Contract Trends - Kobe Taking Less Money After 2014?

[lakerhater.jk]

http://espn.go.com/boston/nfl/story/...-just-want-win

New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady told Boston sports radio station WEEI that his decision to sign a three-year, $27 million contract extension was about the opportunity to help the team win.

"I really do just want to win, and that has and will continue to be the reason that motivates me and is the biggest factor in my decision-making process," he wrote in an email to WEEI host John Dennis, who was hoping to get Brady to call into Wednesday morning's show.

"I dont want to talk about this on the radio or anywhere else for that matter," Brady wrote, according to WEEI. "Athletes are always talking about money at a time when everyone else is struggling so badly to make it. We all make way more than our fair share. And I just think it reflects poorly on myself and my teammates."

According to league sources, Brady received a $30 million signing bonus with the deal that extends the quarterback through the 2017 season and clears up $15 million of cap space for the team over the next two seasons. He is guaranteed $57 million, even in the event of injury; however, he can be released for performance reasons and would not receive all of the money.

Neither Brady nor the Patriots had commented publicly as an organization regarding the extension before the quarterback broke his silence Wednesday.

The reason I bring this quote to the Laker forum is because there has been a recent growing trend of marquee players across professional sports taking less money in the name of winning. LBJ, DWade, and Bosh as well as Tim Duncan are prime examples of this situation. The question I ask is, what are the chances Kobe does the same at the conclusion of his current contract?

I honestly think he'll sign one more contract before he hangs them up. I think his position on the possibility of retiring after this current contract was a move to light a fire under the front office to get talent ASAP, but I believe he always intended on signing one more. I believe this contract will be below market value so that the Lakers have a better chance of signing talent through free agency. And honestly, I could see Pau doing the exact same thing if we elect to keep him through next year. This current lineup minus 10's of millions off the books transforms it from an "unreal" lineup to an "I'll definitely see you in the finals lineup".

On a side note: "I dont want to talk about this on the radio or anywhere else for that matter," Brady wrote, according to WEEI. "Athletes are always talking about money at a time when everyone else is struggling so badly to make it. We all make way more than our fair share. And I just think it reflects poorly on myself and my teammates." - Tom Brady

^keep it class Brady. When the time permits, I hope Kobe says something similar.

[bluefire7002]

Yea, if he keeps this level of play up next year, I would really hope he signs a 1 year deal for something around 10-15 million mark. That would be awesome.

[mamba24]

I could see him signing for a Tim-Duncan-like contract for 1 more season. I wouldnt be against it if he can play as a supporting player rather than the main player on the team.

[championships]

I think he retires.

[Iron24th]

Give him a two years deal for 20M (10M per year) like garnett.

[GREATNESS ONE]

^ that would do wonders for the franchise.

[KillaInstinct24]

Kobe is gonna retire

[LoveMeOrHateMe]

2 years 25-30 million for Kobe

[Purple_n_Gold]

Yea, if he keeps this level of play up next year, I would really hope he signs a 1 year deal for something around 10-15 million mark. That would be awesome.

That's exactly what I say. I do think he takes around 10-13 million. These people calling for him to take the vets minimum need to be realistic. That is not happening. Like I said he is not a vet chasing his first ring and he is not yet a role player which I do believe when that time comes he will have been long retired.

[GetShrutedOn]

I hope he signs with us for a discount so we can bring some more solid players in. However, I just have this weird feeling like he is going to retire also .

[LA_Raiders]

It would be great if he signs his last deal with LA and combine nexts years salary of 30M.

[dru_562]

Would be nice if Kobe took a 2yr 24mill contract

[duane v]

Give him a two years deal for 20M (10M per year) like garnett.

So you're saying give Kobe $10 mil less than the worthless Nash....... You really don't know anything do you.

An offer like the one you're proposing would insult Kobe, and we would find Kobe in a Clipper uniform just prove a point.

[310Casper]

It seems like yesterday that kobe had a fro and was winning rings with shaq after just entering the league. Now we're talking about him retiring after next year damn time flies

[GREATNESS ONE]

So you're saying give Kobe $10 mil less than the worthless Nash....... You really don't know anything do you.

An offer like the one you're proposing would insult Kobe, and we would find Kobe in a Clipper uniform just prove a point.

There's better ways of making your case then insulting a experienced veteran poster like that.


You need to get laid or something because sometimes you're a jerk

Also, it really wouldn't be less only because it would be one year less on the contract and I think Kobe would rather have minimal years if he was to resign.

He sure as hell wouldn't stain his legacy by going to the Clippers