Tang Shuai made up his mind and hung up the phone with Stephenson, and then called Kupchek.

When talking about Stephenson, it turned out that Kupchek had recruited him, but because Stephenson insisted on a contract with a starting salary of 9 million, he was not agreed on.

After learning from Kupchek that the starting salary of the contract he accepted was 7.5 million, he followed Duffy to book a flight to Indiana the next day.

After putting down the phone, he picked up the phone and was about to call Ismail Smith. Smith could say that he was quite appreciative of him. He could tell him that he had just pressed a numeric key, but he put down his phone.

Although Woul ruthlessly traded him, he didn't need to have any feelings for the Clippers, but the Clippers are not just a cold team after all, there are many teammates he has been with. If he recruited Smith like this, it would be like he would directly undermine the situation, which would make him no face to face Paul and the others in the future.

He hesitated for a while, and finally put down his cell phone.

"What? Have you given up recruiting Ismail?" Duffy saw his thoughts and spoke.

"Ismail is a point guard. The Lakers already have Jordan Clarkson, which is not a good choice for him." Tang Shuai said.

Duffy looked at him meaningfully, smiled and didn't continue.

After he sent Duffy back to Anna's villa, he drove back to the villa.

He stopped the car and before he could enter the villa, his cell phone rang. It was Duffy who called.

He was confused in his heart. After answering the phone, Duffy then told him something.

The 76ers offered Smith a three-year contract with a starting salary of 9 million.

Hearing this news, he completely dismissed the idea of ​​recruiting Smith. As a famous wandering player, it was better to get such a big contract, and the Lakers could not have offered a contract that was bigger or even lower than this.

"Dang, you don't need to be so attentive about what Mickey said. Player recruitment is the general manager's business. You have not made a complete name yet. It is very difficult to do these things, and there are many risks." Duffy said after being silent on the phone for a while. It is obvious that he guessed in the car why Shuai Tang didn't call Smith, and his phone call was obviously to understand the knot in his heart.

"I understand, thank you, James." Tang Shuai hung up the phone after saying that.

Duffy said it was right. If one day he had the appeal of James, it might not be recruiting, but screening teammates, but actually it did not conflict with what he was doing. Whether it was Stephenson or Smith, he hoped to play with his friends.

"I'm back. I've cooked some black fungus soup for you and kept it in the refrigerator. You can drink it when you come back." Su Mei was already back. When she saw him entering the door, she came up to help him take off her clothes and said.

Tang Shuai showed a warm expression on the corner of her mouth. She kissed her forehead, smiled and walked in.

Early the next morning, after giving a sincere apology to Procopio, he then boarded the plane to Indiana.

Indiana and Los Angeles are far apart and crossing most of the United States. After more than four hours of flight, Shuai Tang finally arrived in the capital of Indiana Polis.

At Indianapolis International Airport, two people whom Tang Shuai and Stephenson had not seen each other for more than half a year had a affectionate hug, and then they went directly to the nearby hotel with their arms around.

Put down his luggage, Stephenson served as the host and invited Tang Shuai to a meal locally.

Although Polis is not a city with abundant food, the sandwiches here are a major feature, including fried pork chops, fried beef brains, fried bullfrog legs, and a sandwich that has been made into various flavors, which is unprecedented. In addition to these, Tang Shuai also ate the famous local "sugarreampie" that claims to make people sweet to death. After taking a bite, his teeth feel crispy.

After eating and drinking, the two of them had a revelation. Tang Shuai then said, "Lance, the new season will start in less than two months. I heard that you haven't confirmed your next home yet?"

When Tang Shuai talked about the contract issue, Stephenson couldn't help but shake his head: "Don't mention it, these guys always think that my off-court will have a bad impact on the team, and they refused to give the contract. You said Bradley Bill got 20 million and Nicklas Batum got 20 million. Why did I get a nine million contract too much?"

"It's not much, and the salary cap is rising now. The current nine million is now, and it's time to get a half discount in a few years." Tang Shuai nodded and said.

"That's the reason, and I'm only 27 years old, this should be the most critical contract in my career." Stephenson sighed.

"Indiana doesn't mean to provide a contract?" Tang Shuai asked.

"That's why I'm here. They are willing to offer a contract with a starting salary of 8 million, but the term is 4 years and the annual increase is only 1.5%. My agent is still working hard." Stephenson said with a wry smile.

NBA contracts are generally divided into two types: either the contract with the lowest starting salary in the first year and the annual salary increase of 2 or 5% or the contract with the highest starting salary in the first year and the annual salary decrease of 2.5% continuously. The former applies to most players, and the latter applies to veterans.

But contracts like Indiana's gift to Stephenson are indeed rare, and the term is four years. This is too long for Stephenson, who is already 27 years old. What kind of contract can Stephenson, 31, get four years later?

The Pacers are no longer the original Pacers, and Stephenson is no longer the original Stephenson. Iverson's return to the 76ers cannot be compared with his peak, let alone Stephenson.

"Then what do you mean? I am going to wait for the agent to reach a contract and then choose to play in Indiana?" Tang Shuai asked Stephenson's real thoughts.

Stephenson did not answer immediately, but spread his hands helplessly and said, "If there is no better choice."

"Lance, do you want you not to come to Los Angeles? Let's get together to play basketball again." Tang Shuai felt that the hospital Stephenson played for the Pacers was not that strong, so he said straight to the point.

"Go to the Lakers?" Stephenson was delighted, but he quickly shook his head and said, "Mickey had contacted my agent. After knowing my offer, he quickly withdrew."

"I can go and talk to Mickey. I can do my best to the annual salary, but I will make him three years of annual salary. This will be more beneficial to you." Tang Shuai said.

"That's great! If I can really play with you, I'd like to spend one or two million a year!" Stephenson's focus seemed to have changed from a contract to playing with Tang Shuai. This is his personality, funny, but very loyal.

"Then, you're ready to play for the Lakers next season!" Tang Shuai said with a smile.
Chapter completed!