NBA: Top 3D talents to start

Chapter 339 Butler won't renew his contract?

In the past few days when Wang Feng strengthened the addition of points and selected badges and got used to it, the league has been quite lively.

The draft conference and the awards ceremony ended one by one, and then the free market opened. The teams can't wait to show their talents in the free market.

This year's free market is also full of big fish.

Toronto Raptors' Kawhi Leonard, Warriors' Kevin Durant, Celtics' Kyrie Irving, Bucks' Khris Middleton, New York Knicks' Krista Puss Porzingis and Jimmy Butler of the Lakers.

The above-mentioned All-Star level players are all free agents whose contracts have expired. No matter who they get, they can increase the team's strength.

For the Lakers, the work these days is actually very simple, and that is to renew the contract of Jimmy Butler.

As early as the beginning of the season when Butler joined the Lakers, the team management had already promised to provide Butler with a maximum salary this summer.

The result of Wang Feng + Butler successfully winning the championship also fully proved the competitiveness of this combination.

However, when the free market opened, Butler's agent contacted the Lakers management, but something happened.

……

"Jingle Bell……"

In the training room at home, Wang Feng, who was practicing and adapting to his newly strengthened abilities, stopped and walked towards the table where his mobile phone was placed.

"Hello? What's the matter?"

Listening to the news on the phone, Wang Feng's expression changed slightly, and he said immediately. "I'm going to the arena right now!"

After hanging up the phone, Wang Feng couldn't help but curse secretly.

"Famous."

The Lakers management guys can really do things!
They don't want to give Butler a max salary.

这个赛季，巴特勒常规赛的场均数据仅为18+5+4，到了季后赛，数据也不过是19+6+5。

Considering Butler's contributions on both ends of the offense and defense at the same time, giving a maximum salary is actually not a big deal.

But like the Timberwolves and the 76ers, the Lakers also suffered from the little Butler.

In other words, the Lakers feel that instead of filling up all the salary space with Butler's maximum salary contract, it is better to free up the money to pursue a better player, such as Leonard and Durant.

Butler is fine, but compared with these two players, he is obviously worse than one grade.

Although neither Leonard nor Durant has shown any obvious interest in the Lakers, the Lakers are obviously the most competitive among the teams they are pursuing.

Backed by the big Los Angeles ball market, it has the conditions to provide a maximum salary, and the team is strong and has just won the championship.

May I ask which team in the league still has such favorable conditions as the Lakers?

Therefore, when Jimmy Butler's agent approached the team, the Lakers played Tai Chi, trying to delay the extension time with Butler.

But the question is, how many fools are there in this alliance?Especially the agents of the stars, almost all of them are old fritters. Butler's agent immediately noticed the Lakers' intentions. Germany, Durant discusses signing matters, once a signing agreement is reached with either of the two, he will definitely kick Butler away without hesitation.

Butler, who learned of this from his agent, was extremely angry.

This is not the first time he has been underestimated, and at the moment when he has made great contributions to the Lakers winning the championship, not to mention Butler, even any worthwhile player in the league can't bear it.

Butler even asked his agent to contact multiple teams to discuss contract renewal.

There is no stay here, there is a place to stay, and there are many teams that can sign the maximum salary. It is not necessary to point to your Lakers family for dinner.

When Wang Feng heard the news, Butler and his agent had already contacted many teams including the Heat.

For a while, even Wang Feng was a little anxious.

Leonard, Durant and Jimmy Butler are stronger than Jimmy Butler. Of course, there is no suspense. Leonard and Durant must be stronger.

But the question is, Leonard and Durant can do the dirty work on the court like Jimmy Butler, and don't care if their personal data is affected?

Not to mention the question of whether it can be done, the attendance rate of these two uncles in the next few years will be a problem. What Wang Feng wants is a qualified second in charge, a Pippen-style assistant. Looking at the entire league, there are only Paul George and Klay Thompson can be compared to Butler.

Wang Feng knew that the management of the Lakers team was a group of star collectors. In their eyes, big-name stars were equal to the strength of the team.

It is also because of this that they will find ways to trade for Russell Westbrook in the future. The entire Lakers' Big Three combination of James + Davis + Westbrook can't even make it to the play-offs.

It is true that the Lakers' problems are not entirely Westbrook's fault.

James' athletic decline and Davis suffering from injuries are all problems that plagued the Lakers team, but the existence of Westbrook is obviously the last straw that broke the camel's back.

In hindsight, if the Westbrook deal is not reached and the Lakers still have Kuzma, Harrell and Pope in the lineup, what will happen?

Kuzma averaged 17 points and 8.5 rebounds per game for the Wizards. He is no worse than Westbrook in terms of statistics, and even has a higher efficiency value. Harrell and Pope are also role players who can contribute points in the rotation.

Wang Feng didn't know whether the Lakers would become stronger if they could pursue Leonard or Durant. There is no opponent!
So keep Butler no matter what!
……

The Lakers Arena, inside the general manager's office.

The general manager, Magician Johnson, looked at Wang Feng who made a sudden visit and was quite puzzled.

"Wang, why are you here? Shouldn't you be enjoying your vacation time at this time?"

"Erwin." Wang Feng was straightforward and went straight to the point. "I heard the team hasn't signed Jimmy yet?"

Wang Feng's questioning tone made Magic Johnson raise his eyebrows slightly.

He didn't expect that Wang Feng was hired because of this matter.

"Wang, the contract renewal between the team and Jimmy is in progress, but we haven't reached an agreement yet. We will work hard to continue to promote the contract renewal as soon as possible..."

Before he finished speaking, he was interrupted impatiently by Wang Feng.

"What is there to agree on? Isn't it already negotiated at the beginning of the season? Provide Butler with a maximum salary extension, what else is there to talk about?"

(End of this chapter)