NBA: What happened to flirting with Hollywood actresses?i have to score

Chapter 315 Howard’s contract renewal issue

As the last game of the group stage came to an end, all the teams entering the second stage were determined.

The Longguo men's basketball team is assigned to Group F. Starting tomorrow, they will start the second stage of the battle.

According to the matchup arrangement, the first opponent of the Longguo men’s basketball team in the second stage is Kazakhstan.

At this year's Asian Championships, Kazakhstan also performed very strongly in the first round.

They also achieved a record of 3 wins and 0 losses, but the opponents they faced were much inferior to those faced by the Dragon Kingdom men's basketball team.

Then Kazakhstan collapsed and failed to win a single game in the second stage.

This kind of opponent is not even as good as the Korean team, and Qin Xiao has no interest in it.

There was no competition today, and Qin Xiao felt a little bored.

Staying in a hotel all day without being able to move around is no better than going to jail.

At this moment, Qin Xiao's cell phone rang.

It was an international long distance call from Citigroup, and the caller was none other than Kobe Bryant.

"Qin, you did a good job. You won all three games. You look like the boss of the team."

On the phone, Kobe joked.

"You called all the way to tell me this, right?"

Qin Xiao knew Kobe so well that if nothing happened, he would never call him now.

Kobe didn't beat around the bush and said bluntly: "Actually, it's not a big deal. It's just about this year's draft. We made a lot of transactions last season, so we only have the No. 44 pick in the second round."

"There are not many players for us to choose from. Kupchak wanted to ask you if you have any suggestions."

Qin Xiao was slightly stunned at first, but soon understood.

Generally speaking, the team's draft picks are determined by the management.

Sometimes, suggestions from core players will also be listened to.

Obviously, the Lakers management completely regards themselves as the cornerstone of the team's future, so they specifically asked for his advice.

Although Qin Xiao is a time traveler, it is impossible for him to remember everything.

He only has some vague impressions about the draft every year.

I remember those famous players quite clearly.

When it comes to second-round picks, I can’t remember exactly.

What's more, the Lakers still have the 44th pick in the second round.

There are almost no outstanding players selected from this pick, and most of them are leftovers.

Those players may not play long in the league before being waived.

Qin Xiao thought about it carefully and couldn't think of a more powerful second-round pick this season.

"You can make your choice on this matter. You don't need to ask for my advice. I don't know much about this either. After all, the pick is too low and there aren't many options available."

Qin Xiao spoke very directly. In fact, Kobe also felt that there was no need to choose anything in particular.

"Yes, although the draft is not important, the issue of Dwight's contract extension is."

Kobe changed the topic and shifted the topic to Howard, wanting to explore Qin Xiao's tone.

The most important thing for the Lakers right now is not the draft, but whether they can maintain last season's winning lineup.

Howard was traded from the Magic, and last season was also his contract year. If you want him to stay with the Lakers, you need to sign a new contract.

After all, Howard is the league's No. [-] center, and his contract offer will not be low.

This season the Lakers' salary exceeded the luxury line, so they paid a high luxury tax!

Once Howard is re-signed at a high price, it means that the Lakers will face high luxury taxes next season, and even in the following seasons.

The most important thing is that Kobe and Gasol are getting older and no one can guarantee how long they can maintain their condition.

If the condition of these two cores drops a lot, it will not be easy for the Lakers to win the championship.

At that time, it will become more difficult for them to conduct transactions when the salary space is completely locked.

Therefore, renewing Howard's contract has become a big problem for the management!

"This doesn't seem to be something I can decide, does it?"

Qin Xiao heard the implication of Kobe's words, but he did not express his thoughts.

"You are still so cautious with me. It's okay. You can say whatever you want. This is not what the management means. I just want to hear your opinion."

"As for the final decision, that's Jenny's decision."

After hearing what Kobe said, Qin Xiao started talking.

"If that's the case, it doesn't hurt to talk about it. I personally think it's okay to renew the contract, but it's not cost-effective if it's a maximum salary."

Qin Xiao's words really aroused Kobe's interest.

"Oh? Then tell me, why is it not a good deal? He is the number one center in the league!"

Qin Xiao explained: "Although it seems that he is still the number one center in the league, have you noticed that his dominance has begun to decline."

"There is another very important reason. Dwight has already got the honor he wants. When a person is satisfied, he will inevitably become a little slack."

"I think his condition will become worse year by year, and he will even be replaced as the number one center soon."

"So I said the contract can be renewed, but the maximum salary is not cost-effective."

Qin Xiao's analysis still made some sense, and Kobe on the other end of the phone nodded secretly.

It seems that Qin Xiao is not only good at playing basketball, but also has his own ideas in these aspects. Such talents are rare.

Afterwards, the two chatted for a while before hanging up the phone.

……

The room became quiet again, Qin Xiao was still thinking about the topic just now.

To be honest, he really wants to see the Lakers keep Howard.

In this way, in the next few years, he is sure that the Purple and Gold Army will be among the championship contenders.

But if you can't stay, at least find a suitable replacement.

But players who can replace Howard cannot be found casually.

Qin Xiao, who was lying on the bed, had a flash of inspiration in his mind, and suddenly thought of someone.

This person is Hassan Whiteside, nicknamed 'Big Whiteside'.

This guy is younger than Howard. Although he is not as strong as Howard, he also won the league's rebounding and shot-blocking titles at his peak.

He can be regarded as a very good blue-collar insider, but now Whiteside is in a state of having no ball to play.

Thinking of this, Qin Xiao had already made up his mind.

Once the contract extension with Howard fails, he will immediately recommend Da Baibian to the management.

The most important thing is that players like Da Baibian who have no ball to play in the NBA are much cheaper than Howard.

It is no exaggeration to say that renewing Howard's contract can sign Da Baibian, which is quite appropriate!

But he just thought about these things himself, and the decision-making power always rested with Aunt Jenny.