NOVEL NEXT Chapter 58: Trade Rumors?
The next day, Jay Sun slept until noon. Upon waking, he casually checked the results of the other playoff games from the previous night.
The Hawks defeated the Celtics 107-96 at home, with Kyle Korver scoring 28 points to lead the team.
In the West, the Grizzlies beat the Trail Blazers 100-86. LaMarcus Aldridge's 32 points and 14 rebounds weren't enough to save Portland, as the Grizzlies' twin towers overpowered them. While it was technically an "upset," it was just the fifth seed defeating the fourth seed.
Meanwhile, the Clippers bested the Spurs 107-92. Chris Paul delivered a stellar performance with 32 points, 7 rebounds, and 6 assists, shooting 65% from the field. Blake Griffin added 26 points, 12 rebounds, 6 assists, 3 steals, and 3 blocks—a vintage Griffin display.
The Spurs, however, showed signs of age. Their big three were another year older, and Kawhi Leonard hadn't fully stepped into the superstar role. Watching the energetic Clippers face the aging Spurs felt like a symbolic changing of the guard.
The Spurs' future seemed uncertain—either rebuild or face decline.
Jay's record-breaking playoff debut was the talk of the town. Media outlets were buzzing:
"Cavaliers Rookie Breaks Playoff Debut Scoring Record!" "From Late First-Round Pick to Playoff Star: Jay Sun's Journey." "Fleeting Star or Rising Superstar?" "Jay Sun Breaks Yao Ming's Playoff Scoring Record!" "Glimpses of Stardom in His First Playoff Game!"
The last two headlines were from Chinese media. Jay read the article about Yao Ming with particular interest.
In 2005, during a Rockets playoff game against the Mavericks, Yao scored a career playoff-high 33 points in 36 minutes, along with 8 rebounds. Jay now held the record for the highest playoff debut score among Chinese players.
American media, meanwhile, focused on his playoff debut scoring record overall. But some skeptics were quick to cast doubt, comparing him to Brandon Jennings—a player who peaked early.
One writer even suggested the Cavaliers trade Jay while his value was high. Interestingly, this sparked trade offers from several teams.
The Cavaliers' GM, David Griffin, was furious.
"These people are shameless!"
Griffin, who had worked tirelessly since taking the reins last year to build a championship contender, dismissed the rumors outright. Jay wasn't going anywhere.
While the league was full of shrewd executives, not all moves were brilliant.
Brooklyn Nets fans: "Excuse us? Billy King would like to have a word!"
Knicks fans: "Don't forget Phil Jackson!"
Lakers fans: "We've had a rough couple of years too, okay?"
Other fans: "Quiet, all of you!"
Jay sighed as he finished reading the reports. "Time to hit the gym," he muttered.
The best way to silence trade rumors was through performance. If he didn't want to rely solely on Closer or other boosts, he needed to improve.
Jay's training was purposeful, focused on maxing out his attribute bars. Once he did, he could unlock the next skill card and raise his overall potential.
After practice, LeBron invited Jay over.
"Jay! It's Taco Tuesday! Come by my place tonight," LeBron said with enthusiasm.
"Of course, LeBron. It would be my honor," Jay replied. Skipping a team leader's invitation wasn't an option.
At LeBron's home, Jay was introduced to Bronny, an 11-year-old who looked mature beyond his years. Jay almost mistook him for a peer.
After dinner, LeBron pulled Jay aside for a private conversation.
"Jay, how do you feel about the team? Do you think we can win the championship this year?" LeBron asked directly.
Jay hesitated. "Well, LeBron, I think we're a great team. We definitely have a shot at the title."
LeBron nodded. "That's what I think too. But winning a championship requires all of us to give our best."
He paused, locking eyes with Jay. "There are trade rumors about you, but don't worry about them. You're the future of this team. The future belongs to you."
Jay's eyes widened. LeBron, are you trying to curse me like you did with Duncan?
"Don't worry, LeBron. I'm a professional. I know how to stay focused. And I want to win a championship as much as you do."
While Jay appreciated LeBron's reassurance, he understood the subtext. The team had no plans to trade him—for now. As for being the team's future? Jay took it with a grain of salt.
If I'm the future, where does that leave Kyrie? Jay thought. After all, the team wouldn't prioritize him over Irving, the established star. At best, they saw Jay as the team's second option in the long term.
But Jay had no intention of settling for second place.
Back home, Jay scrolled through highlights of the day's playoff games.
April 21 saw two matchups:
The Bulls defeated the Bucks 91-82. Jimmy Butler played a grueling 46 minutes, scoring 31 points with 9 rebounds. Meanwhile, a young Giannis Antetokounmpo struggled, shooting just 2 of 11 from the field. Khris Middleton led the Bucks with 22 points but only shot 40%.
The Warriors beat the Pelicans 97-87. Anthony Davis had a standout game with 26 points, 11 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals, and 2 blocks. But the Warriors' balanced attack was too much. Steph Curry and Klay Thompson each scored over 20 points, while Draymond Green added 14 points, 12 rebounds, 5 assists, 3 steals, and a block. The Warriors' small-ball lineup overwhelmed the Pelicans.
As Jay reviewed the games, everything seemed to align with his expectations. Being a time traveler with foreknowledge was his greatest advantage—along with his system, of course.
For now, everything was going according to plan.