The Effect of [1+1 > 2]!

"First of all, the team system would be Coach Mike D'Antoni's specialty: the Run and Gun System.

Its core was 'three-pointers + fast breaks.'

Taken a step further, that meant pull-up threes and ultra-deep threes, while... also maintaining a certain shooting percentage.

Su Yan perfectly fit the core of the Run and Gun System.

But relying on his strength alone to help the Knicks go further would definitely be exhausting.

He needed help.

The first target... was Stephen Curry. We were preparing to trade for him from the Warriors.

Although he hadn't been playing well recently.

That had something to do with his environment and tactical role on the Warriors. We believed in the legend he created during March Madness.

We believed in his future.

Besides being a good three-point shooter, Stephen also had solid playmaking ability. That could help Su Yan get better three-point opportunities.

Next... once the team had two elite perimeter shooters, it would naturally need a powerful rim protector.

We had set our sights on the 'rebounding monster,' Tyson Chandler.

Not only was he an outstanding rim protector, but his interior defense was solid as well. He also had decent athleticism and could fit the Run and Gun System.

By then.

Stephen and Su Yan would lead the perimeter, while David Lee and Tyson Chandler would anchor the inside.

Two powerful shooters plus twin towers would instantly raise the Knicks' overall competitiveness by a great deal.

Su Yan and Stephen were both young, and their ceilings were high.

I think... within three years at most, the Knicks would definitely grow into a championship-contending team, with a great chance of winning it all!

Su Yan, what do you think?!"

After hearing him out, Su Yan did not answer immediately. His heart sank.

*With a helper like Curry by my side, our future strength would naturally be formidable, and it would take a lot of pressure off me!

What kind of supporting teammate do shooters like most?!

Naturally, a center—a towering presence in the paint. As long as rebounds are guaranteed, shooters can shoot with even greater confidence.

That's the effect of 1 + 1 > 2.

I have to admit... the Knicks' trade-and-rebuild plan is actually pretty impressive.

Curry is still a rookie right now, while my three-point shooting is already beyond even his peak level.

Clearly.

Over the next few years, I would definitely be the team's strongest core.

And the Knicks are in America's largest city, the place with the greatest popularity and attention, with an excellent location.

The annual salary is also twice that of a top pick.

For an undrafted player to get All-Star-level money and still not be satisfied would be a little too much.*

At that thought.

Su Yan and Augustin exchanged another glance, both giving each other approving looks.

Done.

Su Yan stood up and extended his hand to Walsh with a polite smile. "I'll play every remaining game this season well for the Knicks."

He didn't say yes or no!

Walsh was briefly stunned, then immediately understood. He excitedly shook Su Yan's hand. "Good, good.

I also believe... Su Yan will grow rapidly and take the NBA by storm!!!"

The contract had already been printed.

As soon as Su Yan signed it, it would immediately take effect.

And so.

Su Yan's new contract was finalized.

He re-signed with the Knicks, agreeing to a two-year, $24 million 'sky-high undrafted player' contract with a 1+1 structure.

The second year was a player option.

Once the Knicks officially announced the news overnight, it would set the entire league ablaze the next day!!!

After Su Yan returned home and took another shower, it was already past midnight when he lay down in bed.

Before leaving.

He also asked Augustin to help him look for a new house. He hadn't had much time to look lately, mainly because he didn't have any good channels for it.

Next... the nightly pre-bed calculation.

Tonight: 36 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists, 5 steals, and 4 blocks, including 9 three-pointers, 3 two-pointers, and 3 free throws.

9 × 12,000 + 3 × 8,000 + 3 × 4,000 + 5 × 4,000 + 4 × 4,000 + 3 × 1,200 + 4 × 800 = USD 186,800.

Including the more than USD 60,000 earned from basic dribbling and walking.

He had made roughly USD 250,000 from one game tonight.

Well, not bad.

Name: Su Yan.

Level: LV3.

Level-up EXP: 144,438/1,000,000 (EXP can only be gained through spending. Spend however much, gain that much EXP.)

System Shop: Not yet unlocked.

Items: None.

Quest: Two-Way Pursuit Quest.

First: Make 10+ three-pointers in a single game and lead the team to victory. Reward: USD 100,000 (Quest completed).

Second: Break the NBA record for most three-pointers made in a single game and lead the team to victory. Reward: USD 300,000 (Incomplete).

Skills: [Max Level Three-Pointer], [Basic Body Enhancement], [Off-ball Movement LV2 (Upgrade: 5,000,000)], [Steel Bones LV1 (Upgrade: 10,000,000)].

Amount: USD 303,400.]

"Now I have a balance of USD 300,000. I've spent nearly USD 150,000, so I still need around 850,000 EXP to level up!

"At a rate of earning over USD 200,000 per game.

"It'll only take another three or four games to make that USD 850,000. Then... once I spend it, I can unlock LV4.

"Leveling up, getting the Level Privilege Gift Pack, and increasing my money-making speed—that has to be the top priority.

"However.

"[Steel Bones] and [Off-ball Movement] need to be upgraded as soon as I have the money.

"One costs 10 million, and the other costs 5 million, for a total of 15 million.

"I still need to change houses, buy a car, and so on.

"By that calculation... it seems I'm still a little short on money.

"Looks like I need to complete the second Two-Way Pursuit Quest as soon as possible—breaking the single-game three-point record.

"A USD 300,000 reward can't be ignored.

"Also... once the new contract is signed, it'll be 12 million a year. After taxes, that's roughly USD 500,000+ per month.

"If I land a few endorsement deals, I can make another chunk of money.

"Of course.

"There's no need to rush. Everything I'm supposed to have will come eventually—it's only a matter of time.

"Aside from playing every game well, I don't need to be tied down by anything else.

"After all... at my current money-making speed, earning USD 2 to 3 million a month is easy.

"That's already enough for financial freedom and a happy, carefree life every day."

The next day.

"Shocking! Su Yan renews with the Knicks for USD 24 million over two years, securing the biggest contract for an undrafted player in NBA history!"

"An undrafted player actually received an annual salary twice that of a Top Pick. The reason is..."

"Question! Is it reasonable for an undrafted rookie to earn the annual salary of an All-Star player?!"

"In ten days, from a USD 20,000 short-term deal to an eight-figure annual salary—the 'Miracle Kid' Su Yan from the East. What exactly happened to him?!"

"..."

Late last night.

The moment the Knicks announced the news, major news outlets that had been keeping a close eye on them were stunned and hurriedly wrote up reports overnight.

Major basketball websites also published the news immediately.

By morning.

News articles and newspapers were everywhere.

Office workers catching buses and squeezing onto subways, students heading to public classes, netizens surfing online, and more.

Everyone saw the news at the first chance they got.

Every single one of them... was left so shocked their eyeballs practically popped out of their sockets!!!