On the way to meet the Adidas manager.
"Blake Su, you're being impulsive."
Austin shook his head. "Nike has already offered the same deal as Adidas. If you choose Nike, your future will definitely be brighter."
Blake Su shrugged. "With that kind of attitude, what good resources do you think I'd actually get after signing with them? Why should I put up with that kind of treatment?
Just to make a little more money?
No. I can't bow my head like that for money."
"That's fair."
The light turned red. Austin lowered the window slightly and continued, "Money is one thing, but exposure is another. Nike has a much bigger market.
Compared to Adidas.
It really could elevate you further.
And… Phoenix is a small market. Without the backing of a major market and its resources, it might genuinely hurt your long-term development."
"True."
Blake Su nodded. He didn't deny it. It was like playing a pay-to-win game—if you spent enough, even with terrible skills, you could still dominate the entire server to some extent.
Nike had more resources.
He acknowledged that. But if Nike was already this overbearing before a contract was even signed, what would happen once he was officially tied to them? If they froze him out over a disagreement, he wouldn't even have time to complain.
More importantly, Blake Su refused to accept being treated differently.
Feeling a bit heated, he cracked his own window open slightly and said, "Austin, how big do you think Cleveland's market is?"
"Small. Even smaller than Phoenix," Austin replied honestly.
"Exactly."
Blake Su nodded and let out a breath. "Cleveland is that small, yet LeBron James alone boosted its market value by billions.
Why can't I, Blake Su, do the same?"
Austin's pupils shrank.
Blake Su's bold declaration shook him to the core. He felt both admiration and awe. With ambition like that—and the talent to match—Blake Su's future was limitless.
"Good!"
Austin slapped the steering wheel and burst out laughing. "Blake Su, just hearing that, I believe in you. I believe you'll surpass LeBron. I believe you'll outshine Kobe.
I believe you'll be the brightest star in this league's future!"
...
Several hours later.
Blake Su and Austin met Wagner—the Adidas manager—at a quiet teahouse.
"So, Mr. Blake Su, have you made your decision?"
Wagner smiled warmly, without any airs of a corporate executive.
"Mm…"
Blake Su thought for a moment. "Five years for $100 million is a bit much. Make it five years for $80 million. But I'd like my personal equity stake increased by another five percentage points."
"So that would be five years, $80 million, plus 35% personal equity," Austin summarized.
"No problem!"
Wagner agreed without hesitation and added with a smile, "Mr. Blake Su, first of all, thank you for choosing us—even though we're only the second-largest sneaker company behind Nike.
We understand that, at present, there is still a gap between us and Nike.
So… we truly appreciate your trust. And we absolutely believe in your future. We believe you can generate tremendous value for Adidas.
A true win-win.
Since you've chosen us, and since we believe in your future, the base offer will remain at five years, $100 million.
In addition, we'll give you 35% personal equity. The extra five percent—we'll consider it our bet on your future.
To summarize: five years, $100 million, plus 35% personal equity. What do you think?"
Blake Su immediately extended his hand.
Wagner paused for a split second before shaking it. Blake Su smiled.
"Happy cooperation."
Since Adidas was being so straightforward, Blake Su saw no reason to hesitate.
"Huh?"
Wagner froze for a moment, then quickly understood. He clasped Blake Su's hand firmly and laughed.
"Yes, yes—happy cooperation."
And just like that, it was settled.
Blake Su signed a five-year, $100 million contract with Adidas, along with 35% personal equity—an astronomical deal.
The moment Adidas secured this massive signing, they announced it on their official Twitter.
The league exploded.
"Are you kidding me?!"
"Five years, $100 million plus 35% equity? You've got to be joking!"
"My God. A rookie signing a bigger deal than the 'Chosen One' LeBron did back in the day? That's insane!"
"Is this even real?"
"It's Adidas' official account—can't you see the verification? How could it be fake?"
"Blake Su is unreal!"
"Hahaha, Su God is invincible!"
"His talent speaks for itself. Based on what Blake Su has shown so far, even LeBron isn't on that level. The key is that his offense is truly generational.
If he keeps this up…
He might change an era. Or even start a new one. Thinking about it that way… this contract is worth every penny."
"Bingo!"
"I don't know about changing eras or anything. But after signing this deal, doesn't that mean Su is officially worth over a hundred million?
Handsome, tall, talented… and rich.
Where do you even find someone this perfect? Su God, date me! I'd give everything just to earn one glance from you."
"Count me in! I don't even mind sharing—as long as I get a spot in Su's heart."
"Fine, I'll admit it—I just want Blake Su's body."
"Hm? I smell girls in the comments… so many…"
"No, you smell nonsense."
"You're all dreaming~"
"So many girls—ah, I'm done for!"
"Tears of envy flowing~"
"..."
The comment section under Adidas' official Twitter blew up.
And it wasn't just fans. Countless players around the league were stunned when they heard the news. A rookie landing a contract of this magnitude was almost unheard of.
The ones hit hardest were the two No. 1 picks: Wall and Griffin.
Before becoming this year's top pick, Wall signed a five-year, $25 million deal with Reebok. Sounds pretty generous, right?
But in reality, that unfair contract meant he could only earn $2.5 million in his rookie season.
Last year's No. 1 pick, Griffin, had it even worse—his annual shoe deal was only $400,000.
Compared to Blake Su's guaranteed $20 million per year, the gap was staggering.
The two of them could only cry in the locker room.
...
The next morning.
[Blake Su: 5 years, $100 million + 35% equity, signs astronomical deal with Adidas]
[Blake Su Lands Largest Rookie Contract in History, Signs with Adidas]
[...]
Similar headlines flooded the media.
At the Suns' training facility, Curry, Nash, Carter, and the rest of the team practically showered Blake Su with praise. Envy was written all over their faces.
It wasn't until Alvin Gentry arrived that the excitement finally settled down.
Gentry gathered everyone together, holding the schedule with a smile.
"I'm sure you've all heard about Blake Su signing with Adidas. Congratulations to Blake Su—no need to say more.
Also, we're riding a 13-game winning streak right now. That's something to celebrate.
But we can't relax. Our next opponents are the 76ers, Cavaliers, Raptors, and… the Lakers!"
...
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