The Agent Game.

After attending the award ceremony, Han Sen and Nikola Jokic returned to Cleveland to begin their summer training camp.

This offseason, Han Sen reflected on the gaps in his game, especially during critical stretches of the Finals. Recognizing the increasing defensive pressure he'd faced near the rim, he decided to unlock a new Tier 1 talent from his System: [Sky Hook].

It wasn't a spontaneous choice—Han had been contemplating it since facing the Warriors' interior defense. Adding the Sky Hook would not only diversify his scoring arsenal but also prolong his dominance without relying solely on explosive athleticism.

As for Jokic, in addition to bulking up and increasing his strength, Grover had devised specialized three-point shooting drills tailored to his needs. The goal was clear: improve Jokic's low-post physicality while enhancing his perimeter threat. This dual challenge even pushed Jokic to his limits.

Fortunately, Jokic wasn't alone.

Shortly after their training began, Dewayne Dedmon joined them, eager to elevate his game after gaining confidence from his Finals appearances. Although veterans like Nene were likely to fill rotation spots, Dedmon believed he could carve out a significant role. To achieve this, he focused on expanding his offensive range—especially developing a reliable three-point shot.

A true "3&D center" was rare, and Dedmon was determined to become one.

Han wasn't sure who had influenced Dedmon's decision to stretch his game, but he knew Dedmon had the potential to make it work—a definite win for the Cavaliers.

Having experienced a dynasty run in Memphis, Han understood how challenging the third year could be. Sustained success required constant evolution.

Outside the gym, Han kept a close eye on free agency, curious about the fates of LeBron James and Draymond Green. Would the Cavaliers' fans be right, predicting Green's trade at LeBron's request? Or would LeBron continue his nomadic "king's journey", switching teams yet again? Perhaps they'd even put aside their differences and remain teammates.

---

While the Warriors' situation remained unresolved, the Bulls made the first big move.

In an attempt to appease Kyrie Irving, Chicago struck a deal with the Hornets before free agency began. They traded Dwight Howard and the 31st pick, Frank Jackson, for Miles Plumlee, Marco Belinelli, and the 41st pick, Tyler Dorsey.

Yes, you read that right. After his playoff struggles, Howard's trade value had plummeted, making it feel like Chicago was just offloading a bad contract.

But if trading Howard could smooth things over with Kyrie, it was worth it—or so they thought.

The very next day, Kyrie shocked the Bulls' front office by requesting a trade to the Celtics.

They were blindsided.

"Seriously, Kyrie? What kind of logic is this?"

While this move seemed baffling, it wasn't entirely out of character. Kyrie had publicly expressed interest in playing alongside Kevin Durant in Boston the previous season. Unhappy in Chicago, he simply wanted out.

But couldn't he have made the request before they traded Howard?

Han couldn't help but chuckle. In 'history', Kyrie had also requested a trade after free agency had nearly settled. This was no coincidence—Kyrie was sending a message, expressing his frustration with how long the Bulls had kept Howard.

From a competitive standpoint, the Bulls had just weakened their roster, leaving Kyrie with little faith in their future.

Like Cleveland before them, Chicago's front office was reluctant to grant Kyrie's wish. But Kyrie was adamant: he'd sit out the season if they didn't trade him to Boston. No other destination would suffice.

Han found this absurd.

"Paul George's trade demands look reasonable compared to this."

Negotiations would drag on, but the drama was far from over.

---

On July 1st, the opening day of free agency, LeBron James declined his player option, making headlines.

Shortly after, Rich Paul delivered an ultimatum: unless the Warriors traded Draymond Green, LeBron wouldn't return.

In other words, Golden State faced losing LeBron for nothing if they refused.

Were there any players in free agency on LeBron's level?

Only Stephen Curry.

Beyond that, the next tier included Gordon Hayward and Blake Griffin—solid stars, but nowhere near LeBron's caliber.

Hayward might've been a fit, but would he leave his starring role in Utah to be the Warriors' fourth option? Unlikely.

LeBron's 1+1 contract had masterfully cornered the Warriors' front office.

Green, once the instigator, now found himself at the center of the storm.

Two high-stakes dramas in both conferences had fans glued to every development.

Meanwhile, Han trained, watching the chaos unfold.

---

On July 2nd, the second day of free agency, everything remained quiet. Teams were clearly waiting for the Kyrie and LeBron situations to resolve.

But that day brought an unexpected visitor to Cleveland—an old acquaintance of Han's.

Yao Ming.

Technically, it was President Yao Ming now, as he'd become the head of the Chinese Basketball Association.

Yao had come to discuss Han's potential return to the national team.

They'd briefly touched on the topic during Han's jersey retirement ceremony in February, but this was more formal.

China had secured the rights to host the 2019 FIBA World Cup—the country's first major basketball event since the 2008 Olympics.

As they sat down, Yao reminisced about his own Olympic experience.

"I knew back then—it was my one chance to compete on home soil. That's why I gave it everything, even at the cost of my career."

Yao's words resonated.

"There's no reset button in life. Once it's gone, it's gone."

Han agreed to join the national team. Like Yao, he recognized the rarity of playing a major tournament at home.

Moreover, Han respected Yao, who had once advised him against playing injured for China—a gesture that left a lasting impression.

However, Han had one condition.

"Since you're here, you might as well share some of your post moves with Jokic."

Han had attended Hakeem Olajuwon's training camp before, but he knew Jokic wasn't built for Olajuwon's quick-footed style. Yao's game, grounded in fundamentals and precision, was a better fit.

Especially in low-post techniques, Yao's insights were invaluable to Jokic.

While they were engrossed in training, a bombshell dropped on social media.

---

Stephen Curry, who had remained silent during the LeBron-Draymond drama, finally spoke out:

"We achieved success in 2015—we can't afford to lose anyone."

This stance wasn't surprising. If LeBron had been willing to sit down with Draymond and talk things out, Curry's peacemaking nature would've gladly facilitated.

But with the situation reduced to a choice between the two, there was no way Curry would side with LeBron. Draymond represented the Warriors' core legacy.

Had Curry chosen LeBron, the Warriors' locker room would've exploded.

Curry's statement effectively sealed the fate of this saga.

It wasn't just about his influence within the team—Curry was also a free agent this offseason.

Pissing him off? The Warriors risked losing their franchise cornerstone.

So, with Curry's declaration, LeBron's leverage crumbled. His time in the Bay Area was over.

LeBron—down bad.

New York and Los Angeles? Both off the table.

Cleveland? That "hometown" was now Han Sen's kingdom.

The Bay was closed. So, where could he go?

Even Han couldn't predict the answer.

---

July 3rd: The free agency market erupted with activity.

One of the big fish, Gordon Hayward, announced he was re-signing with the Jazz on a five-year max deal.

While Blake Griffin's situation remained uncertain, Hayward's decision slammed shut another door for the Warriors.

If Golden State wanted a replacement, they'd have to look further down the list—Jrue Holiday, Paul Millsap, Danilo Gallinari.

The pressure on the Warriors' front office intensified.

After Yao wrapped up Jokic's training, he returned to China, leaving Jokic to test his progress against Dedmon.

The free agency market went eerily quiet for the next two days.

Then, on July 5th, with just two days left before the moratorium ended, Kyrie Irving's drama finally reached a conclusion.

The Bulls reluctantly agreed to his trade request.

But instead of a straightforward deal with the Celtics, they pulled off a four-team blockbuster trade—a move that sent shockwaves through the Eastern Conference.

The Trade Details:

- Bulls: Traded Kyrie Irving and Jimmy Butler, received Markelle Fultz, Jahlil Okafor, Ante Žižić, John Collins, Jerryd Bayless, and draft picks from the Celtics and Pacers.

- Celtics: Traded Isaiah Thomas, Jae Crowder, Ante Žižić, and an unprotected future first-round pick, received Kyrie Irving.

- 76ers: Traded Fultz, Okafor, and Bayless, received Jimmy Butler and Jae Crowder.

- Pacers: Traded John Collins (19th pick, 2017), a future first-rounder, and a second-round pick, received Isaiah Thomas.

---

The biggest surprise? The 76ers abandoning 'The Process'.

But in reality, Sam Hinkie—the architect of that process—had resigned before last season's draft.

Now, with an opportunity to strengthen the roster, the Sixers seized it.

Post-trade, their lineup looked formidable in the East:

Ben Simmons, Jimmy Butler, Jae Crowder, Dario Saric, Joel Embiid.

With Embiid shooting 36.7% from three in his rookie season, their spacing wasn't as limited as one might think.

If Embiid stayed healthy and the front office bolstered the bench, they'd be a serious contender.

The Celtics? No surprises there.

Isaiah Thomas had been inconsistent against the Cavaliers in the playoffs. Upgrading at point guard was essential, and with their assets, Kyrie was the perfect target.

Plus, Kevin Durant had openly expressed interest in teaming up with Kyrie.

As long as Kyrie kept his antics in check, Boston's roster was significantly stronger on paper.

The Pacers made a smart play.

With Jeff Teague's contract expiring, flipping minimal assets for an All-Star like Isaiah Thomas helped them retain Paul George—a move they could live with.

And Larry Bird? He'd resigned from his front-office role back in May, right after the Pacers' season ended. No more decision-making from him.

Han's biggest surprise?

Paul George never requested a trade.

Apparently, Han's words—spoken when George called him an idol—had left a lasting impact.

As for the Bulls?

Kyrie's drama blew everything up, but honestly, they'd been itching for a rebuild anyway.

They walked away with a treasure trove of young talent.

From a rebuilding standpoint? A win.

But if you showed those assets to Han?

"The Bulls have no hope of a resurgence."

Not a single star in sight.

Ironically, if Kyrie hadn't gone scorched-earth on LeBron, Nike might've orchestrated LeBron's move to Chicago this summer.

Big market? Check.

Kyrie and LeBron's games complementing each other? Perfect.

But alas, no "what ifs" in basketball.

---

With the Eastern drama settled, all eyes shifted west.

July 6th: The free agency moratorium neared its end.

And then, LeBron finally broke his silence.

"New Orleans is a city that's endured so much. They need a sports renaissance. I'm heading there to build a future alongside Anthony Davis."

Social media? Absolute chaos.

"Fake news, right? LeBron's going to… New Orleans? A small market like that?"

"Is this charity basketball?"

"Actually… now that you mention it, AD fits. Strong talent, but young enough for LeBron to be the alpha. Plus, the team's competitive."

"Why the hell should AD play second fiddle to LeBron? The 'Chosen Son of America' is better than your 'Chosen One' bulls**t!"

Amid the debate, one quiet tweet slipped through the noise:

"After last season, Anthony Davis fired his agent. His new representation? Rich Paul."