In 1977, a reformed ex-con must return to New York City’s violent underworld in order to save his childhood best friend from a dangerous gangster.

Yup, and clarify how they plan to make the money. The implication is by selling drugs, though that's likely not a protag I'd care about.

Is $10k in a week enough a challenge?

The new version seems to reverse roles. Now it's the drug dealer who comes off as the protagonist.? Yet more words are spent describing his best friend.? Who is the protagonist?? Who owns the plot?

And how will making $10,000 in one week save him from the mob boss?? Is he in debt to the boss, has to pay him back?? The dramatic link between cause (the threat) and effect (make $10,000) needs clarification.

The new version seems to reverse roles. Now it's the drug dealer who comes off as the protagonist.? Yet more words are spent describing his best friend.? Who is the protagonist?? Who owns the plot?

And how will making $10,000 in one week save him from the mob boss?? Is he in debt to the boss, has to pay him back?? The dramatic link between cause (the threat) and effect (make $10,000) needs clarification.