The day after winning the championship, Xu Yong was invited by Ross to visit his home again.
Time flies, and in the blink of an eye, it has been six years since he last visited Rose's house.
The experiences of the past few years have not only established a deep friendship between the two, but also a close relationship between Xu Yong and the Ross family.
Although Xu Yong's current status in Chicago makes it impossible for thieves to visit his residence (the two houses he originally rented have been bought by him one after another), it was thanks to the protection of the Ross brothers in the first place.
When Rose was injured, Xu Yong's help to Rose also made the Rose family grateful.
At the dinner table, Ross drank wine and became emotional.
"Xu, I don't know how to express it, but thank you really, thank you for pulling me out of hell."
Xu Yong's help to him was not only persuading him when he was injured, but more importantly, inviting him to dinner and reminding him tactfully.
If it weren't for Xu Yong, he might have been traded in the middle of the season and would not have been able to win this championship. Without this championship, the meaning of his entire career would have been completely different.
"Derek, you should thank yourself. If you don't want to come out, no one can stop you." Xu Yong said with a smile.
Ross laughed. Xu Yong was always so indifferent. He wanted to say something more, but Xu Yong had already raised his wine glass, as if all his emotions were in the wine.
After eating and drinking, the two drunk people sat on the balcony to enjoy the breeze.
Chicago is already a bit sultry in June, and the evening breeze is pleasant.
"I don't know if we can complete the goal of the dynasty this time." Rose looked forward to it. Although he can no longer return to his peak, if he can complete three consecutive dynasties with Xu Yong, his life will be completely complete. .
"I don't know." Xu Yong shook his head. He could have said he would book the championship when he won the regular season MVP, but the span of three consecutive championships is too long and there are too many uncertainties. But he immediately said with a smile. , “But we have that opportunity.”
Yes, they have the opportunity, and it's a good chance.
The main reasons for the failure of the Bulls' dynasty last time were age and injuries, but this time age is no longer a problem. Injuries may have an impact on them, but it will certainly not be as big as before.
Ross nodded when he heard the words and looked up at the sky. At this time, a bright moon was in the sky, giving people unlimited hope.
…
A few days later, the Bulls held a massive championship parade in Chicago. Chicago was packed with people and the fans' enthusiasm was unprecedentedly high.
Just like Xu Yong and Rose didn't say it but understood it when they chatted, fans also know that the current Bulls are different from the previous Bulls. Winning this championship is just the beginning.
Moreover, this parade also has a great feature. A large number of fans put on Xu Yong's No. 6 jersey. Whether he can become a god with one championship remains to be discussed, but Xu Yong's influence after this championship is reflected in all aspects.
When the parade was approaching the first stopping point, there was a row of stripper club dancers who were dressed coolly and with their headlights revealing more than half of their clothes. They were swaying the banners in their hands. At a glance, it gave people the impression that It means [the wind is strong and the waves are rough].
Sometimes you have to admit that European and American women do have a bit of racial talent when it comes to big things.
"Senior, what do you think they are holding up?" Xu Yong and Butler were on the same bus. Butler pointed at the banners held by the girls and shouted.
Xu Yongding looked around, and when he saw clearly the words on the banner swinging in the wind, he almost stopped.
"Xu, we want to give you a baby"
No, do these people also play like this?
But it seems that it doesn't matter. After all, who doesn't want to give him a child now? For ordinary people, it means that they will have no worries about food and clothing in the future.
Of course, this is more of an eye-catching advertisement, because the name of the nightclub is attached at the end of the banner.
If you take a closer look at these girls' spectacular buttocks that can easily be pinched off, Harden will definitely be interested if he sees them now.
The car stopped at the stop, and Butler said, "Senior, I'll go get your contact information," and hurried over without waiting for Xu Yong to answer.
By the time Xu Yong finished taking photos, he had already returned with a happy face.
When they returned to the bus, Butler took out a small card and handed it to Xu Yong.
"Actually, you can just search the name of their nightclub online." Xu Yong shook his head. This did not suit his taste.
When Butler saw this, he put it away, looking very interested in him.
After all, the battle is over, and it's time to enjoy it. Even if those girls come together, he has nothing to fear from someone.
After returning to the United Center after the parade, Butler gave a speech as a representative of the Bulls.
After fully reviewing the difficulties encountered by the team this season and the efforts put in behind it, he also looked forward to the team's prospects next season.
"At this time next year, I look forward to standing here and saying to you, let's start a new Bulls dynasty!"
Butler successfully incited the emotions of tens of thousands of spectators at the scene, and the cheers of the Chicago fans soared into the sky.
Xu Yong couldn't stop laughing after hearing this. In terms of confidence level, only Butler on the Bulls team looked up to him.
After the parade was over, the players put the championship trophy together in the display window of the arena. There were nine championships lined up, and one of them reached double figures.
And if you take a closer look, the Bulls have won three championships in five years, plus the previous six championships in the Jordan era. The speed at which they win the championship may really be heading towards the two monsters of the Lakers and Celtics.
After the championship parade, Xu Yong did not stay in Chicago, but flew directly to Los Angeles.
Theron is now due to give birth and is currently expecting the baby at her estate in Los Angeles.
When Xu Yong arrived at the door, the security guard saw him and quickly opened the door to let him in. He also told him that Theron should be resting at the moment.
Of course it's not his first time here. He came once in April, before the playoffs officially started.
The servant in the living room greeted him respectfully and told him that Theron had woken up.
He went up the stairs and saw Theron with a big belly in the room.
Theron's condition at this time was much more haggard than two months ago, and his brows had not relaxed.
After seeing Xu Yong coming in, she forced a smile.
Speaking of which, Theron was forced to take a break since becoming pregnant, and it was announced to the public that it was due to physical reasons. However, there were a lot of rumors, which dealt a big blow to her career.
When he came last time, he actually thought about whether to announce it in advance. This was an idea he had already had. Maybe his popularity would bring Theron with him, but Theron refused at that time because he didn't want to This incident affected his ability to play in the playoffs.
"This is a gift for the child." After sitting down, Xu Yong took out a beautiful small gift box from his pocket.
"A necklace?" Theron guessed, looking at the size of the box.
Xu Yong shook his head.
"Ring?" Theron continued to ask.
Xu Yong nodded. After opening it, it was clearly the first championship ring with the word "7" inlaid in it that he got in 2011.
"" After handing the ring to Theron, he said.
Theron picked up the ring and looked at it, and his frown finally relaxed.
Back then, Pippen used the diamonds from the championship ring to make earrings as gifts for Jordan. Jordan was so happy that he gave him a Ferrari on the spot.
The championship ring means more than the value to the players. Xu Yong directly gave the entire ring, and the first championship ring in his career, to his unborn child. This gift is absolutely precious.
"Oh, and this." Xu Yong then remembered what he was carrying, opened it and took it out.
Those are a pair of classic sneakers from STX1. What’s special about them is not that they were signed by him, but that they were the shoes he wore in G5 of this year’s finals.
After the Finals, Foreman asked him for these shoes, and Butler also asked for them, but he didn't give them because he had already thought of leaving them to his children.
"Do you want him to play basketball like you in the future?" Theron couldn't help but ask after seeing this championship ring and sneakers.
Xu Yong was stunned for a moment. Naturally, he already knew the gender of the child. It was a boy.
Compared with Kobe's 0-for-4 shooting, his first shot hit the basket accurately, so he naturally had some ideas.
"Of course I will comply with his choice. If he likes basketball, I will help him become a professional athlete." After coming to his senses, Xu Yong said with a smile. Some words are not suitable to be said too directly. Just convey the meaning.
At this moment, Theron suddenly opened her mouth wide, and it turned out that the little guy in her belly started to kick her.
Xu Yong was overjoyed when he saw this, because it was like the child in his belly was responding to what he just said.
After putting down the gift, he sat on the sofa next to the bed and against the wall.
At this time, the servant knocked on the door and entered the room, bringing Xu Yong some coffee.
Theron comforted the baby in her belly, and then said: "I have thought of a name for the baby."
Xu Yong blew it after taking it, took a sip and looked at Theron.
They had previously reached a consensus on naming the child, that is, the child's Chinese name would be from Xu Yong and his English name would be from Sai Long, so what Theron said at this time should be the child's English name.
"I thought of two names, the first one is James..."
"puff!"
Xu Yong took a sip of coffee and sprayed it directly on his hand.
The reason why it didn't hit the bed was because he reacted quickly and blocked it with his hand.
The servant over there hadn't left the room yet, so he ran over in a panic when he saw this scene.
"I'm sorry, Mr. Xu, I..." The servant thought the coffee was too hot.
"It's okay, get some tissues." Xu Yong waved his hand.
After the servant finished cleaning the stains on the floor, Xu Yong couldn't help but asked curiously: "Why James?"
Theron's character shouldn't be boring enough to play jokes. She probably doesn't know about the jokes, and since this is her own child, how could she be so prankish.
"I wanted him to be a normal person, and James was the most normal name," Theron explained.
Hearing this, Xu Yong knew why Theron asked the previous question. For Theron, what she wanted her children to have most was stability, and it was difficult to be stable when becoming a celebrity.
And the name James is indeed one of the most common names in the United States. For example, the inventor of basketball is James Naismith.
So it's a coincidence.
It's just that this coincidence will make Xu Yong a little uncomfortable.
If his son really called him this name, it would only make people think that he did it on purpose.
"Where's the other one?" Xu Yong is now leaning towards another name.
"Michael."
"..."
Xu Yong can only say that this answer is reasonable.
Because some common names in the United States are: James, Michael, David, Robert, John...
It’s just that Jordan is also called Michael!
Xu Yong felt that Theron definitely didn't mean it, but God seemed to have a bad taste. This was simply a choice between death.
"Is there a third option?" Xu Yong looked at Theron with a hint of hope.
Theron's relaxed brows wrinkled again. It was obvious that she did not choose this name casually.
"I think Michael is good." Xu Yong said immediately.
There are too many troubles in the aftermath of being called James, and Michael actually doesn't matter. After all, fans who are called Jordan will think of Jordan, but people called Michael generally won't.
Theron nodded, accepting Xu Yong's choice.
Then, she looked at Xu Yong again, obviously wanting to know the child's Chinese name.
"I haven't thought about it yet. I'll ask for your opinion after I think about it." Xu Yong replied. He also thought of a few names, but he hasn't made a final decision yet.
The two chatted for a few more words, and then Xu Yong left.
When he came to Los Angeles this time, in addition to watching Theron, he also had two other big things. One was to warm up for STX3, which is another classic of AJ after STX1. At this time, combined with his regaining the championship , has a good chance of becoming a hit.
The second is to promote "Space Jam 2". After nearly a year of special effects production, the original film will finally meet the fans in July.
In addition, he is also recording new commercials for some endorsers.
This year he will lead the team back to the championship again, and he is destined to be busy this summer.
While he was busy, the 2015 NBA Draft came to an end at the Barrack Center in Brooklyn.
Towns became the No. 1 pick and joined the Timberwolves. The Lakers were lucky enough to get the second pick and then selected Jahlil Okafor. The Knicks selected Porzingis with the fourth pick, and the Suns picked Porzingis with the fourth pick. Devin Booker was selected with the 13th pick.
The Bulls selected European rookie Cedi Osman with the 30th overall pick this year.
Osman is a Turkish player and has played in Turkey before. Foreman didn't know if he saw Antetokounmpo's performance with the Raptors and remembered the overseas leagues Xu Yong mentioned before.
While Xu Yong is busy, he is also paying attention to the team's draft situation.
It was roughly the same as what he knew. What surprised him was the choice of the Lakers. In his impression, the Lakers chose Russell, but now the selection of Okafor means that Howard's departure has officially entered the game. The countdown is on.
As for Osman, he didn't have much impression.
However, there is no problem with this choice. Ennis's performance last season was average, and Artest is not yet sure whether he will retire. There is no big problem in choosing a backup small forward.
On this day, Xu Yong had just finished shooting the commercial, and Shane suddenly came to see him.
Battier has been promoted rapidly in the team this year and is now the vice president of team operations.
It is said that his nickname is "President". If he really enters politics, he may become a president.
Xu Yong didn't know why Battier came all the way to find him, but now that he has entered the free agent market, there is a high probability that there will be some big changes in the team.
"Has any team offered Jimmy a maximum salary?" Xu Yong asked after the two of them sat in a Western restaurant.
Shane nodded: "There are several."
Xu Yong laughed when he heard this. This was expected. Butler's performance in the regular season last season, coupled with his ability to combine offense and defense, was already worth the risk for some teams, not to mention this year's playoffs, especially his total performance. There were also several 13-point performances in a single quarter in the finals, which really illustrates his current market value.
"Will he stay?" Xu Yong then asked.
Whether Butler will stay with the Bulls is actually not decided by Butler, but entirely by the Bulls.
Because just like him back then, after a player who has finished his rookie contract, after his home team offers him a qualifying offer contract, he becomes a restricted free agent. As long as he is willing, he can match any contract offer from the outside world.
"Based on the information I have now, there is a high probability that it will be." Battier did not say for sure, but the meaning of his words should be close to ten.
This can be regarded as a normal operation of the Bulls. After all, Butler is the real second-in-command of the Bulls, Xu Yong's "Pippen". If he is really let go, the management will be ridiculed by Bulls fans.
"So are you here to inform me of this good news? Or..." Xu Yong looked at Shane and felt that the matter was not that simple, because if it was just good news, there was no need for the other party to come all the way to Los Angeles.
"I don't have any definite news right now, but if it's certain to keep Jimmy, then Derek will most likely be sent away."
Will Rose be traded?
Xu Yong frowned slightly, but he didn't ask why, because the only reason for trading Rose must be salary.
Rose still has two seasons of contracts, worth 20 million and 21 million respectively, which is the Bulls' highest salary in the next two seasons.
Although his performance last season was not bad, he obviously could not match such a salary.
Especially with Butler's maximum salary starting in the new season, two super maximum salaries plus one maximum salary for one team, as well as West's tens of millions of annual salary, and the salaries of others, the super luxury tax will be an astonishing figure.
He then looked at Shane Battier, who came over specifically to tell him this. In addition to personal relationships, it was probably the management who was greeting him in advance.
The reason why Foreman didn't come to him was because the matter was too big and probably not something Foreman, the general manager, could make the decision about.
So what should he choose now?
Was it through Battier that he expressed to the management that he wanted to keep Rose?
Or is it the result of accepting Rose's trade?
This is really not a good choice.
If he expresses his determination to stay with Rose, does that violate his previous principle of not interfering in management decisions?
After thinking for a while, Xu Yong expressed his thoughts to Battier.
"Sean, there will be a significant increase in the salary cap next year. After surviving this season, I think the problem will be solved. And leaving the original team of last season, I have enough confidence to do what we did this year again."
After all, Xu Yong is still for Rose. This teammate of six years violated the principle because he just asked himself and found it difficult to convince himself to be indifferent to Rose's departure.
"I see."
…
Battier's arrival has drawn Xu Yong's attention back to this year's free market.
He paid attention to some news, such as Lopez's three-year, 60 million contract extension with the Nets, Green's five-year, 85 million contract extension with the Warriors, Gasol's five-year, 110 million contract extension with the Grizzlies, and Dragic's five-year contract extension. 90 million contract extension with the Heat, Aldridge transferred to the Mavericks for 80 million in 4 years, etc.
These are all big fish in this year's free market, and they have a common characteristic. Although the salary cap has not yet started to skyrocket, the old annual salary of 20 million has basically become the norm.
Or it can be understood that by 2016, those who can sign for 20 million may not be these big fish, but just some quasi-All-Stars or even worse players. Now these teams are rushing to sign, and what will happen next? Not a loss.
After reading this, Xu Yong felt that as long as Raunsdorf was not stupid, he should not trade Rose.
After all, if he doesn't trade now, he will only have to bear the super luxury tax for one year at most. If he trades, he will probably sign a premium contract later.
Time flies, and in the blink of an eye, the July freezing period is already halfway over.
At this time, more signings were underway, and even players of Carroll's level had received a four-year, $60 million contract from the Raptors.
At this time, Xu Yong received a call from Battier.
Rose is still going to be traded.
Hearing this, he who had not had much interaction with Raunsdorf could not help but cursed him as a fool.
But thinking about the operations he did against Jordan during the Jordan period, this seems to be the kind of thing he would do.
Don't think these bosses are so smart. Many of them are just pigs sitting in the wind, being led away by Jordan and Stern.
Not to mention others, Raunsdorf only spent 16 million to buy the Bulls in 1985.
After finishing the phone call with Battier, Xu Yong then called Rose.
The line was busy at first, and it was most likely Rose's agent who was communicating with him.
Because there were other things, Xu Yong put this matter aside and attended a fan meeting.
When he finished his work, he found that there was a missed call from Rose on his cell phone.
He dialed back, and when the call was connected, Rose's hoarse, crying, choked first words immediately broke his guard.
"Xu, they traded me..."
(End of chapter)
