In negotiations they always start high, because you never know the person might say yes.
If you are Kobe Bryant can’t hurt to ask for as much money as possible if a team in Europe wants you to play for them. With that being said even Kobe had to know that a million a month was probably a tad bit too much.
Kobe Bryant isn’t going to play ball in Europe. Not anytime soon, at least. As recently as this weekend, KB24 was in talks with the Turkish team Besiktas—the same one that just inked Deron Williams to a deal—trying to negotiate a deal that would have seen Williams and Bryant suiting up for the team this fall if the NBA lockout continues. The only problem: Kobe reportedly wanted $1 million a month (!) to come play in Turkey and Besiktas.
Bryant won’t be taking his talents to Turkey mainly because they don’t have that type of money, but don’t be surprised if another team in a foreign country meets or comes close to Kobe’s demands if the NBA Lockout starts to bleed into next season.