The pursuit of Zhao Feiyang by various companies continues to happen, and for the Minnesota Timberwolves, this is obviously not good news.
Although Zhao Feiyang personally stated that he would wait for the Timberwolves' next move, the offseason is too long and there are too many variables.
The Timberwolves must identify their core so they can build a championship-contending roster around him.
Otherwise, everything is ready, but in the end the core of the team is gone and poached by others. What will the team do then?
Therefore, three days after the Cleveland Cavaliers' offer, the Minnesota Timberwolves' Phillip Sanders came forward to negotiate contracts with Zhao Feiyang on behalf of the team.
The two parties met in the team's conference room, and there were not many people involved. From the legal staff to the management, to Zhao Feiyang and agent David Stock, there were only five people in total.
In front of the conference table, coach Philip Sanders dragged his tired body over. His condition was gradually getting worse, and his face was much uglier than before.
Even so, he was still busy with various team affairs, as if he was going to fight until the last moment of his life.
"Zhao, after careful consideration by the team's top management, we have offered you a new contract."
"Of course, we can't give too high a price. After all, the team still needs to sign other players..."
"Kevin's contract originally had one more season, but he decided to retire... The team bought him out early, which can be regarded as his contribution to us..."
As coach Philip Sanders spoke, Zhao Feiyang opened the contract and looked through it.
What shocked him was that the contract price offered by the Timberwolves was not low. In a total of three years, the total salary reached US$72 million, of which Zhao Feiyang had a player option in the third year, by which time he would be able to get out of the contract in advance. !
Other specific terms were also listed. After reading it and asking the legal staff, Zhao Feiyang was also extremely satisfied with the Timberwolves' contract.
"The price of 24 million a year is not something you can give casually... The fact that a stingy team like the Timberwolves can give me so much money has indeed proven their sincerity..." "
"Let alone them, any team in the league might not be able to easily offer a price of 24 million..."
Zhao Feiyang muttered in his heart.
"Zhao, do you still have any doubts? Don't worry, we have also noted in the contract the signing of All-Star players by the team... If we can't do it, you can choose to contact the team Termination..."
"This matter has been approved by the management. You can rest assured that we will look for suitable candidates in the offseason..."
Seeing that Coach Philip Sanders was talking about this, Zhao Feiyang really had nothing to hesitate.
"Coach Philip, I am willing to sign with the team..."
A few minutes later, the two parties formally signed the contract in the conference room.
Coach Philip Sanders smiled and gave Zhao Feiyang a big hug.
"We are also looking for candidates for the head coach...I believe that next season will be a huge change for the Timberwolves..."
"If I could still see..."
Coach Philip Sanders said the last words very softly, and Zhao Feiyang did not hear them clearly.
In short, the Timberwolves quickly held a press conference and announced the news through official channels. For a time, countless media reprinted it, and the entire NBA league knew about it.
For a time, public opinion suddenly became heated, and not only the fans, but also the players were involved.
Cavaliers star Kyrie Irving, who is participating in the second round of the playoffs, commented under the news, saying he was surprised by the amount.
"Oh! Man, this is incredible... I will only get less than 15 million US dollars next season, and this guy actually got 24 million. This is an amazing price..."
Another star Joe Johnson also commented.
"God! Another guy who got $24 million. Man, if you had $890,000 more, you would be almost as good as me..."
As Zhao Feiyang’s former teammate, LeBron James also expressed his views online. But compared to the surprise of other players, he showed blessings.
"Zhao, congratulations!"
"Man, your annual salary is higher than mine now, hahaha... remember to treat me to dinner next time we meet..."
The players are relatively restrained. After all, we all play in the same league. Even if they are unhappy, they will not show it. Even if there is some jealousy, they will maintain the friendship on the scene.
But the fans are different.
Fans who support and do not support Zhao Feiyang are completely divided into two groups.
First of all, those who support him think that the price he signed is very reasonable.
"24 million U.S. dollars? It does sound like a lot, but Zhao is not only an All-Star player, he is also a player from China... Do you know how much potential the Chinese market has? If the Timberwolves can maintain With the cooperative relationship with China, they will definitely become the next Rockets..."
"Yes, maybe in the next few years, the home team of Chinese fans will be the Timberwolves, and the jerseys everyone buys are also Zhao Feiyang's. The commercial value he brings is too great... His teammates will definitely benefit from this..."
"The contract of 24 million US dollars seems to be a big deal, but the broadcast contract will expire in the next few years, and then the salary of the entire league will definitely increase greatly. If we look back in a few years, this will The price of US$24 million is nothing, maybe at that time even an excellent role player would have a chance to get it..."
"Being able to lead the team and score points without any scandals or negative issues in private... Such a leader only costs 24 million! It's really worth it!"
Those who do not support Zhao Feiyang hold a completely different view.
"Shit! Such a contract is simply bullshit! Are you kidding me? Kobe's contract is only $25 million! He is the number one player in the league... Joe Johnson is only a few hundred thousand dollars less. Knife, but that guy is simply overpaid and incompetent... He doesn't deserve that kind of contract..."
"Zhao is the third-highest-paid player in the league next season. Frankly speaking, I don't think he deserves it. His salary is even higher than LeBron's. Why?"
"Look who's salary is behind this guy? LeBron James, Carmelo Anthony, Dwight Howard, Chris Bosh, Chris Paul, Kevin Durant... ...Why does this Chinese boy compare with these names?”
"For a 30-year-old guy, the Timberwolves still paid such a high price to sign him? In my opinion, this guy is worth 14 million at most! Any more is not worth it... The Timberwolves' The management will definitely regret it. They will be unable to turn around in the past few years because of this stupid contract..."
