An unrealistic offer

After a brief wash-up, Carlos and Austin headed to the agreed-upon location with Nike. Along the way...

Austin said, "According to your thoughts, after Adidas promptly responded, they reaffirmed their offer at the unchanged price of 100 million over 5 years. Additionally, they offered you an extra 30% personal stake. This offer is undoubtedly generous, showing their earnest desire to sign you. If Nike doesn't compete, I suggest you take it directly. However, there's still the issue of the market. Nike has a broader market and can secure more resources for you in the future, despite the increased competition. Overall, it's a better option. So, I suggest having a conversation with Nike to see what they're offering."

"Hmm..." Carlos nodded. He also thought along these lines. Regardless, he wanted to hear Nike's offer first. Now that he had absolute control, he could take his time to choose the contract he wanted.

Speaking of which...

Not long after...

Led by Austin, the two arrived at a high-end coffee shop in the city, the prearranged meeting place with Nike.

Nike manager Karim welcomed them and ushered Carlos and Austin into a VIP room. The waiter placed two steaming cups of coffee on the table. Simultaneously, a contract document was pushed toward Carlos.

"Mr. Carlos, this is the best mocha coffee in this restaurant. Please have a taste."

Karim, with a professional smile, continued, "I believe you are familiar with the general situation. Let's get straight to the point. Your recent performance in the league showcased your extraordinary talent. Nike highly values you and wishes to sign you. We are willing to offer you a staggering contract of one hundred million over 7 years, hoping you become the spokesperson for our company's basketball shoes. As you may know, when 'King' LeBron entered the league, he only had 79 million over 7 years. And Kevin had just 60 million over 7 years. Your offer exceeds these prodigies of their time. I want you to understand how sincere we are. All the contract details are in this document for your review."

Upon hearing this...

Carlos remained calm, his dark eyes shimmering. Austin, on the other hand, furrowed his brow and said, "Manager Karim, you can't put it that way. LeBron got 79 million over 7 years, but that was back in 2003. Now it's 2010, and a 7-year, one hundred million contract is much more valuable than LeBron's deal."

"And what does that matter?" Karim remained unfazed. "An 18-year-old, one hundred million over 7 years—how many players in Mexico can get such an offer? This offer is more than enough to match Carlos's abilities. And there's overflow..."

"No..." Austin was puzzled. "Manager Karim, we don't agree with what you're saying."

"Austin..." Carlos interrupted him, took a sip of mocha, and looked at Karim with a faint smile. "The mocha tastes good. As for the offer, I've already thought about it."

"Oh?" Karim smiled slightly, gesturing for Carlos to state his counteroffer.

"Uh..." Carlos pondered for a few seconds and said, "7 years, 1 billion, plus 50% of the personal endorsement profits."

??

"Pfft..."

Karim, after hearing it, sprayed coffee directly out, staring at Carlos. "Are you kidding me?!"

"Are you kidding me?!" Carlos replied in the same tone, letting Karim know that he found this contract offer too low.

"Hehe." Karim laughed and said, "Carlos, the offer for this contract is really not low. You need to understand one thing—Phoenix is just a small city. No matter how well you perform, your ceiling is limited there. If there's no big company providing you with resources, your ceiling won't go much higher. Do you understand?"

"Ah..." Carlos understood, chuckled, and said, "So, this is the reason you're giving me such a lousy contract?"

"No, no, no!" Karim shook his head in denial and said, "Let me emphasize again, this contract is not low. It might be slightly below LeBron's, but it absolutely surpasses Durant's. Stars like Iverson, Wade, Bosh, Nowitzki, and others couldn't compare to you during their rookie years. We don't need to compete with a prodigy, with a man standing on the rookie ceiling."

"Makes sense!" Carlos nodded.

Karim's expression brightened, "So, you agree?!"

"Anytime..." Carlos shrugged, then added, "I've given you my offer. As long as you nod, we can sign anytime."

"Buzz..." Hearing this, Karim's face darkened. 7 years, 1 billion, 50% personal stake—this was an unrealistic offer!

In fact...

It was indeed an unrealistic offer. The reason Carlos proposed such a deal was rooted in Nike's attitude, their arrogance, and condescension that made Carlos uncomfortable.

It was like...

He, Carlos, needed Nike's market and had to sign with their company to gain more resources. Just like Gustavo Ayon years ago, who played exceptionally well, but Nike's offer was pitifully low compared to other centers in the same tier. It was arrogance, blatant discrimination.

So, just like Gustavo Ayon refused to sign back then, Carlos was doing the same now, and with even more determination.

"Let's go!" After a few minutes of waiting, Carlos stood up to leave.

Clearly, there was still room for negotiation, and Austin was a bit anxious. Subconsciously, he still believed that Nike's market was better, with more resources. The fact supported his belief.

But Carlos was resolute.

Karim was somewhat stunned too. He hadn't expected Carlos to be so firm. The task given to him from higher-ups was to sign Carlos at all costs.

"Mr. Carlos!" Karim hurriedly called Carlos, but the latter didn't stop. Karim quickly followed, saying, "Mr. Carlos, your offer is too exaggerated. Can we compromise? Initially, 7 years for one hundred million, now let's change it to 5 years for one hundred million. And... we'll still give you 30% personal stake. What do you think?"

Buzz! This statement brought a sense of joy to Austin, as this offer was now on par with Adidas. Nike, with a larger market and more resources, seemed like a better choice.

Of course...

Austin remained outwardly calm, leaving the final decision to Carlos.

However, Carlos paid no attention, already stepping out of the VIP room, leaving Karim helpless inside.

"Ah..." Austin sighed, nodded briefly at Manager Karim, and quickly followed Carlos out.