NBA: Starting with Jokic template

Chapter 76 Contract, Harden's stay or departure (15)

"Why is the contract renewal issue so complicated?"

"Ugh."

Lin Chuan went straight to the point, which made Harden even more worried.

With a deep sigh, Harden drank the red wine at hand, as if to relieve himself of stress, and said,

"I've talked to manager Presti about the management side. I don't ask for much. I just want 4 million for 6000 years. Is that a lot?"

Lin Chuan shook his head.

In his previous life, after Harden joined the Rockets, he quickly grew from the best sixth man to a superstar, the scoring champion, averaging 36 points per game, the MVP, and the Western Conference Finals against the Warriors went to a game seven. If it weren't for the inexplicable 27 of 0 three-pointers, who would dare to say that the Rockets had no chance to surpass the Warriors and advance to the finals and win the championship.

Lin Chuan never doubted Harden's strength.

Although Rockets' Dennis loves to commit fouls, in terms of pure strength, he is definitely the strongest in the league.

Harden, who is in his growth stage, only needs 4 million for 6000 years, which is not expensive for the Thunder, on the contrary, it is very cheap.

Not to mention, the Thunder are not short of money, and paying some luxury taxes will not be fatal.

Damn capitalists! They save so little money, no wonder they couldn't win the championship in their previous life even though they had three young players!

"But Manager Presti said the team is only willing to offer 4 million for four years, and said that because Perkins' previous contract took up salary space, they couldn't offer the contract I asked for. Fuck... you're not willing to give me 5200 million? Am I that bad?"

Harden had a sad look on his face, one hand on his head, and a melancholy atmosphere surrounded the table.

Lin Chuan sighed. He didn't expect that after living a new life, the Thunder would still be so stingy even after winning the championship.

Harden did not play well in the finals, but he has been doing very well from the regular season to the playoffs.

Lin Chuan was just about to speak to comfort Harden and analyze the situation with him, but at this time the waiter came up with steak.

Lin Chuan looked at the steak, then looked at Harden.

"Sorry Harden, wait for me to eat first."

After saying that, he started to eat voraciously without waiting for Harden to answer.

"Lin, you bastard..."

Harden was made to laugh by Lin Chuan and waved his hands.
"Eat until you're fat. Otherwise, the team won't renew your contract because you're too fat!"

Lin Chuan was too lazy to listen to Harden's words. After he joined the Rockets, although his muscles grew a lot, his belly also grew a lot.

After finishing the steak in no time, Lin Chuan drank the glass of red wine.

"Ah...I almost choked to death!"

"Come on, continue. What's the reason why President Pu is unwilling to pay that little money? Did you play poorly in the final?"

Harden nodded.

"You're really sick. We've clearly won the championship now, so even if it's a reward for the heroism of the championship, what's wrong with giving more? And it's not like they're asking for too much, but they won't budge even if they ask for 800 million more."

"I'll go talk to President Pu tomorrow and see if I can convince him."

Seeing that Lin Chuan was still trying to speak up for him, Harden's eyes lit up.
"Thanks, Lin."

Lin Chuan laughed and ordered two more steaks.

"your treat."
-
The next day, Lin Chuan called Presti and then went to the Thunder's office.

Looking at the words "General Manager" written on the door in front of him, Lin Chuan knew that he had found the right place.

After knocking on the door, Lin Chuan walked in after hearing the response.

In the office, the first thing that comes into view is a large table. Behind the table, Presti is sitting in a large leather chair that looks very comfortable. Behind him is a large floor-to-ceiling glass, through which he can see the scenery outside.

Presti gestured to Lin Chuan to sit down, and Lin Chuan sat down opposite him.

"Rare guest, why did you suddenly think of looking for me today?" Presti went straight to the point and asked Lin Chuan's purpose.

"Is it for your own contract?"

Lin Chuan waved his hand,

"Isn't my own contract still within its expiration date?"

Presti leaned back with his arms folded.
"Yes, but doesn't your contract have a team option this year?"

Lin Chuan was stunned. He had even forgotten about this matter and tacitly agreed that his rookie year was a two-year contract. However, second-round picks have a guaranteed first year and a team option for the second year.

"Ah, isn't the team going to execute it?"

Hearing the question asked by Lin Chuan, Presti laughed.

"Hahaha, Lin, look at what you asked. You played so well, of course we have to execute it."

Hearing Presti's laughter, Lin Chuan also laughed a few times.

Although he was smiling on the surface, he was cursing in his heart.

Damn those capitalists, they only know how to exploit young rookies like him and make him continue to fulfill his cheap rookie contract!

Why can't you bear not to exercise the option and sign a bigger one for him!
I don’t ask for much, just fill up the space!

"Okay, if you're not here for your own contract, what do you have to do today?"

Presti brought the topic back on track.

"It's for Harden, President Putin."

"Harden..."

After hearing Lin Chuan's answer, Presti touched his chin.
"Do you also think the contract I gave him is too small?"

"Yes, President Pu, Harden obviously has great potential, and we just won the championship. Wouldn't it be good to give him the contract he asked for?"

"Lin, you don't look far enough."

Presti sat up straighter and put his hands on the table.

"For the benefit of the team, lowering the price is a common tactic, and Harden's performance is not good, right?"

"But he wasn't always doing well before the finals. His poor performance in the finals was also due to him being asked to defend James..."

"So you didn't look far enough, Lin."

Lin Chuan was interrupted by Presti before he could finish his words.

"Both Harden and you need the ball, and your performance in the finals is much better than his. The Thunder is aiming for the championship, and they don't need players who bully weak players, but players who can fight tough battles. If we lower his salary, the team's salary space can also be alleviated. If he is not happy, we can also trade him. Without a ball handler, you will grow faster. Isn't this good?"

Lin Chuan remained silent. He didn't expect to have a new life. Although he won the finals, the team became more confident because of him and took the initiative in the negotiations with Harden.

Unexpectedly, in the final analysis, it was because he played too well that Harden fell into the same situation as in his previous life.

Presti then painted a lot of big promises for him, telling him that after next season, the team would definitely sign him with the biggest contract they could, even if it meant paying a luxury tax.

And so on.

But Lin Chuan didn't want to listen anymore.

He didn't know how he left the general manager's office, but that day, Presti really taught him a lesson.

Lin Chuan now finally understands that the NBA is actually a commercial league. No matter how nice it sounds, its essence will not change.

Even if you are a champion and devote everything to the team, if you are not in the team's plan, you will still be ruthlessly abandoned.

(End of this chapter)