36 points + 9 three-pointers + 5 steals + 4 blocks.
Not to mention the future.
At least... Su Yan's performance tonight definitely earned him the title of "Top-tier 3&D Player."
After the game.
In the stadium, which usually had more male fans than female fans, the screams of the female fans almost drowned out the men!!!
Not for anything else.
They just hoped for a one-in-ten-thousand chance of being noticed by Su Yan and sparking some kind of fiery story... After the game.
After celebrating in the locker room, the New York Knicks players all went home.
Su Yan did not leave.
His agent, Jeff Augustine, had also arrived long ago.
There was one more major thing to handle tonight: finalizing the new contract.
The manager's office, the lounge.
Su Yan and Augustine were already inside, with two steaming cups of coffee on the coffee table.
Manager Donnie Walsh and Coach D'Antoni had not yet arrived.
Augustine whispered, "Boss, if the salary the New York Knicks offer tonight isn't good enough.
I think... signing with the Chicago Bulls would be a good choice.
You are still somewhat outnumbered on the New York Knicks, even though you can be the leader and have unlimited shooting rights.
Your personal stats are good.
But it would be best if you could contend for a championship in the future.
Obviously... the current New York Knicks roster does not have the potential for the team to compete for a championship in the future."
"I understand."
Su Yan nodded.
Augustine continued, "Although the Los Angeles Clippers are in Los Angeles, Chris Kaman, Camby, and Jordan can protect the rim.
However.
Jordan is too green, but Chris Kaman is an all-star level player.
Camby was also the Second Overall Pick of the '1996 golden generation' and is a strong defender and quite popular.
They might not respect you.
What I mean is... they might not want to be your subordinates, doing the dirty work for you!"
Su Yan nodded again.
He understood Augustine's meaning.
Just as they were speaking.
Walsh and D'Antoni pushed the door open and entered.
"Sorry to keep you waiting, Su Yan!"
Manager Walsh's words carried an apology, explaining, "I just went to print some things that I hope we can use tonight."
He then looked at Augustine, extended his hand, and smiled, "Jeff, hello. Thank you for your efforts regarding Su Yan."
Augustine stood up and shook hands with him, "It's my job, Mr. Donnie."
"Please sit down."
Walsh motioned for him to sit down. After a few pleasantries, he cut straight to the chase, smiling, "The situation is urgent.
If we wait any longer, we might be ambushed.
Su Yan... I'll first state my thoughts. Please listen completely before giving your opinion!!!"
"Alright, please go ahead."
"Ahem..."
Walsh cleared his throat and continued, "First, the New York Knicks are located in New York, giving us a natural market advantage.
I should mention it, but I won't dwell on it.
Second... the offers from other teams are generally around 4 years and 20 million USD.
About 5 million per year.
This is higher than a third pick's salary, basically close to a number one draft pick's salary. This contract is actually not low.
However.
We are the New York Knicks; our main feature is that we are not short on money.
Furthermore... whether it's me, the coach, or the rest of the management, we all really like Su Yan and are optimistic about your future.
Therefore.
Let's talk about the contract salary first: 2 years, 24 million. The total amount remains the same, but the term is two years shorter, which is equivalent to 12 million USD per year.
Additionally.
This is a 1+1 contract, meaning Su Yan has a Player Option in the second year.
You can choose to execute the contract or opt out, become a Free Agent, and then sign a new contract."
*Hiss~*
After hearing this offer, Augustine's mouth twitched fiercely. Although he tried his best to restrain himself and stay calm.
His mouth still twitched slightly once or twice.
This price... is too high.
You must know that number one draft pick Blake Griffin's contract was only 4 years and 24 million.
6 million per year.
Su Yan's salary directly doubled, soaring to 12 million per year, which is truly astonishing.
What kind of concept is this?!
In the salary range of 11 to 12 million USD, there is Josh Howard at 11 million, who was an all-star in the 2006–07 season.
Monta Ellis, a top-ten scorer in the league, earns 11 million annually.
It is worth mentioning that he was never selected as an all-star player throughout his entire career.
Richard Hamilton, with an annual salary of 11.63 million, was a three-time all-star player from 2005 to 2008.
Antawn Jamison, with an annual salary of 11.63 million, was an all-star player in the 2007–08 season.
Chauncey Billups, with an annual salary of 12 million, was an all-star player for four consecutive seasons from 2005 to 2009.
Within the 11 to 12 million annual salary range, there are four all-star players, plus a super top-ten scorer in the league.
Now there is one more: Su Yan.
Uh... how should I brag about this?
Isn't it reasonable for an Undrafted Player to receive an all-star salary?! (Tsundere.jpg)
In reality.
Based on the talent and strength Su Yan currently displays, he truly does not deserve twice the salary of a number one draft pick.
Are the New York Knicks "rich and foolish"?
That might be one factor.
Another very important factor is the strong endorsement from Coach D'Antoni.
He has an advanced understanding of the small ball era, and he particularly loves the "Run-and-Gun System."
Su Yan fulfills all his fantasies about the small ball era and the "Run-and-Gun System."
He likes Su Yan too much.
He desperately wants Su Yan to stay with the New York Knicks, so he keeps brainwashing Walsh and the management.
He hopes they find every way to keep Su Yan, believing they will definitely win the championship in the future and help the New York Knicks secure their third historical championship.
Yes.
This is also one of the reasons why the New York Knicks offered a "sky-high contract" for an Undrafted Player.
Walsh didn't have time to notice Augustine's micro-expressions. He continued, "Rookies must sign a 2+2, four-year contract, with at least two years guaranteed to the team.
This regulation indeed provides security for a large number of players.
But for players who are exceptionally good and have high potential, it is not a great thing.
They might have to take four years of Rookie Contract salary.
You are an Undrafted Player.
You are not within the scope of guaranteed regulations, so how the contract is signed is something the team can decide itself.
The reason we signed it this way.
Is precisely because we believe in your potential and know that you will definitely become a Superstar in the future.
Then.
As long as you play one year on a Cheap Contract, and as long as you prove your worth this year, you can re-sign a "Maximum Salary Contract" next year.
We are guaranteeing your maximum benefit.
Of course... we also hope we cooperate happily, and that you prioritize re-signing with the New York Knicks next year."
"Of course."
Su Yan agreed.
When others have spoken like that, it would be unreasonable if he didn't set aside variables and show some attitude.
"Haha!"
Walsh was very satisfied with this response. He chuckled and continued, "That's all for the contract details.
I think we've gone all out, but of course... it's still not absolute. If Su Yan is dissatisfied, we can still negotiate!
Next is the even more important future of the team!!!"