The day after winning the championship, Xu Yong was invited by Rose to visit his home again.

Time flies, and in the blink of an eye, it has been six years since he last visited Ross's home.

The experiences of the past few years not only established a deep friendship between the two, but also led to 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 one after another), he was able to do so thanks to the protection of the Ross brothers.

When Ross was injured, the help Xu Yong gave to Ross made the Ross family very grateful.

At the dinner table, Ross drank and became emotional.

"Xu, I don't know how to express it, but thank you so much, thank you for pulling me out of hell."

Xu Yong's help to him was not only his advice to him when he was injured, but more importantly, he invited him to dinner and gave him a subtle reminder.

If it weren't for Xu Yong, he might have been traded in the middle of the season and would not have won the 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 pull you out." Xu Yong said with a smile.

Ross laughed. Xu Yong was always so indifferent. He wanted to say something else, but Xu Yong had already raised his glass, as if all his emotions were in the wine.

After eating and drinking, the two drunken people sat on the balcony to enjoy the breeze.

It was already a bit hot and humid in Chicago in June, but the evening breeze made people feel comfortable.

"I don't know if we can achieve the goal of the dynasty this time." There was expectation in Rose's eyes. Although he could not return to the peak, if he could complete the three consecutive championship dynasty with Xu Yong, his life would be completely fulfilled.

"I don't know." Xu Yong shook his head. He could say he had secured the championship when he won the regular season MVP, but three consecutive championships was too long a span and there were too many uncertainties. However, he immediately smiled and said, "But we have that chance."

Yes, they have that opportunity, and it's a big one.

The main reasons for the failure of the last Bulls dynasty were age and injuries, but this time age is no longer a problem. As for injuries, they may have an impact on them, but it will definitely not be as big as before.

Ross nodded when he heard this and looked up at the sky. At this time, there was a bright moon in the sky, giving people infinite hope.

…

A few days later, the Bulls held a massive championship parade in Chicago, which attracted thousands of people and the fans' enthusiasm was unprecedentedly high.

Just like what Xu Yong and Rose understood without saying it during their conversation, fans also know that the current Bulls team is different from the previous one, and winning this championship is just the beginning.

And this parade has another great feature, a large number of fans wore Xu Yong's No. 6 jersey. Whether he became a legend with just one championship remains to be discussed, but Xu Yong's influence after this championship was reflected in all aspects.

When the parade was approaching the first stop, there was a row of dancers from a strip club, dressed coolly, with most of their bodies visible under the headlights. They were waving banners in their hands. At first glance, it gave people the feeling that the wind was strong and the waves were surging.

Sometimes you have to admit that European and American women do have a little racial talent when it comes to big things.

"Senior, look what they are holding up?" Xu Yong and Butler were on the same bus. Butler, with sharp eyes, pointed at the banners in the girls' hands and shouted.

Xu Yongding looked over and almost couldn't hold back when he saw clearly the words on the banner swaying in the wind.

Xu, we want to give birth to a child for you

No, isn’t that how these people play too?

But it seems that it is actually nothing. After all, who doesn't want to give birth to a child for him 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 look more closely at these girls' spectacular buttocks, which seem to be able to break something easily, Harden would definitely be interested if he saw them now.

The car stopped at the stop, and Butler said, "Senior, let me get you the contact information," and without waiting for Xu Yong to answer, he quickly walked over.

By the time Xu Yong finished taking the photo, he came back with a happy look on his 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 on the Internet." Xu Yong shook his head. This did not conform to his aesthetic taste.

Butler put it away himself when he saw this, and he looked very interested.

After all, the war is over and it's time to enjoy oneself. Even if those girls come along, what does Ba have to fear?

After the parade ended and returned to the United Center, Butler gave a speech as a representative of the Bulls.

After reviewing the difficulties the team encountered this season and the efforts behind it, he also looked forward to the team's prospects next season.

"This time next year, I look forward to standing here and telling you guys, let's start a new Bulls dynasty!"

Butler successfully stirred the emotions of tens of thousands of spectators at the scene, and the cheers of Chicago fans soared into the sky.

Xu Yong couldn't stop laughing when he heard this. In terms of self-confidence, only Butler on the Bulls could match him.

After the parade was over, the players put the championship trophy in the display window of the stadium. There were nine champions lined up in a row, and no one more would reach double digits.

And if you look closely, the Bulls have won three championships in five years, plus the six championships in the Jordan era. This speed of winning championships may really be on par with those two monsters, the Lakers and the Celtics.

After the championship parade, Xu Yong did not stay in Chicago, but flew directly to Los Angeles.

Theron has now reached her due date and is currently awaiting delivery at her estate in Los Angeles.

When Xu Yong arrived at the door, the security guard saw him and quickly opened the door for him to come in, and told him that Charlize Theron should be resting at this time.

Of course, this is not his first time here. He came once in April, before the playoffs officially started.

The servant in the living room greeted him respectfully when he saw him and told him that Theron had woken up.

He went up the stairs and saw Charlize Theron in the room with a big belly.

Compared to two months ago, Charlize Theron looked much more haggard at this moment, and her brows were still furrowed.

After seeing that it was Xu Yong who came in, she forced a smile.

Speaking of which, since becoming pregnant, Theron was forced to retire from the screen, announcing to the public that it was due to health reasons, but there were a lot of rumors, which dealt a heavy blow to her career.

The last time he came, he actually thought about whether to announce it in advance. This was an idea he had long ago. Maybe his popularity could help boost Theron, but Theron refused at that time because he didn't want this matter to affect his performance in the playoffs.

"This is a gift for the children." After sitting down, Xu Yong took out an exquisite 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.

Xu Yong nodded, and after opening it, it was clearly his first championship ring in 2011 with the number "7" inlaid on it.

"real.ring." He said after handing the ring to Theron.

Charlize Theron picked up the ring and looked at it, and her frown finally relaxed.

Pippen used the diamonds from his championship ring to make earrings as a gift for Jordan, and Jordan was so happy that he gave him a Ferrari on the spot.

A championship ring means more than value to a player. Xu Yong directly gave the entire ring, which was his 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 holding in his hand, opened it and took it out.

It was a pair of classic STX1 sneakers. What made them special was not that they were signed by him personally, but that they were the shoes he wore in Game 5 of the Finals this year.

After the finals, Foreman asked him for the shoes, and Butler also asked for them, but he didn't give them to them because he had already thought of leaving them to his children.

"Do you want him to play basketball like you in the future?" When Theron saw the championship ring and sneakers, she couldn't help but ask.

Xu Yong was stunned for a moment. He already knew the gender of the child, it was a boy.

Compared to Kobe's 0 of 4 shots, his first shot went into the basket accurately, which naturally showed that he had a plan.

"Of course I will follow 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 things should not be said too directly, as long as the meaning is conveyed.

At this moment, Charlize Theron suddenly opened her mouth wide. It turned out that the little guy in her belly started kicking her.

Xu Yong was delighted when he saw this, because it was like the baby in his belly was responding to what he had just said.

After putting the gift down, he sat on the sofa against the wall next to the bed.

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 child."

After Xu Yong took it, he blew on it, took a sip and looked at Sharon.

They had reached a consensus on naming the child before, that is, the child's Chinese name would be given by Xu Yongqi and the English name would be given by Theron, so Theron should have been saying the child's English name at this time.

"I thought of two names. The first one is James..."

"puff!"

Xu Yong spit a mouthful of coffee directly onto his hand.

The reason why it didn't spray onto his ** was because he reacted quickly and blocked it with his hand.

The servant over there hadn't left the room yet, but when he saw this scene he hurried over.

"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 servants cleaned up the stains on the floor, Xu Yong couldn't help but ask curiously, "Why James?"

Given Charlize Theron's personality, she shouldn't be so boring as to play a meme. She probably doesn't even know this meme, and this is her own child, how could she play such a mischievous prank on him?

"I wanted him to be a normal person, and James is the most normal name," Theron explained.

Hearing this, Xu Yong knew why Theron asked the previous question. For Theron, based on her own experience, what she most wanted her children to have was stability, and it is difficult to have stability as 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 was a coincidence.

But this coincidence makes Xu Yong feel a little uncomfortable.

If his son was really named this, it would only make people think that he did it on purpose.

"What about the other one?" Xu Yong was now inclined to another name.

"Michael."

“…”

For Xu Yong, this answer was justified.

Because some common names in the United States are: James, Michael, David, Robert, John...

But Jordan is also called Michael!

Xu Yong felt that Charlize Theron definitely didn't mean it, but it seemed like God had a bad taste in his heart, and this was basically a choice between death and life.

"Is there a third option?" Xu Yong looked at Theron with a hint of anticipation.

Charlize Theron's relaxed brows frowned again, and it was obvious that this name was not chosen casually by her.

"I think Michael is good." Xu Yong said immediately.

There will be too many subsequent troubles if you call him James. There is actually no problem if you call him Michael. After all, if you call him Jordan, fans will think of Jordan, but people named Michael generally don’t.

Sharon 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 when I have." Xu Yong replied. He also thought of a few names, but had not made a final decision.

The two chatted for a while, and then Xu Yong left.

In addition to seeing Charlize Theron, he came to Los Angeles for two other big things. One was to warm up for STX3, which is another classic work of AJ after STX1. Combined with his regaining the championship, it has a good chance of becoming a hit.

The second is to promote "Space Jam 2". After nearly a year of special effects production, this movie will finally meet the fans in July.

In addition, he also has to record some new commercials for his endorsements.

He is destined to be busy this summer as he led the team to win the championship again this year.

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 draw the No. 2 pick and then selected Jahlil Okafor. The Knicks chose Porzingis with the fourth pick, and the Suns picked Devin Booker with the thirteenth pick.

The Bulls selected European rookie Cedi Osman with the 30th pick this year.

Osman is a Turkish player and has played in Turkey before. I don’t know if Foreman saw Antetokounmpo’s performance in the Raptors and remembered the overseas league that Xu Yong mentioned before.

While Xu Yong is busy, he is also paying attention to the team's draft situation.

It was basically the same as what he knew. What surprised him was the Lakers' choice. He had the impression that the Lakers chose "Water La" Russell, but now choosing Okafor means that Howard's departure has officially entered the countdown.

As for Osman, he didn't have much impression of him.

However, there is nothing wrong with this choice. Ennis performed averagely last season, and Artest has not yet confirmed whether he will retire. There is no big problem in choosing a backup small forward.

On this day, Xu Yong had just finished shooting an advertisement when Battier suddenly came to him.

Battier has been rapidly promoted within the team this year and is now the vice president of team operations.

It is said that his nickname is "President". If he really goes into politics, he might really become 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 are some major changes in the team.

"Has any team offered Jimmy a maximum salary?" Xu Yong asked after the two of them sat down in a Western restaurant.

Battier nodded: "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 attack and defend, was already worth the risk for some teams, not to mention this year's playoffs. In particular, he had scored 13 points in a single quarter in the finals. This really illustrates his current market value.

"Will he stay?" Xu Yong asked.

Whether Butler will stay with the Bulls is actually not up to Butler, but entirely decided by the Bulls.

Because just like him back then, a player who has completed his rookie contract becomes a restricted free agent after his parent team offers him a qualifying offer contract. 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 happen." Battier did not say it with certainty, but the meaning of this sentence should be almost certain.

This is also a normal operation for 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 probably be criticized by the Bulls fans.

"So you are here to inform me of the good news? Or..." Xu Yong looked at Battier and felt that things were not that simple, because if it was just good news, there was no need for the other party to come to Los Angeles all the way.

"I don't have any confirmed news right now, but if it is certain that Jimmy will stay, then Derek will most likely be sent away."

Will Rose be traded?

Xu Yong frowned slightly. He didn't ask why, because the only reason for trading Rose must be the salary issue.

Rose still has two seasons left on his contract, at $20 million and $21 million respectively, making him the highest-paid player on the Bulls for the next two seasons.

Although his performance last season was not bad, it is obviously not commensurate with such a salary.

Especially with Butler starting with a maximum salary in the new season, a team with two super maximum salaries plus one maximum salary, West's tens of millions annual salary, and the salaries of other people, the super luxury tax will be a staggering number.

He then looked at Battier, who came to tell him this specifically. In addition to their personal relationship, it was probably the management trying to tell him in advance.

The reason why Foreman didn't come to him was because the matter was too big and it was probably not something that Foreman, the general manager, could make the decision.

So what should he choose now?

Did he express to the management his determination to keep Rose through Battier?

Or, should we accept the result of Rose being traded?

This is indeed not a good choice.

If he expressed his determination to keep Ross, wouldn't that go against his previous principle of not interfering with management decisions?

After thinking for a while, Xu Yong told Battier his thoughts.

"Sean, the salary cap will increase significantly next year. I think the problem will be solved after this season. If we keep the same team as last season, I have enough confidence to do what we did this year again."

In the end, Xu Yong violated the principle for Rose, his teammate of six years, because he just asked himself and found it difficult to convince himself that he was indifferent to Rose's departure.

"I see."

…

Battier's arrival drew Xu Yong's attention back to this year's free market.

He paid attention to some news, such as Lopez's 3-year 60 million contract renewal with the Nets, Green's 5-year 85 million contract renewal with the Warriors, Gasol's 5-year 110 million contract renewal with the Grizzlies, Dragic's 5-year 90 million contract renewal with the Heat, Aldridge's 4-year 80 million transfer to the Mavericks, etc.

These are the big fish in this year's free market, and they have one thing in common: although the salary cap has not started to skyrocket, the 20 million annual salary of the past has basically become the norm.

Or it can be understood this way: by 2016, the players who can be signed with 20 million may not be these big fish, but just some quasi-All-Stars or even worse players. If these teams rush to sign them now, they will not lose out in the future.

After reading all this, Xu Yong felt that as long as Lauersdorf was not stupid, he should not trade Rose.

After all, if he is not traded now, at most he will have to pay the super luxury tax for one year. If he is traded, he will most likely sign a premium contract later.

Time flies, and the freezing period of July is already half over.

At this time, more signings were made, and even players of Carroll's level had already received a four-year, $60 million contract from the Raptors.

It was at this time that Xu Yong received a call from Battier.

Rose is still going to be traded.

Hearing this, he, who had little interaction with Lauensdorf to begin with, couldn't help but call him an idiot in his heart.

But thinking about the actions he took against Jordan during the Jordan era, this seemed like something he would do.

Don’t think these bosses are so smart. Many of them are just pigs sitting on the wind, and were carried by Jordan and Stern.

Not to mention others, Lauersdorf only spent 16 million to buy the Bulls in 1985.

After finishing the call with Battier, Xu Yong called Rose.

The line was busy at first, and it was probably Rose's agent communicating with him.

Because of other things, Xu Yongxian put this matter aside and went to attend a fan meeting.

When he finished his work, he found a missed call from Ross on his phone.

He dialed back, and when the call was connected, Ross's first words, which were hoarse, crying, and choked, directly broke his defense.

"Xu, they traded me..."