Gilbert roared this time.
Of course.
Part of it was to put on a show for Allison, otherwise, if this guy asked for the moon, Gilbert might have to reconsider the signing.
"I watched the game too. It looks like Larry Hughes is very unhappy with Mike Brown. A player like that staying on your team will only affect unity. I believe you've also considered trading Larry. Why not let him come to the Heat?"
"Nonsense, our relationship is very good. Arguing on the court is normal. Don't even think about it."
"Then it seems we have nothing to discuss."
"Wait."
Seeing that Allison was about to end the call, Gilbert hurriedly said, "It's not that it's not negotiable, but you want so many players for just one Wade. I'm afraid I'll agree, but others won't."
"Larry Hughes can be included in the trade, but I might not include Westbrook, whom you mentioned earlier."
If Allison built the team like this, even without Wade, the depth and strength of the roster would have improved by several levels. Next season, the Heat would clearly have a chance to contend for the championship.
"Okay, whatever."
Allison wasn't very interested in Westbrook. He was an unknown rookie, not even worth a trade sweetener. Gilbert was clearly trying to rip him off, and he wouldn't fall for such a trick.
"Alright then."
To get Wade, Gilbert had to do his best to find a way. However, Allison clearly didn't expect that Westbrook would become a star later for the Thunder's dynamic duo.
...
"Tang, where are we going on vacation?"
After the awards ceremony, Shaquille O'Neal, Scarlett, and the other two women were invited into the Cavaliers' locker room. Unlike the joy outside, the players were clearly more relaxed in the locker room.
James, with his arm around Tang Long's shoulder, was already imagining where they would go on vacation next.
Frankly speaking, if Tang Long joined them on vacation, Scarlett and the others might also come along. Then, on a warm beach, with beautiful women showing off their long legs and running around in swimsuits, the scene would be quite sensual just thinking about it.
Although Scarlett and the other two were whispering, they kept craning their necks, clearly wanting to know what Tang Long had planned next.
"Me?" Tang Long shook his head. "I might be going back to Long Country."
"Back to Long Country? What for?" James asked subconsciously before remembering that the Olympics were starting. As a key player for Long Country, Tang Long definitely had to return home to compete.
"Do you have to go back so soon?"
James looked at Tang Long curiously.
After all, they had just finished the Finals. They should at least rest for ten days to half a month. Even a donkey that's been grinding would need some fodder to recover.
"They've been urging me to go back before, but because of the Finals, it was postponed. Now that the game is over, I have to go back."
During his previous calls with Guo Qiang, although he didn't sound particularly insistent, the underlying meaning was clear. He still hoped Tang Long could return as soon as possible to practice more with his teammates. The Olympics, being held at home, were taken very seriously from top to bottom. If the basketball team could win a medal, the Basketball Association would definitely gain prestige with the higher authorities.
"Then when are you planning to go back?"
"In the next day or two."
"That's too fast, isn't it?" James said, then suddenly remembered something and looked at Tang Long. "No, the day after tomorrow the President is meeting us. Aren't you going?"
Although many people in Huáqí Country were not interested in politics, and especially not athletes, who generally lacked political awareness, it was still the President of Huáqí Country. Not every championship team had such an honor, so everyone in the Cavaliers was quietly preparing. They didn't expect Tang Long to not plan to attend.
"Probably not."
Tang Long thought for a moment before telling James his decision.
Unlike those in the entertainment industry who sought attention on the red carpet, he didn't need to gain traffic from Huáqí Country's politicians. On the contrary, the politicians were doing this precisely to capitalize on the fame of the champions.
Besides, Tang Long had no interest in these things. He wasn't a citizen of Huáqí Country, and taking a photo with the President wasn't something to brag about.
In fact, if it weren't for preparing to deal with the cybersecurity department, he might have already bought a ticket back tomorrow.
"What a shame, I heard they were going to host us for dinner."
"I wouldn't eat that even if you paid me."
Recalling how President Xi had treated foreign officials to hamburgers, Tang Long had no interest in this so-called banquet.
"By the way, aren't you also participating in the Olympics? When you come, I'll take you around. Don't believe your lousy TV stations. Today's Long Country is not the Long Country of the past. The infrastructure is much better than yours."
"Okay."
Knowing that Tang Long didn't plan to attend the presidential reception, James didn't dwell on the topic any further. The two began to chat about the Olympics.
The few girls in the locker room had intriguing glints in their eyes at this moment, especially Swift, whose eyes sparkled with cunning.
"What a shame, Tang is going back to Long Country."
Scarlett glanced at Swift. "He's just going back to play. When the season starts, won't he be back?"
"Then what are your plans?"
"Filming. I'm going back to the set tomorrow."
Scarlett sighed helplessly.
She felt anxious when she had no work, and annoyed when she did.
"What about you?"
Scarlett looked at Gal Gadot.
"Me?" Gal Gadot shrugged. "I'm the same as you."
"What a shame, I also need to prepare for my concert."
Swift sighed, but no one noticed that the sparkle in her eyes grew brighter.
"Alright, our season officially ends today. Although we're going on vacation, I hope you'll all exercise restraint. I don't want to see you appearing in the gossip columns when the season starts."
Mike Brown gave a brief speech, announcing that after attending the presidential reception the day after tomorrow, the team would officially go on vacation.
"Coach, Tang is treating tonight! Do you want to join us?"
"I'll pass," Mike Brown shook his head. "I don't want to appear on tomorrow's headlines with you guys. You've won the championship, and reporters will be waiting to take candid photos. Drink less."
Mike Brown also knew that there was a generation gap between him and the players. If he went, the players wouldn't be able to have fun. He'd rather treat the players to a meal when training camp starts in the summer.
After the players had all left the locker room, Mike Brown finally sat down and looked at the somewhat messy but quiet locker room, letting out a long sigh.
The outside world called him a puppet coach for the Cavaliers, but who would have thought that he had been under pressure all season just to prove himself.