The Basketball Court Swordsman

Abandoning the beauty of Mount Cook, Henson rushed back to the United States at the fastest speed.

Chris Paul, this is definitely one of Henson's favorite players. When Paul was willing to make a desperate move to accompany him to Indianapolis, Henson was very happy and grateful. After all, the Pacers at that time had nothing to do with the word championship. However, Paul resolutely chose to trust himself.

Everyone, like the feeling of being trusted.

Henson still remembers that he was just eliminated by the Chicago Bulls. At that time, his main competitor, the Los Angeles Clippers, was sitting on the super champion Griffin.

If Paul really partnered with Griffin back then, what spark would it make? Henson didn't know. He only knew that Paul's appearance instantly turned the Pacers into a championship-level team. And this championship is five.

Among the "Four Heroes", Wade has a ring and James has only one ring. Anthony has never played in the finals in his life. And Chris Paul, he is already wearing a championship ring on one hand!

People say that it was Henson and the Pacers who made Paul. Without these five championships, Paul could not have the historical status today. But Henson believed that it was Paul who made himself and the Pacers.

From 1 to 2, from 2 to 3 is easy. But from 0 to 1, from scratch, it is very difficult.

If Paul hadn't joined that year, the Pacers might have difficulty becoming a championship-level team. And unable to win the first championship, all subsequent operations will not be so smooth.

Therefore, Henson has always regarded Paul as the team's Kuibao. As long as he is there, the Pacers locker room will never be chaotic. As long as he is on the court, Henson doesn't have to worry too much about the Pacers' offense.

He and Paul are in a tacit understanding, and sometimes Henson casually confessed a few words, and Paul knew what to do. Their cooperation is close, and they are considered the smartest point guard plus the smartest coach.

But now, all this beauty may be about to fade away.

"Boss, I heard you went camping these days? Where?"

When Henson entered Paul's home in Indianapolis, it was very empty. Although I don’t want to admit it, Henson guessed that Paul should have moved most of the furniture to Houston...

"New Zealand, haven't you seen "The Lord of the Rings"? It was the filming location in the movie." Henson replied lightly, and then sat down on the sofa as if he were at home.

"Really? I also take my family to play when I have time."

"Chris, how much do they bid?" Henson did not continue to exchange greetings with Paul, and Paul knew the purpose of Henson's visit.

Last season, Paul was still one of the best point guards in the league. However, due to injuries and other reasons, Paul's performance has declined significantly.

In May of this year, Paul was already 33 years old. As a veteran, and a veteran who can see the decline in form, Henson believes that there should be no team risking Paul's maximum salary contract.

This summer, the Pacers prepared a four-year contract for Paul with an average annual salary of $15 million. Although it is not a maximum salary, but under the current salary structure of the Pacers, this is already the greatest sincerity.

Therefore, Henson thought that the Rockets would not pay too high a salary. But when Paul said the Rockets' price, Henson was silent.

"In 4 years, 160 million, they gave me a maximum salary."

Henson swallowed and gave a 33-year-old veteran who was in decline a maximum salary. Morey was desperate! 4 years of 160 million, annual salary of 40 million US dollars! Even for Paul, this is an astronomical figure!

And how big a gap is between 40 million a year and 15 million a year, Henson believes elementary school students can see it.

Henson was originally planning to keep Paul, if the salary gap is not big, Henson also intends to play a family card to keep Paul.

But in front of 160 million, Henson thought all his rhetoric was selfish.

He also told Paul last summer, "If a team is willing to give you a maximum salary, I will never stop you."

The coach wants to pursue championships and achievements, but players also have the right to pursue their own happiness.

After the last four years of the contract worth 160 million US dollars, Paul can also consider retirement with peace of mind. At least later in his career, he doesn't need to worry about his own survival. Look at Anthony, who is still no one cares about, and look at how miserable Wade is. Paul has the opportunity to sign a maximum salary, and Henson has no reason to obstruct.

"Boss, I'm actually...reluctant to leave. Indianapolis is almost my second hometown, and I spent the most wonderful period of my career here. But you also said that Basketball is not all of life. Considering the future, I really need this contract. And the Rockets are also a Western Conference team, I don’t have to fight you directly."

"Um... Basketball is not all of life. Go on, Chris, go after what you want. You have done enough for Indianapolis. I have no reason to stop you."

"Hahaha, I believe this is not the main purpose of your coming today."

"Yeah, my purpose was to keep you. I just didn't expect... the Rockets bid too hard." Henson spread his hand, "but I still have to say sorry to you, Chris . We chose to renew George instead of you..."

"Don't be sorry, renewing George is the best choice for the team. Besides," Paul smirked, "George doesn't get as much as I do."

Henson smiled and waved his hand. I have to say that the price of 160 million yuan in 4 years is indeed a bit scary.

At that time, many people will say that Paul signed a premium contract, but at this time, Paul is the only choice for the Rockets. Therefore, they tried their best to chase Paul without any problems.

Morey is not a fool, and it is impossible for a fool to be the general manager of the Rockets for many years.

"By the way, I'm leaving, do you have a replacement for me?"

When Paul said this, Henson just got better and his mood was gloomy.

He did not answer, but shook his head silently. Where is Chris Paul's replacement so easy to find.

On July 8, 2018, more than a week after the opening of the free agency market, the Houston Rockets dropped a nuclear bomb on the league.

"Chris Paul signed with the Rockets for 160 million in 4 years, the league's most luxurious guard line combination is released!

"Chris Paul switched to the Rockets. Henson and Paul broke down?"

"The rocket is full of fuel and will surely lift off next season!"

"Without the best point guard, can the Pacers complete the defense and establish a second dynasty?"

Overwhelming reports let fans all over the world know the news of Paul's switch to the Rockets for the first time. In Indianapolis, half of the fans wished Paul success in the future. The other half of the younger fans began to burn Paul's jersey on the street.

But this is a misunderstanding that a professional player should bear, hasn't Allen Iverson said it? "If one day I die, I will engrave a misunderstanding on my tombstone."

The transfer of Paul has been talked about by fans. But Henson and Bird didn't react, because they knew the result a long time ago.

"You mean, you didn't even try to keep him?" Bird sat in the office, watching the news that Paul was leaving, somewhat heartbroken.

"It's not necessary, Bird, that's 160 million, 160 million!" Henson shook his head. Now the NBA salary is really scary.

You know, Kobe's 20-year NBA salary is only more than 320 million, and Paul's contract is almost half of Kobe's career income.

"So, who do you think we should control next season? Oladipo? Brogdon?"

"That's what I'm worrying about right now, Bird. To be honest, I don't have a perfect Paul replacement right now. This summer, this last lap for both of us may be very hard, Bird. "

Henson covered his forehead in distress. It seemed that he hadn't bothered about summer reinforcement for a long time.