The Kings got their wish, acquiring Kevin Martin. Simultaneously, they sent Mobley and a 2007 second-round pick to the Clippers for an 18th overall pick in the current year's draft and the 2nd overall pick in the current year's second round, which they then flipped to the Celtics.
The Hawks successfully acquired Josh Smith, parting with Diou and the 1st pick in the second round, which went to the Celtics.
At the same time, the two teams also swapped second-round pick order.
The Celtics traded their 29th pick in the second round for the Hawks' 23rd pick in the second round.
It must be said, Collins has considerable talent when it comes to striking favorable deals.
In the hands of other general managers, the value difference between the 23rd and 29th picks in the second round is not significant.
However, in He Xi Meng's hands, this six-pick difference allowed him to maximize the benefit.
Of course, Collins was not fully aware of He Xi Meng's actual capabilities. He was simply acting on instinct to maximize the gains, nothing more.
Regarding Ariza, Collins also found multiple trade partners, helping the Knicks assemble a package of one first-round pick and two second-round picks.
As this third trade was nearing completion, He Xi Meng couldn't sit still.
Good heavens! He Xi Meng had agreed to let Collins trade these three players, originally hoping to complete one or two deals to acquire two draft picks and, at the same time, optimize the Celtics' last-place second-round pick.
He hadn't expected Collins to go on such a frantic trading spree.
Not counting the Ariza trade, the Celtics already had an 18th overall pick in the first round, and two picks at 1st and 2nd overall in the second round.
Coupled with the Celtics' own 28th overall pick in the first round, and a 23rd overall pick in the second round, optimized by the Hawks, the Celtics now possessed a terrifying five draft picks for the day!
If they also traded Ariza and acquired another first-round pick and two second-round picks...
Good grief, amassing eight draft picks in one year, accounting for more than half of the entire roster! How could they possibly develop so many players?
"That's enough! Collins, this year's trading is over! We have enough draft picks for this year! Trevor also needs to stay, otherwise, we'll just become a rookie camp next season..."
"Enough? I thought you weren't afraid of having too many, so I just tried a little bit harder!"
"Your 'little bit harder' was quite a blow! You've practically traded away all the rookies we brought in last year!"
Collins chuckled, patted his chest, and said, "If you need to make any other trades, just say the word, and I'll get it done!"
He Xi Meng clasped his hands in a gesture of respect, admitting he was beaten by Collins.
By sheer force, Collins had created a stir in the league with his aggressive maneuvering before the draft, all to highlight his presence.
With these five draft picks, He Xi Meng signed the five best role players from the 2005 draft class.
At the 18th pick in the first round, He Xi Meng still chose Gerald Green.
At the 28th pick in the first round, He Xi Meng selected David Lee.
At the 1st pick in the second round, He Xi Meng chose Ersan İlyasova.
For the 2nd pick in the second round, between Monta Ellis and Lou Williams, He Xi Meng chose Monta Ellis.
Because their positions and playing styles overlapped significantly, Monta Ellis matured faster than Lou Williams.
At the 23rd pick in the second round, He Xi Meng selected the Polish player Marcin Gortat.
Thus, the Celtics' lineup for the new season underwent significant changes.
In the starting lineup, He Xi Meng, Carter, and Yao Ming, the three core players, remained unchanged.
Josh Smith had left, and Diou was brought in to fill the gap.
Ariza and Tony Allen would continue to share a starting position.
In the reserve lineup, Malone had retired, ending his career with a championship ring.
Payton did not agree to the Celtics' veteran minimum contract and instead chose the Miami Heat's three-year, $10 million offer, heading to Miami to admire the beautiful women.
The main backup players remaining were Perkins, Hu Weidong, and Fox. Other players were cleared out to make room for the five new additions: David Lee, Gerald Green, Ersan İlyasova, Monta Ellis, and Marcin Gortat.
Fox's previous contract had expired. He Xi Meng asked him if he was willing to sign another veteran minimum contract.
Fox, in turn, asked He Xi Meng, "Do you want him to stay in Boston to help you? If you want me to stay, I'll stay. If you don't need me, I'll head to Los Angeles..."
After all, over the past season, Fox had spent most of his time helping He Xi Meng mentor the rookies. The actual burden of playing was not heavy, and his playing time had plummeted to a career low.
During this period, Fox also took some time off to fly to Hollywood for filming.
In essence, playing basketball had long become a side gig for Fox.
He Xi Meng considered that the Celtics' current roster was too young and indeed needed an experienced veteran like Fox to anchor the bench.
"How about you play one more season! I need you to help me mentor these rookies this year!"
"Okay! No problem, as long as you need me, I'll sign for another year."
After Fox confirmed his decision to stay, only one spot remained on the Celtics' 15-man roster. Collins asked He Xi Meng if he had any veteran free agents he had his eye on, and if not, he would pick someone himself.
Looking through the available players, He Xi Meng indeed saw a familiar name: Van Exel!
Since leaving the Nuggets, Van Exel had bounced around from the Mavericks and Warriors to the Trail Blazers over the past few seasons.
After the end of last season, Van Exel's last contract expired, and he was currently unemployed.
Van Exel was now 34 years old, his condition had clearly declined, but he was more than capable of playing as a third point guard.
Moreover, a few years ago, He Xi Meng had relied on Van Exel to mentor Da Bar, and Old Fan had some ability in mentoring rookies. With Payton's departure, He Xi Meng felt that Van Exel could be his right-hand man, helping to mentor the rookies, which would be a good choice.
Thus, He Xi Meng dialed Van Exel's number.
"Hello, who is this?"
"Damn it! Nick, you actually deleted my number? That's not cool!"
"Who is this? Simon?"
Van Exel seemed to recognize He Xi Meng's voice and retorted, "I left Denver over three years ago. We haven't spoken on the phone since then, why would I keep you in my contacts?"