On the eve of finalizing the contract, LeBron James specifically called Wang Yi to ask:
"Wang, what kind of contract are you hoping to sign?"
Wang Yi joked with a smile, "Three hundred million a year. Can the team afford that?"
LeBron James smiled helplessly.
"We really can't afford that salary."
Then he said seriously, "I can contact the team owner, Tamim. Once he learns that you're coming back to play, he'll definitely be thrilled. I can transfer part, or even all, of my shares to make him the team's largest shareholder. He can decide your salary package, and with his financial resources, he can absolutely afford it."
Wang Yi nodded. "Then let's do it that way."
A series of procedures, including the share transfer and negotiations, would take at least three days to complete.
During those three days, Wang Yi could not officially take the court as a player.
However, once the team's daily training began, Wang Yi voluntarily joined the squad for practice and chemistry-building.
When the players saw Wang Yi appear on the practice court, they were all puzzled.
"Why is Brother Yi here training with us?"
"Could the team be short-handed? Is Brother Yi planning to play himself?"
"That doesn't seem realistic, does it? He's already forty-five. How can he still compete on the court?"
Faced with their discussions, Wang Yi offered no explanation and simply trained quietly alongside the team.
Having gone more than three years without participating in high-intensity team training, he had to take things much slower than the younger players.
At last, the day's training finally came to an end.
Wang Yi dragged his exhausted body back to his residence.
He had not undergone training of such intensity in more than three years, and his body simply could not handle it all