In his previous life, the story of "Linsanity" shocked the entire world. Even people who weren't basketball fans knew about Jeremy Lin's inspiring journey.
However, in this parallel world, Jeremy Lin remained unknown, always at risk of being cut by the team.
Fortunately, he had played reasonably well off the bench for the Warriors last season, and the Warriors offered him a minimum-salary contract for one year.
The reason they offered him a contract was that Curry suffered a major injury mid-season, and the team was short on players, which gave Lin a chance.
Although he wasn't about to be cut yet, his position was unstable, and he could leave at any moment.
Burke scratched his head, having never heard the name before. "Jeremy Lin? Is he... Chinese?"
"No, he's of Chinese descent, and his English name is Jeremy Lin."
Burke and D'Antoni exchanged glances, their eyes filled with doubt.
But they didn't immediately refute Li Feng, because Li Feng had scouted several players in the past, and they had all performed well.
For example, Lowry, Yi Jianlian, and Bill Walker were all discovered by Li Feng during their downturns and had played exceptionally well.
"I know you don't believe me, but the fact is, he has the capability to be a surprise for our bench, and he's not expensive."
Burke jotted down Jeremy Lin's name in his notebook, a troubled expression on his face.
"But he's already signed a minimum contract with the Warriors, and they don't seem to be looking to trade him!"
Li Feng smiled, "We don't need to trade for him separately. We can just use him as a throw-in to get him."
"A throw-in? A throw-in for whom?" Burke was even more confused.
"We can trade Lowry for Curry!"
This statement was earth-shattering. The team owner, manager Burke, and D'Antoni all gaped in astonishment.
After all, Lowry was the Knicks' starting point guard, had just signed a large contract, played well in the NBA Finals, and was healthy.
As for Curry, he had suffered a major injury last season and was practically made of glass.
All basketball commentators, including the media and fans, believed that Curry was not worth the investment and would likely fade out of the NBA within a couple of years.
Trading Lowry for such a player?
The Warriors would be ecstatic, and the Knicks would be taking a huge loss!
Li Feng knew they didn't understand the benefits of this trade, let alone the heights Curry would reach in the future!
"Although Lowry played brilliantly in the Finals, Curry is a stronger player than Lowry and has a higher ceiling. If we can get Curry, I guarantee the Knicks will win three consecutive championships!"
Hearing Li Feng say this, the three men shook their heads repeatedly.
"Li Feng, listen to me... I've also studied Curry. Besides his exceptional three-point shooting, his other abilities are inferior to Lowry's. Trading Lowry would be like demolishing our own Great Wall!"
D'Antoni had been silent for a long time. Hearing this, he could no longer hold back.
Li Feng didn't answer immediately. He sat there, smiling, listening to their incessant rebuttals.
After they finished speaking, Li Feng suddenly dropped his smile and stood up.
"Do you know what? Lowry is actually not satisfied with the Knicks. He signed his three-year contract reluctantly. He actually wishes to be the primary star on a team."
D'Antoni fell silent.
He knew this. Lowry was very ambitious.
Although "The Little Cannon" was a minor player when he first arrived at the Knicks, having come as a throw-in for the Yao Ming trade, his growth over the past three years had made him a top point guard in the league.
Coupled with the advantage of winning three consecutive championships, many teams were indeed coveting Lowry.
Some media even praised Lowry to the skies, believing that Lowry was the true backbone of Li Feng's three consecutive championships, and that Li Feng was merely riding on Lowry's coattails.
Lowry himself also felt that he could lead a team independently and didn't want to live in Li Feng's shadow.
D'Antoni nodded slightly and asked, "Lowry is indeed ambitious, but at least he's healthy, durable, and played every playoff game. Curry, he..."
Li Feng replied with a smile, "Curry does have a fragile reputation at the moment, but I am confident that after he joins the Knicks, I can help him stay healthy."
If this was Li Feng's first suggestion like this, Burke wouldn't have agreed.
But over the years, Li Feng's suggestions had all been successful, so he had to agree.
The owner also disagreed, but Li Feng had only verbally promised to stay with the Knicks.
What if Li Feng got angry and immediately went back on his word? That would be disastrous.
It was just Lowry, so let him go!
Thus, Burke and the owner agreed to Li Feng's proposal and made the trade offer to the Warriors.
In 2012, Lowry's value was much greater than Curry's, so the Knicks could ask for more assets from the Warriors.
Jeremy Lin was also at a low point in his value, and he could completely be used as a throw-in.
In this way, it would be a win-win situation. The Knicks would only need to give up Lowry to get Curry and Jeremy Lin, and even other players.
Burke slapped his chest and stood up, "I understand. This trade will be very easy to complete. The Warriors will definitely be thrilled."
D'Antoni asked again, "What about the center? After Yao Ming retires, who will be the starting center?"
Li Feng thought for a moment and replied, "Find a way to go to Serbia and sign someone named Jokic!"
The three of them were once again dumbfounded and looked at each other—
"Who... who is Jokic?"
In 2012, Jokic was just 18 years old and still playing in the Serbian league.
It was believed that no NBA scout knew how terrifying this white big man's future would be.
"You can have the scouts go take a look. If you can sign him, you absolutely must sign him! I can guarantee he won't disappoint you."
Given Li Feng's track record of discovering players during their low points, Burke still nodded in agreement.
With these matters settled, Li Feng felt relieved. As for other minor issues, they were Burke's responsibility, and Li Feng didn't need to worry.
Li Feng returned to New York in late July.
Just as Li Feng was about to resume his training, he suddenly remembered something!
"Feng, you scared me. Why are you suddenly slapping your thigh?" Jenna, who was snuggled in Li Feng's arms, was startled when Li Feng suddenly slapped his thigh while looking at his phone.
"During the game against the Heat last season, I promised Wade that I would take him to get his knee treated. I almost forgot..."
Jenna finally understood and nodded, "Then that's your fault. If you promised, you should help him."
Li Feng gave a wry smile, "You can't blame me for this. The offseason was too busy, visiting parents and the Olympics."
"Then what should we do?"
Li Feng thought for a moment, "Jenna, you stay in the US and start working. You've had to postpone a lot of work during this time. I'll take Wade to China for knee treatment, okay?"
Jenna pouted, a little unhappy, but Li Feng was doing it for a friend, and Jenna was understanding, so she agreed.
"Alright, I hope Wade can recover."
The next day, Jenna returned to Los Angeles and began her work.
To apologize, Li Feng went directly to Miami and then called Wade.
"Wade, what are you doing?"
Wade was surprised to hear Li Feng calling him, "I'm vacationing with my family in Hawaii. Li Feng, are you still in China? Congratulations on winning the Olympic gold medal!"
Actually, Wade was a bit upset. Li Feng's words at the time had deeply moved him.
He had also heard about the effectiveness of Chinese medicine, so he was full of hope for it.
Suffering from knee injuries, Wade had grown disappointed with Western medicine because it couldn't treat his knees, only draining fluid before games.
But during the offseason, Li Feng hadn't contacted him, and Wade thought Li Feng had forgotten.
Li Feng was indeed very busy, and Wade felt embarrassed to ask Li Feng, so he kept it to himself.
"Thank you, Wade, and I'm sorry. I almost forgot my promise to you."
Hearing Li Feng say this, Wade was so moved that he almost shed tears.
"Don't say that, Li Feng. You were so busy, you didn't have time to think about me. The Olympics were the most important thing."
"Thank you for your understanding. I'm all done now. Will you go to China with me? I promise I can get your knee cured!"
Wade was silent for a few seconds, not speaking. Li Feng thought he had lost the connection.
"Wade? Wade..."
"Li Feng, thank you, thank you for remembering me."
"Oh, what's there to thank? I'm your fan!"
"You're too humble. Your achievements far surpass mine. How could I be your idol..."
"I'm not joking, I'm really your fan. Alright, I'm in Miami now, waiting for you!"
"Li Feng, you're in Miami? Weren't you in China?" Wade was basking in the sun on the beach when he heard Li Feng and sat up abruptly.
"Yes, I came to Miami to find you, and then we'll book tickets to China!"
"Okay, you wait for me, I'll be back tonight!"
That night, Wade drove back to Miami overnight, met up with Li Feng, and then they booked flights to Beijing, China, the next day.
Wade also had many fans in China. When the two of them walked out of the terminal at the Beijing airport, they caused a frenzy of fans.
No matter what, with two superstars present, they were quickly recognized even with masks on.
They spent over an hour signing autographs and taking photos with fans at the airport before hurrying away.
Li Feng's father, Li Tongshun, knew an old Chinese medicine doctor who specialized in acupuncture and herbal medicine, and who had successfully treated many athletes' knees.
The two went directly to Li Feng's home.
Li Feng's mother had basically recovered, and Wade had brought gifts.
"Mom, Dad, I'm back this time because I want to take Wade to get his knee treated. Dad, didn't you mention an old Chinese medicine doctor last time?"
Li Tongshun nodded repeatedly, "No problem, I'll take you to see him. That old Chinese medicine doctor's surname is Tan, and he's my friend."
Wade bowed deeply to Li Tongshun gratefully, "Thank you, Uncle, thank you, Auntie!"
Li Tongshun quickly waved his hands, "You're welcome. You're Li Feng's friend, so you're like my own child!"
Afterward, Li Tongshun drove them, making many turns, to an old residential area.
Wade looked around curiously from the car. In his impression, famous doctors should be in luxurious medical buildings.
At least a small villa, right?
"Li Feng, why does this person live in such an old place?" Wade whispered to Li Feng.
Li Feng replied, "This doctor runs a small clinic, not a large hospital, but his reputation is very good."
Wade nodded thoughtfully.
He finally understood that in China, hidden masters were often found in inconspicuous places.
Li Tongshun parked the car next to a storefront in the residential area. The storefront had a plaque that read: "Yimin Clinic."
The three of them walked into the clinic. It wasn't large, and an old man with a white beard sat behind a desk. There were already over a dozen patients queuing in front.
Wade hadn't expected so many people here. Upon entering, he saw so many.
Grandpa Tan meticulously examined the patients' pulses and treated them, completely ignoring the three of them.
Li Tongshun remained silent, signaling Li Feng and Wade not to disturb the elder. The three of them sat quietly on the chairs by the door.
Finally, after an hour and a half, it was their turn.
Grandpa Tan, the Chinese medicine doctor, looked a bit tired. He took a sip of tea and looked up, seeing Li Tongshun.
"Tongshun, is that you? Why didn't you let me know in advance?"
Li Tongshun replied respectfully, "Uncle Tan, I'm here on behalf of my son's friend to ask for your help. They just arrived."
Grandpa Tan nodded and glanced at Li Feng and Wade.
Li Feng quickly pushed Wade into the seat and said, "Grandpa Tan, this is my friend Wade. He's a foreign friend. His knees have suffered significant damage due to years of wear and tear. I hope you can take a look."
Grandpa Tan looked at Wade, who was Black, with a hint of surprise and asked, "Why do his knees wear out?"
It seemed the elder hadn't watched the NBA and didn't know that playing basketball could cause knee wear and tear.
Li Feng explained, "Grandpa Tan, Wade and I are both basketball players, so our knees experience wear and tear."
"I see, then I understand. It's no problem, just minor issues."
Li Feng was overjoyed. It seemed his father, Li Tongshun, hadn't lied. Grandpa Tan was indeed capable, even calling knee wear and tear a minor issue.
"Then we'll trouble you, Grandpa Tan."
"No trouble, let me take a look first."
Grandpa Tan asked Wade to roll up his pants and gently massaged Wade's leg.
Wade was still half-skeptical. He saw no advanced equipment or laboratories here.
For an injury like his, so many major hospitals in America were helpless. Could this small clinic cure his knees?
However, when Grandpa Tan touched his knee, Wade was greatly surprised.
As the elder's hand touched his skin, Wade felt a warm current flow from the elder's hand into his knee.
It felt so comfortable!
Wade felt an incredible comfort in his knee, as if it were filled with power, much like how it felt after fluid was drained.
Grandpa Tan massaged both knees for about seven or eight minutes before withdrawing his hands.
"Let's start with one course of treatment," the elder said calmly.
Li Feng asked, "Grandpa Tan, how long is one course of treatment? What kind of treatment is involved?"
"One course of treatment is twenty days. You need to come here for acupuncture daily and take a dose of Chinese medicine."