"Tang, hello, it's a pleasure to meet you."
"Hello, the pleasure is all mine."
Tang Long enthusiastically shook hands with the rookie player.
Who would have thought that the first potential signing after the company's establishment would be Westbrook?
Tang Long couldn't help but look at Bill Duffy with renewed respect.
In the post-NBA era, after those legendary players retired, Westbrook would undoubtedly hold a significant place among the new generation of players!
Back then, the Thunder's dynamic duo shook the league!
Who could have imagined that Westbrook would seem a bit shy at this moment?
Westbrook hadn't come alone. Beside him was a burly, strong, and muscular Black brother, adorned with a thick gold chain. He walked with a swagger, appearing not unlike those individuals in the US who were fond of "zero-dollar shopping" upon first glance.
As soon as they settled down, that guy, with a pout and a slouched shoulder, looked at Tang Long and asked, "You're Tang from the Cavaliers?"
"That's right, I am."
"How big of a contract can you offer Russell?"
This guy started off with an annoying demeanor, not only lacking boundaries but also directly throwing out a statement: "Thad has already guaranteed us that as long as he is Russell's agent, the four-year rookie contract will be no less than 15 million. Tell me, can you offer a higher contract than him?"
Tang Long's brow furrowed slightly.
At his current status, he naturally wouldn't stoop to the level of such a rookie. He gave the man a casual glance, his gaze shifting to Russell Westbrook.
"Russell, what are your thoughts?"
Westbrook looked directly at Tang Long and said, "I want a big contract, and I also want an agent who can strategize for me and secure more benefits."
"I'm sorry, then I can't sign you."
Tang Long said, giving Bill Duffy a look. Although Bill Duffy didn't know what Tang Long intended, he tacitly stood up with Tang Long.
"Fuck, isn't this a waste of our time?"
The guy spewed vulgarities and started to pull Westbrook away.
"Wait."
Westbrook was initially very angry.
He had already showcased his considerable talent, with many big agent companies and teams extending olive branches to him.
However, this person in front of him not only didn't show enthusiasm in trying to recruit him but also ended the meeting abruptly without much explanation. This piqued Westbrook's curiosity, and he frankly asked, "Tang, I know you're a superstar in the league now, but I also believe that one day I will surpass you! But I'm still very curious, what exactly do you mean?"
Tang Long said calmly, "We can secure a big contract for you, no less than anyone else. But if you only think about big contracts and only have profits in your eyes, then I'm sorry, our philosophies are just different!"
"I hope the players signed by our company can be like me, having not only a contract but also a thirst for victory, a sense of responsibility, and financial awareness!"
Tang Long paused, then continued, "You indeed have great basketball talent, and I believe you can also get a big contract. Please also know that many young players lose themselves after signing big contracts, especially when they are surrounded by a bunch of hangers-on. You should understand how quickly they can fall."
"Fuck, who are you talking about?"
The guy, muttering curses, lunged at Tang Long.
Tang Long twisted his arm back in response, causing him to yelp in pain.
"Hmph, looking for death!"
Bill Duffy snorted coldly.
"Did you not even bother to ask? Players in the league who are tougher than you don't dare to fight Tang, and you actually dare to challenge Tang? Don't you know he's from Longguo? Longguo people know Kung Fu!"
Tang Long shot Bill Duffy an exasperated glance, "Bill, that's a stereotype. Not every Longguo person knows Kung Fu."
Saying this, Tang Long pushed the guy out.
"Fuck, I'll fight you to the death..."
"Hold on."
Westbrook stopped the man, his eyes fixed on Tang Long, and said, "I'm willing to sign with your company."
"Russell, you should still sign with Thad. He's already made guarantees, we..."
Westbrook shook his head and gazed into Tang Long's eyes, "Thad is a good agent, but I trust you more as a fellow player. Moreover, Tang is a gentleman in the league; his character is highly respected. If he wanted to deceive me, he wouldn't have said he could secure greater benefits for me from the start!"
"Believe me, you absolutely won't regret today's decision!" Tang Long smiled with relief.
"I believe you," Westbrook said, pausing for a moment. He looked at Tang Long and added softly, "Tang, I want to watch you play!"
"That's no problem," Tang Long nodded, then looked at Bill Duffy, "By the way, go to the stadium and get an extra ticket for Emily."
Bill Duffy jumped up.
Tang Long had just signed a future star of the league in a few words, but it didn't make Bill Duffy this excited.
"Tang, you two aren't actually involved, are you?"
"Of course not. I have no idea how she found out I recommended Scarlett for one of Feigerman's movies. This woman is like Chinese sticky tape now; once she latches on, she's hard to shake off."
"Alright, I get it. You really have too many women around you."
Bill Duffy was genuinely envious this time.
Scarlett, Gal Gadot, and Swift, such stunning beauties, were already dazzling enough. Now, Emily was added to the mix.
He wondered who Tang actually liked?
Westbrook watched Tang Long and Bill Duffy interact with amusement, further solidifying his belief that his decision was absolutely correct.
After Tang Long finalized some cooperation frameworks with Westbrook, he returned to the team's training facility in the afternoon. After all, the detailed contract signing didn't require his direct involvement; Bill Duffy was more professional.
Now, he only had one thing to do: prepare for the second game of the finals!
...
"Dear viewers, you are now watching the second game of the NBA Finals. The Cavaliers continue to host the Los Angeles Lakers at home."
"The Cavaliers have maintained the same starting lineup as the previous game. After such a long period of integration, Mike Brown's team has become a mature unit!"
"It remains to be seen if the physical condition of the Cavaliers' players, after an intense battle lasting over forty minutes in the last game, will affect the upcoming match."
"For the Lakers, there are no other changes to their positions. Phil has opted for Mihajlović to start over Sasha Vujačić."
"Clearly, the 'Zen Master' trusts Mihajlović's abilities more and anticipates that the Cavaliers won't play their starters for the entire game, allowing Vujačić to exert greater value during the substitute phase!"
After Yang Yi introduced both teams' starting lineups, he turned to the guiding instructor Zhang and said, "Instructor Zhang, many media outlets have reported that the Lakers, after losing the previous game, didn't take a day off and are determined to defeat the Cavaliers in this match. So, instructor Zhang, who do you think has a higher chance of winning this game?"