Bab 23: Rich and capricious!
During their conversation, they arrived at the Suns' management and walked straight into Manager Lance's office. At this moment, Lance and Coach Gentry had been waiting in the office.
"Carlos, you finally came," Lance said with a smile, welcoming them into the office. Carlos and Austin sat on the sofa, while Lance and Gentry sat on the opposite sofa. On the table in the middle were several documents and tea.
"I know that all the major teams in the league have gone crazy trying to sign Carlos recently. His strength is enough to drive the entire league crazy. So... let's get straight to the point. What is the highest offer you currently have in mind?" Lance went straight to the point.
"Uh..." Austin glanced at Carlos and then said, "We favor the Bulls' offer, 16 million over two years, Carlos+Rose. I believe it will give the Bulls championship potential."
"Indeed..." Gentry nodded. "From what we know, the Bulls indeed have the best offer. And... with Carlos joining and partnering with Rose, the Bulls' strength will skyrocket."
At this point, his expression noticeably soured, then he looked at Lance, handing the conversation over to him.
Unexpectedly, Lance remained calm and composed. In a confirming tone, he asked, "Carlos, Mr. Austin, are you sure this is the final offer?"
"Uh..." Austin nodded.
"Okay..." Lance also nodded slightly, pretended to think for a moment, and then said in a deep voice, "I previously promised to give Carlos a satisfactory offer. So... the Suns' offer is 24 million over two years."
"Buzz!" Upon hearing this offer, Austin's pupils dilated suddenly. 24 million over two years, 12 million per year – what kind of concept was this? It was more than twice the annual salary of this year's NBA Draft's first overall pick, and it was only for a short two years. In other words, after two years, Carlos could sign an even higher maximum contract.
This offer... was too high. As a well-known agent, Austin had witnessed many scenes of high-salary signings, but Lance's offer to Carlos today still shocked him.
However...
Lance's next words surprised him once again.
"Carlos, the contract is for 24 million over two years, and it's a 1+1 contract. The second year is a player option, which means that as long as you showcase your value this year, next year... you will get a much better super-max contract. And we are not afraid that you will leave, because... next year, we will still use the best offer to keep you. This is our attitude and our trust in you."
Lance said seriously.
Sweat beads oozed out from Austin's forehead, and an excited expression appeared on his face. He wished he could get Carlos to sign this contract immediately. This contract, for a rookie, was indeed a sky-high price.
However...
Carlos remained calm and asked, "Mr. Lance, may I ask you a question?"
"Of course."
"I believe you should also know that there have been rumors in the league recently, saying that I only have mid-range shooting abilities, and once targeted in defense, I will end up with nothing. Aren't you afraid?"
"Hahaha!" Lance burst into laughter. "Afraid? Why should I be afraid? What do a bunch of kids understand? With just your center physique and super guard talent, it's enough to match this offer. As long as this talent exists. Even if you don't have a mid-range shot, I am willing to wait for you to grow, and I believe you will grow into a groundbreaking super center! Just... I wonder if you're willing to give me the opportunity to witness this moment?"
"Of course." Carlos nodded with a smile.
"So, you agree?!" Lance was surprised.
Carlos smiled and said, "If such a good contract and the trust of my manager can't move me, then I, as a rookie, would be too arrogant."
"Haha!" Lance laughed heartily.
So, Carlos stayed with the Suns, signing a staggering 24 million over two years, a 1+1 contract. While Austin handled the details of the signing, Carlos said to Lance, "Manager Lance, there's something I'd like to ask for your help with."
"What is it?" Lance asked.
"I hope you can sign Stephen Curry from the Warriors for us. I think... the Suns' fast-paced tactics need a player like him."
"Oh?" Lance was momentarily stunned, then smiled and said, "Stephen has a three-pointer; he's indeed suitable for the fast-paced style. Since you've spoken, I'll do my best if the opportunity arises."
"Thank you..." Carlos nodded with a smile.
Once the contract signing was completed, the Suns couldn't wait to announce on Twitter the renewal of rookie Carlos and the contract offer, making it public. It caused a sensation.
"Oh my God!"
"Am I seeing this right? 24 million over two years, 12 million per year, and it's a 1+1 contract? What is the Suns doing? Are they crazy?"
"My goodness, 12 million per year, what kind of concept is that?"
"Well... if I remember correctly, the Suns' Steve Nash is only making 10 million this year."
"And, in the Heat's 'Big Three,' LeBron is at 14.5 million, Bosh at 14.5 million, Wade at 14.2 million, Pierce of the Celtics at 13.8 million, Parker of the Spurs at 13.5 million, Ginobili at 11.8 million, and the Warriors' star Monta Ellis has a contract amount of only 11 million."
"Hiss! Carlos, at 12 million for one year, does this mean that, as a rookie, he has surpassed Monta Ellis, surpassed Ginobili, challenged 'The Truth' Pierce, and is on par with the Heat's 'Big Three'?"
"No no no, LeBron, Wade, and Bosh have to some extent taken pay cuts."
"Indeed, but even so, Carlos, as a rookie, has reached the height of a star, and even the leader of the team. That's too amazing."
"Exactly!"
"Carlos is so surprising, and the Suns are so crazy!"
"Hehe, I don't know what Manager Lance is thinking. A rookie center who only has a mid-range shot is given such a big offer, it's really crazy."
"Yeah, it's a 1+1 contract too. If Carlos doesn't perform well, he gets 12 million for nothing. If he does well, he can leave tomorrow. The Suns are not making a good deal."
"I can't understand!"
"What's with Carlos only having a mid-range shot and saying he'll leave in the future? That's a later issue. I just feel... the annual salary of 12 million for one year is too high. I... I envy it so much."
"Extremely envious. Others at 18 are earning millions, while I'm 18 this year and only making 40,000 a year. I can only check Twitter after work. Sigh..."
"Haha, I'm not envious. After all, Carlos has the ability. The thoughts of the team management are certainly not something us ordinary fans can understand. But... I'm curious now. What does Wall, this year's NBA Draft's first overall pick, think when he sees Carlos getting a contract more than twice as high as his own?"
"Hehe, it must be very uncomfortable."
Late at night...
Due to the Suns' offer, Twitter was ablaze, with fans both admiring and finding the offer too high. Even some team management thought it was too much.
Regarding this, the next day, Manager Lance, facing reporters in an interview, casually said, "Rich and capricious!"
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