Rodney Hood's return to the Portland Trail Blazers was among the best scores of the franchise in what's been a busy free agency period. Yet the decision to return to Rip City wasn't exactly the easiest for the 6-foot-8 lefty-shooting wing.
“Being my sixth year, you’re thinking it’s going to be the deal that changes everything,” Hood told Jason Quick of The Athletic.
Hood approached each conversation of his impending future with his wife, Richa — and often came back to the same conclusion, happiness.
“What can make me happy? Where can I fit?” Hood remembers debating with his wife. “It was about long term. Where can I find a home in this league? Where can I be the best player I can be? Where is my family going to fit? All of that played into it, and it always came back to Portland. Every single time.”
Eventually, the guard decided to return to Portland with a humble $5.7 million – the most the Blazers could offer him– with a player option for 2020-2021 season at $6 million.
While Hood could have gotten more after showing his impact in these past playoffs, the sharpshooter noted he's at peace with the money he's making, even if he left a bigger payday behind.
“And I’m totally fine with that,” Hood said, smiling. “I’m doing pretty well. We didn’t have a lot growing up, so I’m still making good money in my opinion. I know I’m not making Dame (Lillard) money, but for me, I’m doing pretty well. As long as you are a happy man, that goes a long way in this league. If you fit somewhere and your family is welcome, that goes a long way, and that’s going to show on the court.”
Stars across the league have turned down potential supermax extensions with their respective teams in search of happiness.
While the difference in money isn't remotely the same, Hood is doing that very same thing — putting his heart before his wallet.
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