Re-signing Harden now and re-signing Butler this summer are the best choices.
Xu Xin thought about it and immediately decided to call his boss.
"Xu, is there anything important it's so late?"
The call was quickly connected, Alexander said with a yawn.
Xu Xin looked at the time. It was already past 11 p.m. He was so busy that he forgot the time.
"Oops, I'm sorry, I forgot to check the time. Boss, I'll make a long story short. I plan to reach a contract extension with Harden in the next few days. He is the future of the team."
Xu Xin said firmly.
"Okay, I agree."
Alexander said nonchalantly.
"But we can't pay the luxury tax. You know, the team has been losing money in the past few years. It has indeed improved this year, but we can't squander the money after making some money."
Alexander added another sentence, which made sense, but in short, he was reluctant to spend money.
"Okay boss, I understand."
Xu Xin shook his head and smiled bitterly. He knew that after so many years, the culprit that restricted the launch of the rocket was the stingy boss.
Fortunately, the team's current salary situation is still very healthy, and Butler still has a one-year bonus period. With the current performance of Harden and Butler, although they are excellent, it is still very difficult to achieve the "Rose Clause".
Rose's clause has three conditions. If one of them is met, he can sign a super-maximum contract with a starting salary accounting for 30% of the team's salary cap.
The three conditions are extremely difficult, either being elected to the regular season MVP once during the rookie contract, becoming an All-Star starter twice, or being selected to the All-NBA Team twice (either first, second, or third team).
For Harden, the latter two are no longer available. He is in the last year of his rookie contract.
He has not been an All-Star starter in the past three years, nor has he been selected to the best team. There is only hope of being elected as the regular season MVP this season, but the difficulty is not small.
Harden is currently ranked fifth on the MVP list. The first four people are James, Durant, Anthony and Paul. Three of the Four Heroes are ranked in the top, and Wade is also in the top ten.
Xu Xin believes that Harden also understands in his heart that he is still confident in renewing his contract in advance.
He quickly edited the contract and sent it to Harden's email.
. . .
"Clang clang clang!"
"Please come in."
Harden walked in with his agent and said with a smile:
"Good morning, Manager Xu."
"Morning, you must have seen the new contract sent to you last night."
Xu Xin went straight to the topic and said.
"Yes, to be honest, the quotation has exceeded my expectations. During the transaction last summer, the Rockets management promised 60 million in four years. Unexpectedly, you raised the quotation again."
Harden smiled sheepishly.
"I fully understand that the golden age of players is only a dozen years, and some may be shorter. There is no problem in getting a better salary for yourself."
Xu Xin looked at Harden and his tone was very sincere.
"Thank you manager for your understanding."
Harden scratched his head, a little at a loss. In fact, this matter is indeed his fault. Previously, the contract renewal negotiations with the Thunder collapsed. The Rockets extended an olive branch and promised to give him the 60 million in four years that he wanted.
But as the season progresses, Harden's performance can be said to be astonishing, averaging 26.7 points, 6.9 rebounds and 8.8 assists per game, ranking fifth in the league in points and fourth in assists. Such performance is not excessive to get a maximum salary. Bar?
So Harden, on the advice of his agent, resorted to procrastination. When he becomes a restricted free agent in the summer, there will definitely be many teams willing to offer him a maximum salary contract. By then, the Rockets will only be able to match this. There is a way to go.
Then he doesn't break his promise, at least he didn't take the initiative to ask the Rockets for a maximum salary.
But what Xu Xin sent him last night was a maximum offer of 66 million with a starting salary accounting for 25% of the team's salary cap and an annual increase of 8%, totaling 4 years.
Harden feels that his efforts have been rewarded, and Xu Xin is the general manager who appreciates and trusts him.
"Manager Xu, don't worry, I will work harder to bring back another championship for Houston!"
Harden expressed his determination to Xu Xin and said firmly.
"I believe in you, but one championship is not enough. I think you will become a legend of the Rockets, and the Rockets dynasty will be started because of you."
Xu Xin looked into Harden's eyes and said word by word.
"It's necessary. I will set a flag today. I won't go to nightclubs until I build a dynasty!"
Harden said confidently.
As soon as these words came out, the three people present laughed. How strong would Harden be if he didn't go to nightclubs? Xu Xin couldn't wait.
Two hours later, Woshen updated social media:
"Harden and the Rockets reached an agreement to renew his contract in advance and stay in Houston for 4 years and 66 million."
As soon as the news came out, it received rave reviews.
Both Harden and Xu Xin have become the objects of praise from fans.
"Xu Xin did a great job. I was worried that he wouldn't be able to keep Harden. After all, as a small ball market, it is not attractive to stars."
"Yeah, now that's good, this is one of the top five stars in the league!"
"Be bold, Harden will be the number one player in the league in two years."
"I hope Xu Xin can renew Butler's contract this summer, so that the team will be a strong first-line team in the next five years."
"Look at what Butler is asking for. If he gets another maximum salary, Xu Xin will be under too much pressure."
"I believe in our Manager Xu. When has he ever let us down?"
. . .
On the night of January 5th, the Rockets were at home to welcome the Lakers after the big trade.
Fans arrived early and the venue was packed, waiting for this much-anticipated battle.
"Last night there were two strong conversations. The Spurs lost to the Heat and the Thunder lost to the Knicks. If the Rockets win tonight, the Rockets will become No. 1 in the Western Conference."
There are fans and people nearby analyzing the situation in the Western Conference.
"I think there is no problem. The Rockets have been in such great shape recently. Harden also renewed his contract yesterday. People are in high spirits when happy events happen. This is another big win."
People in the front row turned around to join in the discussion and chat.
"It's hard to say. The Lakers have Kobe. It's hard to win games with Kobe."
The person next to him said with a solemn expression, it seems that in recent years, the Lake and Fire Wars have been dominated by Kobe.
The Chinese live broadcast platform also broadcast this key battle live.
In the live broadcast room, Yu Jia and Yang Yi were sitting in front of the commentary desk in suits and ties.
"Hello everyone in front of the TV, I am the commentator Yu Jia. We have also invited our old friend Yang Yi to watch the game with you."
"Hello everyone, my name is Yang Yi."
Yang Yi said seriously with a smile on his face.
"Teacher Yang Yi, let's talk about the two teams first."
Yu Jia said.
"It's another Lake-Fire game. Since Yao Ming entered the NBA, the Lake-Fire game has become one of the fans' favorite matchups.
In the past two years, the Rockets have been lonely and their attention has been reduced. However, this year is different. The tide has turned, right? The Rockets have successfully rebuilt themselves this season and become the hottest team in the league.
Looking back at the Lakers, the team has changed three head coaches in 30 games since the start of the season. D'Antoni's coaching style is not suitable for Kobe Gasol, which is why their results have been unstable during this period.
Huo Moude's farce has given them enough trouble. They are now ranked ninth in the Western Conference, and there are already signs of being a wealthy team in decline.
However, the situation has also changed. General Manager Mickey, whom we are familiar with, cut the knot quickly and sent Huo Moude away in exchange for Iguodala and Big McGee. His strength has definitely improved. "
Yang Yi first analyzed the current situation of the two teams.
