Chapter 284: Nash's Retirement Decision

After winning the championship, the team celebrated with a two-day parade.

It was a grand celebration for the entire city of Phoenix, with even those who didn't usually care about basketball joining in the festivities and falling in love with the sport.

Wade Dong truly became the hero of Phoenix.

The mayor of Phoenix also participated in the parade and wanted to present Wade Dong with a 'Best Citizen Award,' but Wade Dong politely declined.

Wade Dong loved trophies and medals.

However, he disliked awards like the 'Best Citizen Award' given by M Country.

For example, last summer, before the 2012-13 season began, the White House invited the Suns players to visit.

This was a tradition, but the timing was uncertain. Last year's invitation came well before the start of the new season, and at that time, Wade Dong was still in Beijing.

When Gentry told Wade Dong about it, he readily agreed.

However, the day before the event, Wade Dong claimed he had overslept and missed his flight from Beijing to Washington, so he didn't attend the White House reception.

His teammates felt sorry for him, but only Wade Dong knew that he had simply been too lazy to go.

...

Three days after winning the championship, the Wei and Li couples flew to Hawaii for a vacation.

Wade Dong attended a small gathering with Li Jiajia.

Only five people were present: Nash, Sarver, Gentry, Wade Dong, and Li Jiajia.

The other teammates were still partying in nightclubs.

This small gathering was organized by Nash, who, like Wade Dong, didn't enjoy the noisy atmosphere of nightclubs. However, Wade Dong was puzzled as to why Nash had invited Sarver.

During the meal, after some casual conversation, Nash said, "Wade Dong, I plan to retire."

"So suddenly?"

Wade Dong was surprised because Nash had signed a three-year contract with the team, which wouldn't expire until 2015.

In other words, Nash still had two years left on his contract. If he chose to retire for personal reasons, the team could refuse to pay his remaining salary for the next two seasons.

But the Suns no longer needed Nash to carry the team alone, as he had done in 2012.

He only needed to sit on the bench, play for about ten minutes per game, and be a reliable backup. He could win two more championships and earn over $20 million.

Nash said, "I'm content with winning two NBA Championships. This season, I've been bothered by a back injury, and I played through the playoffs with great difficulty. I think it's time for me to retire."

"Oh."

Wade Dong nodded slightly and then looked at Sarver.

Nash should have discussed his retirement decision with Sarver.

"I only found out about this yesterday."

Sarver said, "But I support Nash's decision, so the team will terminate his contract. After all, he's one of the Suns' key players."

"Hmm..."

Wade Dong nodded. Sarver was indeed very generous.

If the team disagreed with Nash's decision to retire, they wouldn't have to pay his remaining salary. But Sarver said they would terminate Nash's contract, which meant they were implicitly accepting his retirement decision and willing to pay his remaining salary.

In other words, Nash would enjoy the sun, sand, and bikinis for the next two years while still earning over $10 million annually.

Seeing Wade Dong's relaxed expression, Sarver breathed a sigh of relief.

He had two reasons for making this decision.

First, Nash had given a lot to the Suns over the years, and now that he wanted to retire, Sarver respected and supported his decision.

The second reason was even more important: to show Wade Dong that he and the team were on good terms, a way of winning his heart and mind.

Sarver was well aware that with Wade Dong's current abilities, he didn't need the money. In fact, Wade Dong might even be richer than him. The contract offered by the team was no longer the primary reason for Wade Dong to stay with the Suns. If they wanted to keep Wade Dong, they had to make him feel a sense of belonging to the team.

Wade Dong was aware of Sarver's intentions, but he didn't mind this little ploy.

After a moment of silence, Wade Dong asked, "Nash, what do you plan to do after retiring?"

"Enjoy life."

Nash replied, and even his eyes showed a sense of anticipation.

Most players, when deciding to retire, say they want to enjoy their retirement, which isn't surprising.

"Have you considered becoming a coach?"

Wade Dong looked at Nash and joked.

"Coach?"

Nash frowned and then shook his head. "I don't have that plan yet."

"Hmm..."

Wade Dong responded and then said something that left Nash puzzled, "Great players don't necessarily make great coaches."

"Let's drink."

Gentry raised his glass and said, "Let's toast to Nash's happy retirement!"

Nash laughed and said, "Haha... Thank you."

Wade Dong also sighed, "I didn't expect to only be teammates with Nash for a little over a year. Every summer, when I see old friends leaving, I feel a bit sad."

"Is McGrady also retiring?"

Wade Dong asked Gentry.

"Probably not..."

Gentry replied, "Last night, McGrady and I talked on the phone for an hour. From what he said, he wants to stay with the team next season."

Wade Dong smiled and said, "That's great. It seems that this year's NBA Finals have boosted his confidence."

It was good that McGrady didn't want to retire and was willing to stay with the team. With his current condition, he could still contribute to the team by playing about ten minutes per game during the regular season.

Sarver asked, "Dong, how much revenue does the Wei Dong Group generate in a quarter?"

"I don't pay much attention to that..."

Wade Dong smiled mysteriously and didn't answer directly.

How could Wade Dong not know the quarterly revenue of the Wei Dong Group? He just didn't want to tell Sarver.

People like to follow the rankings of the rich and famous.

However, in China, some people don't want to appear on these lists. Some industry giants don't even want to go public.

For example, China's Qinghua Group and Mai Sui Group, two companies that pay over 100 billion in taxes annually, but you won't find the names of Mao Anqi and Zhang Yang on any rich list.

The Wei Dong Group will also become such a company.

Sarver smacked his lips and rubbed his hands as he asked, "Dong, you must be very rich now, right?"

"I'm doing okay."

Wade Dong smiled at Sarver and said, "I should be richer than you."

It made Sarver feel sad that an employee was richer than the boss, and he even felt a sense of inferiority.

Gentry also had concerns and asked, "Dong, you're not going to retire after two years, are you?"

"No!"

This time, Wade Dong's answer was firm, and he assured Gentry, "Coach, I want to play basketball."