By Eurohoops team/ info@eurohoops.net
Spanish basketball star Rudy Fernandez and Real Madrid have started the talks on the renewal of his contract, according to Marca.
He has been in the club for five years straight, since 2012, and he was aware at the beginning of the season that this might be his last with Real Madrid. “Maybe it’s my last year in Madrid and I want to offer them the best Rudy there could be”, as he said.
The 32-year old forward is identified with the club and with the city, where he feels comfortable with his family. The duration of the hypothetical next contract should not be a problem. Two years could be good for all parties. Money, on the other hand, might be an issue. Fernandez is prepared to give up some money in order to stay but he won’t agree to just any price. He is currently earning three million euros gross.
His importance on the court is evident. He is recording 7.9 points, 2.6 rebounds and 2.3 assists per game in the average 19 minutes of play in Turkish Airlines EuroLeague, and the team is better while he is playing. In the EuroLeague, the improvement is evident in parameters related to the handling of the ball, the defense, and the outside shot. Rudy is the second most efficient player of the entire competition just behind Paulius Jankunas.
At Madrid, however, they fear gis injury history and that Rudy might face again problems like it happened last season. But also, they have to think hard about their contracts and roster, considering that losing both an emblem of the club (Rudy Fernandez) and probably Luka Doncic (NBA prospect) might be too much at a time.