comes over, also expressing a desire to train here.

Fan Xi also agrees, on the condition of being a good practice partner.

Huaiti Seda, of course, agrees.

For a player like him, training at a gym on his own costs money, plus paying the trainer's fee.

Here he saves a huge sum. Although he just signed a three‑year, $3 million contract with Kuaisuan, he's already a millionaire.

Nevertheless, he's still pretty good.

He didn't immediately go on a spending spree, instead thinking about further improving himself.

That's a good thing.

Fan Xi likes proactive people.

Only such people can stay in the NBA.

Every year the NBA welcomes sixty to seventy rookies, but only a handful stay in the league for more than five seasons.

Some are due to team circumstances, some to talent, but most… are actually mental. Many players, after getting their first guaranteed contract—at least two or three million dollars—already think about taking it easy. After all, that amount is enough for those poor kids who never saw money to lose themselves and their drive.

…

After Kuaisuan secured two free agents early, they quickly moved to the draft. Fan Xi and Ku Pu Qie Ke sit in the draft war room, holding four picks this year.

But Fan Xi's instruction is to trade them all away.

Fan Xi doesn't plan to acquire players at this year's draft because he has too many prospects to develop; he can't bite off more than he can chew.

So, for Kuaisuan this year's draft is all about trades.

First, they need to trade Vince Carter away, even if just for next year's pick or for nothing.

After entering the draft war room, Fan Xi dials Si Di Fen Na Shi's phone, wanting to confirm his current thoughts.

If Si Di Fen Na Shi agrees to stay with Kuaisuan, Fan Xi won't seek another point guard; if he wants to leave, Fan Xi's trade focus will still be on the point‑guard slot.

Si Di Fen Na Shi is also troubled by this.

He has considered returning to Phoenix, the most important place of his career.

The Lakers have extended an olive branch to him.

The Heat are also pursuing him.

The Dallas Mavericks hope he returns home.

The New York Knicks are also eager for his talent.

He is now in high demand, still regarded as having elite‑level skills despite his age; his playmaking and fast‑break ability with Kuaisuan last year remained a sharp blade.

Moreover, on a fast‑paced team he could even serve at an All‑Star level.

So that's why he's being pursued so fiercely.

Fan Xi gets straight to the point: "Stephen, we can only offer you a three‑year contract worth about $6 million per year, $20 million total. But here you'll get a new championship ring."

Si Di Fen Na Shi looks very conflicted.

Fan Xi's offer isn't far from Miami's; Miami's contract is slightly higher but comes with more taxes.

The Lakers are offering a $10 million salary; Jean Bas has gone crazy, now ignoring salary‑cap concerns. With four superstars, they already pay the highest luxury tax, and now, to dismantle Kuaisuan's roster and chase the championship, she's willing to do anything.

However, Si Di Fen Na Shi has already turned him down.

Si Di Fen Na Shi is still a man of loyalty; he has no desire to play for two teams in the same city. Moreover, he's not used to being a bench player under Chris Paul, even though he'd gladly be Fan Xi's backup.

People are different.

Back then, when Chris Paul fought for his first point‑guard spot, it was brutal.

The Dallas Mavericks also offered a $10 million salary, and Nowitzki will return to Dallas next season; he hopes to retire together with Nowitzki. They shared a wonderful time, their partnership like first‑love. It would be best if it ends well.

However, the New York Knicks offered a deal Nash couldn't refuse: four years, $46 million.

This contract can essentially serve as a retirement plan.

The New York Knicks have always been known for deep pockets, and in New York there is also Nash's best career teammate Si Ta De Mai Er, plus Cameron Anthony, and the newly signed Tyson Chandler.

The New York Knicks adhere to their long‑standing principle of spending big on major moves.

Nash doesn't hesitate; he quickly tells Fan Xi the price the New York Knicks gave him.

Then Fan Xi understands.

Si Di Fen Na Shi's departure throws Fan Xi into a deep silence.

With Bilupusi moving to an assistant coach role, Si Di Fen Na Shi heads to the East Coast, leaving Kuaisuan with only him at point guard. If Arenas also counts as a point guard, there would be two.

"Perhaps we should pick a point guard."

Fan Xi suddenly looks up and says to Ku Pu Qie Ke.

"How about Lillard? He seems undervalued, but his shooting is quite accurate," Ku Pu Qie Ke tells Fan Xi.

…