As for the position of team leader, Chairman Qiao did not mention it at all, because it's not something one can simply be given.
As long as He Xi Meng is still with the Celtics, Carter will never be the green team's undisputed leader.
Carter himself must understand this first.
If Carter seeks an independent leader status, then there's nothing more to discuss between him and the Celtics.
Seeing that everyone remained silent, Chairman Qiao gave Collins a look.
Collins, as Chairman Qiao's absolute confidant, followed his lead in all matters. Many things Chairman Qiao found inconvenient to say directly, Collins would handle.
Upon receiving Chairman Qiao's signal, Collins cleared his throat and began slowly, "Vince deserves a maximum salary!"
"However, if we offer Carter a maximum salary, our salary cap for the next few seasons will be locked down! This will have obvious consequences.
First, starting next season, we will bear a heavy luxury tax burden.
Second, it will be very difficult for us to retain the excellent role players we desire, let alone strengthen the team.
Third, we will not be able to offer a second maximum salary contract!"
Collins said the third point directly to He Xi Meng, because He Xi Meng's contract will also expire after next season.
If Carter takes a maximum salary, can He Xi Meng not?
But if that happens, the Celtics' financial situation will truly be on the verge of collapse.
Unless the major investor is willing to operate at a loss and increase investment, even the normal operation of the team could become problematic.
He Xi Meng certainly understood the implication in Collins' words, but he remained outwardly calm, his eyes fixed on the glass of red wine in his hand, making it impossible to guess his thoughts.
"We have the chance to contend for a three-peat!" Kerr couldn't help but speak first. "If Carter stays, we have a high probability of achieving the feat of a three-peat and establishing our own dynasty..."
"Dynasties are not scarce in the history of the Celtics!" The Big Bird, Bird, reminded coldly.
The Celtics' last dynasty was led by The Big Bird, Bird himself. During the period of 1980-1986, they won three championships in six years.
"We don't need to pursue a three-peat at the cost of an exorbitant luxury tax! It would be best if Vince is willing to take a pay cut voluntarily. If he's not willing, we can always find a promising new star and develop them ourselves! With Xi Meng and Yao Ming as the core, and developing a third superstar, it will only take at most three to five years, or at least one to two years, and it won't be a problem at all..."
Did The Big Bird, Bird, not want to win a three-peat? Of course not. It was a feat he couldn't achieve as a player, and if he could achieve it as an owner, it would certainly be something to celebrate. It would also greatly benefit the Celtics' influence throughout the league.
However, if achieving a three-peat required a substantial and costly investment, then as a minority owner, The Big Bird, Bird had to consider his own financial situation.
What is the purpose of making the team bigger and stronger? What is the purpose of exhausting all efforts to manage the team and compete for championships? It's all about making money!
Neither The Big Bird, Bird nor Chairman Qiao had other businesses that could subsidize the team, so among the many owners in the league, they were not considered wealthy.
Therefore, after finally winning two championships and the team began to be profitable, to have it all swallowed by luxury taxes, The Big Bird, Bird was unwilling!
The Big Bird, Bird's words also represented some of Chairman Qiao's true thoughts. Of course, only some of them.
"It's not easy to discuss Vince taking a pay cut now... After all, he just won two..."
Because Ariza was a second-round pick, his price was low and his contract was short.
Therefore, after two seasons, Ariza would be eligible to opt out of his contract and test the free agency market...