ace marshal

Chapter 1403 Reinforcement from the General Manager
In a five-star hotel in London, Cole, Harden and Harden's agent are discussing the early contract extension between Harden and the Clippers.

"If there are some incentive clauses attached, we can accept a four-year contract close to the maximum salary, but what I can't figure out is, why do we have to add a team option in the last year~?!, why can't it be a four-year full contract? Guaranteed ~?!, are you worried that Harden’s ability will decline at that time, or do you have ulterior motives~?!”

"We just hope that Harden can continue to work hard. If Harden plays at the MVP level, the team has every reason to terminate the contract with Harden in the last year, and then sign a bigger and longer contract. Come on, isn't it better~?!"

Cole and Harden's agents have different opinions on the length of the contract.

In general, Harden has agreed to accept a contract below the maximum salary, but it must be fully guaranteed. However, Cole wants to make the team more active in the contract, so he chose to pay in the last year. Join the team option, and the two sides are at loggerheads over it.

"No no no~, compared to renewing the contract in advance, what we value more is whether there is better protection~"

Harden's agent responded immediately.

Cole heard that and immediately looked at Harden.

After all, Harden is the protagonist in this matter.

Harden's opinion will determine the final result.

"This is the first big contract in my career. Of course I want better protection and more money. There is no doubt about it, but what I'm not sure about is that the team option is based on me. Let’s talk about whether it’s good or bad~”

Harden tugged at his beard and responded.

"I think this is definitely a good thing for you~!!"

Cole heard it and responded immediately.

"Because he can urge you and make you better, I believe it will be the same ~, the guarantee contract for the first three years can allow you to play yourself better, even if the team does not renew the contract in advance, We will also take the initiative to choose to implement the team option. Who can let the champion he selected slip away for nothing~?! Take a step back, even if the team finally gives up the team option and makes you a free agent, I think You are also a favorite, there will definitely be other teams offering you a super-maximum salary contract, definitely will~!!"

Cole explained patiently.

Harden listened, continued to tug at his beard, and nodded.

Harden seems to have understood Kerr's thoughts.

"I think it makes sense, why don't you just let it go~"

Harden whispered to his agent.

"But,,,"

The agent was a little reconciled when he heard this, but he didn't know how to respond.

"Ok~, I agree to this 3+1 contract, let's sign it~, I can't wait for the official announcement~!"

Soon, Harden gave his final response.

"I knew you would accept~!!"

Cole smiled confidently and said.

"In 4 years and 7500 years, the No. [-] pick will renew his contract ahead of schedule and stay with the Clippers~!!"

Soon, the news of Harden's contract extension hit the headlines.

"Combined with Love and Jordan who renewed their contracts early last year, and George who is about to enter his third year of career, the core lineup of the Clippers will remain stable for a long time, which is very important~!! "

Lan Shengli sighed after hearing the news very quickly.

"However, if George renews his contract with the maximum salary in the future, then the salary space will basically be locked, and the pressure will be very, very heavy~"

Lan Shengli shook his head and continued to sigh.

In addition to renewing Harden's contract in advance, the Clippers also carried out a large-scale signings and reinforcement plan during the offseason.

Cole has already sent these summaries to Lan Shengli's e-mail.

Lan Shengli also quickly opened the email.

The first signing was the renewal of the contract with point guard Billups.

With a two-year veteran's basic salary contract worth 450 million, "Big Heart" Billups will continue to help young players grow and continue to play a "passing and helping" role.

Being able to sign a player like Billups with a veteran's basic salary, Cole can be regarded as helping the Clippers find a treasure.

So in the new season, the Clippers will continue to have Billups, Harden, George, Love's own Jordan's five-tiger lineup.

There is basically no change in the starting lineup, but the changes in the bench are great.

Because of the need to leave salary space to renew Harden, the team did not renew the contracts with Livingston and Bass, and the two became free agents.

After that, he quickly reached a contract with the Nets and the Lakers.

The departure of these two people still has a great impact on the Clippers' bench.

In addition to these two, Delfino's contract expired. Although the Clippers provided a one-year veteran's basic salary, he chose to return to his hometown of Argentina. Okur announced his retirement and Turiaf signed. European teams, so only Foye and Brewer are left on the bench.

But Cole quickly completed multiple signings in the free agent market, immediately completing reinforcements for the team.

First of all, the team signed a blue-collar center with an explosive head, Robin Lopez, who had just ended his rookie contract.

This insider who played diligently in the Suns for four seasons has not been renewed by the Suns after all. Perhaps for a team like the Suns that emphasizes running and bombing, as an insider who wants to stay on the team, You really have to have a long shot.

It's just that Robin doesn't have the range of his brother Brooke.

However, Robin's ability to protect the frame has been affirmed, and may be more or less functionally duplicated with Jordan, but after all, the Clippers are really lacking in the interior.

The second signing was completed with the former "Rocket Bird" Carl Landry.

During the Rockets period, especially the round of the series with the Lakers was impressive, and the previous defensive struggle showed Landry's value.

After a few seasons of ups and downs, perhaps Landry can regain the status of "God Bird" in the Clippers.

The last important signing was the signing of the former "Second Small Forward in the Eastern Conference", the former All-Star striker Caron Butler who "won" a championship with the Dallas Mavericks before.

Although Butler is only 32 years old, due to injuries, he has rarely performed well in recent seasons. This time accepting a veteran's basic salary from the Clippers, he also hopes to get a chance to prove himself again.

Butler really needs such an opportunity.

Therefore, in the new season, the Clippers' bench will consist of Foye, Brewer, Butler, Landry, Robin and some two-way contract players.

Perhaps this lineup is inferior to last season, but it is not them who determine the direction of the Clippers in the new season.

(End of this chapter)