"I'll reiterate this once more!"
"Kai Chen is an untradeable asset for the Clippers. He will never be put on the trade block!"
In Los Angeles, the Clippers' management held a press conference to directly address media questions regarding Kai Chen's trade status.
"I know there have been many trade rumors about Kai Chen recently. We're holding this press conference today to give everyone a clear answer!"
Jerry West, the team's chief consultant, faced the cameras and stated firmly, "Our owner, Mr. Ballmer, is very fond of Kai Chen."
"Even if I leave the Clippers in the future, he will not be traded to another team!"
"Kai Chen's entire professional career will be spent with the Clippers!"
West's words left the reporters speechless.
The weight of that statement was simply too heavy.
Everyone knew that Jerry West was not only an excellent NBA player but also an exceptionally talented executive.
He helped the Lakers establish two dynasties and later helped the Warriors achieve three championships in four years. It could be said that Jerry West was a godfather figure in the NBA.
Although West had only joined the Clippers' management in the past two years, his standing within the organization far surpassed anyone else's.
In the future, unless he chose to resign, the Clippers would never fire him.
"Mr. West, I'd like to make a comparison."
A female reporter from ESPN asked, "If the Warriors offer Durant, would the Clippers still refuse to trade Kai Chen?"
"Madam, it's clear you didn't understand what I just said."
West waved his hand and replied earnestly, "Let me put it another way: no matter what players or future draft picks other teams offer, we will not trade Kai Chen."
"Because in my eyes, Kai Chen will be the next Michael Jordan. He will be the next Kobe Bryant."
After speaking, West did not give reporters another chance to ask questions and turned to leave.
On November 8th, the Clippers continued their road trip, arriving at the basketball mecca—Madison Square Garden.
They were set to challenge the New York Knicks on the road.
"Just as Mr. West said, I will not wear the jersey of any team other than the Clippers."
When asked about the trade rumors during a pregame interview, Kai also gave a clear answer:
"Perhaps some people think that by leaving the Clippers, I would ascend to the highest throne faster."
"But that's not what I want. By staying with the Clippers, I can still win the Larry O'Brien Championship Trophy at the fastest speed."
After saying this, Kai Chen turned and returned to the team's half-court to continue warming up.
He had no interest in the online rumors.
He only wanted to defeat the New York Knicks and end the week with a winning streak.
After all, back in Los Angeles, there was a beauty waiting for him.
"Carmelo, listen to the cheers from the fans!"
Kai pointed to the signs held by fans on the sidelines welcoming Carmelo home and joked, "How does it feel to come back as an opposing player?"
"This will be a wonderful night."
Carmelo smiled. "No matter what, I will repay these fans with an even better performance."
After trading Carmelo, the Knicks officially entered a rebuilding phase.
However, since the start of the new season, the team's record had been decent.
Two wins and four losses in six games—far from as bad as people had imagined.
Still, the team's prospects were not highly regarded. After losing Carmelo, the Knicks' biggest star was Porzingis.
Porzingis could certainly dominate weaker teams.
But against the high-spirited Clippers, he could only struggle.
"Ladies and gentlemen!"
"Please look at the big screen!"
Before the game, during the starting lineup introductions, the entire Clippers team specifically allowed Carmelo to be the last one announced.
As he prepared to enter, the Knicks' home court did not rush to introduce him. Instead, they thoughtfully played a tribute video.
"MVP!"
"MVP!"
"MVP!"
When the short film ended, the fans at Madison Square Garden spontaneously chanted "MVP," welcoming their former king.
"Next up, from Syracuse University, for the Clippers, number 7!!"
"New York's eternal King—Carmelo Anthony!"
Amid the deafening cheers, Carmelo slowly stood and walked to center court, waving in acknowledgment.
"Carmelo's greatness isn't limited to the court!"
The two commentators also stood and applauded.
"This is a kid born in the slums of Brooklyn and raised in Baltimore."
"He possesses tremendous leadership, capable of inspiring systemic change within the community."
"That's right. I really love what Knicks fans once said about Carmelo."
"In the era of rampant 'Big Threes,' Carmelo was New York's only light."
Although it was a homecoming, as Carmelo himself said, an outstanding performance was the best way to repay the fans.
From the opening of the first quarter, Carmelo displayed an extremely aggressive mindset.
At the same time, the Clippers, led by Kai Chen, relentlessly set up plays for him.
Carmelo played the entire first quarter. With continuous feeds from his teammates, he scored a phenomenal 22 points, helping the Clippers take a commanding 38-24 lead.
As the second quarter began, the Clippers' rotation lineup showed no mercy.
The combination of Lou Williams's drives and Harrell's finishing proved highly effective. Early in the quarter, the Clippers unleashed a 12-0 run, widening the gap even further.
By the middle of the second quarter, when the starters returned, the difference had already reached blowout territory.
Kai wasted no time, knocking down three-pointers to push the lead even higher.
Kai did not play in the second half.
By the final buzzer, Kai had logged just 18 minutes, posting an efficient double-double of 16 points and 10 assists, while Carmelo exploded for 34 points.
The Clippers defeated the New York Knicks 130-98 at Madison Square Garden.
The 130-point outburst also marked the team's highest scoring performance of the season.
"Carmelo gave everything to New York tonight!"
The sideline commentator summed it up:
"He did not disappoint the fans who came to support him."
"Meanwhile, Clippers rookie Kai Chen was remarkably efficient, recording a double-double in limited minutes."
"The Clippers have now won six straight, and they are using their performance to send a clear message to the league—do not underestimate them."
==========
Thank you for the support.
100 power stones = Bonus Chapter
Check my P@treon for 25+ advanced chapters
[email protected]/JustTranslate