11 years later, they are playing together again.

At that time, both Wayne and Artest were still young talents.

And now, a man who has reached the age of retiring has just returned from retirement.

Although they are no longer young, they still have the same aspirations as before.

They are still full of desire for victory.

The next afternoon, the Trail Blazers official Twitter announced that Artest would return to the NBA with a one-year base salary.

After 9 years, Wayne and Artest join forces again!

Everyone joked that after Wayne returned, he really devoted himself to saving the veteran who had fallen into disgrace.

This is undoubtedly a sentimental signing, but on the ESPN show that night, Stephen A. Smith expressed his concerns.

"The Trail Blazers' current lineup has basically taken shape, but it is very, very aging.

This team has three players who are in their prime and have quality, including Curry, Jimmy and the newly-joined Sixth Man of the Year Lu Wei.

Allen Crabbe is still too young and is expected to spend most of next season in the Development League.

The same goes for Myles Turner, he is not the kind of player who can stand alone.

Although JaVale McGee is in his prime, no one knows whether he can be reborn after suffering a broken leg injury.

P.J. Tucker is still young, but he is not the kind of player who can decide the game.

And the rest...

Wayne is 32 years old and has not played a basketball game in two years. No one knows whether he can still be the best player in the league.

Pau Gasol is 35 years old and can only attack but not receive.

Kevin Garnett is 39 years old, and his role in the locker room is even greater than on the court.

Tony Allen is 33 years old. He was still a first-defense defender last season, but how much condition can he maintain next season?

Vince Carter, a name that is almost forgotten, how much power can he still contribute at the age of 38?

Then, there is Artest, the latest addition.

This guy couldn't even dominate in the CBA last season, and his joining has minimally improved the Blazers' strength.

I know many people may criticize me for saying this, but the fact is, I advise you not to have too high expectations for the Trail Blazers' record next season.

Half of the players on this team are senior players who have passed their prime.

Among the young players, there are only three who really play a decisive role.

To be honest, it will be very difficult for this lineup to challenge for the championship.

The Cleveland Cavaliers, Golden State Warriors, Oklahoma City Thunder, and even the San Antonio Spurs who introduced Aldridge are all strong.

It’s too difficult for the Trail Blazers, a veteran alliance, to break out!”

As we all know, Stephen A. Smith has never been a Weihei.

What he said today was really just telling the truth.

Wayne watched the TV and didn't feel angry, but full of motivation.

Yes, the Trail Blazers' lineup is a bit older this season.

But don’t underestimate the determination of a group of old guys!

Besides, do you underestimate those three who are in their prime?

Don’t forget, the 15-16 season was Curry’s unanimous MVP season in history!

He was the well-deserved scoring champion that season, and his offensive firepower was unmatched.

In the 15-16 season, Jimmy Butler was voted into the All-Star starting lineup for the first time. This season, he has completely replaced Rose and became the only core of the Bulls.

In the 15-16 season, Lu Wei is still one of the best bench bandits in the league.

Next to Wayne, it is equivalent to having two core players and one of the best substitute players in the league.

Plus Wayne himself.

Regarding Wayne's own condition, after training during this period, Wayne's attributes have improved a lot.

Although it is still not comparable to his peak period, it at least gives Wayne hope to play.

If he continues to train hard this summer, Wayne believes that there will be no problem in returning to 80-90% of his peak strength.

Moreover, Wayne still had 20 useless opportunities to add points. Wayne had not touched any of the remaining growth points that year.

Although Wayne's remaining growth points cannot allow him to use up 20 opportunities at once, it should be enough to fill the hole dug due to age decline!

By adding points after training, Wayne is very confident that his attributes will be restored to their peak levels in a few months!

By the way, what's more, Wayne still has many badges in his hand that didn't seem to be of much use before, but now seem to be very practical.

The best player in the league + two core players + bench bandits + a group of uncompromising veterans.

Do you still think the Trail Blazers are weak?

As long as the team is relatively healthy next season, it can get through the long regular season.

After the team enters the playoffs in good health, Wayne believes that they will be able to break through!

Three consecutive championships during the peak period is actually nothing.

But he can still maintain his dominance after the peak...

That’s really not simple!

Wayne already knew that next season would be difficult, but he came back after careful consideration.

Now that he has chosen to come back, Wayne is mentally prepared to face difficulties.

The next day, Wayne appeared in Patterson's office wearing a suit and his championship ring.

Patterson and Allen were both present. Allen also decided to take charge of the team again because his body had recovered a little.

What's more, he absolutely cannot miss today.

"Wei, are you ready?" Patterson smiled at Wayne and then handed a new contract to Wayne.

Wayne looked at the contract and took a deep breath.

“I can’t wait any longer!”

Wayne picked up the pen and signed his name on a one-year maximum salary contract worth 21 million.

Wayne didn't know how long he could play, so he could only sign with the Trail Blazers year by year.

The moment he signed his name, Wayne finally truly returned.

There is no turning back.

Next season, get ready to welcome the return of the King!

After signing the contract, Wayne looked at the training ground.
Chapter completed!