NBA: Rising Superstar!

Overall, these player operations were negotiated between Zeng Xingyang and General Manager Connelly.

Facing strong opponents next season, Zeng Xingyang was very assertive in team operations. He knew if he didn't intervene, the Nuggets would struggle to beat the Warriors.

Connelly doesn't have a vision for the future; he often has to follow the trend, unable to fundamentally change the Nuggets, giving them a chance to overpower the super Warriors.

The Nuggets' rookies are all capable of succeeding in the NBA in the future, whether they fit with the Nuggets or not. Anyway, they're all strong individually!

Just like the Lakers before getting Doncic, people always said he wouldn't fit with James.

Before Butler went to the Warriors, it was always thought he was not as good as Wiggins.

Facts will prove that smart players can thrive wherever they are. Who cares if the lineup is suitable, as long as the players are strong enough? Moreover, if Jokic can even lead Westbrook, what player can't he handle?

As long as the players have talent, throwing them next to him and Jokic will always have some effect.

Apart from consecutive rookie signings, the Nuggets also made continuous moves in the free market.

The Nuggets announced they signed free agent Jeff Green to a 2-year, 20 million US Dollar contract.

Barkley quickly commented, "Jeff Green, huh? He's pretty good. This deal for the Nuggets won't be a loss."

Originally, Jeff Green was negotiating a 1-year, 15 million contract with the Magic, but after Zeng Xingyang called him, he changed his mind.

Zeng Xingyang patiently explained the Nuggets' future plans and their determination to win the championship to Jeff Green, eventually convincing him.

More than money, Jeff Green also hopes to win a championship.

Jeff Green, standing 2.03 meters tall with a wingspan of 2.17 meters, can defend both the 3 and 4 positions and can even switch to defend the opponent's core players, like Butler. He can handle such high-caliber players without being overshadowed.

As a forward, Jeff Green excels at cutting; he can swiftly cut to the basket like a black lightning bolt and can also hit threes from the corner. These capabilities can effectively space the floor and complement the passing of Zeng Xingyang and Jokic.

Next, the Nuggets signed undrafted player Caruso to a partially guaranteed 3-year, 3 million contract.

Immediately following, the Nuggets traded the recently signed Darrell Arthur + Nurkic + a 2020 first-round swap pick to the Magic for Aaron Gordon.

This trade was driven by Aaron Gordon himself.

The Magic took Arthur, a young player + Nurkic, who is ready to contribute + a future first-round swap. This was not a significant loss for the Magic, as Nurkic could be their starting center.

From last year, when Aaron Gordon was unwilling to come to the Nuggets, this year's playoff performance by the Nuggets caught his attention.

Aaron Gordon watched the excellent performance of the Nuggets in the playoffs on television.

Jokic's dominance in the paint and Zeng Xingyang's clutch heroics drew him in.

Aaron Gordon's personal intentions were the main reason this trade came together.

Actually, this season, many free agents and some unsatisfied All-Star players have contacted the Nuggets, hoping to team up with Zeng Xingyang and Jokic.

For example, Chandler Parsons, Bill, and others, but all were declined by the Nuggets.

The Nuggets won't just take anyone.

Following this series of signings and trades, the Nuggets' roster looks completely different from last season.

Zeng Xingyang has done everything possible to enhance the Nuggets' lineup.

Just when Zeng Xingyang thought the Nuggets' operations were coming to an end.

The Bulls' general manager called to inquire about trading Jimmy Butler to the Nuggets.

The Nuggets quickly offered Galinarli + Nelson + their 2018 and 2020 first-round picks.

Upon learning of this news, Zeng Xingyang promptly got in touch with Butler.

In their conversation, Zeng Xingyang learned that Butler had long been dissatisfied with Bulls management and hoped to join a competitive team.

The two had a pleasant conversation over the phone and decided to jointly push for the trade's completion.

Ultimately, after several rounds of negotiations, the Nuggets acquired Jimmy Butler in exchange for Galinarli + Nelson + the 2018, 2020, and 2022 first-round picks.

In Zeng Xingyang's view, first-round picks aren't valuable; players can always be traded back if they perform well.

The relationship between Nuggets GM Connelly and Zeng Xingyang is excellent.

With Jokic not caring about management, operations are primarily discussed between the two of them.

If the Nuggets underperform with this new roster next season, Connelly might get fired.

Connelly has tied his career with Zeng Xingyang.

The Nuggets acquiring Butler once again caused a stir.

At the Bulls, Butler averaged 36.9 minutes, achieving 20.9 points, 5.3 rebounds, 4.8 assists, 1.6 steals, 45.4% shooting accuracy, 31.2% three-point percentage, and 83.2% free-throw percentage.

"This Butler + Jokic + Zeng Xingyang can be considered a Big Three." Penguin Sports' Kefan excitedly commented.

Netizens back in the country got even more excited.

"Now there's a real show to watch, time to challenge the Warriors."

"Whoa, can't wait for next season."

"Awesome!!"

"The Nuggets weren't messing around this summer."

"Awesome, awesome!!"

"The Big Three challenge the Five Star Warriors."

"The West is about to enter unprecedented chaos."

This wave of trades also quickly elevated the Nuggets' odds of winning the championship; they've now risen to fourth place.

Just behind the Warriors, Knight, and Spurs.

Of course, some fans and media are skeptical about this lineup. They believe Butler isn't compatible with Zeng Xingyang and Jokic.

Zeng Xingyang and Jokic are more suited to partnering with 3D or roll-and-cut-type big men.

Butler, on the other hand, is mediocre at three-point shooting and needs the ball to exert his offensive power.

Zeng Xingyang has particular regard for Butler.

Butler's stats aren't very important; his most crucial aspects are his mental attributes and defensive abilities.

This guy led a bunch of undrafted players from the play-ins to the Finals, which isn't something an ordinary person would do!

If he leads the Nuggets' second lineup, they certainly won't be lacking!

Butler's defense is not inferior to anyone on the Nuggets; he can switch from the 1 position to the 5.

Last season, when playing against the Bulls, Zeng Xingyang experienced firsthand how tough Butler was.

After a series of signings and trades, the Nuggets' roster was quickly finalized.

Guards: Dejounte Murray, Caruso, Zeng Xingyang, Brogdon, Harris, Butler;

Forwards: Jeff Green, Crowder, Siakam, Pope, Gordon, Grant;

Centers: Zubac, Jokic, Lavine.

Thus, before the new season, the Nuggets completed their signings, with a fresh 15-man roster.

Zeng Xingyang is full of ideas for the new season, and he doesn't believe they can't take on the Warriors now!

What about the Five Star Warriors?

We'll have a clash with them.

And the Spurs, too.

Last season, Zeng Xingyang suffered from the lack of depth in the rotation lineup.

Next season, definitely not anymore!