The Memphis Grizzlies defeated defending champions Los Angeles Lakers in back-to-back games, undoubtedly becoming the biggest upset of the day, not one of them.

On January 3, after the game, the match became the most talked-about event. And once it comes to this game, the matchup between Link and Kobe Bryant is undoubtedly a topic that cannot be avoided no matter what.

"Tom. Lin, Link, I can't remember how many times we've mentioned him in recent times. But since he entered the league, his magical aura has never faded. In yesterday's game, Link defended very well against Kobe. It was his stellar performance in rotation time that set the Grizzlies' victory. ”

"The Los Angeles Lakers have paid the price for their arrogance, and I'm sure none of you know it, the Memphis Grizzlies have won five in a row without realizing it. Currently, they have a 17-17 record and are just one step away from eighth in the West. By the way, it's worth mentioning that Link played 5 games with the Grizzlies, who just managed to win five in a row. That's telling, I think. ”

"The Houston Rockets letting Link go has proven to be a bad decision. This guy went out of control after scoring 52 points in the Development League. During his time with the Grizzlies, Link averaged 15.6 points, 6.1 rebounds and 4.2 assists per game in five games, which is undoubtedly a statistic that can be called gorgeous. Not all players on a 10-day contract can perform like that. If nothing else, Memphis should offer Link a guaranteed contract. Link, on the other hand, will be a key node on the Grizzlies' way to the playoffs. ”

The next day at his home in Memphis, Link discovers that all major television programs are showing news about him. Although I have played well before, the attention has never been so high. Even when he scored 24 points in the starter, Link didn't attract so much attention.

This shows how magical the stage of Los Angeles is. It's no wonder that a lot of big-name stars love that place in Los Angeles. Don't say anything, this is the age of the Internet, and playing in a big city has the same attention as playing in a small city.

The truth is, the Staples Center has received more attention than Memphis. The wins in the previous four games were not enough to match the attention that the win over the Lakers attracted a lot.

What's more, Link also limited Kobe Bryant in this game, which made his popularity skyrocket.

Link feels very lucky to be able to meet the defending champion Lakers on the hurdle of his second 10-day contract. This game made him famous, and naturally it will also increase the Grizzlies' goodwill for him.

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

Link decided to be glad that at least he had his chance.

Tomorrow, the Grizzlies will play at home against the Oklahoma City Thunder. And after tomorrow, Link's second ten-day contract with the Grizzlies will officially expire. He can't wait to officially sign with the Grizzlies. Thinking that he could get a million-dollar contract right away, Link was excited.

Nonsense, whether it is before or after crossing over, a number of "millions" is untouchable for Link.

If a formal contract had been signed, Link's life would have been completely different. Although he doesn't say that he will be rich and wealthy all his life, at least he doesn't have to live so poorly at the moment.

Turning off the TV, Link looked out the window and smiled, ready to go out for training. Although he only played back-to-back games yesterday, the thought of signing soon, Link suddenly felt full of strength.

As soon as he went out, Link received a message from Jeff. Austin's phone. Link wasn't surprised, given that his ten-day contract expires after tomorrow, and Austin will definitely have to come to Memphis to talk to the team about signing.

In this regard, Austin undoubtedly did more than Carl. Jones is much better. Link still remembers that when his contract with the Rockets expired some time ago, Karl Brown. Jones didn't even fight for him.

"I'll be in Memphis this afternoon, and you did a great job yesterday, and that's going to be my bargaining capital." On the phone, Jeff. Austin's voice sounded cheerful. After all, he managed to officially send a draft pick that he thought had potential to the NBA.

"Thank you, Jeff. Mr. Austin. What time will you be there this afternoon? I'm going to pick you up after training? ”

"No, by the time you're done training, I'll be waiting for you in the Grizzlies' general manager's office."

"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 early. That way, when your ten-day contract ends, you'll automatically become a full member of the Grizzlies. So, after the training, you hurry to the general manager's office. Once signed, your career has officially begun. ”

Austin likes to save surprises for the end.

※※※

Link bought a relatively cheap suit this time and signed a formal contract with an NBA team, and he didn't want to be so-so.

Although Memphis is not as commercial as Houston, there are no reporters present to cover his signing today. But Link also wants to make a good impression on his general manager, after all, the two sides may have to cooperate for a long time in the future.

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

Upon entering, Link found Jeff. Austin and Grizzlies general manager Chris Brown. Wallace was talking about something. Judging by the smiles on both sides, the two should have chatted speculatively.

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

"Name your offer, Chris, you've seen how capable this kid is." Jeff. Austin patted Link on the back, having just actually negotiated a contract with Wallace. Now, it's just a matter of asking Link to sign it.

"Congratulations, boy. You've played five games with the team, and the team has won five in a row. As it turns out, you're the kind of player we're looking for. So Jeff and I. Mr. Austin has agreed. We'll sign you with a $2 million contract until the end of the season. Considering you're almost only going to play half a season, and you're still a rookie, the contract we offered is good enough. ”

Chris. When Wallace said this, Link's side was Jeff. Austin nodded slightly. This means that this price is what Austin has agreed to, and it is the best price he can get.

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

The other is Yogi. Ferrer, who shone with the Mavericks as a Development League player, eventually signed a two-year, $6.3 million contract.

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

After such a comprehensive comparison, Link feels that his contract of 2 million is really not less. Tony. Allen's annual salary this season is only 3 million. According to the rules of the league, the annual salary of many first-round rookies is not $2 million!

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

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

While Link doesn't want that to happen, there are all sorts of risks to consider.

"I was the one year contract I was in, because I believe you deserve to be worth more next year." Austin replied confidently that he believed Link's next contract should be even more expensive. If he signs for two years, then Link will have no chance to bargain next year and can only continue to play with a base salary.

There are also many examples in the history of the NBA where long-term contracts were not signed, but short-term contracts were signed and turned over. But Austin is confident that this won't 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 tremble. After signing his name, he will go from a broken dick to a millionaire? This feeling is as exciting as winning the lottery, and it is an overnight rich.

With $2 million in hand all at once, Link felt a little dizzy in his head.

Soon, though, Austin pulled Link out of his fantasy, "Now, I'm going to tell you about the various tax rates and figure out how much we'll end up with." ”

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

Sign a contract of 2 million and get 2 million dollars? Link was still too young.