basketball player

Chapter 506 Chapter 504: Career Crossroads
Al Horford, the 86 Dominican center was traded to Indianapolis a year before his rookie contract ended.At that time, he didn't know that he had also started the most brilliant page of his career.

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

In the blink of an eye, the five-year contract of more than 5 million yuan was almost completed.And he once again stood at the crossroads of his career.

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

30 years old is undoubtedly a turning point for professional players.The competitive state of a professional player will inevitably begin to decline after the age of 30.Even a great center like O'Neal cannot escape this law.

In other words, if Al Horford wants to sign a big contract after the age of 30, it is almost impossible.In this era when big contracts can easily reach 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 contract extension requirements next year, he will have to choose to leave.

Al Horford has already won enough championships and various honors.All he wants now is to get the last big contract in his career.A contract worth hundreds of millions of dollars, preferably with 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.Besides, in the past few years with the Pacers, Horford has also done his best.Even if he leaves, he has a clear conscience.

There is no doubt that Bird is now very concerned about the extension after the departure of Leonard and Jimmy Butler.He was afraid that the same tragedy would happen again.If Al Horford also leaves for nothing, then the Pacers will really collapse across the board.

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

"What did you say? You're going to be a father!?"

In the office of the chairman of basketball operations at Bankers Life Arena, Bird's eyes widened.On the opposite side of his desk is the man who has brought great glory to the Pacers—Henson Joe.

"A few days ago, I accompanied An Jiali to the hospital for an examination, and he was successfully pregnant. You are right Bird, by this time next year, I will already be a cute little dad!" Henson was also very happy, so he shared the news with his old friend on the first day he saw Bird today.

"I didn't expect that. The bastard who was so powerful in the league back then would actually be a father. After the child is born, I will be his godfather." Bird was deeply moved, and he suddenly remembered the night he met Henson for the first time.

In front of him stood an unknown but confident scout.Bird was thankful that, that night, he chose to let Henson himself report on the rookie scouting.Otherwise, the history of the Pacers may not be so bright.

"Being the godfather of an asshole's son? Doesn't that just show that you are also an asshole. Forget it, I won't talk nonsense with you," Henson smiled and waved his hands, ready to cut to the chase. "Let's talk about Al Horford. What are your plans for him?"

"Before we start discussing, let me ask you again. You really don't plan to come back? Even as the general manager. Otherwise, why would you help me?"

"Because I love this city and this team, because I'm your old friend, because I'm in a panic and in a good mood right now. I'm also one of the Pacers' legends, so I naturally have to make some contributions to my team. As for your question, I'll say the same thing. I just want to help, but I don't want to wade into troubled waters."

Henson once again rejected the request to serve as the Pacers' management team because he still doesn't know whether he will return to the basketball circle.After all, after An Jiali was pregnant and the child was born, Henson certainly couldn't devote all his time to basketball as before.

"Well, as a star of the Pacers, you do have the right to speak. As for Al Horford, I plan to renew his contract next summer, and the price is 4 years and 9000 million. You know, since the salary cap was raised, this league has gone crazy. This summer, even a player like Mozgov can get a 6400 million dollar contract. So for a star player, 4 years and 9000 million is not much at all. I have discussed it with Vivek and Stephen, and they said it is acceptable. "

"Yeah, the world has gone crazy. How much did we pay for renewing Paul? 5 million in five years?" Henson shook his head. He never imagined that this league would be filled with billion-dollar contracts.

"It's 5 million in 1.07 years, Henson. And now a star player's 4-year contract is higher than this figure." Bird spread his hands helplessly.

"It doesn't matter. In short, the salaries of the players are scary now. So I think you can not rush to renew Horford. We should leave this $1 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 repeated on Antetokounmpo in the next year. So my point of view is to renew Antetokounmpo with a maximum salary next summer." Henson's expression became serious, and he felt very enjoyable. He enjoyed the process of 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 approaching 30, and he's about to start declining.And Antetokounmpo, his growth has just begun.

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

"What about Al? Just watch him leave in vain? Our losses this summer are already big enough, Leonard, Jimmy Butler, David West, Livingston... I don't want to lose talents in vain."

"The reason why they will be lost in vain is because you and Vogel have been hesitant and unable to make a trade-off. If we can decisively trade players whose contracts are about to expire in the contract year and do not necessarily renew their contracts 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's eyes widened for the second time today.

"Yes, this summer, we have to trade Al Horford. In this way, our losses will be minimized. Of course, it all depends on Horford's will. You know, he is doing his best for the Pacers. We can't 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 player in the team who helps like you." Bird smiled slightly. As soon as Henson appeared, he instantly felt that the burden on his shoulders was much lighter.

"No, I just wanted to offer some personal advice, as simple as that."

※※※

"Congratulations, boss. I'm happy for you, really."

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

"Your girlfriend was introduced by An Jiali at the beginning. Unexpectedly, I ended up getting married so many years later than you. It seems that I should speed up the progress on some things." Henson smiled and took a sip of coffee.

Today, Henson called Horford to come to his home for a chat.The reason was that after An Jiali went to Paris to attend a fashion show, he was bored at home alone.

But Horford is not stupid, he knows exactly what Henson called him for.In fact, even if Henson doesn't look for him, he will take the initiative to look for Henson.Because this man who is about to turn 30 finds that he still can't make up his mind sometimes.

For example, this time, the question of whether to stay or stay.

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

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

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

"What is your conclusion?"

"There is no conclusion. Bird wants to renew your contract at a price of 4 million for 9000 years next summer. What do you think? Do you think this price is appropriate?"

"I'm not a person who values ​​money, Boss. If it's just a few million dollars in salary cuts, I think I can accept it. But my manager told me that next summer, many teams will come to me with contracts worth 30 million yuan. You know, I'm already [-] years old, and this is my last chance to get a big contract. I don't want to miss it, Boss. There is a difference of tens of millions of dollars!"

Horford was candid, and Henson liked his candor.

"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 want to leave next summer, can we reach a deal? Trade you out in advance, so that it will neither hurt the Pacers too much nor delay your contract renewal, what do you think?"

It stands to reason that the management does not need the player's consent to trade players.But the Dominican center was flattered that Henson sought his advice on Bird's behalf.What's more, this is a win-win situation.

He feels respected and has no reason to say no.

"If there is a trade? Where would I go?"

Hearing Horford's question, Henson smiled happily.It's easy to get together and easy to break up, this is the result he most wants to see.
Bird is right, the tragedies of Leonard and Jimmy Butler cannot be repeated.

(End of this chapter)