After the game, Xu Yong was elected the MVP of the All-Star Game without any suspense, and of course he won this honor for a second time.

When Xu Yong took the AMVP trophy from Xiao Hua and lifted it, the cheers at the scene lasted for a long time.

From yesterday's three-point contest and dunk contest to this year's main game, this is one of the best All-Star games in NBA history.

Xu Yong also delivered his acceptance speech.

"I need to thank every teammate in the East, Dwayne (Wade), Paul (George), Jimmy (Butler), Chris (Paul), Kyrie (Irving...... It was the efforts of each and every one of them that earned us the victory, and it's not an honor for me alone, it belongs to everyone in the Eastern Team. ”

The cheers continued, and the league's ratings also broke a new record at this moment.

There is no doubt that this is another unprecedented era that the league has entered since the Jordan era.

……

Cleveland.

"Damn it!" James came back from Chicago and yelled.

He posted Xu Yongyi's hot face for the entire All-Star Game, and Xu Yongyi was stunned to dump his cold ass for the entire All-Star Weekend, and even didn't mention him when he gave his acceptance speech at the end!

You must know that Paul and Owen Xu Yong both mentioned that they are just substitutes, and he is the one who passes the most to Xu Yong except for Wade and Butler!

This cannot be said to be careless, it can only be said that it is intentional.

Xu Yong's attitude, the retreat that Fu Paul envisioned for him was impossible to go through, and he was humiliated in vain.

"That's a good thing, king." Fu Paul, who witnessed James' tragic experience in the All-Star Game, spoke at this time.

James frowned and looked at Fu Paul, if it weren't for the bad idea of the other party, he would not be so embarrassed.

"No matter how high Xu's status in Chicago is, he is just a player after all, just like Michael back then, maybe he has the energy to decide who to stay, but does he have the energy to refuse who to join?"

"What do you mean?"

"Like I said before, your joining is 100% a reinforcement for the Bulls, not to mention the commercial value, it is like a big knife on Lawnsdorf's head, does he have any reason to refuse?" Fu Paul knows these NBA capitalists too well.

"If Xu is against it, what about forcing the palace?" James has sensed Seo Yong's attitude from the All-Star Game, and he feels that is a high probability that something will happen.

"He's still on a three-year contract with the Bulls, and no one in the NBA has ever requested a trade for that long contract, so he might be opposed at first, but eventually forced to accept it, and as long as the team starts winning, those previous days are no longer an issue."

"There are no permanent enemies in the NBA, only permanent interests, and we have seen too many stories of turning enemies into friends." Fu Paul talked eloquently, and did not forget to add.

James was still frowning, he always felt that what Fu Paul mentioned this time was not quite right, but he couldn't say what was wrong.

"And even if it doesn't work out in the end, it's okay, it will also cause conflict between the Bulls management and Xu." Fu Paul went on to add.

Hearing this, James's frowning brows relaxed, mixed with a hint of joy, because he would not lose anything in this matter.

"You get in touch early." When he realized this, he immediately urged.

As he thought before, going to the Bulls was just a retreat for him, and he didn't want to go if he could.

If this season can put the Bulls management at odds with Xu Yong, and then the Cavaliers beat the Bulls in the playoffs to win the championship, that would be the best ending for him.

Fu Paul naturally knew this, and immediately arranged it after nodding.

……

After the All-Star break, the 2016 trade deadline is just a few days away.

Compared to last year's all-time high number of traders, this year's trading rumors are significantly less.

However, the Bulls are the more proactive side of the pack.

After Rose's injury, the team's guard line was obviously a little tight, Thibodeau used Foye to play the starting point guard at the beginning, but Foye was in a bad state this season, and the three-point range was about to drop to 35%, and then he tried Dravendova, Della was very positive, but his ability to play the starting line was indeed a little choking.

So trading to bolster a starter-caliber defender is their goal, and even they don't necessarily require a pure playmaker anymore.

And now the chips that appear in the rumors, in addition to Foye, there is also Hawes on the inside.

Hawes's performance this season has not changed much compared with last season, and his state is relatively better than Foye, but it is only relative, but his previous four-year contract with the Bulls is only in the second year, and the average salary of 5 million is still worth trading.

Although it is still difficult to trade valuable players with these chips alone.

The third day after the All-Star break, which is also the penultimate day of the trade deadline.

After a short break, the Bulls returned to the gym on this day to continue training.

Before the training was over, the team's general manager, Foreman, suddenly came to the training gym.

His presence has made the Bulls' hearts fluctuate a little, especially during the sensitive period when the trade deadline is approaching, and no one will be called for tea at this time, because that will most likely mean being sent away.

When the training was over, Foreman walked over to them, but what everyone didn't expect was that he came to find Xu Yong.

Xu Yong was also a little surprised, especially after Foreman explained his intentions to him.

"Mr. Raunsdorf asked me to invite you to his house."

"What's the matter?" Xu Yong couldn't help but ask, could it be that Raunsdorf wanted to regret it and wanted to trade Rose at the trade deadline?

"I'll talk about it when he's done." Foreman didn't seem to know what was going on.

Foreman's answer made Xu Yong more and more confused, but since it was so formal, it shouldn't be small.

If it comes to Rose, his attitude will not change, after all, he made a bet with Raunsdorf for one season.

The car wandered to the suburbs of Chicago again, and Xu Yong also entered the estate of Raunsdorf for the second time.

And unlike the last time, Raunsdorf actually met him in the restaurant today, and the various delicacies on the table looked like a banquet for him.

After Xu Yong sat down, he looked at the food in front of him, and always felt that his back was cold, a bit like the taste of Hongmen Banquet.

After eating for a while, Lawnsdorf put down the knife and fork in his hand and said something to Xu Yong: "LeBron's team has contacted me, and they are interested in coming to Chicago next season. ”

Is James really coming to the Bulls? And next season?

Xu Yong looked at Rausdorf in surprise, his eyes were a little incredulous, but soon he suddenly realized it.

It's no wonder that James kept sticking his hot face during All-Star Weekend, and Butler's guy really said it.

This is really a bit unexpected, even a little incredible, James without the Nike halo doesn't even want a character?

"What does Mr. Rauensdorf mean?" Xu Yong asked.

"I want to know what you think, after all, it involves Derek."

It turned out to be related to Rose, which is right, the Bulls have no space to sign James directly next season, and the premise of James coming is that Rose will change space, and Rose's trade involves their bet.

This plausibly explains the reason why the drama in front of us happened.

"I'm against it." Xu Yong's answer was very crisp, whether it was Rose's departure or James's arrival, he was against it.

"Well, that's the attitude of the Bulls."

“？？” Xu Yong was directly stunned, he was ready to compete with Raunsdorf like last time, but Raunsdorf's answer was completely unexpected.

"Since you don't want him to come, then we don't want him to come." Seeing Xu Yong's reaction, Rausdorf repeated again.

Xu Yong didn't know what to say for a while.

"Xu, I see what you meant by [worthy] last time." After eating, and coming out of the manor in Lauinsdorf, the car drove onto the main road, Foreman said admiringly.

"I can sense that Mr. Raunsdorf clearly respects you more."

Xu Yong smiled, but didn't say anything.

Obviously, Foreman had overread what he had said last time, but the latter sentence was correct.

He didn't understand it in the manor, but after he came out, he came back to it a little.

What Forman said did mean something, and this time Raunsdorf was not so much asking for his opinion as he was expressing his position.

The last time the Ross affair strained their relationship, this time Raunsdorf made a statement that he still respects his opinion.

It's just that the two completely different attitudes show that things are certainly not as simple as they seem.

If Lauhensdorf really respected him so much, he would not have talked to Battier about Rose before, and there would be no such thing as the latter.

There is probably only one reason why Lawnsdorf is so simple this time: he doesn't want James to come to the Bulls either.

Theoretically, James can indeed bring a strength boost to the Bulls, not to mention the rest, James's attendance is completely out of Rose.

But there is a premise for that, James is willing to listen to the team's arrangement.

But judging by his resume over the years, James is not that kind of person.

From the Heat Big Three to the Pacers' two-time Big Three, James has behaved more like a-stirring stick, leaving a mess of chicken feathers every time he leaves.

As for the commercial value, the Bulls' commercial value is now full, and there is not much more than one James.

Of course, the most important thing is probably James's right to speak to the management, he signed two 1+1 contracts with the Cavaliers in a row, which is a typical embodiment of the management's poor opinion.

It seems that the 1+1 initiative is won at the moment, but it is actually a wake-up call for the other 29 teams in the league.

So all in all, Lauersdorf does have good reason not to welcome James.

But Lawnsdorf is a businessman, and he needs a reasonable reason to refuse, and there is nothing more appropriate than [Xu Yong's objection], which can not only convince James's side, but also show his respect for Xu Yong.

But whatever the reason, this is also a good thing, after all, Xu Yong can now imagine James's angry appearance.

"Xu, do you know anything about Lance Stephenson?" After a few moments, Foreman asked.

"A little, not much." Xu Yong didn't tell the truth, how could he not know, when James was still in the Pacers before, he was surprised to see him and James on the same team, but unfortunately because he was on the same team, the famous scene of classic physics blowing Zhan was gone.

"We're trying to trade him right now, what do you think?" Foreman then asked more directly.

Xu Yong was stunned at first when he heard this, but quickly reacted.

It seems that the person who ate this meal and changed his attitude the most was Foreman.

It's right to think about it, the boss respects his opinion so much, and Foreman, the general manager, is not allowed to follow up.

"I'm not LeBron, Gahr." Xu Yong said meaningfully.

Foreman paused for a moment, then laughed and nodded.

"We're not going to trade Derek and Kirk's." When he finished laughing, he said seriously.

Xu Yong smiled and nodded.

He might have to thank James now.

James' fuss put the relationship between Foreman and him in a delicate balance.

He's still not going to tell management who I want like James does, but as Foreman said, when it comes to these old guys on the team, his attitude will become crucial.

……

The next day, the 2016 NBA trade deadline came as scheduled.

There were only 10 trades on the day, as the salary cap will skyrocket this summer, and teams are much more cautious when making trades.

And the Bulls are part of that tenth.

They made a deal with the Clippers, sending Spencer Hawes and Randy Foye, and Lance Stephenson and Kerr Aldridge from the Clippers.

Needless to say, the Bulls' purpose in making this trade is to strengthen the guard line, and Stephenson is the right chip they can find.

Although Stephenson averaged only 4.7 points, 2.5 rebounds and 1.4 assists per game for the Clippers this season, he averaged only 15.8 points per game, and his shooting rate was close to 50%, and his three-point shooting rate was also above 40%.

In the words of Clippers fans: Stephenson is not as good as Austin Rivers because he is not the son of Doug Rivers.

And Stephenson's contract is very operable, this year is the second year of his 3-year 27 million contract, and the third year is the team option, play well, then whether it is to implement the third year option, or to renegotiate a contract; If you don't play well, it's equivalent to cleaning up Hawes's long-term contract.

For the Clippers, the fourth highest salary in the team with an annual salary of 9 million can only play 15 minutes, which is something that the management can't accept, so it is better to replace the team with two reliable substitutes.

After all, in a way, Foye and Hawes are generally due to a lack of playing time, and the Clippers can provide that.

On the second day of the trade deadline, Hawes and Foye came to the locker room to clean up their wardrobes.

The atmosphere in the locker room was a bit solemn, with Foye and Hawes both teammates who have played side by side for the past two seasons, especially Foye, who hugged him tightly when he said goodbye, and a similar life brought them together.

"Good luck." Xu Yong also hugged them and patted them on the back to send blessings.

If Foye and Hawes continue to play, they will likely disappear from the NBA, and leaving is not necessarily a bad thing for them, after all, they have won the championship and they need playing time more now.

After saying goodbye to Foye and Hawes in the morning, Malone led Stephenson and Aldridge to the locker room in the afternoon.

When he saw Stevenson, Xu Yong felt a little kind, because this guy went to the CBA Liaoning team to play when he had no ball to play, and he had seen that kind of funny character in the commentary seat.

As soon as the salute was finished, Stephenson began to show his completely different personality, he did not greet the others like Aldridge, but hummed and swayed his body, and even unconsciously made his "guitar" movements in the back.

"What are you doing?" West on the side showed Nick Young's question mark face, Rao is that he has played in the NBA for so many years and has seen a large number of teammates come and go, but it is the first time he has seen someone do this as soon as he arrives on a new team.

"Celebrate." Stephenson said with a happy face.

"Celebrate what?" West was even more puzzled.

"For the championship ring I'm about to get."

Hearing his answer, West reached out on the spot to support his forehead.

"Hey, guys!" Perhaps thinking enough of the celebration had been celebrated, Stephenson shouted again.

"I'm Lance, I'm from Brooklyn, New York, you can call me [born ready], of course, if it's not too much trouble, you can also call me [Born Ready for Big Game], my agent told me that Chicago lacks a championship guard, so I'm here, relax, I'll finish it, finish it perfectly, for the championship!"

It's not just West now, everyone else in the locker room can't help but reach out and hold their foreheads, where is this funny?

However, Xu Yong was amused, and confirmed his eyes, this guy was the "junior brother" in his impression.

"Lance." Xu Yong suddenly spoke.

Stephenson looked at Xu Yong suspiciously.

"Welcome." Xu Yong continued.

Stephenson was visibly stunned for a moment, then immediately laughed and rushed to Xu Yong with his arms outstretched.

When Xu Yong was forced to get up for business, he immediately hugged Xu Yong hard.

"Enough, enough." It wasn't until Xu Yong reminded him that he let go of his hand, but his face was still unconcealably excited.

"I'll tell my daughter when I go back that Xu personally welcomed me in the locker room today, which was an exciting, perfect day."

This made Hinrich on the side couldn't help but shake his head, Stephenson's painting style is obviously incompatible with the Bulls, and I don't know how the management would have thought of bringing him, and it is possible that the Bulls management didn't expect him to be such a joke.

But whether to say it or not, because of Xu Yong's active welcome, most people in the locker room are not very resistant to Stephenson, after all, the boss is welcome, even if they can't pee with him, they won't embarrass him.

Except for one person.

"You'd better really help the team." Butler said unceremoniously.

Originally, he was not in a very good mood when Foye was traded, but he still came to such a second, if he came to mess around, he would definitely not give a good face.

Stephenson wasn't angry, smiled at Butler, and went back to his seat.

On the first day of training, Stephenson only did some basic training with the team, but by the second day, he had already started to follow the tactics on the field, and although he sometimes ran wrong, the overall situation was very good.

This can't help but change the perception of some people on the Bulls about him, and although he has a weird personality, Stephenson's ball quotient doesn't look low at all.

For this, Xu Yong should be the least surprised, because for the rest of the Bulls, Stephenson may just be an NBA rotation or marginal person, and even because he left the Pacers early, he didn't have a chance to blow James, so naturally he can't talk about popularity, but he knows that Stephenson's talent is not bad.

Stephenson is 1.96 meters tall and can play three positions in PG/SG/SF, scoring, rebounding, passing, and defense are all on the line, and there are not many such players in the NBA.

Of course, he will fall to this point because of his character, sometimes his brain is short-circuited, and he can be described as half angel and half devil.

However, he found that Stephenson was in the Bulls for the past two days, except for the first day when he was a little funny, he was very serious at other times, especially last night when he was halfway through the practice, Stephenson actually came to the training gym to practice.

So, if he can put away his devilish side and become the Bulls' [knife guard] like JR did after he went to the Cavaliers, this trade will be one of the underrated trades.

The Bulls' first game after the All-Star break is tomorrow against the Cavaliers.

This is the second time the two sides have met this season, the last time was in December, at the home court of the Cavaliers, but this time at the home of the Bulls.

It will also be Stephenson's debut with the Bulls.

When the players returned to the locker room after training that day, Stephenson was still the one who had the most fun in the locker room, and he even performed a Michael Jackson space dance for the group, which caused the others to laugh.

Comics are often the most infectious, not to mention how much combat power Stephenson's addition can bring to the Bulls, the atmosphere is really much more relaxed.

Of course, the happy people at this time are not only Stephenson, but also Jokic.

In the previous trade of the Bulls, Stephenson was the protagonist, but it was Jokic who benefited the most.

Although Jokic was on the activation list before, his chances to play were still very limited, after all, he had Hawes in front of him all the time.

But now, Hawes has suddenly been traded.

And the Bulls are now competing for a backup center, except for Aldridge, who just got traded.

This Aldridge is not Aldridge, he is a white man, and in order to distinguish himself from Aldridge of the current Mavericks, he is also called "White Ade".

With a height of 2.11 meters and an arm span of 2.26 meters, he is very similar to Jokic's size, but he is even bulkier than Jokic.

If you don't have a very substantial idea of a white flesh shield center, then he's typical.

It is difficult for such a center to get a chance to play in a championship team, and the Bulls traded him more because the Clippers didn't want to keep it.

In fact, the Bulls sent Hawes away in the middle of the season, partly because they made room for Jokic.

Although Jokic didn't have many chances before, every time he was given the opportunity, he was able to bring some surprises.

In particular, he has maintained the intensity of his training and his performance has clearly improved throughout the season.

So as long as he can seize this opportunity, he has a chance to sit firmly as a substitute center.

Of course, Xu Yong is also looking forward to this game, because he is eager to see what kind of expression James is now.

Or maybe he couldn't wait to ask James in person what he was feeling like right now.

(End of chapter)