The Basketball Court Swordsman

Al Horford, the 86-year-old Dominican center was traded to Indianapolis a year before the end of his rookie contract. He didn't know it at that time, and he opened the most glorious page of his career.

At that time, Al Horford was still a young man who had just proven his talent. He never thought he could become the starting center of a dynasty team.

In the blink of an eye, the five-year contract of more than 60 million yuan was almost completed. And he, once again stood at the crossroads of his career.

Time flies, next year, in 2016, the once extremely young Dominican center will be 30 years old.

30 years old is undoubtedly a turning point for professional players. After the age of 30, the competitive state of a professional player will inevitably begin to decline. Even a great center like O'Neal can't escape such a law.

In other words, it is almost impossible for Al Horford to sign a big contract after the age of 30. In this era when large contracts are often hundreds of millions of dollars, if Horford does not seize the opportunity, he will inevitably suffer heavy losses.

So at this time, Horford is also considering the issue of his next stop. If the Pacers cannot meet Horford's renewal requirements next year, then he will have to choose to leave.

Al Horford has won enough championships and various honors. All he thinks about now is to get the last big contract in his career. A contract with a value of hundreds of millions of dollars and preferably a longer term.

It's not that Al Horford is not loyal enough, but it is undoubtedly unrealistic to give up tens of millions of dollars just because of loyalty. Moreover, Horford has also done his best in the past few years with the Pacers. Even if he leaves, he has a clear conscience.

There is no doubt that after Leonard and Jimmy Butler left one after another, Bird is now very concerned about the contract renewal. He was afraid that the same tragedy would happen again. If Al Horford leaves in vain, then the Pacers really collapsed across the board.

Fortunately, this time, Bird has Henson Joe willing to help.

"What are you talking about? You are going to be a father!?"

In the office of the chairman of basketball operations in the banker’s life arena, Bird's eyes widened. And across from his desk, is the man who brought the Pacers' unparalleled glory-Henson Joe.

"I accompanied An Jiali to the hospital for a checkup a few days ago, and he successfully became pregnant. You are right Bird, at this time next year, I will be a **** cute dad!" Henson was also very happy. , So the first day he saw Bird today, he shared the news with his old friends.

"I didn't expect... the **** who was the best in the league at the time will be a father. After the child is born, I will be his godfather." Bird was deeply moved, and he suddenly remembered his The night I saw Henson.

In front of him, stood an unknown scout who looked confident. Bird was very fortunate that that night, he chose to let Henson personally report to himself the rookie player's investigation. Otherwise, the Pacers' history may not be so bright.

"Being the godfather of a **** son? Doesn't that just mean you are a **** too. Forget it, don't talk nonsense with you," Henson smiled and waved his hand, ready to get to the point. "Let's talk about Al Horford. It's something. What do you plan for him?"

"Before we start the discussion, I will ask you again. You really don't plan to come back? Even if you are the general manager. Otherwise, why would you help me?"

"Because I love this city and this team, because I am your old friend, because I am idle now and I happen to be in a good mood. I am also one of the Pacers' famous places, I naturally have to play for my ball. The team makes some contributions. As for your question, I still said that. I just want to help, but I don't want to wade in the muddy water."

Henson once again rejected the request to become the Pacers management because he still didn't know whether he wanted to return to the basketball circle. After An Jiali was pregnant and the baby was born, Henson certainly couldn't devote all his time to basketball like before.

"Well, as a star of the Pacers, you do have the right to speak. For Al Horford, I plan to renew his contract with him next summer at a price of 90 million for four years. You know, since the salary cap was raised, this league Already crazy. This summer, even players like Mozgov can get a $64 million contract. So for a star player, 90 million in four years is not much. I have and Vivek And Stephen discussed it and they said it was acceptable."

"Yeah, the world is crazy. How much did we renew Paul's price tag back then? 105 million in 5 years?" Henson shook his head. He never thought that this alliance would have a billion-dollar contract flying all over the sky. .

"It's 107 million in 5 years, Henson. And now a star player's 4-year contract is higher than this number." Bird spread his hand helplessly.

"It doesn't matter. In short, the players' salaries are now scary. So I think you can renew Horford in a hurry. We should leave the $100 million to Antetokounmpo."

"Antetokounmpo?"

"Yes, if we renew Horford next summer, then we will not be able to renew Antetokounmpo in advance. In this way, the tragedy of Jimmy Butler and Leonard may be in Afghanistan in the next year. Detokumbo repeats itself. So my view is that Antetokounmpo will be renewed in advance with the maximum salary next summer." Henson's expression became serious and he felt very enjoyable. He enjoyed discussing basketball with Bird.

Although now, Antetokounmpo's data is not as dazzling as Horford. But Henson must admit that Antetokounmpo has a higher ceiling than Horford. Horford is almost 30 and he is about to start to decline. As for Antetokounmpo, his growth has just begun.

So if a trade-off must be made, then he will choose Antetokounmpo to stay.

"What about Al? Just watch him leave in vain? This summer our losses have been large enough, Leonard, Jimmy Butler, David West, Livingston... .. I don't want to lose talent for nothing."

"The reason why they will be lost in vain is because you and Vogel have been hesitant to make a choice. If we can decisively trade players whose contracts are about to expire in the contract year and are not necessarily renewed with the team, then Our losses will be minimized."

"You mean, trade Al Horford this summer!?" After hearing that Henson was going to be a father, Bird widened his eyes for the second time today.

"Yes, this summer, we have to trade Al Horford. This way, our losses will be minimized. Of course, it all depends on Horford's wishes. You know, he did his best for the Pacers. , We cannot suddenly trade him without warning. He respects us, and we should respect him. So, I will talk to him and understand his thoughts."

"I said, you'd better come back. But there is no famous team who can help like you." Byrd smiled slightly. As soon as Henson appeared, he instantly felt that the burden on his shoulders was much smaller.

"No, I just want to provide some personal advice, it's that simple."

"Congratulations, boss. I am happy for you, sincerely."

Sitting in the courtyard of Henson's house, Al Horford showed a sincere smile. This is the second player to congratulate Henson on becoming a father in a week.

"In the beginning, your girlfriend was introduced by An Jiali. I didn't expect that I would get married so many years later than you. It seems that I should speed up the progress on some things." Henson smiled and sighed. Mouth coffee.

Today, Henson called Horford to come to his house to chat. The reason is that after An Jiali went to Paris to participate in a fashion show, he panicked at home alone.

But Horford is not stupid, he knows exactly what Henson calls himself for. In fact, even if Henson didn't find him, he would take the initiative to find Henson. Because this 30-year-old man found that sometimes he still can't get an idea.

For example, this time the issue of staying or leaving.

Besides his father, Henson is the only person in this world who Horford absolutely trusts and is willing to listen to his opinions.

"Boss, have you talked with Bird recently?" After an afternoon of chatting, Horford was the first to cut into the subject.

"Yes, I just talked to him the day before yesterday, right in his office." Henson did not deny this.

"Your conclusion?"

"There is no conclusion. Bird wants to renew your contract next summer at a price of 90 million for four years. What do you think? Do you think this price is appropriate?"

"I'm not a person who values ​​money especially, boss. If it's just a few million dollars in salary cut, I think I can accept it. But my manager told me that next summer, there will be many teams with billions of dollars. Come to me for a contract. You know, I'm 30 years old. This is my last chance to get a big contract. I don't want to miss it, Boss. There, there is a gap of tens of millions of dollars!"

Horford was frank, and Henson liked his frankness.

"I can understand that even I am unwilling to give up the extra tens of millions of dollars. So now, I want to discuss one thing with you. If you are leaving next summer, can we make a deal? Trade you out in advance so that the Pacers will not suffer too much or delay your contract renewal, what do you think?"

If management wants to trade players, it stands to reason that it does not require the player's consent. But Henson sought his advice on behalf of Bird, which flattered the Dominican center. What's more, this is a win-win situation.

He felt respect and had no reason to refuse.

"If you want to trade? Where will I go?"

Hearing Horford asked, Henson smiled happily. It’s good to get together, this is the result he wants to see most...

Byrd is right, the tragedy of Leonard and Jimmy Butler cannot be repeated.