"Xu?"

“Xu.”

"Um?"

After Xu Yong finished his phone call with Ross, his emotions fluctuated greatly and he was absent-minded for a while until Schwartz called him several times and he came back to his senses.

"Are you okay?" Schwartz noticed that Xu Yong's condition was not right.

Xu Yong shook his head.

Seeing this, Schwartz did not ask any further questions, but instead started talking about the next arrangements.

"In half an hour we are going to Hollywood to participate in the promotion of Space Jam 2, and then we will go to Beverly Hills to participate in..."

"Jeff, I need to go back to Chicago." Xu Yong interrupted him.

"You want... to go back to Chicago? Now?" Schwartz was stunned. This came too suddenly. If he went back to Chicago now, not only today's activities, but also tomorrow's activities would have to be cancelled. The loss would be huge.

"Yes, please help me arrange the itinerary and I'll make a call." After saying that, Xu Yong went out with his mobile phone.

Schwartz came to his senses, confused, but took out his phone and started making arrangements.

After waiting for a corner where there were not many people around, Xu Yong called Foreman directly on his cell phone.

The line was busy at first, then I picked up.

"Xu, I'm a little busy now. How about I call you back later?" Foreman obviously put the other person's call on hold and transferred his call.

"Gar, Derek's transaction will be suspended for the time being." Xu Yong said calmly.

Foreman was silent for a while, and then he said, "Xu, you know this is not my decision alone, it's the management's decision..."

"I know. I will go back to Chicago today. Please help me arrange a meeting between Lauensdorf and me." Xu Yong's tone remained calm.

"Okay, I'll say hello to Lauersdorf first." However, Foreman heard the unquestionable tone in Xu Yong's words.

"Gar, if Derek gets traded before I get to Chicago, I'm going to be a king for once."

"I understand." Foreman hung up the phone quickly, probably to contact Lauensdorf immediately.

After hanging up the phone, Xu Yong's mind emerged the scene when he went to Ross's house for dinner the day after winning the championship and the two of them were on the balcony reminiscing about the dynasty.

Thinking back to the complete emotional breakdown Ross had during the phone call, Ross really had never thought of leaving.

Schwartz made the arrangements quickly and was on the plane an hour later.

After getting on the plane, Xu Yong leaned back in the soft chair in the first-class cabin to rest.

He had not had much contact with Lauensdorf, so he did not know what the next meeting would be like.

When he thought of this, he recalled the grievances between Jordan and the Bulls management.

Jordan's second retirement was ostensibly due to his age and declining strength, so he retired at the peak of his career.

But in fact, Jordan was only 35 years old at that time. He had no major injuries and could still average 33.5 points per game in the finals.

Let’s look at his second comeback and his performance with the Wizards at the age of 38. If he had not retired at that time and maintained the intensity of his training, he would have no problem playing until he was 40.

The fundamental reason for his retirement was the conflict between him and general manager Krause, or more directly, the owner Lauersdorf.

The owner wanted to sell Pippen for reconstruction, but Phil Jackson and Jordan disagreed, so in the end Krause came out and said that if Pippen was not traded, Phil Jackson's contract would not be renewed. As a result, the Bulls fell apart. Jordan had to either compromise or retire, and he chose the latter.

Now, although the reasons are different, the situation is somewhat similar to that time.

If he didn't say no when Rose was about to be traded, what if Butler was also traded in the future?

Especially since he had already conveyed the message through Battier, Lauensdorf still chose to do so. It was obvious that he was using the same approach he had used on Jordan.

When they arrived in Chicago, Foreman waited for him at the airport and then went to Lauensdorf's estate with him.

"Mr. Lauensdorf had originally planned to go to Hawaii for vacation, but after learning about the situation, he stayed behind," Foreman explained in the car.

Xu Yong just smiled and said nothing.

How could it be such a coincidence? It's just a stepping stone.

However, Lauensdorf's attitude showed that the other party was still afraid of him.

After all, he is 26 years old now, not 35.

In the living room of the manor, Xu Yong soon met Lauensdorf.

There was not much greeting, just a simple hello, and then Xu Yong stated the purpose of his visit.

"I hope the team will keep Derek." He didn't lay too much groundwork, because Battier had come to him before, so Launsdorf should be very clear about his attitude.

After hearing this, Lauensdorf gradually stopped smiling and glanced at Foreman.

Foreman is now his messenger, and it would be too degrading for him to talk about these things with Xu Yong in person.

"Xu, we all want to keep Derrick, but if we keep Derrick, we will lose Jimmy. Five teams have already offered him maximum salary offers." Foreman said immediately.

"Is there any big problem between Derek and Jimmy? I haven't heard about it." Xu Yong said directly to Lauensdorf.

Lauersdorf looked at Foreman, Foreman looked at Xu Yong, and Xu Yong skipped Foreman and looked directly at Lauersdorf. This triangle scene looked very awkward.

"It's not that there is a problem between them, but rather a problem with the team's salary space for next season." Foreman was smart. He stood up while speaking, and by the time he finished speaking he had already sat next to Lauensdorf, meaning that he was face to face with Xu Yong again.

"Can't we keep both of them at the same time?" Xu Yong continued to ask. He didn't care about Foreman's little tricks. Although he had a good relationship with Foreman, he knew very well that the general manager and the boss were truly in a superior-subordinate relationship.

At this time, Lauensdorf smiled and took out a box of cigars from under the table. Xu Yong asked this question even though he knew the answer.

"If we keep them at the same time, even if we don't strengthen the team in the new season, even if we just want to fill out the roster, we will have to pay nearly 60 million in luxury tax. So our current trade plan is to send him to Houston in exchange for Jeremy Lin and the trade exception, your national team teammate." Foreman explained.

"So... it's because of money?" Xu Yong didn't have the chance to hear what Foreman said next, but stared straight at Lauensdorf.

"Running a team is the management's job. It involves a lot of rules, such as luxury tax. We don't really understand them. Just leave it to the people who do understand." Lauersdorf smiled and took a cigar out of the box and handed it to Xu Yong.

Xu Yong didn't reach out to take it.

The atmosphere was a bit awkward.

"Xu, Mr. Lauensdorf also likes Derek, but we need to consider the future of the team." Foreman quickly spoke to ease the atmosphere.

Lauensdorf put away his cigar and the smile on his face disappeared. He had given Xu Yong a way out and he was not going to give it up.

"Okay, then I'll talk about the future." Xu Yong looked at Foreman.

"Although I'm not a manager, everyone knows that the salary cap will increase by 24 million next summer, which means that if we keep Derek, we will not exceed the salary cap next year. So does the team want to sign other players at that time? Or do they think that Derek's contribution in six years is not worth the luxury tax of 60 million?"

Xu Yong looked straight at Foreman, who was speechless as he could not answer the question.

Generally speaking, there is nothing wrong with spending money for the championship, but whether he is willing to spend the money or not is up to Lauensdorf, who is sitting next to him.

"Derrick sacrificed for the team last season. If he is traded right after winning the championship, the team will feel that sacrificing in Chicago is meaningless. When everyone plays for themselves instead of the team, who can guarantee that we can continue to win in the future? Gal, you?"

Foreman lowered his head.

Lauensdorf also stopped preparing to light his cigar.

"In the past three seasons, Rose was healthy in only one season. Who can guarantee that he will be healthy in the new season?" He looked at Xu Yong and asked.

"I need the team to keep Derrick." Xu Yong did not respond to this, but turned his gaze to Lauensdorf, and once again expressed his desire to keep Rose, and changed his attitude from "hope" to "need."

"Without Derek, I can't guarantee the team will defend the title," he added.

Lauensdorf's face turned ugly instantly. No one had ever spoken to him like this before. When the management wanted to trade Pippen, all he heard from Jordan was "I don't want it". However, Xu Yong's was a naked threat.

"What if the team can't defend its title if Rose stays?" Launsdorf asked.

"Then I won't interfere with Derek's affairs at that time."

"It's settled." Upon hearing this, Lauensdorf put down his cigar and agreed immediately.

No matter what the result of the condition offered by Xu Yong is, it will be beneficial to him.

Of course, what was more important was that Xu Yong's attitude was more resolute than he had expected. If he insisted on doing so, and really fell out with Xu Yong because of Ross, it would be more trouble than it would take.

After all, what Xu Yong can bring to him is much more than 60 million.

After coming out of Lauensdorf's manor, Foreman and Xu Yong got into the car again, but unlike when they came, this time Foreman drove the car himself and Xu Yong sat in the passenger seat.

"Xu, you scared me." After the car drove onto the avenue, Foreman said with some shock.

Xu Yong turned and looked at him in confusion.

"You know, even Michael would never dare to talk to Mr. Lauersdorf like that," Foreman explained.

Xu Yong smiled. Did Jordan not dare? He thought not necessarily. It was just that the conflicts between players and management in that era were mostly between the general manager and the players, and the boss was just behind the scenes.

His words showed that he had learned some of Jordan's experience from his failed struggle and went directly to Lauensdorf who was behind the scenes.

and……

"Gar, times have changed," he continued.

After hearing this, Foreman was stunned for a moment, and then he started laughing.

As the NBA continues to grow and develop, players' voice is indeed growing, which is the biggest difference from the Jordan era.

The car drove to a traffic light intersection, and Foreman turned his head and said, "Xu, can I say a few words as a friend, not as the general manager?"

Xu Yong nodded and signaled him to speak.

"You said Derek sacrificed for the team last season, but what about the sacrifices the team made for him in the past two years? If it were other stars who could play, I believe with your and others' abilities, maybe you would have led the team to win the championship last year."

"If Derrick had trading value in the past two years, would he still stay in Chicago?" Xu Yong did not answer, but asked instead.

Foreman was stunned for a moment, then burst into laughter.

Yes, his assumption does not actually exist.

The Bulls can deal with Rose now because Rose has played a good season and has regained some trading value.

"But is it worth it?" Foreman put away his smile and looked at Xu Yong seriously.

It is not worth it no matter how you look at it to conflict with the owner over Rose, who is no longer in his prime and now has a standard premium contract.

"It's worth it." Xu Yong didn't hesitate and didn't explain too much to Foreman.

After his phone call with Ross, he rethought his principles.

He still won't be like James and tell the management that he must have someone, but if he can't even protect important teammates, how can he lead the team?

It should have been the same when Jordan protected Pippen.

…

After sending Xu Yong back to the airport, Foreman returned to the team office, where he first dealt with the trade negotiations.

What they had previously reached with the Rockets was only a verbal deal, but the deal had not yet been formally submitted to the league, so they could go back on their word, but such a reneging would only make the relationship between the two managers worse.

In fact, when he was on the phone, he could hear that Mo Gou on the other end was about to curse.

After finishing the transaction, he made another call, this time not to Rose's agent, but directly to Rose.

"Derrick, we didn't make that deal, and you're staying in Chicago."

"Really?" He could hear the excitement in Rose's voice. Rose was not angry because he was on the verge of being traded. He just wanted to stay in Chicago.

"Really, the other side asked us for more chips, and we felt that keeping you was a better option," Foreman explained.

"Thank you, Gal." Ross's voice became choked again.

This thank you made Foreman blush a little.

"Derrick, you are lucky to have a teammate like Xu."

He couldn't tell Ross what happened at the manor, but he had actually told Ross the real reason why things had turned around.

…

After finishing the meeting with Lauensdorf, Xu Yong flew back to Los Angeles overnight.

When he got off the plane, he saw a missed call from Ross, but he didn't reply because it was late at night.

It wasn't until the next morning that he called Ross back.

Ross was much calmer now, although one could tell he was still very excited.

The two chatted for a long time, and at the end, Xu Yong also mentioned the promise between him and Lauensdorf.

"We have no choice but to defend our title."

If he fails to defend his title, not only will he have to fulfill his promise, but Rose will most likely be traded.

"We can definitely do it." Ross said firmly.

The Rose issue has been settled, which also means that it will be difficult for the Bulls to make big moves in the free market this year.

And the team still has some losses.

The biggest loss was James Johnson, who, after opting out of his player option, joined the Celtics on a one-year, $4 million contract.

Now that the championship is in hand, Johnson is looking for a big contract for himself, which he cannot get with the Bulls.

To fill Johnson's departure, the Bulls signed veteran Tayshaun Prince.

Prince is 35 years old this year. The former "old prince" has become the "old prince". As his speed has declined due to his age, he can only play power forward. However, his height of 2.06 meters and wingspan of 2.18 meters still have a certain deterrent effect on the defensive end.

Then, the Bulls split their mid-level exception and signed Matthew Dellavedova with a two-year, $4 million contract.

Dellavedova performed well for the Cavaliers last season, especially his defense against Rose was impressive, but the Cavaliers were only willing to offer him a one-year minimum salary this summer. Seeing this, the Bulls decisively extended an olive branch.

One reason is that Hinrich's condition deteriorated seriously last season due to age and injuries, and the new season is likely to be his last year, so other people are needed to share the pressure of being a substitute instead of signing veterans. Although Dellavedova is relatively less talented, he is highly motivated in defense, and his three-point shooting and organization are also at a certain level, so he is a perfect fit.

On the other hand, signing these players from the Cavaliers is a way to poach players and weaken the Cavaliers' strength. Why not do it?

The Cavaliers did not follow up with the offer because they had already targeted a new backup point guard in the free market, none other than James' former bodyguard, Mo Williams, who is recognized by James fans as the weakest former All-Star player.

As for Dellavedova, he could have chosen to stay in Cleveland. After all, as an undrafted player, that was where his career started, and joining the team that defeated his opponent wasn't a good reputation.

But for role players like them, their starting points are actually the same. Johnson wants more opportunities to get a big contract, while Dellavedova wants a bigger stage. For him, if he can show himself on the stage of the finals and get a big contract, nothing else matters.

Then, the Bulls renewed Artest's contract with a one-year minimum salary and Justin Holiday's contract with a one-year minimum salary, and the reinforcement work was completed.

As for Osman, whom they selected in the draft, he was left alone in Europe just like Jokic last year.

Oh, by the way, Jokic has arrived in Chicago and started training at the United Center with the help of Malone. Xu Yong went back in a hurry and didn’t have the chance to meet him.

As for other teams, there have been few changes in the championship contenders over the past few years, and this environment is still very good for the Bulls.

Well, just when Xu Yong was thinking this, the big thing came.

As the free market freeze period draws to a close, the Lakers made their move.

The Lakers sent Howard and DJ Augustin to the Thunder in exchange for Gasol and Reggie Jackson.

The Lakers' move to pick Okafor in the draft meant that there was a high probability that Howard would be sent away, and now this has been verified.

Although the Lakers suffered a loss based on the transaction results, this is Howard's current value.

His trading value has been falling again and again in the past two years with the Lakers, and there is only one year left on the early contract extension he signed with the Pacers.

In fact, the Lakers had an idea at the trade deadline last season, but they just couldn't find a suitable target. Now the Thunder has jumped out.

The Thunder's lineup has been working together for four years but ultimately failed. If they want to defeat the Bulls, they must make some changes.

The management finally chose to take a gamble. After all, there was a sensitive event at this time and Durant's contract would expire next summer.

The two parties failed to reach an early contract renewal agreement, which can be understood as a bigger contract being signed in the summer, but it also puts a lot of pressure on the management.

After the trade, the Thunder's starting lineup for the new season will be: Harden, Robertson, Durant, Ibaka, and Howard.

This lineup looks quite shocking, especially the interior defense intensity which is instantly maxed out.

Of course, with the experience of the Cavaliers last season, fans are cautiously optimistic about this super lineup, and we will only know whether it will work after the season.

The Lakers' lineup after the trade: Reggie Jackson, Kobe, Ariza, Gasol, and Okafor.

This lineup is so nostalgic.

When Xu Yong saw this deal, his feelings were more complicated than others.

Although Kobe has not announced it yet, he knows that the new season will be Kobe's [retirement tour season].

The Lakers made this deal not only for Reggie Jackson, a potential point guard who performed well in the finals last season, but also probably because they wanted to give Kobe a perfect farewell season. So what could be more perfect than trading back Gasol?

After seeing the news of the transaction, Xu Yong called Kobe that day and went directly to see him.

When two people meet, it is a one-on-one duel full of physical confrontation.

Although Kobe was still no match for Xu Yong like last time, Xu Yong could feel that his physical condition was much better than in the past two years.

"I feel like I can stop you in the new season." After sitting down, Kobe was full of fighting spirit.

Xu Yong laughed when he heard this. The Bulls are in the East and the Lakers are in the West. The implication of Kobe's words is that he feels he can still lead the Lakers to the finals again.

This is nothing short of a fantasy.

But this is indeed what Kobe would say, after all, his Gasol is back.

"I'll be waiting for you." Xu Yong said with a smile. He had originally wanted to ask about retirement, but now he gave up the idea and even felt a little excited.

When it came to mid-July, the reinforcements and trades of various teams were coming to an end. It was at this time that Xu Yong began to dominate the screen.

On the night of July 18, he and Charlize Theron's son Xu Hao/Michael Xu was born.

Hao means sky, and like his Yong, they are both homophones of half a word. Sharon hopes that the little guy will be safe, but he also hopes that the little guy can cross the limit of the sky.

Moreover, this little guy weighed 8 kilograms when he was born, and it was obvious that he was going to do great things.

After having a child, Xu Yong and Charlize Theron finally posted a photo on social media and announced their child's name.

Social media exploded.

"I said Sai Huang must be pregnant, but I didn't expect it to be Xu Yong's child. It's so shocking."

"My dad is the best in basketball and my mom is a South African diamond. Will I be able to walk with style in the future?"

"Why is it Michael Xu instead of James Xu?"

"Because he's 'real.baby'."

"Theron is tall and beautiful, and Xu Yong is handsome and strong. With the combination of their genes, I am really looking forward to what Michael Xu will look like when he grows up."

"Maybe... yellow-skinned Beckham?"

"The future of the league all depends on this. He must like basketball!"

…

Before the fans here could recover from Xu Yong’s social media message, the premiere of "Space Jam 2" began.

On the first day, it earned 24 million in North American box office, topping the box office chart of the day.

As a fan-oriented movie, and one that is considered a niche genre like basketball, the box office is quite outstanding.

You have to know that the final box office of "Space Jam" in North America was only 80 million.

Moreover, with good reputations on Rotten Tomatoes and IMDb, the reviews on social media after watching the movie were also good.

Many people have found that compared to the first film, its plot is obviously more complete, and it is one of the rare sequels that is better than the original movie.

This also attracted more fans who were waiting to see the film to go and watch the movie.

Moreover, "Space Jam 2" is released on Friday, and the box office will continue to rise over the weekend. If word of mouth accumulates, the movie's box office forecast is very optimistic.

Even before the film is released in China, it is obvious that there will be a wave of box office revenue by then.

Winning the championship, having a son, and having a huge box office, Xu Yong has become the most enviable person on the planet this summer.