An Undrafted Player Getting an All-Star Salary Is Reasonable, Right?!

36 points + 9 Three-pointers + 5 steals + 4 blocks.

Not to mention the future.

At the very least... Su Yan's performance tonight absolutely deserved the title of "Elite 3&D player."

After the game.

In an arena that originally had far more male fans than female fans, the screams of the female fans nearly drowned out the men!!!

For no other reason.

They just hoped there was a one-in-ten-thousand chance that Su Yan would take a liking to them, and that some spark-filled story might unfold between them.

After the game.

Following a round of celebration in the Locker Room, the Knicks players all went home.

Su Yan did not leave.

His agent, Jeff Augustine, had arrived long ago as well.

There was still one major matter to handle tonight: finalizing a new contract.

In the manager's office lounge.

Su Yan and Augustine were already inside, with two steaming cups of coffee on the table.

Manager Donnie Walsh and Coach D'Antoni had yet to arrive.

Augustine said softly, "Boss, if the Knicks' offer tonight isn't good enough...

I think... signing with the Bulls would be a good choice.

You're still somewhat isolated on the Knicks. Even though you could be the leader and have unlimited shooting freedom.

Your individual stats would be good.

But if you could contend for a championship in the future, that would be best.

Obviously... the Knicks' current roster isn't enough to give the team championship-contending potential in the future."

"I understand."

Su Yan nodded.

Augustine continued, "Although the Clippers are in Los Angeles, Chris Kaman, Camby, and DeAndre Jordan can protect the rim.

But.

DeAndre Jordan is too raw. Chris Kaman is an All-Star-caliber player.

Camby was also the second overall pick of the '96 Golden Generation, an elite defender with quite a bit of popularity.

They might not submit to you.

What I mean is... they might not want to be your underlings, doing all the dirty work for you!"

Su Yan nodded again.

He understood what Augustine meant.

Just as they were talking.

Walsh and D'Antoni pushed open the door and entered.

"Sorry to keep you waiting, Su Yan!"

Manager Walsh spoke apologetically and explained, "I just went to print some documents. Hopefully, we can use them tonight."

He then looked at Augustine, extended his hand with a smile, and said, "Hello, Jeff. You've put a lot of effort into Su Yan's affairs."

Augustine rose and shook his hand. "It's my job, Mr. Donnie."

"Please, sit."

Walsh gestured for him to sit. After exchanging a few pleasantries, he got straight to the point with a smile. "The situation is urgent.

If we wait any longer, I'm afraid someone will swoop in and steal him away.

Su Yan... let me explain what we're thinking first. Listen to everything, then give us your opinion!!!"

"Alright, please go ahead."

"Ahem..."

Walsh cleared his throat and continued, "First, the Knicks are located in New York, which gives us a natural market advantage.

I'll mention that, but won't dwell on it.

Second... the offers from other teams are generally around four years and 20 million USD.

About 5 million a year.

That's higher than the Third Pick, nearly on par with the Top Pick. This contract isn't actually low.

However.

We're the Knicks. We're not short on cash.

Besides... whether it was me, the coach, or the rest of the front office, we all liked Su Yan very much and were optimistic about your future.

So.

If you think this book is good and don't want to lose it next time, remember to add it to your bookshelf.

First, the salary: $24 million over two years. The amount remained unchanged, but the term was two years shorter, which came out to $12 million USD per year.

Additionally.

This was a 1+1 contract, with Su Yan holding a player option for the second year.

You could choose to exercise the option, or opt out and become a free agent before signing a new deal."

After hearing the offer, Augustin's mouth twitched violently. Although he tried his best to restrain himself and stay calm—

the corners of his mouth still twitched once or twice.

This price... was far too high.

Blake Griffin, the "Top Pick," had only signed a four-year, $24 million contract.

Six million a year.

Su Yan's salary had directly doubled, soaring to $12 million a year. It was truly astonishing.

What did that mean?!

In the $11–12 million annual salary range, there was Josh Howard, earning $11 million and an All-Star in the 2006–07 season.

Monta Ellis, one of the league's top ten scorers, earned $11 million per year.

It was worth mentioning that he had never made an All-Star team in his entire career.

Richard Hamilton earned $11.63 million a year and was a three-time All-Star from 2005 to 2008.

Antawn Jamison earned $11.63 million a year and was an All-Star in the 2007–08 season.

Chauncey Billups earned $12 million a year and was a four-time consecutive All-Star from 2005 to 2009.

Within the $11–12 million salary range, there were four All-Stars, along with a super scorer ranked among the league's top ten.

And now, there was one more—Su Yan.

Uh... how was he supposed to brag about this?

An undrafted rookie getting an All-Star salary was perfectly reasonable, right?! (Tsundere.jpg)

In reality.

Based on the talent and ability Su Yan had displayed so far, he really did not deserve twice the salary of a Top Pick.

Were the Knicks "stupid and loaded"?

That might have been part of it.

But another very important factor was Coach D'Antoni's relentless praise.

He had an advanced understanding of the Small Ball Era, and he especially loved the Run and Gun System.

Su Yan fulfilled every fantasy he had about the Small Ball Era and the Run and Gun System.

He liked Su Yan far too much.

He wanted Su Yan to remain with the Knicks so badly that he kept brainwashing Walsh and the front office.

He hoped they would do everything possible to keep Su Yan, certain that they would win a championship in the future and help the Knicks claim the third title in franchise history.

Yes.

That was also one of the reasons the Knicks had offered an "astronomical contract" to an undrafted player.

Walsh had no time to notice Augustin's subtle expression. He continued, "Rookies must sign a 2+2, four-year contract, with at least two years tied to the team.

That rule does provide security for a large portion of players.

But for players who are especially talented and have exceptionally high potential, it is not necessarily a good thing.

They might have to earn rookie-contract money for four years.

You're an undrafted player.

You aren't subject to those guaranteed-term rules, so the team can decide how to structure your contract.

The reason we're signing it this way—

is precisely because we believe in your potential and know that you will definitely become a superstar in the future.

So.

As long as you play one year on this bargain contract, as long as you establish your value this year, you can sign another max-level contract next year.

We are protecting your greatest interests.

Of course... we also hope we can work together happily and that you will give the Knicks priority when renewing next year."

"Of course."

Su Yan went along with him.

Since they'd already put it that way, if he still didn't set aside the uncertainty and show some attitude, it would be hard to justify.

"Ha ha!"

Walsh was very satisfied with that reply. Chuckling, he continued, "That's all there is to say about the contract. I think we've already gone as far as we can. Of course... it's still not absolute. If Su Yan isn't satisfied, we can still negotiate! Next comes the more important matter—the team's future!!!"