The next morning.
Inside the Suns' general manager's office.
Lance and Alvin Gentry sat across from each other on the sofa.
"Earlier, Blake Su said he wanted Curry. How's the trade with the Warriors going?"
Alvin Gentry asked.
Lance stroked his chin.
"It's settled. I sent Richardson and Hill to the Warriors in exchange for Curry and small forward Reggie Williams. Overall, it's a solid deal."
"Solid?"
Alvin Gentry frowned.
"Richardson is averaging 19.3 points and 4.4 rebounds. He's been in the league for years and brings real experience. You're trading him for a second-year player and calling that not a loss?
And Hill—his scoring isn't what it used to be, but his experience is invaluable."
"No."
Lance shook his head.
"Let's put Hill aside for a moment—but that argument doesn't hold.
First, Stephen Curry is averaging 18.6 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 5.8 assists. That's not inferior to Richardson at all—and he's putting up those numbers alongside Monta Ellis.
As for experience, sure, Curry may lack a bit compared to veterans. But he's younger and has a much higher ceiling.
More importantly, I trust the judgment of Nash and Blake Su."
"What?!"
Alvin Gentry was taken aback.
"Nash also wanted you to trade for Curry?"
"Yes."
Lance nodded.
"Curry is an elite shooter. His three-point percentage is excellent. A Nash + Curry backcourt has tremendous potential."
"That's true."
Alvin Gentry agreed.
Lance continued,
"Nash + Curry + Carter, and on top of that… Blake Su. Add in our current six-game winning streak and the momentum we're building—
This year, we truly have a shot at the championship."
At that point, Lance's eyes burned with excitement, his voice growing more animated.
After all, a team that had entered the season prepared to tank had, in the blink of an eye, transformed into a legitimate title contender. The contrast was enough to make anyone's blood surge.
"Exactly."
Alvin Gentry's eyes shone as well.
Lance forced himself to calm down slightly and continued,
"As for Hill, the Warriors insisted on including him. Without Hill, the trade wouldn't go through.
They also wanted Richardson. In return, they included small forward Reggie Williams.
Hill's experience is valuable, but he's already 38. A Suns team built around Blake Su and Curry will be younger—better suited for a run-and-gun system.
That's why I made the decision."
"I see."
Alvin Gentry nodded in understanding.
Lance then asked,
"Alvin Gentry, looking at our current roster, what do you think we're missing?
Or rather… if we move Reggie Williams, who would be the right target in a trade?
Reggie Williams entered the league as a free agent last year. With enough touches, he averaged 15.8 points and 4.7 rebounds. That's solid production.
But here, we probably can't give him that kind of usage."
"Perfect timing!"
Hearing that, Alvin Gentry clapped his hands with a smile.
Seeing Lance's puzzled expression, he explained,
"I've been watching a young forward lately. He's got real potential.
Since we're thin on the wing right now, why not use Reggie Williams to trade for him?"
"Who?"
"This year's 10th overall pick—the Pacers' backup small forward… Paul George."
Hearing that, Lance pulled up his stats and shook his head.
"He's averaging just 7.8 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 1.1 assists in 20 minutes per game. Are you sure about him?"
"Trust me," Alvin Gentry said firmly. "He'll surprise you sooner than you think."
Lance hesitated, still unconvinced. After a moment, he nodded.
"Alright. I'll trust you. Worst case, we give him time to develop."
...
9 p.m.
The lights were blazing inside the Suns' training facility locker room.
Blake Su, Nash, Carter, and the rest of the team were gathered around the TV. Tonight, the Thunder were facing the Magic—and tomorrow, the Suns would take on the Thunder.
Since Blake Su joined the Suns, the Thunder were the strongest opponent they had faced.
They had to take it seriously.
But before that game, another marquee matchup was underway—the Heat versus the Spurs.
"The Heat's 'Big Three' are still terrifying," Nash analyzed. "Even after that upset loss to the Wizards, they're going at the Western Conference-leading Spurs like villains in a movie.
Powerful and ruthless.
Just one half in, and their overwhelming offense has 'GDP' gasping for air. They're already down 11. At this rate, it'll be a blowout by the third quarter."
"True," Carter said with a nod.
"How could they not be? LeBron carried a team to the Finals by himself. Wade won Finals MVP. Bosh was the franchise leader in Toronto.
Put those three together and they can flip a game upside down.
And they'll be even stronger in the playoffs. Honestly, I don't even know how you beat the Heat's 'Big Three' in a postseason series. They're just too good."
"That's fair," Goran Dragić said, clicking his tongue. "But even they just lost to the Wizards. That proves they can be beaten."
"No."
Blake Su shook his head lightly.
"That was just part of their adjustment period. And even while they're still building chemistry, they're overwhelming the Spurs' 'GDP' like this.
Imagine what they'll look like after half a season together—when their coordination truly clicks in the playoffs."
"Hiss—"
Goran Dragić sucked in a breath, a chill running down his spine.
"The Heat formed this 'Big Three' to challenge the entire league—to go straight for the championship," Nash said. "In the East right now… it all comes down to the Bulls.
Let's see how the 'Windy City Rose' blooms."
"Exactly," Blake Su added. "The Bulls are strong this year—and Rose is even stronger."
This was the year Rose would take one of LeBron's consecutive regular-season MVPs and become the youngest MVP in NBA history.
This year—
The Rose blooms.
As they continued chatting, the broadcast showed the Heat forcing Popovich to wave the white flag less than four minutes into the fourth quarter.
The Heat defeated the Spurs.
Carter switched the channel.
The Thunder and Magic were finishing their warm-ups.
"Here we go!"
"Thunder versus Magic—another clash of contenders!"
Bang!
At that moment, the locker room door swung open. Alvin Gentry walked in—and beside him was a player.
"Stephen Curry?!"
Carter blurted out in surprise.
The entire Suns roster was stunned by Curry's sudden appearance—except for Nash and Blake Su.
Blake Su stepped forward, looked at Curry, and smiled.
"Curry, welcome."