LeBron James running away? He's going all in on Curry.

On the eve of the All-Star Weekend, the Cleveland Cavaliers' front office quietly completed two moves in the free agent market that could lay the foundation for a future dynasty.

In the general manager's office, Chris Grant handed two newly signed contracts to Su Yang's desk and let out a long sigh of relief.

"Boss, I haven't let you down! Kawhi Leonard and Klay Thompson's contract extensions have been finalized!"

Su Yang took the contract, glanced at it, and a satisfied smile appeared on his face.

The current collective bargaining agreement in the NBA has strict provisions regarding the "designated player" clause after a rookie's contract expires.

A five-year maximum contract signed through the "designated player" clause allows each team to have a maximum of two players drafted or signed by their own team, and one player acquired through a trade on their roster.

Stephen Curry used up his only 5-year contract slot acquired through a trade last summer.

The Cavaliers themselves still have two designated player slots for five-year maximum contracts.

In theory, both Kawhi Leonard and Klay Thompson were drafted by the Cavaliers and could be signed to five-year contracts.

But in this matter, Su Yang demonstrated the ultimate control of a capitalist's meticulous calculations.

He gave one of his five-year maximum contracts to Kawhi Leonard, whose offensive and defensive stats have skyrocketed this season and who is showing signs of becoming a superstar.

Klay Thompson, on the other hand, was offered a standard four-year maximum contract extension.

"Is there any trouble with Clay's agent?" Su Yang asked.

"Not at all, boss," Grant replied with a smile. "You know Klay's personality; he's never been particularly money-oriented. Plus, his current role on the team is mainly off-ball finishing. His stats are impressive, but he doesn't have Leonard's exaggerated all-around game, and he doesn't have any major individual awards. A four-year max contract would be more than enough for him."

"That's good." Su Yang nodded. "The last designated player spot for a five-year maximum contract will be reserved for Anthony Davis next summer."

This is Su Yang's real plan!

If the Cavaliers give both 5-year roster spots to Kawhi Leonard and Klay Thompson now, they won't be able to offer Anthony Davis a 5-year max contract when his rookie contract expires next summer.

If this interior behemoth's contract extension is only locked for four years, then it would be a case of penny-wise and pound-foolish.

"Boss, I just finished a detailed calculation of our team's future salary cap space with the salary expert!"

"Although Stephen, Kawhi, and Klay all received max contracts, and Davis will also face a big contract next year, as long as they don't trigger the 'Rose Rule,' which accounts for 30% of the salary cap..."

"If, as you say, the salary cap will rise to one hundred million in a few years," Grant took a deep breath.

"Then we can free up a top-salary opening by bringing in someone from outside the company!!!"

……

Meanwhile, in Miami.

The atmosphere in the post-game press conference room at American Airlines Center was somewhat subdued.

The Miami Heat suffered a shock defeat to a weak team with a winning percentage of less than 50% in the game that just ended, suffering an embarrassing three-game losing streak.

In stark contrast to the team's dismal record were LeBron James's dazzling personal statistics as he sat at the podium.

He racked up a whopping 38 points, 12 rebounds, and 11 assists!

"LeBron, the Heat have recently suffered three consecutive losses, and the team has been struggling defensively."

An ESPN reporter, microphone in hand, posed a pointed question: "But we've noticed that your individual record remains incredibly impressive. Many fans and experts are speculating that, given the team's poor performance and aging roster, and with a player option next summer, will you consider leaving the Miami Heat?"

As soon as the question was asked, all the flashes in the arena focused on James's face.

This is undoubtedly a test of the "King's" loyalty to the team!

"Leave Miami? No, that's not even on my radar."

James shook his head, and said solemnly and affectionately to the nationally televised cameras:

"I am a Heat player. I love this city, I love the fans here, and I love my brothers Dwyane and Chris."

"Basketball is a team sport, and we are indeed facing some difficulties and adversity right now."

He paused, a glint of responsibility flashing in his eyes, and uttered that famous quote with resounding conviction:

"But when my team is in trouble, I can't just pack my bags and leave, becoming a deserter, can I?"

Upon hearing this, the Miami media reporters in the audience all showed expressions of emotion.

"What a great leader! What a loyal king!"

The interview video was quickly edited by Nike's public relations team and pushed to the entire internet.

The "never desert" persona allowed James to still win the admiration of countless fans even amidst the gloom of a three-game losing streak.

……

however.

Half an hour later, in the Heat's locker room, in a private treatment room.

James, who had just solemnly declared to the media that he "would never desert with his luggage," was now enjoying a massage from the physical therapist with a gloomy face.

Standing beside him was his best friend and chief agent, Rich Paul.

"The Clippers' trade is now completely complete."

Rich Paul handed James a confidential briefing from Los Angeles: "That idiot Howard couldn't stand it anymore. Ballmer traded him for Kevin Love. Now the Clippers' roster is Durant, Irving, and Love."

"Kevin Love is a good player. His three-point shot and long passes are perfect for creating space."

James's gaze seemed to have already crossed half of America, and he was already sitting in the Clippers' owner's chair. "But the problem is, Love is a typical stretch big man; he's not good at doing the dirty work."

"If I go to Los Angeles next year, I need a blue-collar center who can battle in the paint, box out, grab offensive rebounds, and absolutely never complain about not having the ball!"

As James spoke, he turned to look at Rich Paul:

"Rich, besides the Big Three and those two sharpshooters Korver and Redick, what other assets does Ballmer have in Los Angeles?"

Rich Paul flipped through the documents, then shrugged helplessly: "The Clippers have practically given up everything for this super team. All they have left are two future first-round picks that they can trade."

"But LeBron, you know that with the Clippers' current roster strength, their future first-round picks will almost always be the 29th or 30th pick, which are the very bottom of the first round. The trade value of these junk picks isn't actually that high."

"Even a junk pick is a first-round pick! Trade it if you have any chips!"

James made the decision, much like a behind-the-scenes GM remotely directing operations.

"Go contact Ballmer and the Clippers' management. Tell them to throw away those two first-round picks and get me a blue-collar big man on the market!"

"Who are you messing with?" Rich Paul asked.

"Tristan Thompson!"

James delivered the definitive answer: "That guy named TT is probably still stuck on a lousy team, right? He has an incredible nose for rebounds, can set screens, can roll to the basket, and most importantly, he doesn't hog the ball!"

"Get Tristan Thompson to Los Angeles! Let him clean up Love's messes, and act as an inside bodyguard for Durant and Irving!"

"With a blue-collar, solid player like this to do the dirty work, when I parachute into Los Angeles next year and take over the team's ball possession and playmaking, this roster will be truly perfect!"

Listening to James's strategic planning...

Rich Paul nodded knowingly. "Got it. I'll go talk to the Clippers right away. Ballmer won't be stingy with those two first-round picks to welcome you."

In the treatment room, James closed his eyes and comfortably enjoyed the massage.

I could almost hear the deafening roar of "MVP" from the fans at the Staples Center in Los Angeles.

As for the statement made at the press conference half an hour ago, "When you encounter difficulties, you can't just pack your bags and leave like a deserter."

Please, you know, it's just basketball.