1. 2. 3. http://www.dfw.com/mld/dfw/sports/basketball/nba/dallas_mavericks/3516936.htm Mavericks center Wang Zhizhi, who has been working out in Los Angeles since the team was eliminated from the NBA playoffs, has ignored two letters from the Chinese Red Army team demanding that he return to China, according to a league source. ... "Wang knows that if he goes back, the Chinese Red Army won't allow him to go back to the States," the source said. So here's the sequence: 1) It's all about the negotiations. Yao's agents played hardball, telling the Sharks their offer was "final." Sharks/CBA played hardball back, jerking Yao's leash so he can't attend the draft. A reminder of who's boss. 2) The Sharks brass are already in New York. They know a deal will be signed, even if Yao has to cough up most of his income. The coach and GM will "represent" him at the draft -- another reminder of who's boss. 3) The Sharks and the CBA should beware. If they keep squeezing Yao and jerking the leash on him, eventually, he might cut the leash. But he can't do that till he's in the U.S. If push comes to shove, Yao will sign their bloodsucking "contract." He loses now; they lose later.
That quote bothers me. Why is there still a question (or so it seems) as to which team will draft (end up with) Yao?
Will, another great post! I see where you are going with it. I agree that Yao should just cough up the money now, even if it is a lot. I think he will get a max contract after his rookie contract PLUS endorsements which will MORE than makeup for the loss of money in the short run. Damn I hate this posturing! Chris
What does Ming care about his NBA contract. Nike will pay him a bajillion dollars to market Air Ming. There are only a gazillion people in the target market for Ming.
I am sure they starked on money. And Sharks are ready for the releasing Yao Ming or permanent losing of Yao Ming. This is the final TAX on Yao Ming. Maybe looks like an unacceptable amount, but Yao side should have the confidence to take it. It will be a shame if Yao Ming cannot join nba for the money reason. Why are Sharks Coaches attending the draft for Ming? Why not Ming's agents?? Who is the boss on the day of draft?? Is Ming Still in sharks hand? Are they going to do a farther trade with Rockets? money money ........again?
The reason that Ming is having to deal with the Sharks is to get out of his current contract. The Sharks and the CBA have one shot at getting their money. As long as they get their percentage for his initial NBA contract, they won't care about future repercussions. Would there be a significant reason for Ming to "cut the leash"? I guess if things don't turn out well in the NBA, his initial contract will represent his retirement savings (which will be in the Sharks hands). If they do turn out well, then Ming will hit the jackpot in 3 or 4 years when he resigns. At that point, the Sharks won't be a party in the discussions, and Ming will only pay a percentage to the Chinese government as normal taxes.
That is what I meant.... Is the final tax enough for Ming to abandon his national loyalties? I doubt it (unless they are over-the-top absurd, which might be the case). Unlike Wang, Ming will want to preserve his permanent Chinese ties because he doesn't stand the same chance of being held back by them.
