The Los Angeles Clippers lost to Memphis, and the next day, many media outlets featured about it.

What's more, from the Grizzlies' first win, it was all the way back to Game 68.

However, among the many feature stories, there is one photo that always stands out.

In the photo, a calm Link is in stark contrast to the agitated crowd around him.

He didn't hug his teammates or run around the pitch with his arms raised. He just stood there coldly, then pointed to the Grizzlies' empty dome.

Everyone knows what it means, and after winning 68 wins in a single season, Link is about to start attacking for the title!

"Link is going to officially challenge for the title, is everyone else ready?"

In fact, Link was already able to win the championship pennant. They won the regular season in the West this year, and they finally surpassed the Spurs to become the champion of the Southwest Division. There's no doubt that by the next time Link points to that place, the dome of the Federal Express Arena won't be empty anymore. ”

"The Grizzlies have achieved a great job, and the last team to finish with 68 wins in the regular season was the Celtics in '71-72. In modern basketball, 68 wins are nothing short of a miracle! ”

The world is raving about the grizzly bear, something Memphis has never faced before.

The heat of the Grizzlies' 68-win win even overshadowed the playoffs. At this time, most of the media was doing playoff previews.

But this year, looking through all the basketball media, they're reporting almost all about the Grizzlies.

In the midst of the jubilation, people found that the Grizzlies officials did not react much. Except for the release of relevant news on the official website that night, it has remained silent.

They didn't set up the arena around the number "68" or sell commemorative T-shirts like they did with their 60-win campaign.

Grizzlies fans are chanting, "Take my money and get out the commemorative T-shirts." ”

However, the grizzly bear remained unmoved.

The reason is actually very simple, the Grizzlies still have two games to play. This group of "bandits" was not satisfied with 68 wins.

If you can make up a whole number, wouldn't it be fragrant?

With 68 wins, it can only rank third in NBA history. Moreover, it is tied for third with the Celtics in '72 and the Philadelphia 76ers in '67.

While great enough, the Grizzlies could do even greater.

Become only the second team in league history to win 70 in a single season? Well, that sounds like a lot of bluffing.

※※※

Link went to the gym the next day before going to the gym with manager Jeff. Austin had a lunch.

Jeff. Austin hasn't been in contact with Link in a while because he's busy with the draft. For every manager, the closer to summer, the busier they become.

All kinds of contract renewals, signings and other matters of the players have to be handled by the manager.

And summer is the peak of this kind of business.

"Busy with the draft? So, you have officially become the manager of the Greeks? Link sat in the dining room and played a joke with his manager.

"To be exact, he has not yet obtained Greek citizenship. But no matter what country he is from, I'm sure he's going to be a player as good as you. Well, maybe a little worse than you, but he's definitely going to be good. ”

Austin spread his hands, since betting on Link, the undrafted pick, Jeff. Austin became more and more convinced of his vision. So when he first spotted the guy under the age of 18 in the Greek Second Division, Austin decided to help him break through in the NBA.

"Forget it, I'm not as physically fit as he is. Compared with many people, that kid has an innate advantage. By the way, what's his name? Link asked knowingly, wanting to hear Austin's broken accent when he read the name.

"Janis. Antetokounmpo, that kid's name is Janis. Antetokounmpo. Don't worry, Link. Next season, you'll be able to play him. ”

Jeff. Austin laughed slyly, he could already read the name fluently.

Link and Jeff. Austin has been busy lately, so naturally they can't find time to meet in order to talk about a rookie who hasn't yet entered the league.

Today, Jeff. Austin came mainly to deal with Link's problems.

Link's contract with Nike will expire in June. Signing a new sneaker contract is Link's only signing assignment this summer.

The last time the two sides met, Austin had already told Link about Nike's offer. In order to keep Link, Nike did not hesitate to offer hundreds of millions of dollars!

As an undrafted player, thank God for getting a sneaker contract. Link, on the other hand, is about to break the record for the largest shoe contract for an undrafted player, and he will also release autographed shoes.

This time, though, things have changed. It is estimated that Nike did not expect that Link would be able to complete such a huge leap in just half a season. From a potential star, he has directly transformed into a top player in the league.

As a result, Nike has re-evaluated Link's value.

Like NBA contract renewals, the sneaker industry has its own standards and rules.

If a player's contract with a brand of sneakers is about to expire, then other brands can also make bids. And if the original brand wants to keep this player, it must match the contract of the same size as the offer.

The more famous is Durant, whose first contract with Nike ended, Under Armour offered a high price to grab someone. As a result, Nike was stunned and did not hesitate to spend a lot of money to match.

It turned out that keeping Durant was the right decision for Nike. Now, Durant's KD series is a very important branch of Nike.

Now, after reassessing Link's commercial value, Nike has made a similar decision.

"You know what? Nike has decided that no matter how big an offer other brands make for you this summer, they will choose to match, unconditionally! Nike decided to pay the full price and leave you behind. In the beginning, there was still a cap on their offer. But now, there's no cap on your price code! ”

Austin looked at Link proudly as he ate. Commercial contracts are the largest percentage of cuts for managers, and the larger Link's contract, the greater Austin's profits.

"Hmm...... I'm not surprised at all. Didn't you say that last time? They already have plans to get me signed shoes. But I'm curious to see what the price of my sneaker contract will be this summer. Can you predict that? Jeff. ”

Link remembers that the last time Austin came to him, Nike's offer was between $120 million and $150 million.

So after tossing for most of the season, how much will it become?

"Swallow all the soup in your mouth, I don't want to be sprayed in the face. Hear me clearly, boy. Based on the current situation, your value in the sneaker market this summer is probably close to that. Austin said, gesturing three fingers.

"Close to 300 million?" When Link said the word "300 million", he couldn't help but shudder.

How much the does that cost!

Austin nodded slightly, and the latest market said that the value of Link's mistakes on sneakers this summer is about 300 million!

When Link calmed down, he leaned forward and leaned back into the back of his chair.

After a superstar season, now, he finally has the value of a superstar!

Next, let's use 70 wins to end this superstar season.