813: More than just business
The rumors about Iguodala and the Warriors spread all over the city.
In this period when the superstars have not yet started to take action, the Grizzlies' two consecutive championships are the biggest player in the free agent market.
His contact with the Warriors has become the focus of hot discussion among fans in recent days.
In NBA, there are almost no secrets in transfers. Once there is a little trouble, it will be revealed immediately.
After all, just relying on leaking transfer news can support a group of basketball journalists and the entire industry.
Those famous basketball reporters usually have extremely large and complex interpersonal networks, so it is not difficult for them to get internal news.
Kohl comes to negotiate with Iguodala, and it is impossible that only Kohl and Iguodala know about it.
And as long as a third person knows about this, 99% of the incident will be revealed.
Iguodala looked at the news about him and curled her lips. Unexpectedly, he could be the "protagonist" this summer.
48 million in 4 years, this is indeed a very attractive price for Iguodala.
And Cole is right, in Auckland and in the Bay Area, it will be more convenient for Iguodala to invest.
Iguodala has always yearned for big cities. When he came out of 76ers, he hoped that he could go to big cities.
But Memphis, Iguodala changed her mind.
He likes playing with the Grizzlies and fighting at the Federal Express Arena.
He likes Randolph's jokes every day, likes the vegetables and fruits that Gasol brings to everyone from time to time, likes Tony Allen's card game, likes Conley's piano performance...
The most important thing is that he likes the team who always tells everyone that "the game is not over yet, let's continue to fight." The one who can always turn the tide at critical moments and always holds everyone together, and always makes the person who loves him love him more, and the person who hates him hates his leader more!
Iguodala's career was mediocre in the first eight years. He only played 5 playoffs in 8 years, 4 of which were in the first round, and his best result was only the second round. People expected him to become Jordan in Philadelphia, but he only wanted to play the role of Pippen.
He was unhappy in playing and the team lost patience.
However, it was in Memphis that he thought he had reached the peak of his career. Iguodala still remembers that on the first day he came to the Grizzlies, Link told him, "Hey, we have to work together to do something. As long as we join forces, the dome of the FedEx Arena should be less empty."
At the beginning, Iguodala didn't take it seriously. He only took the Memphis Grizzlies as a springboard. He hoped to jump out of the contract in a year and sign a big city team. He didn't want to waste time in the remote Memphis, and he didn't want to daydream with a undrafted draft pick.
However, as the season progressed, he found that he really fell in love with it.
Love the fans, teammates, and everything they won together!
Thinking of this, Iguodala opened his safe and took out the exquisite championship ring.
The championship ring, several honor pennants on the Federal Express Arena... Iguodala knew that the undraft, or the leader, was not kidding him!
When the second championship ring was awarded, Iguodala hoped that she would still stand in the Federal Express Arena and beside her teammates, rather than waiting for the ring to be mailed.
Although he has only been to Memphis for two years, Iguodala feels that his feelings for Memphis and the Grizzlies are deeper than those for Philadelphia and the Sixers. He cannot forget everything he has experienced in Memphis. Now that Iguodala thinks of the championship path they have taken, Iguodala can't help but giggle.
In the past 8 years, he has been mediocre in his career. It was Memphis that allowed him to experience the taste of victory.
This year, he is 30 years old, not too young. As a forward guard, he is still in his last prime time.
Now, he holds two championships and two championship rings. He has the opportunity to strive for three consecutive championships and create a dynasty with his favorite team!
With three consecutive championships, dynasty, how many people can get such an opportunity? Even if there is a second chance, can I wait for myself, who is already 30? Even if there is a second chance, can I play as happy as in Memphis?
Iguodala looked at the championship ring in her hand and fell into deep thought again.
48 million in 4 years, this is an attractive price. From all aspects, Iguodala seems to have no reason to refuse.
People say that NBA is a business, and Iguodala used to believe it. But Iguodala now deeply realizes that not everything can be described as "just business".
They went through the difficult times together, they held up the O'Brien Cup cheers together, they stacked the arhats on the court, and the time they fought for each other... These have nothing to do with business.
48 million in four years. From a business perspective, Iguodala knows very well that if she refuses this offer, she will be the number one fool.
But why do you have to consider basketball from a business perspective?
Just as Iguodala was struggling, his cell phone rang.
It's Link.
"Link." Iguodala tried hard to make her tone sound lighter.
"Igo, where are you now? When are you going to go back to Memphis? You haven't forgotten, Zach's wedding in August this year."
Iguodala thought Link called to persuade him to stay, but unexpectedly told him about Randolph's wedding.
Randolph has been criticized for too long, so he finally decided to marry his girlfriend this summer. Why is it said to be "finally"? Because Randolph and his girlfriend have had three children before!
"I remember, Link, how could I forget Zach's wedding? In fact, I'm in Memphis now, I'm at home." Iguodala smiled. It was really hard for him to imagine leaving these guys.
"Are you in Memphis? Didn't the news say you are in New York?"
"You saw the news?"
"Of course, no one knows that news now."
"So, what do you think about this?" Iguodala shook her head. Link's ability to change the topic is simply first-class! Pretending to ask about attending the wedding, I actually want to ask if I am in Memphis!
"How can I think, that's 48 million in 4 years, man. I can't say selfishly, hey, fuck 48 million, in Memphis, we can create glory together. I feel shameful about this kind of nonsense. You have to admit that you need that contract, Ego. But..."
Iguodala didn't say anything, he was waiting for Link to finish the words behind "Dan".
"But if you really ask me what I think, of course I hope you stay. If you are not here, who will pull us when the fight? If you go to Oakland, we will definitely get 200% banned next season."
"Hahahahahahahaha, OK, it turns out that my duty in the Grizzlies is to break up the fight."
"Hehe, you are our decisive needle, Igo. But the choice lies in you. No matter how you choose, I will support you. Unfortunately, I can't help with this..."
"Don't say that, you are worth the maximum salary, you have no reason to cut your salary. Even if I really leave, it has nothing to do with your maximum salary, do you understand?"
"I understand, no matter what the result is, you must tell me in advance, okay?"
"Of course, I promise, you will know about me before all the reporters." Iguodala listened to the phone and looked at the championship ring in her hand.
For a moment, he almost made up his mind and almost shouted the words "Fuck it 48 million."
"So, let's have a break early, I'll see you at Ego and Zach's wedding."
"Goodbye, Link."
After hanging up the phone, Iguodala took a deep breath. Just as she was about to wash and go to bed, her phone vibrated again.
This time, it's not a phone call, but a news push.
After seeing the news that was pushed, Iguodala frowned and opened her mouth wide.
"Zach Randolph decided to execute the player option, jump out of his last year contract and become a free agent."
"What!?" Iguodala was stunned. Randolph jumped out of the contract? Why is this? He is going to get married this summer. Does he still want to wade into the muddy waters of the free agent market?
Just when Iguodala was surprised, Randolph sent a text message.
Chapter completed!