“If people think it's about money, they're wrong”: NBA free agent Nene Hilario clarifies
Denver Nuggets centre Nene has said he is not bothered by the amount of money he will be making next season and that the player just wants to be successful in the NBA. A lot of eyebrows were raised when Nene opted out of the final
year in his Denver contract and many viewed it as a ploy to get a bigger contract next year in the free agency.
However what also has to be taken into account is that Nene made a bold move by opting out of the contract because of the lockout. The NBA is locked out because the NBA players and NBA owners have not been able to come to a compromise
regarding a new CBA. The old one expired at the end of June and the league isn’t wants drastic changes in a new one.
That means that even if the players demands are met, which seems very unlikely, they will still face a pay cut. Nene had around $12 million on his final year in Denver which he opted out of and could face an uneasy situation if
hard cuts are made in the new CBA, meaning he might not get as much money as he had hoped for.
However, the player would be comfortable in the knowledge that he is going to probably be the most sought after free agent whenever the NBA lockout is lifted. Nene has played for the Denver Nuggets throughout his NBA career and
has averaged 12.3 points and 7.0 rebounds. In any case, Nene says he isn’t motivated by money, but by success,
"After nine years, I have goals and I'm a team player," said Nene. "I'm very competitive. I want to accomplish everything. It's a big opportunity, and it's the only one in my life to be a top free agent. So I want to enjoy this
moment. If people think it's about money, they're wrong. I've saved my money. I could retire today. I don't need to prove points. I like it a lot here."
The 6-foot-11 centre is heading towards the last contract of his career and wants it to be with nig team. Nene isn’t looking at the money; at this point in his career the player is more interested in winning NBA World Championships
and joining a team that can help him achieve that goal.
Nene recently became a new father and he has redefined his priorities since then. That means he won’t be heading to Europe in order to spend his time here,
"I'll do my cardio here, see my baby," he said. "I saved my money. I don't want to go to Europe. I want to enjoy my offseason. It's a magical time (with the baby)."
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