The Way of Basketball: Never Talk Shit to Him!
Chapter 602 - 240 Su Wan Saves LeBron!_3

Chapter 602: Chapter 240 Su Wan Saves LeBron!_3

Herbert avoided team-related issues, which was why their casual conversation was able to continue.

But soon, an uninvited guest shattered the peace.

Upon seeing Su Wan, Cohen walked over excitedly and said, "Su, you’re amazing! Although your basic stats this season have slipped compared to last season, we’ve found your advanced stats incredibly impressive. So, the team is considering offering you an early renewal with a max contract! Buddy, your incredible performance has won us over!"

Su Wan remained silent; next to him, Herbert’s expression kept changing.

Rumors had always been circulating.

But this was the first time Herbert had seen Cohen speaking with Su Wan in person.

Cohen’s attitude was unexpected.

Well, it wasn’t about the attitude.

In a normal company, such an attitude wouldn’t be an issue and might even make subordinates feel relieved.

But in the NBA...

Players appear to be subsidiaries of the teams.

Teams can trade them or choose not to renew their contracts.

However, in reality, capable players are the leading party of a franchise.

When talking to the leading party, you can’t talk like you’re motivating subordinates.

Even though he knew many owners in the NBA were like this.

But if they faced Su Wan, Herbert believed...

They would definitely set aside their air of superiority!

To Su Wan, what difference was there from the "God of Wealth"?

"That Steve... let’s talk about the contract later; today is just a party, not the right time for these discussions!" Herbert interjected lightly.

But it was already too late. Su Wan forced a smile and turned to Steve Cohen, "Steve, I thought you guys were a more meticulous group, but now it seems you are not careful enough to decide to renew my contract after just two months. Do you treat other projects this way as well? It seems even Wall Street sharks aren’t as careful as I thought!"

Steve Cohen seemed not to notice the sarcasm in Su Wan’s tone. He responded, "For other players, we will certainly be more careful, but for you, Su Wan, we all know what you mean to this city. So, for you, we must show enough respect..."

Su Wan’s smile brightened even more, "You respect me too much! If it wasn’t for the Pacers’ fans nearly burning down that general manager’s house, Steve, would I still get this respect?"

That had happened on December 31. If security hadn’t noticed, that general manager’s house would have been on fire by now.

Even though they stopped the fire, that general manager dared not stay at his home and had reportedly been living in the office for two days and nights.

And then tonight, Steve Cohen had run to Su Wan to talk about renewing the contract.

No matter how you looked at it, it was an attempt to calm the increasingly incensed Indiana natives!

Embarrassment flashed across Cohen’s face as he finally recognized the irony in Su Wan’s smile.

"I have another matter; I’ll leave you two alone!"

Su Wan didn’t linger any longer and left straight away.

Cohen, looking for help, glanced at Herbert desperately, his eyes screaming "save me!"

Herbert shook his head, took a sip of his drink, and slowly said, "You’ve missed the optimal opportunity!"

He thought smugly inside:

That’ll teach you not to listen to me!

Now you’re in a passive position, serves you right!

"What you can do now is do nothing and wait for this summer," but he ended up giving Steve Cohen a piece of advice anyway.

Unfortunately, Cohen didn’t listen to him.

The next morning, the news that Su Wan had rejected the Pacers’ renewal contract quickly spread through the media.

Herbert cursed when he saw the news, "Idiot!"

Then, more fans gathered outside Conseco Arena, all demanding that Steve Cohen come out and explain.

Cohen was flustered.

It’s not...

I had handed Su Wan the renewal contract, but if Su Wan didn’t want to sign, what could I do?

Shouldn’t you be pressuring Su Wan instead?

Steve Cohen also forgot one thing.

Although he was the owner of the team.

He was a new force.

Su Wan’s refusal to sign the renewal contract was surely because he felt offended.

"Steve, you idiot, go apologize to Su Wan!"

"Such a dumbass like you wants to own the Pacers? Get out of Bolis and give the Pacers back to Herbert Simon!"

"Get lost, Wall Street fool, go back to playing with your data!"

...

Another point.

Su Wan used to be willing to sign the renewal contract.

How come now that you’re here, he’s unwilling to sign?

If not your fault, is it Su Wan’s problem?

The more it escalated, the more volatile the Pacers’ performance, registering only a 50% win rate in January. This sparked the "fuse", heightening the conflict between Indianan fans and the new ownership led by Steve Cohen.

At this point, Steve Cohen finally understood why Herbert had told him to do nothing.

Because of his position and what Su Wan meant to this city, whatever he did, he was the one in the wrong.

He clearly realized he had missed the second chance.

As for whether there were any more chances left...