The Los Angeles Lakers did a great job this off-season rebuilding their roster. One of the key pieces that they brought back was Jarred Vanderbilt. The 24-year-old proved his worth to the Lakers in the second half of the season, earning himself a big four-year $48,000,000 deal. However, while he was in the midst of negotiations, he was warned against it. His former teammate, Patrick Beverley, advised Vanderbilt against signing the deal. Three days after LeBron James congratulated him on the extension, Beverley explained why he did so on The Pat Bev Podcast.
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King James, who is busy preparing for his 21st year in the NBA, took to Instagram to share his congratulations. Vanderbilt did everything right upon his move to LA. His presence, coupled with the resurgent play of LeBron and Anthony Davis, helped the Lakers make a long Playoff run. And, when he showed up in games, his teammates did not forget to credit him, as seen with his contributions to a Lakers comeback win over the Dallas Mavericks prior to the Playoffs.
Patrick Beverley advised Jarred Vanderbilt against signing $48,000,000 extension with the Lakers
Patrick Beverley is a player with close to 10 years of experience under his belt as an NBA player. Additionally, he has played for five different teams throughout his career and is now preparing to play on his sixth. As a result, he knows the ins and outs of the league, especially when it comes to contract negotiations.
So, when his former teammate on the Minnesota Timberwolves, Jarred Vanderbilt, was negotiating with the Lakers, he had some advice. He advised “Vando,” as he calls him, not to sign any extension. Why? Because he felt the 24-year-old would get a lot more if he tested free agency.
Unfortunately for Pat Bev, Vanderbilt was more focused on job security. As such, he signed a $48,000,000 extension with the Purple and Gold. Later on, he got a call from Beverley, who chewed him out for his decision, reminding him that he was worth so much more.
“Obviously you sign an extension you get your worth. You sign as a free agent, you get overpaid. That’s where the overpaid title comes from, when you’re a free agent…He got his worth. But, for what he does, he should be overpaid. If he would have waited, you talking about a four-year $60,000,000…four-year $65,000,000. So yeah he left a ton of money on the table, but it’s also hard to turn down $48,000,000. As soon as I hear he sign it, I call him and I say, ‘Why the f*ck you sign that damn deal?”, and he goes, ‘I can’t turn down $50,000,000!’. So I say, ‘It ain’t $50,000,000 it’s $48,000,000!'”
It certainly is an interesting take on free agency from Patrick Beverley. For all we know, he may have benefited from this mindset as well. But not everyone thinks like he does, as seen in the case of Jarred Vanderbilt. A player who will prove to be a key piece for the Lakers going forward. Earning an average of $12,000,000 a year over the next four seasons, he is just one of the stellar moves Rob Pelinka and the front office have made.
Pat Bev jokingly threw shade Vanderbilt’s way after he returned a $ 2,000 outfit
In this day and age, NBA superstars always have to look fresh when they’re walking down the tunnel. And towards the end of last season, Lakers star Jarred Vanderbilt did his best. Walking down the tunnel, Vando sported a $2,000 outfit that caught the eye of many. However, the story behind it is far more hilarious.
Following the match, Vanderbilt was called out. Why? Well, because he reportedly returned the clothes after using them. An action that saw him receive a lot of shade, even from his former teammate, Patrick Beverley.
It certainly is an awkward situation to find yourself in. But, now that he has $48,000,000 in the bank, he should be able to buy that clothing and keep it this time around.
