Getting a call from Dwight Howard surprised Link somewhat.
After all, Howard could be considered one of Link's enemies. Back when Howard was with the Rockets, the two sides had already developed bad blood.
Trading trash talk on the court had been the mildest of it. Howard had even gotten into physical confrontations with Grizzlies players several times.
Howard had been hot-tempered back then. He didn't just go after Link—he spared no one, including Kobe and Garnett, who held very high status in the league at the time.
Link had never been a particularly magnanimous person, so even now, he had no favorable impression of Howard.
Therefore, even though the Grizzlies were desperately in need of a quality blue-collar center, and there was barely anyone left on the free-agent market, neither Link nor the Grizzlies front office had ever considered Howard.
He just hadn't expected Howard to come knocking on his own.
Link hesitated over whether to answer, but when he recalled how humble Howard had been this summer, he picked up after all.
He would hear what Howard wanted first. If it didn't work out, he could just hang up.
"Hello?"
"Link, I thought you wouldn't answer my call. This is great!" Howard sounded delighted over the phone.
"What is it?" Link remained cold, completely unlike how he had treated Rose.
"Hahaha, I heard some rumors saying you're looking for a center. Link, I can help you. Really!"
"You can't help me, Dwight. Besides, personnel moves are the front office's business. There was no need for you to call me." Link curled his lip. Sure enough, it was a sales call.
"I know. If you don't approve, the Grizzlies front office won't sign me either. Let's meet, Link. Anywhere is fine. I can come to Memphis to see you.