Sixty-Nine: Get Rich Overnight?

The Memphis Grizzlies defeated the defending champion Los Angeles Lakers in back-to-back games, which undoubtedly became the biggest upset of the day, no one.

After the game, on January 3rd, the game became the talk of the show. And once talking about this game, the matchup between Link and Kobe is undoubtedly a topic that cannot be avoided no matter what.

"Tom Lin, Link, I can't remember the first time we mentioned him recently. But since he entered the league, his magical aura has never faded. Yesterday's game, Link was facing Kobe Bryant. The defense was excellent. It was because of his excellent performance in the rotation time that the Grizzlies won the game."

"The Los Angeles Lakers paid for their arrogance, and I'm sure you don't know, the Memphis Grizzlies have unknowingly won 5 straight games. Currently, their record is 17 wins and 17 losses, just one step away from eighth in the West. By the way, it's worth mentioning that Link played five games with the Grizzlies, and the Grizzlies just won five straight. I think that's enough to tell the story."

"It has proven to be a bad decision when the Houston Rockets let Link go. After this guy scored 52 points in the G League, he was out of control. During his time with the Grizzlies, Link averaged 5 games per game. To 15.6 points, 6.1 rebounds and 4.2 assists, there is no doubt that this is a number that can be called gorgeous. Not all 10-day short-term contract players can show such performance. If nothing else, Memphis Link should be given a guaranteed contract. Link will be a key point in the Grizzlies' journey to the playoffs."

At his home in Memphis the next day, Link found that news about him was being broadcast on major TV programs. Although he has made excellent performances before, his attention has never been so high. Even in the game where the starter scored 24 points, Link did not attract such widespread attention.

This shows how magical the Los Angeles stage is. It's no wonder that many big-name players like that place in Los Angeles. But don't say that this is the Internet age. Playing in a big city is the same as playing in a small city.

The fact is, the popularity of the Staples Center is completely incomparable to Memphis. The victories in the previous four games were not as much attention as the win over the Lakers.

What's more, Link also restricted Kobe in this game, which made his popularity soar.

Link felt very lucky to meet the defending champion Lakers when his second ten-day short-term contract expired. The game made him famous, which naturally increased the Grizzlies' goodwill toward him.

Sometimes, one game performance is enough to decide the fate of a bottom player. There are only so many opportunities, but there are countless players waiting for it. If you can't grasp it, you will naturally be eliminated.

Link decided to be very fortunate, at least he seized the opportunity.

Tomorrow, the Grizzlies will play the Oklahoma City Thunder at home. After tomorrow, Link's second ten-day contract with the Grizzlies will officially expire. He can't wait to officially sign with the Grizzlies. Link was thrilled to think that he could win a multi-million dollar contract in no time.

Nonsense, no matter whether it is before or after crossing over, a number like "million" is out of reach for Link.

If a formal contract was signed, Link's life would be completely different from what it is now. Although he does not say that he will be rich in his life, at least he doesn't have to live so poor right now.

Turning off the TV, Link looked out the window and smiled, ready to go out for training. Although he only finished a back-to-back game yesterday, when he thought that he was about to sign a contract, Link suddenly felt full of strength.

As soon as he went out, Link received a call from Jeff Austin. Link is not surprised by this. After all, his ten-day contract will expire after tomorrow.

Austin will definitely have to come to Memphis to talk to the team about the signing.

At this point, Austin is undoubtedly doing much better than Carl Jones. Link still remembers that when his contract with the Rockets expired some time ago, Karl Jones didn't even help him fight for it.

"I'll be in Memphis this afternoon. You did a great job yesterday, and that will be the capital for me to negotiate the price." On the phone, Jeff Austin's voice sounded cheerful. After all, he successfully sent an undrafted pick he thought had potential to the NBA.

"Thank you, Mr. Jeff Austin. When are you arriving this afternoon? I'll pick you up after practice?"

"No, I should be waiting for you in the Grizzlies' general manager's office by the time you finish practice."

"General manager's office?" Link looked confused, "Could it be that the negotiation of the contract will start today?"

"That's right, the Grizzlies decided to renew your contract in advance. In this way, after your ten-day short-term contract ends, you will automatically become a full member of the Grizzlies. So, hurry up to the general manager's office after training. Come. Sign it, and your career officially begins."

Austin, this guy, always likes to save surprises for last.

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This time, Link specially bought a relatively cheap suit and signed a formal contract with an NBA team. He didn't want to be so sloppy.

While Memphis isn't as commercial as Houston, his signing today didn't have any reporters present. But Link also wanted to leave a good impression on his general manager. After all, the two sides might have to cooperate for a long time in the future.

Standing in front of the general manager's office, Link adjusted his tie and knocked on the door.

After entering the door, Link found Jeff Austin and Grizzlies general manager Chris Wallace talking. Judging from the smiles on both sides, the two should have a very speculative chat.

After all, it's not the first time Jeff Austin has worked with Wallace. After seeing Link come in, Austin immediately greeted Link to sit down.

"Say your offer, Chris, you've seen how capable this kid is." Jeff Austin patted Link on the back, he had actually negotiated a contract with Wallace just now. Now, it's just for Link to sign.

"Congratulations, kid. You've played five games with the team and the team has won five straight. It turns out you're the type of player we're looking for. So, Mr. Jeff Austin and I have come to an agreement. . We will use a $2 million contract to sign you until the end of the season. Considering that you only play half a season and you are still a rookie, the contract we offered is sincere enough.”

When Chris Wallace said this, Jeff Austin, who was beside Link, also nodded lightly. It means that this price is what Austin has agreed to, and it is the best price he can get.

As a traveler, Link remembers two cases where players on short-term contracts with 10 days signed long-term contracts with the team. The first is "Company Commander" Brewer, who signed a 10-day short contract with multiple teams in 2019, and finally signed with the King for $2 million until the end of the season.

The other was Yogi Ferrell, who flourished with the Mavericks as a G League player, eventually signing a two-year, $6.3 million contract.

In these two contracts, the price of the first point is the same as that of Link. But Brewer is a veteran, and his starting salary is much higher than Link's. And the second one can get more than 3 million a year on average, but that is in 2018. The salary cap at that time was not a concept at all compared to now.

Based on such a comprehensive comparison, Link felt that his contract of 2 million was not too small. Tony Allen's annual salary this season is only 3 million. And according to league rules, many first-round rookies don't have an annual salary of $2 million!

"Why a year?" After considering the price, Link began to think about the length of the contract. It stands to reason that it is actually safer to sign a long-term contract with the team. Because if he only signs for one year, in case Link doesn't play so well in the second half of the season, the Grizzlies can absolutely not renew the contract. As a result, Link will lose his job in the NBA again.

But if he signs a two-year or longer contract, Link doesn't have to worry about such things.

Although Link did not want such a thing to happen, various risks had to be considered.

"A one-year contract is my idea, because I believe you should have a higher value next year." Austin replied confidently, he believed that Link's next contract price should be higher. If he signs for two years, then Link will have no chance to bargain next year, and he can only continue to play with the basic salary.

There are also many examples in NBA history where long-term contracts were not signed, but short-term contracts were overturned. But Austin is confident that this will not happen to Link.

After listening to Austin's explanation, Link flipped through the contract and signed his name with confidence.

At that moment, Link felt his hands shaking. After signing the name, he will turn from a diaosi to a millionaire? This feeling, as exciting as winning the lottery, is all about getting rich overnight.

With the $2 million in hand, Link felt a little dizzy in his head.

But soon, Austin pulled Link out of his fantasy, "Now, I'll tell you about the various tax rates, and then calculate how much money we can finally get."

"Tax rate?" Link slapped his forehead and forgot about it.

Signing a 2 million contract can get you $2 million? Link was still too young.