Signing with the Grizzlies!!

Seeing the freshly inked contract, Jiang Lin felt a warm surge of emotion. Not all teams were as high-profile as the Lakers. They say small-market teams value personal connections, and today he truly felt it. During his tryout, he met the young owner, the veteran general manager, and Coach Hollins, who had been closely observing him. In Los Angeles, he hadn't even seen Kupchak...

He had thought the team's management was worried about his three-point shooting and real-game performance, but they were actually printing the contract. The terms were tailored perfectly for him.

This is why the Grizzlies could cultivate stars who dedicated many years to the city. Once you're in, you're family. Though strict initially, passing the test means you're a homie!

"Of course, if you want to consider other teams, that's fine too. We respect your choice. Don't feel pressured," Wallace said, smiling, aware of other teams pursuing Jiang Lin.

One had to admit the old man's emotional intelligence was a bit off. The owner had just offered a contract, and here he was, suggesting Jiang Lin consider other options. They genuinely valued him and would have loved to have Jiang Lin sign immediately.

Sure enough, Coach Hollins couldn't wait. He said directly, "JIANG, take a good look at the contract details. We can wait for you."

"Alright, I've made up my mind. I'm staying with the Grizzlies! Thank you for the trust. I will do my best to contribute to the team. This season is going to be great!"

Owner Pera responded enthusiastically, "Good! That's the spirit we need!"

To them, Jiang Lin's confidence was a sign of leadership. Despite not yet having a designated position or being a starter, his confidence shone through. This was the mark of a leader!

Wallace was reminded of when Kobe and LeBron first entered the league, exuding dominance and self-confidence. That was the mark of a true leader!

"I'll look over the contract." Contracts needed a thorough review, with possible amendments.

During the red-eye flight, Jiang Lin had already decided that if he passed the tryout, he would join the Grizzlies.

He even thought of bringing them their first-ever championship. After watching game replays and receiving a call from Hollins, he had fallen for this team.

He knew the team well, with no negative news from management to players.

Owner Pera was a young man who genuinely loved basketball, willing to spend money and with no scandals. Besides making money, he watched games regularly.

Coach Hollins was just and talented, a former defensive point guard who could help Jiang Lin immensely. He had contributed greatly to the Grizzlies over the years.

As for GM Chris Wallace, often dubbed the "dumbest GM," Jiang Lin saw his decisions as small matters. If Jiang Lin became a superstar, he could influence this soft-hearted GM. Drafting well was crucial, and Jiang Lin knew who the strong prospects were each year. As long as Wallace listened, the Grizzlies would get high-quality rookies every year!

The current roster was quite good. Consistently making the playoffs, they had one of the best defensive cores.

Defense is the foundation of all playoff teams. Though there were some issues, this season's addition of Prince, another defensive specialist, wasn't a problem. Jiang Lin's presence would perfectly fit this lineup.

The term "small market" didn't mean the city was small. Memphis was the largest city in Tennessee, second in the southeastern U.S., and 17th in the country. The team was young with no deep history, leading to a smaller basketball culture.

Their style and players had been dull, limiting their market. Reporters didn't come often due to the lack of big news.

Would it still be a small market with Jiang Lin? He didn't think much about it. As long as he felt comfortable and performed well, it was enough.

With his efforts, the support from Chinese fans would be immense!

With all these factors, Jiang Lin was set on staying with the Grizzlies.

The contract was a 2-year, $3.65 million 1+1 rookie contract, the best fit for him.

Year one was $1.65 million, year two $2 million, with team and player options next off-season.

It was a dual-insurance contract. If Jiang Lin performed poorly, the team could terminate it next year.

If he did okay, the contract would automatically renew for another year.

If he excelled and drew interest from multiple teams, he could opt-out and negotiate a new contract or re-sign with the team. This contract was usually signed by capable players.

Future stars like Durant and LeBron favored 1+1 deals, allowing them flexibility to recruit help under the cap.

There were also performance incentives, such as $5 million for MVP or averaging 30 points per season, detailed to motivate players.

"This works." It was much better than the 10-day short contract he initially signed. If he averaged 30 points with this contract, the Grizzlies would profit immensely.

Signed, in triplicate, with one copy sent to the league office.

A photo was taken, and he chose number "20" because his idol was Manu, and he wanted to wear the same number.

Finally, Jiang Lin shook hands with the Grizzlies' spokesperson Jack, and in a minute, the news of his signing would spread throughout the league.

"Happy to work with you." Jiang Lin hugged and shook hands with the owner and managers.

"Let's do our best."

"I believe in you," the owner said, rubbing his hands.

Now, the wild west was about to welcome a flamboyant, game-changing point guard!