stonecrandall Chapter 113 A Super Off-Season Destined to Be Crazy!
Chapter 113 A Super Off-Season Destined to Be Crazy!
Chapter 113 A Super Off-Season Destined to Be Crazy!
He decided to upgrade the one-handed pass he got from "Magic" to LV3 first!
Firstly, Lin Tian doesn't want to and can't be a substitute next season, so he needs to demonstrate more passing and ball-feeding skills in order to better cooperate with the starting lineup.
Secondly, and most importantly, if you reach LV3 in One-Handed Passing, you can combine it with LV3 in Quick Passing to see what new things you can create!
Thinking it through, Lin Tian opened the system and first upgraded his one-handed passing skill to LV3.
「单手传球LV3(0/8000)：使用单手传球时出球速度增加15%，传球精準度增加15%。」
After upgrading his skills, Lin Tian didn't hesitate and merged his two LV3 passing skills.
Although both of these are LV3 skills.
One upgrade requires 8000 experience points, while the other only requires 4000. The difference is so huge that it's truly unbelievable.
"Initiating skill fusion for the host."
"Skill fusion complete!"
"Host has gained a new skill: One-Handed Quick Transfer LV3 (762/10000)"
"One-handed quick pass: One-handed passing speed and accuracy are increased by 18%. If passing during a transition, passing vision is increased by an additional 10%!"
Hmm, much better than I expected! Although the name of this new skill looks corny, uncool, and completely unremarkable, at least it has an extra new attribute, right? It's still a win-win situation!
Then, Lin Tian used his remaining experience to upgrade the "Aerial Dance Steps" that had been eagerly awaiting improvement!
「空中舞步LV2(0/4000)：提升宿主篮下终结能力10%！若弹跳评价达到A-，之后弹跳每提升一个级别，终结能力额外提升3%！」
After upgrading these two skills, Lin Tian's experience points were depleted again, leaving him with less than 200. Lin Tian then opened the system to admire his new status values.
Name: Lin Tian
Age: 22
Height: 191 cm
Weight: 84KG
Physical Assessment: Jumping B, Speed S+, Strength B-, Stamina A-, Explosiveness A+, Coordination A, Awareness A+
Overall physical assessment: A
Offensive ratings: Shooting B+, Dribbling B, Passing S-, Penetration B+, Low Post D, Dunk B, Fast Break S
Overall Offense Rating: B+
Defensive ratings: Rebounding C-, Stealing A+, Top defense D+, Blocking C-, Help defense B, Boxing out C-, One-on-one defense B-
Overall defensive rating: C
Special abilities: All-Seeing Eye, Pretty Boy, Lightning Speed, Human Cannon
技能：挡拆投篮LV3（1425/4000）、空中舞步LV2（0/4000）、单手快传LV3(762/10000)、手套截断LV2(1528/4000)、犹他城墙LV1(602/1500)
物品：98-99赛季莫宁力量体验卡（全场）、肥厚脂肪（3次）、无敌铁肘（2次）、邮差中投（全场）、阴损黑脚（3次）、枸杞保温杯（3次）、伤病豁免（1次）、增肥药剂（一瓶）、米勒时刻（10秒）、谜样年纪（3分钟）、94-95赛季大卫·罗宾逊面框突破体验卡（3分钟）、飞翔神猪（一节）、过期披萨店（一次）、恶意犯规（3次）、篮板痴汉（全场）、鲨鱼血帽（半场）05-06赛季科比·布莱恩特体验卡（全场）、04-05赛季史蒂夫·纳什体验卡（全场）
XP: 180
Task: None
The biggest improvement Lin Tian made this time was undoubtedly his physical strength, which jumped three levels, from the lower-middle B- in the league to A-. Now, Lin Tian's physical strength is definitely quite good!
Then there's his breakthrough and dribbling ability. Perhaps it's because he's made more breakthroughs since the playoffs, or perhaps it's the residual ability from the Iverson experience card, or of course, the boost that comes with the upgrade of the "Air Dance" technique. In short, Lin Tian has improved in both of these abilities.
The only pity was that although he had upgraded his passing skill, his passing attribute was still stuck at S- and he couldn't go any further, which made Lin Tian a little frustrated.
Obsessive-compulsive disorder!
Then, looking at the huge pile of all sorts of experience cards, props and the like, Lin Tian actually felt a little sympathy for his opponents in the next season.
Well, it's because Master Lin feels he's been using these things too sparingly this season, and next season he must use them more! What's taken from the people should be used for the people!
After getting everything sorted out, it was almost time for the team to assemble.
While the heartbroken girl in Seattle needs comforting, there are also many excited girls in Chicago who hope to celebrate the championship with the players!
We can't show favoritism!
So, all the members of the Bulls boarded a plane back to Chicago the afternoon after they won the championship.
What awaits them next is the cheers, shouts, and welcoming ceremonies from the entire city, as well as the most exciting and exhilarating city tour!
Then, most of the Bulls players can go on vacation and rest.
The long season has finally come to an end.
Although the season is over, the eyes of all fans, players, and team management across the United States are still on the Bulls!
Because this summer, the biggest fish in NBA free agency history has emerged!
Michael Jordan will become a free agent for the first time in his career!
His eight-year, $25 million contract with the Bulls has finally expired. Which team he will sign with in the new season and what kind of contract he will sign will definitely become the biggest, most exciting, and most captivating soap opera in the entire league this summer.
In particular, after Ewing signed that $1800 million annual salary contract last summer, the salaries of the entire league are destined to rise rapidly and enter the era of tens of millions.
Those top players who earn 2 or 3 million in salary will inevitably be able to sign a huge contract this summer that they never dared to imagine or even dream of before, once their contracts expire!
Miller, Barkley, Drexler, and even Ewing, who only signed a one-year contract last year, all have contracts expiring this summer. Countless fans are eager to see this money in their own pockets, and they will be constantly monitoring the contract renewal status of these top stars from the very first second the free agency market opens.
Well, Scott Pippen said he's completely uninterested in and doesn't care at all; he just wants to get to Hawaii for vacation.
As for the last member of the Bulls' "Big Three," Rodman, like Jordan, will become a free agent this summer. However, his value is much lower than Jordan's. Although he is a rebounding champion and a member of the league's top defensive team, the things Rodman did with the Spurs and Pistons have made most team owners keep their distance from him.
Who knows if he's truly reformed or just temporarily toned down his toxicity for the sake of a big contract?
Regardless of what choices Rodman, Jordan, and other big-name free agents make, this offseason is destined to be incredibly exciting! Meanwhile, the players will be pocketing a fortune from the owners!
Lin Tian knew better than anyone that it was the various crazy contracts signed by owners and players this summer, including next offseason, that led to the league lockout in the summer of 1998.
Because player salaries were so high, in the 1997-1998 season, 25 out of 29 teams in the league suffered losses. Under these circumstances, the labor and management sides had to renegotiate and properly regulate the salary terms.
It's important to understand that while the league has a salary cap, there are no real maximum salary clauses or luxury tax clauses. The length and details of contracts, as well as various guarantees, buyouts, and opt-out clauses, are also very unclear. This situation makes it easy for some outrageous contracts to emerge.
For example, the crazy $3000 million annual salary contract that Jordan will sign this summer!
The salary cap for next season is only around $2400 million!
Jordan alone takes up 125% of the salary cap!
For example, Ewing's $1800 million annual salary contract last summer, which accounted for 80% of the salary cap.
This is unimaginable in the 21st-century NBA. Even if the owners were willing to pay, the rules would absolutely not allow anyone to pay players such high salaries.
Even if Jordan meets all the Rose Rule, veteran rule, or any other conditions, the most he can get is a starting salary of 35% of the salary cap and a maximum of 5 years on a contract!
Due to the rules, there's no need to discuss it further!
And what about the league now?
There is no fixed maximum salary standard, and there is no clear regulation on how many years a contract can be signed for.
Of the rules familiar to fans, only one "Bird Rights" exists in the current league, and it differs significantly from the later supplementary versions.
The so-called Bird rights, officially known as the "Larry Bird exception," were granted when Bird's contract expired. However, the Celtics' salary cap had already been filled. According to the rules at the time, the Celtics could only re-sign Bird if they made a large number of trades to clear cap space, because team salaries were not allowed to exceed the salary cap.
However, after the league studied the matter, in order to allow Bird to stay with the Celtics and continue the rivalry between the two superstars, the Celtics and the Lakers, in terms of its popularity, entertainment value, and viewership, the league specifically added the "Larry Bird Rule" so that Bird could continue to stay with the Celtics and the Celtics would not have to dismantle half of their team in order to keep Bird.
The Larry Bird right is a right granted to a team to re-sign a player if the team has played for the player for three consecutive years without any transfers. This right allows the team to extend the player's contract regardless of the salary cap, a practice known as a "cap-exceeding extension."
However, while the current league has Bird rights, it does not have a maximum salary cap, nor does it have a luxury tax.
This means that as long as the owner and the player agree, any contract can be signed!
In principle, as long as the boss is willing to pay, 100 million a year is fine, or 10 billion over 10 years is also acceptable!
As long as the player is willing to sign, 200 million for 1 year is fine, or 20 million for 2000 years is also acceptable!
For example, last summer, Ewing signed a $18 million annual salary contract, the first in NBA history to reach the $10 million mark, when the salary cap was only $22 million.
In addition to the lack of restrictions on the amount of money involved, there are also no restrictions on the length of the player's contract.
For example, the two rookie stars who entered the league in 1994.
From a certain perspective, the top two picks, Robinson and Kidd, are definitely a pair of brilliant strategists!
When "Big Dog" Robinson entered the league, he wanted to sign a crazy 13-year, $1 million contract. The team naturally rejected him. After some bargaining, the two sides agreed on a 10-year, $6800 million deal.
As for Kidd, he offered the Mavericks a nine-year, $60 million contract, and the two sides eventually agreed on that price.
It was precisely because of these two crazy guys who hadn't even played a single game in the league that the league changed the terms of rookie contracts. Starting in 1995, all rookies could only sign fixed template contracts, leaving no room for negotiation. This made rookie contracts fair and transparent.
In addition, the most famous long contract is the 25-year, $2500 million contract that Magic Johnson signed with the Lakers as soon as he entered the league, which was considered an insanely high price at the time.
Well, it's worth mentioning that with the increase in the salary cap and the rise in league revenue, Dr. Buss, the league's number one good boss, took the initiative to discuss with Magic Johnson and voided that contract, signing a new super contract with a higher amount.
Magic Johnson's newly signed super contract was originally intended to make him the first player in NBA history to earn a $10 million annual salary in the 1994-1995 season. He was originally expected to receive $14 million that year. However, he was not in the league that year...
That's why the first person in history to receive a multi-million dollar annual salary was given to Ewing.
Another point worth mentioning is that, given the salary cap increase, the Bulls could actually negotiate a new contract with Pippen for the 7-year, $2000 million deal he begged to sign in 1991 and Jordan for the 8-year, $2500 million deal he signed back then.
Well, the Bulls' management didn't even mention it. Given Jordan's pride and personality, he naturally wouldn't say a word about it. If you don't give it to me, I won't shamelessly ask for it.
But perhaps that's why the contract negotiations between Jordan and the Bulls, which were about to begin this summer, became so strained, almost causing Jordan to complete the transfer and leave Chicago.
Well, of course, Jordan was too proud to bring it up, but Pippen really wanted to sign a high-priced new contract. However, the Bulls refused... So this Bulls legend left Chicago without a second thought after his contract expired to pursue his multi-million dollar contract.
With players like Jordan and Pippen who are incredibly talented but cheap, there are bound to be players who seize the opportunity and land huge contracts.
For example, Kevin Garnett, a fellow rookie from Lin Tian's draft class!
Kevin Garnett would sign that insane 7-year, $1.28 million contract in 1998, and that contract would instantly break the defenses of countless owners, bringing the league to a standstill!
Looking at this contract from a 2020s perspective, it's really not that great, it's nothing special!
But if you look at it from the perspective of the late 90s to the early 21st century, it was absolutely insane!
For example, in the final year of this contract, Garnett's salary reached $2800 million!
What does this mean?
For example, Allen Iverson and Tim Duncan, who were selected to the NBA All-NBA First Team that year, would not have earned $2600 million combined, and Kobe Bryant and Jason Kidd, who were selected to the NBA All-NBA First Team that year along with Kevin Garnett, would only have earned $2700 million combined.
How does the figure of 2800 million feel in the 2004 season, when all the rules were already very well-established?
Just like Frieza appearing before Goku and casually saying, "Your power level is only 18? Mine is 53!"
Regardless, the imperfections and numerous loopholes in the rules did indeed lead to the league's lockout in the summer of 1998.
In this summer of chaotic salary rules and crazy new contract signings, one soap opera after another is destined to unfold!
However, Lin Tian never expected that he would be the first participant in this soap opera!
Just after the season ended, a group of Bulls players enthusiastically participated in the Bulls' championship parade. Everyone was as excited as a group of 200-300 pound children. The next day, the Bulls' general manager, the real "fatso" Krause, called Lin Tian to his office.
"This is all wonderful, isn't it, Lin?" Klaus gave Lin Tian his signature, forced smile and said, "The feeling of winning a championship, the feeling of being adored by the fans, the feeling of the whole city cheering for you, celebrating for you, and treating you like a hero—it's great, isn't it!"
"It's really not bad, Mr. General Manager. We'll come again next year!" Lin Tian had a rough idea of why Klaus had suddenly contacted him, but at this moment, he revealed an innocent and foolish expression, looking like a complete newbie.
Klaus smiled but didn't continue the topic. Instead, he said casually, "As far as I know, you don't have an agent? Quite a few local Chicago businesses have wanted to work with you this year, but they can't find you or contact you."
"I did have one at first, but that guy didn't think I could make it in the NBA, so I fired him after the draft," Lin Tian shrugged. "I just wanted to focus on playing basketball, so I didn't think having an agent was important."
Klaus's eyes lit up noticeably after hearing Lin Tian's words!
He thought this kid was easy to fool!
This is definitely a person who is full of passion and enthusiasm, playing basketball solely for the sake of basketball, and has transcended the low-level interest of money!
Otherwise, how could a normal person not need an agent?
Well... because Lin Tian didn't tell him the truth.
The agent he hired when he first entered the league genuinely didn't think Lin Tian could establish himself there, so that guy's idea was to make as much money as possible! In the month after Lin Tian was drafted by the Bulls, he frantically contacted all sorts of events for Lin Tian!
Lin Tian was made to attend everything from ribbon-cutting ceremonies for real estate developments and openings of pet shops to being a burger tasting instructor and even the opening of some bizarre strip club!
After discovering that the guy was just trying to fool him like an idiot, Lin Tian fired him without hesitation. After that, Lin Tian did not hire a new agent.
Lin Tian felt that since he hadn't made a name for himself yet, he would deal with everything after he had done so!
He didn't want to create a whole host of dark secrets for a few tens of thousands of dollars!
However, this small misunderstanding was interpreted by Klaus as Lin Tian only wanting to play basketball and having no interest in anything else.
"Lin, you're my favorite player on the team! You're pure, passionate about basketball, and stay true to yourself! These are qualities that none of the other old bastards on the team possess! I truly believe you can stay with the Bulls forever, until you retire!"
"Together, we can accomplish many wonderful things and win many championships! I believe that after Scott and Michael retire, you will become the league MVP and lead the Bulls to several more championships! You are the future leader of the team in my eyes!"
"That's awesome! That's why I joined the league!" Lin Tian followed Klaus's words, his face full of anticipation. He wanted to see what this stingy fat guy was up to.
"But Lin, I so desperately want to build a dynasty with you, but we've run into some bad luck—the team's salary cap!" Krause said with a very sincere expression, "Judging from our current situation, we probably won't be able to keep you next summer. You'll likely be poached by other teams."
"I swear, I really don't want this to happen, but we don't have your bird rights, so there are some things I really can't do!"
Seeing Klaus's explosive acting skills, Lin Tian continued to nod in agreement, wanting to see what this guy would say in the end.
"So, Lin! In order for you to stay with the Bulls, in order for you to lead this team to win a few more championships after Michael retires, I've come up with a really good idea! A perfect idea!"
"We can extend your rookie contract early! Just one year, and then two summers later, when your contract expires, we'll own your Bird rights, and we can offer you a super lucrative contract!"
"So, you mean, you want me to play for another year on a minimum salary for a second-round pick? So that I can sign a huge contract in the summer of 1998?" Lin Tian looked at Klaus, who was showing his true colors, and gave him a cryptic smile.
"Yes, Lin, just one year! That way you can stay in Chicago forever! Always be a part of Chicago! Your jersey will fly in the rafters, you'll be a new icon of this city!"
Seeing that Lin Tian might take the bait, Klaus immediately offered him a set of large, plentiful treats, hoping to make Lin Tian's stomach bloated!
"Sorry, I won't agree." Lin Tian refused without even thinking!
Are you kidding me? I'm not stupid. Why would I agree to fight here for free for a year at a dirt-cheap price?
Doing charity?
"Don't you trust me, Lin? I can guarantee you'll get the highest-level contract available! I guarantee you'll receive a multi-million dollar annual salary! I guarantee the contract's term and amount will be beyond your wildest imagination!"
"What if I get injured? What if I don't play as well as expected or improve over the next two years? What if I get into trouble and get suspended by the league for a long time?"
"Mr. General Manager, when that time comes, would you still be willing to renew my contract with a super-maximum salary?"
"Of course I'd love to! If you're willing to give, I'm naturally willing to give back! Sincerity for sincerity is always the best medicine!"
"Then why don't you give Scott a brand new contract that's worthy of him? Why do you only come to me?" Lin Tian looked at Klaus, knowing that this conversation was almost over.
Klaus treats him like an idiot, so he'll listen to Klaus finish speaking and let Klaus know who the real idiot is!
"So, Mr. General Manager, if I may be so bold, your guarantee is worthless in my eyes! I will not give up tens of millions of dollars in benefits for a vague promise, nor will I be treated like an idiot for so-called ideals or passions."
"If there's nothing else, I'll be leaving." Lin Tian stood up, ignoring Klaus, whose face was contorted with anger, and walked straight out of his office.
Lin Tian clearly heard... a series of crackling sounds coming from the office.
Klaus was furious! He had originally planned to outsmart Lin Tian, but this newbie had outsmarted him!
Then, in a fit of rage, Klaus made the stupidest decision of the summer that he regretted the most.
He called Jackson: "Phil, next season, reduce Lin's playing time! I'm going to lower his price! I want him to only get a minimum salary contract with us! This will benefit you too, right?"
"Why didn't you say so at the beginning of the season? That way I could have benched Michael and then you could have driven down his price this year. You didn't only think of such a brilliant idea now, you idiot, did you?"
"Fuck you!" Klaus cursed angrily, then slammed the phone down on the table.
The start of this offseason has been terrible for him!
Lin Tian was in a great mood, whistling as he walked out of the stadium.
He originally thought he would be able to compete in the Olympics this year and have a good showdown with the Dream Team III, but no one from the national team has contacted him yet.
Then it's highly likely that they won't invite him, an "outsider," to play in the Olympics. Lin Tian doesn't care about this at all. If you invite me, I'll go. If you don't invite me, don't expect me to beg you to let me play!
But now that he doesn't have to play in the Olympics, Lin Tian has a lot of free time during the off-season. He plans to stay in Chicago for a few days, then go back to China to stay at home for a few days, and then go to Los Angeles to train with Magic Johnson and Thomas for a month.
And then... it's time to enjoy a relaxing vacation and gossip!
Lin Tian is sure to have a very enjoyable offseason!
Just as Lin Tian was humming a little tune and walking towards the vicinity of the stadium entrance, a familiar figure suddenly appeared: "You didn't agree to that idiot fat guy's offer, did you? If you did, I'll go in with you right now and make him tear up the contract!"
Jordan glared menacingly at Lin Tian, clearly having somehow gotten wind of Krause's intention to target him.
"Michael, can't you be a little more mature? Do you think I'm an idiot?" Lin Tian rolled his eyes. Jordan's distrust of him was as if he were an idiot.
"You don't have an agent, who knows if he'll scam you!" Surprisingly, Jordan wasn't angry. Instead, he grabbed Lin Tian and said, "Come with me! I'll take you to see David, and you can sign with him! With him around, you'll never lose out!"
Lin Tian certainly knew who David was, as Jordan had mentioned.
The renowned David Falk!
The league's top agent in the 90s, he represented more than half of the league's top stars, including Shaquille O'Neal, Patrick Ewing, and of course, Michael Jordan!
At his peak, David Falk could easily have controlled the league. With Jordan on his team and having built the AJ brand legend for Jordan, coupled with his strong negotiating skills and network of connections, he was even called the number one enemy of the owners by many in the league when the league went into lockout in the summer of 1998!
However, it was precisely this powerful influence that caused David Falk to lose some self-awareness. For example, during the league lockout in 1998, this guy actually openly challenged the league, saying that if the league did not agree to the players' demands, he would lead his players to form a brand new league!
In fact, that summer he actually had Ewing, Mourning, and others play several high-level matches, giving the bosses a taste of their own medicine.
But Falk's clueless behavior has landed him on the league's blacklist.
They can accept you representing the players to negotiate for higher profits, but the league will absolutely not allow anyone to threaten or intimidate them by talking about starting anew.
This is why Falk, who was at the height of his popularity in the 90s, disappeared from the NBA at lightning speed after the start of the 21st century.
Although there was no evidence to prove that he was ostracized, everyone believed that the league's boss and David Stern had reached a secret agreement during the labor negotiations to kick Falk out of the league!
Hmm, having such a ruthless and incredibly capable person as my manager? That sounds pretty good!
Lin Tian doesn't care if Falk is targeted or banned by the league. As long as he can secure enough benefits for himself, he's a good agent!
As for what will happen after the 21st century...
Then let's get a different agent!
So, after hearing that Jordan was going to introduce Falk to him, he didn't stand on ceremony and got into the car with Jordan, and they drove to Falk's company in Chicago.
Judging from the company's imposing entrance and luxurious exterior, you can tell this guy is really doing well! It's definitely a top-tier agency in the league, and signing with them will certainly bring Lin Tian considerable benefits.
Their connections, reputation, and experience will definitely help Lin Tian take his business development to the next level!
"David! We're here!" As soon as Jordan entered the office building, he greeted a guy with a shrewd look on his face. Needless to say, this guy was none other than the NBA's famous number one agent: David Falk!
However, Lin Tian's attention was not on David Falk, but rather on the young man in front of Falk.
The guy was bowing and scraping, pleading with Falk, saying he needed an opportunity, an internship, even if it was unpaid, he just wanted to intern here.
As he spoke, the man pulled out his resume again and began describing his past experiences.
But Falk completely ignored the man's words, and impatiently waved his hand, saying, "I have guests. If you continue to pester me, I'll have security take you out! Now, immediately, get out!"
After saying that, Falk didn't even glance at the young man, but instead put on a smiling face and said, "Michael! My good buddy! Did you know your latest AJ shoes are selling like hotcakes again? You've built an entire sneaker empire! Let me see who this is?"
"This must be the little rascal Michael hates the most but is full of talent! Lin, it's an honor to meet you. Michael often talks bad about you in front of me!" Falk looked energetic and shook hands with Lin Tian with a smile.
It must be admitted that Falk has a natural affinity that makes people want to get close to him. His smile, tone of voice and the way he speaks make it very easy to gain people's trust.
This is probably one of the reasons why he became a top agent!
"Come on, let's talk in the office! Michael said his good buddy needs a professional agent, and I have to say, you won't find a better agent in all of America than me! Come on, let's chat!"
The three of them walked through the magnificent corridor. Falk greeted people incessantly, displaying his boundless energy. Then he pushed open the door at the end of the corridor, entered his office, and sat down immediately.
"Lin, how about we get straight to the point? Let me tell you about my career plan for you! I guarantee I can create a top-tier business plan for you in the league!" As soon as Falk sat down, he couldn't wait to get straight to the point. Clearly, he wasn't the type to beat around the bush or dawdle.
Furthermore, he had clearly studied Lin Tian carefully and even produced a thick stack of business plans. He had indeed prepared a complete business plan!
"First of all, I think you need a sneaker brand! That's what makes you a real star! Real stars all have their own signature shoes! Air Jordans! Lin, without a doubt, you should sign with Air Jordans! You and McGrady are teammates, you should wear the same shoes!"
"I've even come up with your first 'GG' for you. How about you do it with Michael? The main theme is the two of you who love to bicker, never backing down, but are also best friends! With this 'GG,' you can soar to the top and become the next American Idol!"
"I've already drafted the contract, you can sign it directly! Trust David, he never cheats his clients!" Falk said, simultaneously producing two contracts: "This is your endorsement contract with AJ, you'll have your own shoes to wear next season!"
"This is our employment contract! But I suggest you sign this after you've signed the sneaker contract, so you can save a lot of money! If you sign the employment contract first, then every word you sign afterward will have to be split with me! Hahaha!"
"Then, after securing the players' most important shoe contracts, we don't need to rush the rest. My suggestion is that you can start by negotiating a few small endorsements, preferably with local brands. We should proceed step by step, first winning over the Chicago fans. The money from Chicago alone will be enough for you to make! Then we can set our sights on the whole of the United States."
As Lin Tian listened to Falk's eloquent speech while looking at the contract he was handed, he casually interrupted Falk, saying, "30 US dollars a year, until I retire from the league?"
"Yes, Lin! This is absolutely a fantastic contract, and there aren't any strings attached! I've considered everything! Let's put it this way: if you get injured, your performance declines, or you're even unable to play, but as long as you don't retire, you'll be taking $30 a year out of AJ's pocket!"
Seeing Falk's excited expression, Lin Tian suddenly didn't want to continue the conversation. This guy, like Klaus, treated him like an idiot!
"David, I'm only here because of Michael. I really don't want Michael's standing in my eyes to decline because of your selfishness or anything else." Lin Tian didn't mince words, saying directly, "This contract is just something to fool kids!"
"Do you really think I don't understand? If I don't play enough games each year, I get fined! If my basic stats aren't good enough, I get fined! If my playing time isn't enough, I get fined! If I don't make the All-Star team, I get fined!"
"These are all deductions; where's the reward?" Lin Tian asked Falk. "If this is your sincerity, then I can only say your sincerity isn't even worth as much as a stripper's virginity!"
Begging for monthly votes...
(End of this chapter)