Do you agree with this sentiment of money over rings?

[tpols]

Gilbert Arenas said that if he was already worth 120 million dollars and he had to choose between winning a title or 50 million he'd easily take the money.

Makes me wonder if most NBA players have this mentality. Seems most of them don't even care about winning.... just money.

But the difference between 120 million and 170 million in marginal financial utility is slim to none. Anything you can afford to buy at 120 you can buy at 170.

Are these guys just that greedy? Winning is priceless at that point.

[Carbine]

This isn't a real world application. It's just some unrealistic parameter.

If a player is worth 50 million in the market but wanted to win he would likely take a pay cut of at most ten million.

So the question is really, do I sacrifice 10 million (more like 4 million after taxes and agent fees etc) to win a title.

[tpols]

This isn't a real world application. It's just some unrealistic parameter.

If a player is worth 50 million in the market but wanted to win he would likely take a pay cut of at most ten million.

So the question is really, do I sacrifice 10 million (more like 4 million after taxes and agent fees etc) to win a title.

Arenas would scoff at 10 million too. His justification is you can buy a real NBA ring that some role player is selling off for as little as 10-20k dollars.

Thats crazy to me because the difference between the money and winning and losing when you're already filthy rich doesn't seem to matter.

All it would point to is you really never cared about winning in the first place.

Which makes sense in Arenas situation since he fleeced his team once they paid him and then totally stopped trying and even ****ed things up for them with some of his scandals bringing guns into locker rooms.

I just wonder how many athletes are like him where honor and glory are worth less than money when they already have a 25 lifetime expense surplus of it.

[Kblaze8855]

Of course you take the money. At that level of wealth you’re thinking generational. What do you get from a ring in your old age? I literally know someone with an nba championship ring who worked at Home Depot and got fired in his 60s for sexual harassment. The ring means nothing to life. Millions more in cash means a lot to your family and their future.

You may not “need” it but you don’t even “need” a house. It’s not about survival. It’s about doing the best for your people. You can turn 100 more peoples life around with 50 extra million.

A great many rings get sold. The satisfaction has no real world value. Just ego and avoiding being called a loser by Twitter nerds decades later.

Im not saying anyone is wrong to want the ring if that’s where your life priorities are. Personally? Nothing professionally comes before family.

I need it all. And then some more.

[Kblaze8855]

All it would point to is you really never cared about winning in the first place.




Why should you care about your jobs success? I never had a job I cared more about than myself. I don’t expect players to. As a fan I want my teams players to play hard but it’s a bit naive and selfish as well to expect another man to put my enjoyment over getting the most money for his family.

Half the teams don’t even care about winning. They will make money saving decisions that ruin any chance of winning when run by billionaires.

Everyone is in business. The guys who give their all to win are a luxury not something to expect. Even people who love their jobs still want market value to do them. I’m competitive as **** but given the choice I’m taking the money.

I bet 20 years after we retire everyone at the old timers meetup would tell you they wish they had the money. I’ll take my W then. I win the game of life. They can have that game from when we were 22. Bet I’m not waiting on my nba pension check to pay my car note.

[tpols]

Of course you take the money. At that level of wealth you’re thinking generational. What do you get from a ring in your old age? I literally know someone with an nba championship ring who worked at Home Depot and got fired in his 60s for sexual harassment. The ring means nothing to life. Millions more in cash means a lot to your family and their future.

You may not “need” it but you don’t even “need” a house. It’s not about survival. It’s about doing the best for your people. You can turn 100 more peoples life around with 50 extra million.

A great many rings get sold. The satisfaction has no real world value. Just ego and avoiding being called a loser by Twitter nerds decades later.

Im not saying anyone is wrong to want the ring if that’s where your life priorities are. Personally? Nothing professionally comes before family.

I need it all. And then some more.


You could still afford multiple mansions, luxury cars, boats and investments at 120 million while placing 3-5 million in a trust fund for all your relatives. So what do you do with 170? Give each of them 7 million instead of 5 million?

They're already set for life either way if they manage it properly and if they don't and squander 5 mil real quick giving them 7 mil isn't going to change the habits that allowed for them to be put in that position anyways and the rest will be gone shortly.

"A fool and his money soon part ways". If anything the extra spoiling will make them weak and reliant. Like we see how poor immigrants come here and bust their ass and the spoiled rich kids do the opposite because everything was already handed to them.

I'd understand if you were broke, 50 million could save your whole family but if you're already capable of trust funding everybody up the extra little bit isn't going to matter. Their spending habits are whats going to matter and spoiling them even more is not going to yield better results in that department. Probably the opposite.

[tpols]

Why should you care about your jobs success? I never had a job I cared more about than myself. I don’t expect players to. As a fan I want my teams players to play hard but it’s a bit naive and selfish as well to expect another man to put my enjoyment over getting the most money for his family.

Half the teams don’t even care about winning. They will make money saving decisions that ruin any chance of winning when run by billionaires.

Everyone is in business. The guys who give their all to win are a luxury not something to expect. Even people who love their jobs still want market value to do them. I’m competitive as **** but given the choice I’m taking the money.

I bet 20 years after we retire everyone at the old timers meetup would tell you they wish they had the money. I’ll take my W then. I win the game of life. They can have that game from when we were 22. Bet I’m not waiting on my nba pension check to pay my car note.

The NBA isn't just a job for some of these guys. It's their life's passion and work. Nobody goes to their cubicle everyday to code or do office work and says "boy I LOVE this!" and at the end of the day there's nothing to win. There's no championship or glory or title. It's purely transactional.

Basketball isn't supposed to be like that. You're supposed to play with extreme heart and passion to win over all else. That's why you probably like 80s and 90s basketball way more than today's game because those guys made way less money and were playing to actually win and not just collect a 100 million dollar paycheck.

They were still rich by regular people standards. Just not filthy rich. And it made them play harder.

[Wardell Curry]

Of course you take the money. At that level of wealth you’re thinking generational. What do you get from a ring in your old age? I literally know someone with an nba championship ring who worked at Home Depot and got fired in his 60s for sexual harassment. The ring means nothing to life. Millions more in cash means a lot to your family and their future.

You may not “need” it but you don’t even “need” a house. It’s not about survival. It’s about doing the best for your people. You can turn 100 more peoples life around with 50 extra million.

A great many rings get sold. The satisfaction has no real world value. Just ego and avoiding being called a loser by Twitter nerds decades later.

Im not saying anyone is wrong to want the ring if that’s where your life priorities are. Personally? Nothing professionally comes before family.

I need it all. And then some more.

If the argument is just buying an NBA ring, of course you take the money.

But if the argument is you already have enough money for the rest of your life + your kids' lives, you sacrifice that extra money for a ring so long as you earned that ring. It just speaks volumes to how badly they want to win or don't want to win.

Different people want different things in life.

You can't take money with you, and you can't take an NBA ring with you. But when you're sitting there gasping your last breath, you aren't going to be like "damn I wish I had an extra $50 million" when you're dying with millions in the bank.

A competitor would want the ring and recognize that they're already financially set.

Pragmatically speaking, you can't do anything with $170 million that you can't do with $120 million. You're either going to use that wealth to grow that wealth or you're going to blow through it. There is no in between in a situation like this.


This is an absolutely fascinating question and gives great insight into what motivates individual people and what they want out of life.

[Kblaze8855]

Go ask the 3000 broke ex athletes if a ring matters more than 50 million dollars. Hell 5.

People with rings who made a lifetime or two of money are out here driving Ubers.

Set for life isn’t the same for everyone and the more you pad the account up front the longer you have to grown up and learn how to act.

Everyone realizes “It doesn’t last forever” when they’re 38. Having 50 million left when you smarten up is a lot better than having 2.

[8Ball]

$ all the way. Rings don't pay bills or afford you a lifestyle. Locking in another $50M is a big deal.

Rings are just fluff and only matter if you are a top 20-30 all time player.

[Kblaze8855]

The NBA isn't just a job for some of these guys. It's their life's passion and work. Nobody goes to their cubicle everyday to code or do office work and says "boy I LOVE this!" and at the end of the day there's nothing to win. There's no championship or glory or title. It's purely transactional.

Basketball isn't supposed to be purely like that. You're supposed to play with extreme heart and passion to win over all else. That's why you probably like 90s basketball way more than today's because those guys made way less money and were playing to actually win and not just collect a 100 million dollar paycheck.


Being in the nba isn’t your life’s work. It’s your 8-35 work. Only young people think that short term. Your calling can begin well after your knees go.

It’s great to care about your work. But as a man and leader of a household…it’s still work. Even Kobe wasn’t coming out there for less than his worth.

[Wardell Curry]

Go ask the 3000 broke ex athletes if a ring matters more than 50 million dollars. Hell 5.

People with rings who made a lifetime or two of money are out here driving Ubers.

Set for life isn’t the same for everyone and the more you pad the account up front the longer you have to grown up and learn how to act.

Everyone realizes “It doesn’t last forever” when they’re 38. Having 50 million left when you smarten up is a lot better than having 2.

Everyone doesn't realize that. My dad is 62 years old. He stopped working at around 58 and earned over 6 figures almost every year of his life from his early 20s up until about 55 and he has zero money. Less than zero.

Generally speaking, people are either going to blow through it or they're not. It is true that the difference between a 20 year old kid and a 35 year old adult is sometimes different when it comes to their viewpoint on money, but I don't think it's the majority have it figured out by then and it's certainly not "everyone" realizing it won't last.

Most people are living beyond their means period. It doesn't matter how much or how little they make.

I can't speak to worldwide but it is definitely a US cultural problem at a minimum.

[Kblaze8855]

But if the argument is you already have enough money for the rest of your life + your kids' lives, you sacrifice that extra for a ring. It just speaks volumes to how badly they want to win or don't want to win.




And how many people who had enough for life and their kids lives ended up working at their old high school coaching for 42K a year?

Antione Walker ended up playing in Puerto Rico for what my assistant made when I was working.

Theres no such thing as enough when you’re trying to get everyone in your bloodline to come out of poverty.

I want my blood rich for 200 years.

I might need 400 million.

[SouBeachTalents]

This question totally depends on the era we're discussing. If this were back in the day when guys were making a fraction what they are today, I would very likely take the money. But if I'm playing today making what even fringe all-stars are making now, I'm 1000% taking the ring over extra money.

[tpols]

$ all the way. Rings don't pay bills or afford you a lifestyle. Locking in another $50M is a big deal.

Rings are just fluff and only matter if you are a top 20-30 all time player.

If you have problems paying your or your familys bills with 120 million dollars in your bank account and go bankrupt, you're not going to make it at 170 either. If your habits are that bad, you're losing the Xtra 50 million in very short time.

[Wardell Curry]

And how many people who had enough for life and their kids lives ended up working at their old high school coaching for 42K a year?

Antione Walker ended up playing in Puerto Rico for what my assistant made when I was working.

Theres no such thing as enough when you’re trying to get everyone in your bloodline to come out of poverty.

I want my blood rich for 200 years.

I might need 400 million.

400 million isn't going to get it done if 150 didn't.

I'm sorry if you don't see that. It's a major cultural problem in the US for naturally US born citizens across all races and religions except maybe the jews.

You can turn 150 million into a permanent stream of unimaginable wealth if you know what to invest in.

Everyone is obsessed with eating out even when they can't afford it.

I don't know what the precise number is for "you're ok here for the rest of your life and your kids lives and their kids lives so long as you aren't a ****up and emphasize the importance of not blowing it" but $20 million is easily a start if you know where to put the money to make it grow.

[8Ball]

If you have problems paying your or your familys bills with 120 million dollars in your bank account and go bankrupt, you're not going to make it at 170 either. If your habits are that bad, you're losing the Xtra 50 million in very short time.

If you make lifetime $120M. After tax its $60M.

As a player you are probably going to spending a bunch of it, maybe 1/4 to 1/3 for your "lifestyle" if you are conservative. There is no effing way as a young multi millionaire athlete I would a frugal miser. I am young, athletic and rich as ****, I will spend a few mill here and there.

Now you are retired at 35, you still have another 40-50 years left to live and about $30-40M left. Having another $25M after tax is big in that situation. I am choosing $25M after tax over a ring.


Now if you are making $300M over 5 years or whatever ridiculous amount like some top players are getting now, I can see having another $50M as having less utility vs having a ring.


And this is considering zero investment knowledge. As an athlete, 99% of them are not investment savvy, so they gotta bank on that cash to sustain for the rest of their lives.

[tpols]

And how many people who had enough for life and their kids lives ended up working at their old high school coaching for 42K a year?

Antione Walker ended up playing in Puerto Rico for what my assistant made when I was working.

Theres no such thing as enough when you’re trying to get everyone in your bloodline to come out of poverty.

I want my blood rich for 200 years.

I might need 400 million.

You don't make your blood rich by spoiling them extra. If anything that corrupts their morals and work ethic.

170 million is gonna have your kids coming out looking and acting like Magic Johnsons son not knowing what a single hard day of work is.

And then it just becomes a cycle.

[8Ball]

I wouldn't care about 200 years blood rich or whatever.


The vast majority of legacy wealth is spent by the 3rd generation. The book "All the Money in the World: How the Forbes 400 Make--And Spend--Their Fortunes" went into detail about this.


1st generation makes it.

2nd generation maintains it.

3rd generation blows it all up on parties, drugs, mansions, cars, yachts, private planes, women, jewelry, art, etc etc

That's how the money is recycled.

[Kblaze8855]

400 million isn't going to get it done if 150 didn't.

I'm sorry if you don't see that.




Im sorry if you don’t see that 250 million is a lot more wiggle room for even an idiot to work with. For someone with some sense?

Thats a lot more swings and misses you can afford to take along the way.

I haven’t been broke since the first time I hit 20K in savings. I took that shit out in cash. I’d never seen money in bands before. Coming up how I did? Stealing power meters, selling candy at school, crackhead stepfather and all? I have felt few lyrics in music more than when Pusha T said “A half a mill in 20s like a billion where I’m from”.

I love to win…but it’s a much bigger win to have the bigger trust fund for the grand kids grand kids than for my team to beat yours when I’m 22. I’ll be damned if anyone with my name and my blood is catching water in washbaskets to flush the toilet.

I don’t care if I’ve been dead 89 years.

I need it drawn up so when my great grand kids have a baby they go to the assigned trust officer with that new social and pull his 500K out for his own fund that grow till he can begin drawing on in part at 18 and in full at 25.

**** that ring if he can’t spend it

[tpols]

I wouldn't care about 200 years blood rich or whatever.


The vast majority of legacy wealth is spent by the 3rd generation. The book "All the Money in the World: How the Forbes 400 Make--And Spend--Their Fortunes" went into detail about this.


1st generation makes it.

2nd generation maintains it.

3rd generation blows it all up on parties, drugs, mansions, cars, yachts, private planes, women, jewelry, art, etc etc

That's how the money is recycled.

Exactly.

When you hand kids down a ridiculous amount of money you totally corrupt their work ethic and by the time they have kids, those grandkids are 10x spoiled.

And then it all all gets squandered and you're back to square one with a Joe Frazier type guy coming out the mud to work hard and do it all over again.

There's no such thing as permanent wealth. The money will always eventually dissappear. Your character and honor and integrity reverberate throughout the universe though.

[8Ball]

Kblaze,

3rd and 4th generation of billionaires have blown up all the money.

It's nearly gone by the 3rd generation, and nothing left by the 4th.

[John8204]

Rings are actually third...behind money, location, and then rings.

For a number of players it's a luxury to chase a title its more important to get those minutes and those contracts.

It's the old Barry Bonds rule....Barry didn't need to take steroids he was a top tier player without them. But Barry was playing and juicing to get those last contracts

[Wardell Curry]

Im sorry if you don’t see that 250 million is a lot more wiggle room for even an idiot to work with. For someone with some sense?

Thats a lot more swings and misses you can afford to take along the way.

I haven’t been broke since the first time I hit 20K in savings. I took that shit out in cash. I’d never seen money in bands before. Coming up how I did? Stealing power meters, selling candy at school, crackhead stepfather and all? I have felt few lyrics in music more than when Pusha T said “A half a mill in 20s like a billion where I’m from”.

I love to win…but it’s a much bigger win to have the bigger trust fund for the grand kids grand kids than for my team to beat yours when I’m 22. I’ll be damned if anyone with my name and my blood is catching water in washbaskets to flush the toilet.

I don’t care if I’ve been dead 89 years.

I need it drawn up so when my great grand kids have a baby they go to the assigned trust officer with that new social and pull his 500K out for his own fund that grow till he can begin drawing on in part at 18 and in full at 25.

**** that ring if he can’t spend it

Man just because you're smart and have an appreciation for money doesn't mean that your kids or their kids would be.

The guy above you wasn't lying.

https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/generational-wealth%3A-why-do-70-of-families-lose-their-wealth-in-the-2nd-generation-2018-10

According to this page, 70% of families lose their wealth by the second generation and that number jumps to 90% by the third.

Most people are not capable of viewing money the way that you do, regardless of their age.

Now forget third generation, how about tenth generation, because that's what we're talking about here with the way you're speaking. Your money is gone, even at a billion. Unless we're talking about some rich evil banker ****s or literal royalty, people don't keep their money that long. It just doesn't happen.

There is zero question, and almost always sooner than later, that the people come along after you will not have an appreciation for the money that you earned.

[8Ball]

Exactly.

When you hand kids down a ridiculous amount of money you totally corrupt their work ethic and by the time they have kids, those grandkids are 10x spoiled.

And then it all all gets squandered and you're back to square one with a Joe Frazier type guy coming out the mud to work hard and do it all over again.

There's no such thing as permanent wealth. The money will always eventually dissappear. Your character and honor and integrity reverberate throughout the universe though.

Amen to that.

Gotta let your kids and grandkids suffer through life. Reward them with $ when they have built their own family of their own and are responsible.

[Kblaze8855]

You don't make your blood rich by spoiling them extra. If anything that corrupts their morals and work ethic.

170 million is gonna have your kids coming out looking and acting like Magic Johnsons son not knowing what a single hard day of work is.

And then it just becomes a cycle.


The world is largely run by people who had it all at birth. Or at least a lot more than I began with. Hard to level the playing field by not using the means they used. I’m supposed to put my family out there for a fair fight vs tycoons kids who have family connections that will never let them fail? **** that.

Im building a gym for the school I want my grandkids to go just like they do if you give me nba money.

[Kblaze8855]

Man just because you're smart and have an appreciation for money doesn't mean that your kids or their kids would be.

The guy above you wasn't lying.

https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/generational-wealth%3A-why-do-70-of-families-lose-their-wealth-in-the-2nd-generation-2018-10

According to this page, 70% of families lose their wealth by the second generation and that number jumps to 90% by the third.

Most people are not capable of viewing money the way that you do, regardless of their age.

Now forget third generation, how about tenth generation, because that's what we're talking about here with the way you're speaking. Your money is gone, even at a billion. Unless we're talking about some rich evil banker ****s or literal royalty, people don't keep their money that long. It just doesn't happen.

There is zero question, and almost always sooner than later, that the people come along after you will not have an appreciation for the money that you earned.



Im not about to make my plans based on what other people didn’t do.

70% failure means 30% success. Why wouldn’t I go for it?

More than 70% of the people where I came from are still there. Should I have not bothered to try to make it out?

[tpols]

The world is largely run by people who had it all at birth. Or at least a lot more than I began with. Hard to level the playing field by not using the means they used. I’m supposed to put my family out there for a fair fight vs tycoons kids who have family connections that will never let them fail? **** that.

Im building a gym for the school I want my grandkids to go just like they do if you give me nba money.

That's like Rothschild style trilionnaire money. 50 million to them is like tossing a penny into one of those Mall pools where you'd make a wish before you did it.

For us average or even rich folks we don't have that type of absurd bankroll to play with. Even their kids can't waste 1 trillion. And they've been educated how to build it more. But we see athletes blow 100 million in a couple years. Giving their offspring more money isn't going to change their habits and they don't have billions to fall back on.

[Wardell Curry]

The world is largely run by people

And there it is. That's why you don't take the ring. The root of your desires is power. Well whatever, to each his own.

[Kblaze8855]

That's like Rothschild style trilionnaire money. 50 million to them is like tossing a penny into one of those Mall pools where you'd make a wish before you did it.

For us average or even rich folks we don't have that type of absurd bankroll to play with. Even their kids can't waste 1 trillion. And they've been educated how to build it more. But we see athletes blow 100 million in a couple years. Giving their offspring more money isn't going to change their habits and they don't have billions to fall back on.


It doesn’t take anywhere near billions to give a great head start. Lot more families with Romney money or Bush money than situations like you mean. I’m not sure what my number would be but given the choice between vanity pursuits and increasing that number I’m always increasing the number.

[Kblaze8855]

And there it is. That's why you don't take the ring. The root of your desires is power. Well whatever, to each his own.


As opposed to what?

The largely useless “glory” of a ring?

It’s really almost a stupid question to anyone being responsible. I’m really supposed to consider taking 50 million from my daughter so I can brag to some other old man how I beat him in a game 30 years ago when we bump into each other at the all star game?

[Wardell Curry]

As opposed to what?

This statement further simplifies it. Not only is it what you want, according to you it's the only thing. Mind you, there is no condemnation coming from me here. I am simply saying this is what it is. I don't care. You do you. That's it.

[tpols]

It doesn’t take anywhere near billions to give a great head start. Lot more families with Romney money or Bush money than situations like you mean. I’m not sure what my number would be but given the choice between vanity pursuits and increasing that number I’m always increasing the number.

Yea but would you really want to be like mitt Romney or George Bush?

One guy was a wall street snake who robbed millions on the market and the other guy was an oil tycoon who traded weapons and oil with Saudia Arabia and did other crazy shit to justify a global war that killed millions of poor people in foreign countries.

You willing to sell your soul for that money?

I'd take my 100 mil and be quiet like Kwame rather than try to be like those guys given what they did for money and power.

[Kblaze8855]

I’m not talking about Mitt and Bush specifically. I’m talking the hundreds of thousands of people who had the backing and connections that make it much more likely to reach such levels of success. There are a million behind the scenes people of similar wealth and a great deal of them had every obstacle removed from their path. You can’t make your grand kids hard working but you can remove obstacles.

I had no idea the value of just moving in certain circles till I got decent money and an investor my former boss introduced me to put me on. These old bankers driving old town cars and Buicks having connections out this world. I was introduced to a guy who is now a local judge who’s son(basketball player from my area) worked for Nike and then adidas. He’s now in jail for the Adidas college scandal actually. But this dude is tied into shit. I’ve not spoken to him in some time but just running with the banker for a while I have judge contacts….and met a guy who worked for the Jacksonville jags who actually sold me the house my mom lives in.

I can’t imagine the reach I could have and give my family given this kinda money. The connections almost matter more than the money. These people move in circles that make money for all of them. I barely get my toe in the door after working all my life.

If I can have my whole family and a few generations born into those connections?

The ability to play on a level I can only see through the window?

They won’t all make something of it but I need as many as I can to go to school with money, grow up around it, and know what to do with it.

Some will **** it up. Some won’t. The 3 generations after them are on them to take care of.

You only need one per generation. I’m giving every generation as many shots at it as possible.

[red1]

absolutely agree with gilbert


ideal scenario would be billionaire status plus 4 rings

[SaltyMeatballs]

This question totally depends on the era we're discussing. If this were back in the day when guys were making a fraction what they are today, I would very likely take the money. But if I'm playing today making what even fringe all-stars are making now, I'm 1000% taking the ring over extra money.

I agree

If I knew I already had enough money where me and family could live comfortably for our entire lives, I would totally chase the championship. At a certain point, money wouldn't even matter anymore. I mean the lifestyle of a person worth 100m and another person worth 500m can't be that much different right?

But ideally I'd love to have both. Like LeBron and Steph

[jlip]

I will call when LeBron and Wade signed something like four year deals with the Heat, Melo signed a longer contract with the Knicks but obviously for more money. A reporter asked him why he didn't sign a short term deal similar to what LeBron and Wade had done. He responded that he simply could not leave all of that guaranteed money on the table.

[tpols]

till I got decent money and an investor my former boss introduced me to put me on. These old bankers driving old town cars and Buicks having connections out this world. I was introduced to a guy who is now a local judge who’s son(basketball player from my area) worked for Nike and then adidas. He’s now in jail for the Adidas college scandal actually.

hmm...


But this dude is tied into shit.

You don't say.


I’ve not spoken to him in some time but just running with the banker for a while I have judge contacts….and met a guy who worked for the Jacksonville jags who actually sold me the house my mom lives in. I can’t imagine the reach I could have and give my family given this kinda money.


And you probably wouldn't want to. You've already seen what the best connected guys did to get where they got. And that's only what they got caught for.

Why would you want to be like them for a little extra money? At this point I'd be turning it down even if I was dirt poor to save my spirit.

[Axe]

I'm not sure if this can be directly related to the topic. But remember when kawhi won the title for the raptors in 2019 and thus, tried offering him a 5 yr/$190m contract bt while other teams can't? He didn't entertain it and chose to sign with the clippers instead. So for him, it seemed it wasn't about the money or winning that made him decide to go there before.

[Kblaze8855]

The poor friends I came up with sold crack and I know I have multiple murderers in my phone contacts. I’m not judging the morality of the rich or the poor by a few examples.

The morally questionable things my rich kids may have to do worry me less than the questionable things they would have to do coming up back where I did and millions more are stuck right now.

Id rather them go to white collar jail and come out still rich and having the contacts they didn’t snitch on than do 14 years like my cousin who got his moms house raided.

Potential criminal acts either way. But rich criminals might be in the White House while poor criminals are no longer able to get a job due to their record.

[tpols]

But rich criminals might be in the White House while poor criminals are no longer able to get a job due to their record.

And that's exactly the problem.

So, to be clear... you have no problem with "rich kids" getting away with something so long as they don't face the type of punishment your [relatively speaking poor] cousin faced just because they got some money?

That's why they say money is the root of all evil. It corrupts all... banishes those without it, and absolves those with it.

[Kblaze8855]

Whatever problem I might have with it is of no consequence. I have a problem with hunger and disease, but they are parts of the world that will never be eliminated. My job as a provider is to limit those I provide for having to suffer the worlds ills be they man made or natural. Intentionally depriving my descendants of the means given to the descendants of others is just giving those peoples descendants an even greater advantage than is already built in.

I’m not increasing the likelihood of my families future suffering because some rich kid got his record cleaned up by a crooked judge his family knew. Those people are far enough ahead without us handicapping ourselves in vain protest.

[Real Men Wear Green]

There are a lot of retired players that auction rings and other memorabilia for money. They didn't make money like modern players but a lot of them were making a salary that was good money at the time. As someone that had kids I can say that the desire to leave more money for them and future generations would trump the satisfaction that you get out of a ring. Money is more important.

[tpols]

There are a lot of retired players that auction rings and other menial for money. They didn't make money like misery players but a lot of them were making a salary that was good money at the time. As someone that had kids I can say that the desire to leave more money for them and future generations would result trump the satisfaction that you get out of a ring. Money is more important.

I don't think you read the example given in the OP. You're already worth 120 million.

Your kids are already inheriting many millions of dollars. If you have 2 kids they'll get 20 million instead of 25 million in their trust fund.

Is that à big difference?

[Real Men Wear Green]

I don't think you read the example given in the OP. You're already worth 120 million.

Your kids are already inheriting many millions of dollars. If you have 2 kids they'll get 20 million instead of 25 million in their trust fund.

Is that à big difference?

It still is. There are so generations to come and more security is always a plus. A championship is a thrill in the moment and a lasting memory but generational wealth is on a different level of importance.

[Kblaze8855]

Really the way you’re presenting it it’s like the most useless vanity purchase imaginable. Literally buying a piece of jewelry and useless satisfaction for $50 million. Id feel like a moron spending 50,000 in the club and you’re suggesting I buy a ring for 50 ****ing million dollars?

And in this situation I wouldn’t even really feel the illusion of winning it because I know I literally purchase my right to do so. It’s just a transaction. Give up $50 million and get a ring ceremony and something to wear around like a douchebag.

really how many less useful things can you spend $50 million on than a ring you’re guaranteed to win?

How much would you even enjoy it knowing you’re going to win? And that you paid out 50 lifetimes of money to do it like an idiot?

take the extra 50 and build a giant, homeless shelter and jobs training facility. You’re against these corrupt rich assholes but are advocating for someone spending 50 ****ing million dollars on pure vanity when they could use it to help the world?

[Lebron23]

Take the money. Rings are only important if you are a top 30 player of all time. And top 3 scoring options always get the credit.

[tpols]

It still is. There are so generations to come and more security is always a plus. A championship is a thrill in the moment and a lasting memory but generational wealth is on a different level of importance.

I'd say it's worth much more than a passing still moment feeling given it was your lifes work but how is 20 million worth more than 25 million from a generational wealth point of view? Explain that to me.

[tpols]

Really the way you’re presenting it it’s like the most useless vanity purchase imaginable. Literally buying a piece of jewelry and useless satisfaction for $50 million.


What?

No, were not talking about buying a ring for 50 million. We're talking about WINNING a ring or taking that amount of money.

Arenas said he ain't care about winning it because he could just buy one. I'm saying that defeats the whole purpose.

Gilbert Arenas was so shallow he equated buying a ring to winning one exactly. :lol

[Kblaze8855]

What?

No, were not talking about buying a ring for 50 million. We're talking about WINNING a ring or taking that amount of money.

Arenas said he ain't care about winning it because he could just buy one. I'm saying that defeats the whole purpose.

Gilbert Arenas was so shallow he equated buying a ring to winning one exactly. :lol



if you get it in exchange for $50 million, you did just buy it. Playing a sham season and then being handed It doesn’t mean you earned it. You just get to lie about earning it. It’s damn near non military stolen valor.

[tpols]

if you get it in exchange for $50 million, you did just buy it. Playing a sham season and then being handed It doesn’t mean you earned it. You just get to lie about earning it. It’s damn near non military stolen valor.

Do you think MJ would trade all 6 of his rings for an additional 50 million dollars?

That's almost 10 million a piece for a stupid piece of jewelry.

Would he do it?

:coleman:

[Kblaze8855]

I don’t think he would trade rings he worked for and won. But you weren’t talking about that. Do you think he’s on the ground crying for a ring he paid for?

The very nature of this question makes it nothing but jewelry. It’s a transaction not an accomplishment. A moronic transaction at that.

[tpols]

I don’t think he would trade rings he worked for and won.


The question from the start was would you rather win a ring being a contributing pro basketball player to your team or make 50 million with the caveat being youre already worth 120 million. You must not have read the question from the start and/or are playing dumb now.

Nobody is talking about literally buying rings but you and Arenas. Gilbert said that when asked if he wanted one, hed just buy it lmao.

[Real Men Wear Green]

I'd say it's worth much more than a passing still moment feeling given it was your lifes work but how is 20 million worth more than 25 million from a generational wealth point of view? Explain that to me.

Does John Stockton have no life's work, while Adam Morrison does? My kids will have kids and those kids will also have kids. I have cousins brothers and sisters that could use some help. For most people there is ni limit to family members.

[coin24]

Ring chase for lower salary or get a huge pay on a losing team? Yeah most players take the money.

[Kblaze8855]

The question from the start was would you rather win a ring being a contributing pro basketball player to your team or make 50 million with the caveat being youre already worth 120 million. You must not have read the question from the start and/or are playing dumb now.

Nobody is talking about literally buying rings but you and Arenas. Gilbert said that when asked if he wanted one, hed just buy it lmao.

It is the exact same thing. You have a choice. You choose to forfeit money for a known outcome. You’re buying a good for currency.

You’re winning a ring you know you’re gonna win and the cost is passing up 50 million.

There is nothing to be proud of. You bought it. You get to get a ring for sure and walk around for life knowing it was paid for and taking praise for an outcome you bought.

You might as well pay off the league. You’re the only one who knows and you spend your life lying to get the praise.

It’s pretty much just the sports version of stolen valor. You’re wearing a trinket that suggests something but you paid 50 million dollars for it. The choice makes it a purchase. Making it worthless to my pride.

Its only value is what others give it because to me it will always be a purchase when I’m honest with myself.

[Full Court]

I'd be curious to hear if Barkley or Malone would rather have a ring or $50 mil.

[Kblaze8855]

Does John Stockton have no life's work, while Adam Morrison does? My kids will have kids and those kids will also have kids. I have cousins brothers and sisters that could use some help. For most people there is ni limit to family members.


The idea that one’s life’s work is what they do from 16-30 is such a young persons perspective. It being the only thing in your Wikipedia page doesn’t make it your life. Most of your life is family and what happens after basketball.

If your entire life is a ball you didn’t live very much and you stopped a third of the way through. It can be your passion but if your life’s work can be completed at 20….set bigger goals.

[tpols]

It is the exact same thing. You have a choice. You choose to forfeit money for a known outcome. You’re buying a good for currency.

You’re winning a ring you know you’re gonna win and the cost is passing up 50 million.

There is nothing to be proud of. You bought it. You get to get a ring for sure and walk around for life knowing it was paid for and taking praise for an outcome you bought.

You might as well pay off the league. You’re the only one who knows and you spend your life lying to get the praise.

It’s pretty much just the sports version of stolen valor. You’re wearing a trinket that suggests something but you paid 50 million dollars for it. The choice makes it a purchase. Making it worthless to my pride.

Its only value is what others give it because to me it will always be a purchase when I’m honest with myself.

They're asking hypothetically if he were to win a ring. Not if he could transmutate time and space make him win something he never experienced the joy of putting in work and actually going through the motions of accomplishing it.

In this question it's not a "known outcome". This isn't some annunaki boon.

In the simplest of laymans terms, we're simply asking would you rather have the glory of winning over marginal financial utility or lose outright and make some additional dough. You're distorting the question here.

[Kblaze8855]

I’m not distorting anything I’m thinking it through. You’re giving the choice between money that is entirely real and glory that only appears real to others. Even if I were vain enough to make such a ridiculous decision as taking $50 million from my family in order to win knowing I was going to win, would make me feel like an even bigger idiot. And a fraud on top of it. Gilbert had it right. If you’re just gonna buy a championship with money, go buy one at the pawn shop. It means exactly as much as winning this ring in this scenario. The only difference is yours lets you get away with lying about deserving it at the cost of 49 million and change.

[tpols]

It's not really taking 50 million from your family if you already gave them 100 million. At that point you already did your part one thousand fold or more. It's OK to chase your dreams at that point.

[Kblaze8855]

It's not really taking 50 million from your family if you already gave them 100 million. At that point you already did your part one thousand fold or more. It's OK to chase your dreams at that point.


Doesnt matter what I spend it on. It’s 50 million that would be for my family going exclusively to my selfish pride. It would actually be smarter to buy a 50 million dollar mansion. That would hold some value. The ring is purely my satisfaction and fan props.

[tpols]

:facepalm


What monetary value do you put on the price of working hard an winning a hard fought championship? After you already took care of everybody...


Just sounds like virtue signaling at a point. Like it isn't about who you're supporting (extra) but more about you being able to flaunt in your own ego about it.


You wanna act like charity and glory are different. News flash... They're not. They both serve your ego.

[Wardell Curry]

:facepalm


What monetary value do you put on the price of working hard an winning a hard fought championship? After you already took care of everybody...


Just sounds like virtue signaling at a point. Like it isn't about who you're supporting (extra) but more about you being able to flaunt in your own ego about it.


You wanna act like charity and glory are different. News flash... They're not. They both serve your ego.

Right wrong or indifferent I already cracked his core on this topic earlier in this thread. At the end of the day he just wants power. Rings don't offer power. Money does. There's nothing further to argue.

[iamgine]

Gilbert Arenas said that if he was already worth 120 million dollars and he had to choose between winning a title or 50 million he'd easily take the money.

Makes me wonder if most NBA players have this mentality. Seems most of them don't even care about winning.... just money.

But the difference between 120 million and 170 million in marginal financial utility is slim to none. Anything you can afford to buy at 120 you can buy at 170.

Are these guys just that greedy? Winning is priceless at that point.

That's not the right way to look at it. A title is only worth much if it happens. You ask Jokic or Murray the same question, they would choose the title that they earned. But if you offer them the title next year for example, they'd 100% take the money. So if you're just given a choice like that, you always take the money. Cause the title is worth little in a made up scenario.

[Kblaze8855]

:facepalm


What monetary value do you put on the price of working hard an winning a hard fought championship? After you already took care of everybody...


Just sounds like virtue signaling at a point. Like it isn't about who you're supporting (extra) but more about you being able to flaunt in your own ego about it.


You wanna act like charity and glory are different. News flash... They're not. They both serve your ego.


Whatever you have to call a dumb purchase to justify it. Go with virtue signaling. Maybe “yolo”. All just uncreative overused bullshit you read on the internet till it sticks on your head as a go to when you aren’t clever enough to think of a way to express yourself originally.

It you think it’s selfish to give to family you may never even meet that’s fine. Have some kids. See them get old enough that they can have their own. Realize how fragile the comfort you built really is.

Gain some life experience. Your opinion might change. When you grow up life insurance is the most important bill to get paid. Putting what you have to the future. Even if you can’t share in it.

You’ll grow out of thinking it’s “virtue signaling” in time. Granted…by then the internet may have exposed you to new cliche terms to sound clever.

[Kblaze8855]

Right wrong or indifferent I already cracked his core on this topic earlier in this thread. At the end of the day he just wants power. Rings don't offer power. Money does. There's nothing further to argue.


The other side of that scale doesn’t have to be power to outweigh a ring. I wouldn’t trade a ring for say…knowing my grandchildren would never have high blood pressure.

A ring vs anything of consequence loses. At least in this ridiculous scenario where I’m basically buying it directly or indirectly.

[Round Mound]

NBA PLAYERS ARE RICH BY THEIR FIRST DRAFT THESE DAYS. AND SHOW NO PASSION, LOVE FOR THE GAME AND GUTS LIKE THE OLD BALLERS. THEY ARE MILLIONAIRES AND ARE FORGETING THE LOVE FOR THE GAME. GIVE IT ALL DUDES!

*Three pointer should only be allowed by smaller players.

[Xiao Yao You]

I'd be curious to hear if Barkley or Malone would rather have a ring or $50 mil.

Malone gave up his max salary for the vet minimum when he went to LA

[Axe]

Malone gave up his max salary for the vet minimum when he went to LA
He doesn't know. He doesn't watch basketball. :oldlol:

[Real Men Wear Green]

Malone gave up his max salary for the vet minimum when he went to LA

Karl Malone got a 13 year old girl pregnant and then completely ignored the kid for their entire childhood. Karl Malone has a different set of values.

[SouBeachTalents]

I genuinely want to know if you guys think these players would trade in their rings/championship experience for $50 million.

I was very tempted to include Billups, Rip & Ben who all have $50 million in net worth, but I just can't imagine them passing up a chance to double up for their championship. The rest though, I think are at least interesting to contemplate.

Paul Pierce at $70 million, is he giving up his ring & FMVP to reach 9 figures?

Ray Allen at $100 million, is he giving up either his Big 3 ring or his Miami one with his iconic shot?

Are Gasol or Bosh at $110-$120 million giving up at least one of theirs?

Is Love at $100 million giving up his only ring? One in which he wasn't much of a factor in the Finals, minus the stop on Curry of course.

Does anyone here imagine KG or Dirk, at $120-140 million, trading in their only rings for extra cash?

[Kblaze8855]

For the most part I don’t think legends would trade cash to remove the experience of winning. I also don’t think anyone you mentioned turns down 50 million to add one to the legacy. Dirk might if you asked him while he was kicking the bike in 06 but as mature adults with some perspective?

Nah. I don’t think KG passes on 50 to have the outcome flip in 2010. In 2010 he might. Today?

You grow up and think things through. Listen to the right people. Plan for life. Whatever you think these guys have most of them have a lot less. 50 million in your 40s and 50s makes you a lot more secure than a lot these 150 million in earnings 80 after taxes spread over 15 years of lavish living people are at a glance.

[tpols]

NBA PLAYERS ARE RICH BY THEIR FIRST DRAFT THESE DAYS. AND SHOW NO PASSION, LOVE FOR THE GAME AND GUTS LIKE THE OLD BALLERS. THEY ARE MILLIONAIRES AND ARE FORGETING THE LOVE FOR THE GAME. GIVE IT ALL DUDES!

*Three pointer should only be allowed by smaller players.

Yo....

I rep this guy.

[iamgine]

Another point to be made is have anyone gone to the 4 hour circus that is the NBA games? It's all entertainment and don't feel like real competition. A heated game among friends at the local rec center feels more competitive.

[Overdrive]

For the most part I don’t think legends would trade cash to remove the experience of winning. I also don’t think anyone you mentioned turns down 50 million to add one to the legacy. Dirk might if you asked him while he was kicking the bike in 06 but as mature adults with some perspective?

Nah. I don’t think KG passes on 50 to have the outcome flip in 2010. In 2010 he might. Today?

You grow up and think things through. Listen to the right people. Plan for life. Whatever you think these guys have most of them have a lot less. 50 million in your 40s and 50s makes you a lot more secure than a lot these 150 million in earnings 80 after taxes spread over 15 years of lavish living people are at a glance.

But those guys don't get that 50 extramillions in their 50s. They get it while playing and buying 30 Ferraris etc.

You bring up guys working 9-5 jobs after winning the title but they are not the ones who had to decide money or fame. They're mostly role players.

The ones who decide between money or fame are mostly all star level talent and the ones who choose money are more often than not the ones who plow through their income within years. While the guys trying to win often strategically use their assets.

It's a mindset thing and goes hand in hand. How many 1st and 2nd options of title teams in the past 30 years are broke? How many guys who took the extra money are?

[j3lademaster]

Never, Unless I had a shot at top 10 goat.

That doesn’t mean I wouldn’t ring chase. If I were some 23 year old in my 3rd or 4th year in the league, I would probably take a discount to play for the KD Warriors. But that would be a means to an end. I would see it as an investment towards my twilight, post-prime, “scrub” years. Teams line up to sign the “saavy vet with championship experience” for MLE or min all the time.

[Kblaze8855]

But those guys don't get that 50 extramillions in their 50s. They get it while playing and buying 30 Ferraris etc.

You bring up guys working 9-5 jobs after winning the title but they are not the ones who had to decide money or fame. They're mostly role players.

The ones who decide between money or fame are mostly all star level talent and the ones who choose money are more often than not the ones who plow through their income within years. While the guys trying to win often strategically use their assets.

It's a mindset thing and goes hand in hand. How many 1st and 2nd options of title teams in the past 30 years are broke? How many guys who took the extra money are?


The people you’re talking about are largely still young enough that they shouldn’t be yet but I couldn’t tell you. At least 3 100 million dollar all stars are known to have gone broke. Most players 30 years ago weren’t gonna have those career earnings. Not everyone who gets down to their last bit of wealth is gonna put it out there.

Besides they all have pensions that kick in eventually. Vin Baker played 13 years. He ended up working at Starbucks but his pension will be 213K a year if he waits to activate it so it isn’t what I’d call broke. He won’t die poor.

All depends on how you look at it. Sprewell was in the negatives after making like 90 million because of taxes and divorce but he’s got his pension coming up too. They aren’t broke like normal people go broke.

[ShawkFactory]

Rings are actually third...behind money, location, and then rings.

For a number of players it's a luxury to chase a title its more important to get those minutes and those contracts.

It's the old Barry Bonds rule....Barry didn't need to take steroids he was a top tier player without them. But Barry was playing and juicing to get those last contracts

Missed this before. Barry's pathology was different. He knew he was the best player in ball but wasn't getting talked about because of Sosa and McGwire, so he did it most to get the attention back on him.

One of the more egotistical and sensitive superstar players we've seen.