NBA: A collection of super busts

For the next few tens of minutes, the group drank, chatted, reminisced about the interesting things that happened in the training camp, shared their experiences and the most popular topics of the moment.

Sonny also gave a long talk about his stories and experiences with Jordan back in the day, telling them which places were fun and which were safe after they entered the NBA.

But as they talked, Sonny suddenly laughed a few times and then said, "Okay, I give up. I thought I could outlast you guys and then ask me about the quote and the contract, which would give me the upper hand."

"I didn't expect you guys to be so patient. I really, really wanted to bring you under my wing, especially after failing to sign LeBron. I couldn't bear to let another talent slip through my fingers."

"Alright, I'll hand the initiative to you. Let's get down to business. Ask away, what do you want to ask?"

"Shouldn't you be the one introducing us?" Reed said. "Introduce yourself first, and then we can ask our questions."

"I left the team responsible for the presentation downstairs," Sonny shrugged, continuing in his usual style. "I'm only responsible for the core parts. And I don't think it's necessary to bring them up now. You can hear the story anytime you want."

"All I can say is, with me, you'll get the best! I'll do everything I can to make you Adidas's top star, and a signature shoe is absolutely no problem! You'll get all the exposure, GG photoshoots, promotional campaigns, and everything else you could want!"

"Thirty years ago, Nike lacked a hero, and we found Michael, which transformed Nike from a small workshop into the behemoth it is today."

"Adidas is currently lacking a hero, and I've chosen you! That's why I'm here!"

"I love your style, Mr. Sonny!" Ye Feng clapped along, looking excited and expectant. "I wish I could sign a contract with you right now! Seriously, I've never experienced such an impromptu and unprepared speech, yet it's so touching."

"I even wish I could wear Adidas sneakers right now! Seriously, it would definitely be one of the most glorious things that ever happen to me!"

Sonny smiled as he watched Ye Feng desperately trying to find a pen. Young people are so easy to manipulate!

Of course, if he knew that Ye Feng had said the same thing to Fellman just a few hours earlier, he certainly wouldn't be happy.

However, Sonny was a seasoned veteran. He knew this was just the beginning. Ye Feng had an agent behind him, and even if Ye Feng was easy to deal with, the agent might not be so easy to deal with.

Sonny grinned widely and said, "I'm here to offer you perks and quotes! Tell me, what kind of number do you want?"

"This is truly a negotiation style I've never seen before, but I like it very much." Ye Feng's words had been a signal; Reed knew it was his turn. "Mr. Sonny, first of all, I must say that our expectations are very high, especially considering the offer Reebok just made to us..."

"Think it over carefully, buddy. You'd better not lie to Sonny." Sonny pulled out his phone and waved it. "Just now, my informant at Reebok sent me a message about your negotiations and the final offer."

"I know what the final offer you received was, I know why you didn't reach an agreement, and I know where your ultimate disagreement lies."

"So, come on, be direct, tell me your requirements, and I'll assess whether they're feasible and whether they can be realized."

"1 million in 7 years!"

This time, however, it was Ye Feng who said the number, not Reid.

When the number was mentioned, even Reed was shocked. He turned to look at Ye Feng, trying to make sure he hadn't misheard.

But Ye Feng remained motionless, staring at Sonny, and continued, "I heard that the contract you offered James was for this amount, right?"

"Yes." Sonny didn't hide anything and directly revealed his company's secrets: "Or rather, that was the price I initially promised him, which was also the authority given to me by the higher-ups, but then, two hours before the signing was to be completed, the contract changed."

"There are a lot more betting agreements and bonus clauses, and the guaranteed amount has dropped significantly. Only $6000 million is fully guaranteed. The rest of the money can only be obtained if he is selected to the All-NBA team, enters the All-Star team, or even wins the championship and the MVP."

"To be precise, even if he were LeBron James, he would never have been able to achieve those honors or earn that much money in the early stages of his career."

"Those damn Nazi bastards! I want to skin them alive, a bunch of untrustworthy criminals! I'd rather spend $30 on a cheap prostitute on the street than they're trustworthy! They've severely damaged my reputation and honor! They've made me a clown."

At this point, Sonny, who had just been indignant, suddenly changed the subject and continued, "Originally, I wanted to resign immediately. I wanted to leave this damn company right away. I couldn't work with this kind of bastard."

"But just when I was about to resign, they desperately wanted me to stay; they realized their mistake."

"They want me to continue serving them and to bring in this year's top rookie! That's you, Ye!"

"When I heard your name, I wavered. My reason told me I should leave this damn company immediately. But my emotion said: This is another chance for me."

"An opportunity to build a brand new business empire, to create the next Air Jordan! I'm certain we can do it! And if we miss this opportunity, the next one..."

"Well, I have to say, at my age, there definitely won't be a next time. This is the last chance I'll ever have."

"So I set aside my pride and bottom line, I broke the promise I made to LeBron, and I came here. I hope you can join me, and then, together we will achieve greatness! A whole new kind of greatness."

It has to be said that Sonny's charlatan-like demeanor was indeed very convincing. His voice and speaking speed were just right, and even though Ye Feng knew he was a seasoned charlatan, he was still fired up by what he said.

Then, Ye Feng looked excitedly at Sonny and brought the question back to the previous point: "So, can you give me 1 million over 7 years?"

"Of course not!" Sonny continued in his straightforward style: "Those damn German devils would never agree to this price, but they've given me quite a bit of authority. I can give you the bottom line directly, Ye."

"Seven years, $50 million! This price is second only to LeBron James, but it's enough to shock the entire sports world!"