NBA M3 - Chapter 514: An Astronomical Deal: Five Years, $200 Million to Re-sign with the Suns (Patreon)

The introduction of the [Blake Rule] once again stunned fans everywhere.

“Damn... the [Blake Rule]? Was this thing tailor-made for Blake? Is it basically a rule created just for him?!”

“Of course not. Anyone good enough can qualify.”

“Heh... during a rookie-scale contract, you have to win the regular-season MVP, All-Star Game MVP, and Finals MVP all in the same season.

“That’s practically impossible.”

“Exactly. Even players who were incredible right from the start, like ‘The Answer’ Allen Iverson, ‘King James’ LeBron James, and D-Rose, couldn’t meet those requirements.

“And forget winning all three MVPs. Even winning just one of them is incredibly difficult.

“The bar for this rule is ridiculously high.”

“High requirements come with high rewards. If you qualify, you can earn 15 percent more of the salary cap than under the normal maximum.

“That could mean someone benefiting from the [Blake Rule] earns over $10 million more in a single season.”

“Sure, but it’s still way too difficult!”

“My God! What kind of insane requirements are those?!”

“They might as well just say it’s for Blake.”

“Heh, it’s literally called the [Blake Rule]. Everyone knows what that means!”

“What can you do? Only someone with truly exceptional ability deserves to benefit from the [Blake Rule]. If you’re good enough, go earn it.

“No one’s stopping you!”

“Exactly. All you can say is that ‘The Emperor’ Blake is just that incredible!”

“Right! Now that the [Blake Rule] exists, Blake is definitely getting an even bigger super-max contract next season!”

“Exactly. I wonder how much it’ll be. I can’t wait!”

“Same here!”

“I want to see history being made too!!!”

“...”

The introduction of the [Blake Rule] shocked countless fans and filled them with genuine envy and admiration for Blake, its only current beneficiary.

But the fans weren’t the only ones stunned.

Countless NBA players were shocked as well, especially superstars such as Durant, Rose, LeBron, Wade, and Kobe.

After seeing the requirements of the [Blake Rule], they thought back to how they had performed during their own rookie-scale contracts and compared that to what Blake had accomplished.

One after another, they could only marvel at how absurdly dominant this young player had been.

...

Several more days passed.

After spending an entire week enjoying themselves in Korea, Blake and Mia finally returned to the United States, back to Phoenix and their villa.

“I’m exhausted, but... I had so much fun~”

As soon as they got home, Mia threw herself onto the couch without caring about appearances, finally letting her tired body relax.

“Exhausted?”

Blake pushed the suitcase inside, smiled, and teased her.

“Mia, when you say you’re exhausted, are you complimenting me for being that good?”

“Huh?”

Mia tilted her head, momentarily confused.

A moment later, she realized what he meant.

A blush immediately spread across her cheeks.

“What are you talking about?! I meant I’m exhausted from running around Korea all week!”

“Huh?”

Blake’s expression immediately darkened.

“So, Mia... are you saying I’m not good enough?”

With that, Blake dropped the suitcase and charged toward Mia, looking determined to prove himself.

“You’re amazing, you’re amazing! Blake is the best~~~”

Mia hurriedly replied, her face bright red.

“That’s more like it!”

Blake raised an eyebrow and smiled before finally going back to putting away the luggage.

...

The next day.

There were three days left before Summer League, and Blake had arranged to meet Austin to settle his contract situation for the upcoming season.

Mia, meanwhile, stayed home and continued sharpening her gaming skills.

Her plans to start livestreaming were also about to be put into motion.

2:00 p.m.

Blake and Austin arrived at the Suns owner’s office.

Five people were present.

Blake, Austin, Coach Gentry, General Manager Lance, and Suns owner Robert Sarver.

Blake and Austin sat on one side of the sofa.

Gentry, Lance, and Robert sat opposite them, with five steaming cups of coffee arranged on the table between them.

“Uh...”

Austin pursed his lips before speaking.

“Mr. Sarver, I’m sure you’re aware of the offers Blake has received from other teams.

“To be honest, they’re all very attractive.

“However, Blake would prefer to stay with the Suns. He likes the idea of spending his entire career with one franchise.

“So... let’s hear your offer.

“If it’s good enough, there won’t even be any reason to look at the other teams’ offers.”

It was a negotiating tactic.

Austin’s words made it sound as though Blake loved Phoenix and desperately wanted to stay.

But the more he emphasized that, the stronger the Suns’ offer needed to be.

After all, Blake had already brought enormous value to the franchise.

They couldn’t afford to shortchange him.

At the same time, they didn’t dare assume Blake would stay no matter what.

“Hmm...”

Robert’s expression remained calm as he considered Austin’s words.

Then he smiled.

“I said from the very beginning that I would give Blake an offer he’d be satisfied with.

“And I intend to keep my word.

“Under the newly introduced [Blake Rule], the highest maximum salary Blake can receive is $40 million per year.

“So... the Suns are offering five years and $200 million.

“It’ll be a 2+3 contract, with player options for the final three years.

“I don’t know what Blake will decide to do in the future.

“Maybe one day he’ll want to play in a bigger market.

“If that happens, I’ll understand. Phoenix is still a relatively small market.

“But before you leave, I hope you’ll build a dynasty here with the Suns.”

“Five years, $200 million?!”

Austin’s eyes widened.

He had known Blake would receive an enormous max contract.

But hearing a $200 million offer put on the table so directly still left him stunned.

It was an astronomical amount of money.

Yet Robert wasn’t finished.

What he said next shocked Austin even more.

Robert continued, “In addition to the five-year, $200 million max contract, I promised Blake another major gift.

“That gift will be a mansion worth $40 million.

“In other words, if Blake agrees to re-sign with the Suns, he’ll receive a five-year, $200 million max contract plus a $40 million mansion.

“So, Blake... are you satisfied with that offer?”

Robert looked directly at Blake and quietly waited for his answer.

“Heh.”

Blake smiled.

Then, without any hesitation, he replied, “In that case, I’ll be counting on you to take care of me over the next few years, Mr. Sarver.”

“Hahaha!”

Robert immediately burst out laughing.

“Of course!”

And just like that, the deal was done.

Blake officially re-signed with the Phoenix Suns for five years and $200 million, along with a $40 million mansion.