"Will Link really leave? Don't worry, that guy can't bear to go. If you could still score 83 points in a game, put together a 33-game winning streak and 75 wins in a season, and earn an annual salary of 50 million dollars, would you leave?"
"According to insiders, Link is already negotiating a new contract with the Grizzlies."
"The invincible Michael Jordan came out of retirement twice. Guys like them can't stand being away from the spotlight. Link is the same—he won't leave."
After the 2019-20 regular season ended, major media outlets were not only previewing the new year's playoffs, but also discussing whether Link would stay or go.
Although Link had said last October that this would be his final season, no one had expected him to remain in such great form this year.
Overall, Link was still in his prime.
Both his physical condition and competitive form were outstanding.
Were there any stars in NBA history who retired while still in their prime? There really were, but their circumstances were all somewhat different from Link's.
Jordan chose to retire mainly because his father's death had dealt him too great a blow.
Strictly speaking, Yao Ming had also retired while still in his prime, but injuries had plagued him and forced him to compromise.
Brandon Roy and others fell into the same category. Even Rose had nearly gone down their old path.
But Link was different. He had neither injuries nor any other external factors forcing him to retire.
So, many people believed that Link might have changed his mind.
A star still in his playing prime, still at his peak, and able to make 50 million dollars in a single season had absolutely no reason to retire!
There had never been an example like this in NBA