Afternoon sunlight filtered into the training facility.
Link was in the middle of shooting practice.
The dull ache in his ribs had completely vanished, and his body felt light and recovered.
[Mission: Mid-Range Shooting (Basic)]
[Content: Make 2000 mid-range shots]
[Current Progress: 1978/2000]
With the system notification chiming continuously, the session was nearing its end.
[Congratulations, Host. Mission Complete!]
[Reward: Mid-Range Shooting +10%, Unlocked Skill: Mid-Range Master Lv1]
[Mid-Range Master Lv1: Slightly improves stability and resistance to interference for mid-range shots (Effective duration: 15 minutes)]
---
When Link returned to his apartment, Andrew was focused intently on his laptop, brows furrowed.
Seeing Link walk in, he looked up and turned the screen toward him.
"Manager Zhang sent over the detailed draft for the exhibition game," Andrew said, pointing at the email content.
"The tentative time is mid-July next year. Location likely Las Vegas or San Francisco."
"They'll gather two weeks in advance and are inviting you to participate in the joint training and public events during the final week."
Link wiped sweat with a towel and took the tablet, scanning it briefly.
The wording was extremely polite, treating Link almost like a respected international star.
Aside from the friendly match against the USA Select Team, the schedule included a dinner with the Chamber of Commerce and a small media meet-and-greet.
"What do you think?" Link handed the tablet back.
Andrew rubbed his eyes. "From a time management perspective, mid-July is right in the offseason." He paused, organizing his thoughts.
"Participating in this kind of low-intensity, high-exposure event is beneficial for maintaining your competitive state and public image. The key is the signal behind it."
"What signal?"
"The National Team is approaching you in a very smart, dignified way," Andrew analyzed seriously.
"They've definitely investigated your background and know that while you're American, you have feelings for the homeland."
"Inviting you as a special guest is a clever move. If you accept, it lays the foundation for future cooperation."
He leaned in closer, lowering his voice. "Yao Ming definitely played a role in this. He's using his influence to pave the way for you."
"The long-term value for your personal brand, especially in the Greater China region, is immeasurable. However..." Andrew pivoted.
"Once you start appearing frequently in this capacity..."
"The NBA side, especially some local media, might label you."
"It could even have subtle effects on award voting and public opinion. We have to weigh that."
Link listened silently.
He wasn't entirely unaware of the points Andrew raised.
Deep down, he had no psychological burden regarding this matter.
But he was playing for the Lakers now. There were more things to consider—the team's opinion, potential repercussions, and so on.
"I'm leaning towards participating. What's your advice?" Link asked after a moment of thought.
"I knew you'd say that!" Andrew clearly had a plan ready.
"I'll convey your willingness to Manager Zhang, but I'll make it clear that it needs to be kept confidential for now. No public announcements."
"First and foremost, we must ensure it doesn't affect the contract negotiations this offseason!"
"No problem. You arrange it," Link nodded.
Andrew started typing an email on his computer.
Shortly after Andrew hit send, his phone, resting on the chair next to him, vibrated.
Andrew glanced at it, his expression instantly becoming focused and slightly excited.
He made a "shh" gesture to Link.
"Hello, Mr. David. This is Andrew John..."
Hearing the name "Mr. David," Link's mind stirred.
If he remembered correctly, this was a senior director at Under Armour responsible for player signings.
They had a preliminary contact before, but negotiations hadn't gone deep.
It seemed his steady improvement this season had made the sports brand, which was aggressively expanding its basketball footprint, unable to sit still.
As Andrew listened to the phone, a smile gradually spread across his face.
The call lasted about twenty minutes.
Finally, Andrew said, "Thank you for your sincerity, Mr. David."
"We need some time to discuss this internally and consult with our legal and financial advisors."
"I believe we can arrange a more formal meeting soon. Yes, looking forward to meeting you!"
Hanging up, Andrew took a deep breath and turned to Link, his eyes shining.
"Under Armour. They're no longer content with just watching from the sidelines," Andrew spoke quickly.
"David made it clear that the brand highly values your performance this season and your potential influence in Asia!"
"How do they want to collaborate?" Link was more interested in the substance.
"They've drafted a tiered cooperation framework." Andrew pulled out a notebook and explained point by point.
"First, Under Armour plans to offer a four-year, $6 million shoe contract, including standard gear supply and print advertising."
Link listened quietly. This price was already quite sincere.
Historically, aside from superstars like LeBron James and Kevin Durant, very few players could sign large contracts early in their careers. Even future number one picks like Ben Simmons and Markelle Fultz only got shoe deals averaging around four million a year during their rookie periods.
"Secondly, they mentioned incentive clauses." Andrew got a bit excited here.
"Under Armour promises that if you make the All-Star team or win individual season awards in the future, it will trigger substantial bonuses."
Andrew paused, looking at Link.
"Most importantly, David hinted that if you achieve certain significant milestones during the contract, Under Armour will seriously consider launching a signature shoe line."
"They currently lack a flagship figure in the basketball shoe sector, and they see that potential in you."
"Signature shoe?" Link raised an eyebrow.
That would be a qualitative leap for a player's commercial value.
This proposal indeed far exceeded his previous expectations.
Under Armour was willing to pay real money for every possible step of his progress.
"What about the risks?" Link asked, accustomed to looking at both sides of an issue.
"If your future development doesn't meet expectations, the added value of this contract won't materialize. And..." Andrew said cautiously.
"Tying yourself to a brand still trying to break into the basketball market might mean missing out on opportunities to work with giants like Nike or Adidas..."
Link pondered.
Everything seemed woven into a web—his on-court performance, his background, his future potential, the brand's ambition...
"We need more professional negotiation," Link finally said.
"Especially regarding the trigger thresholds for the signature shoe. We need top-tier lawyers to review it."
"I'll contact them immediately!" Andrew was eager to get started. "Also, David hopes to have a face-to-face meeting with us before the playoffs start. It can be in Los Angeles."
"Sure." Link nodded.
Clutching his laptop and phone, Andrew bustled off toward his office.