Robert Pera and Link sat in the stands at the Federal Express Arena.

Link is very familiar with this stadium, and he has been here for nearly ten years.

Although the Federal Express Arena changed the floor style last season, Link still doesn't feel unfamiliar with it.

He has experienced failure and glory here.

Looking at the bottom corner, he would think of Carter's three-pointer to complete his self-salvation.

Looking at the middle circle, he would think of Gasol's long hair that year.

Link is familiar with this stadium, and he is very familiar with it.

But sitting in the stands, this experience is indeed a bit unfamiliar.

This seems to be the first time Link has watched the appearance of this stadium from the stands.

"I watched your game here. I still remember it was New Year's Day in 2012, when the Grizzlies played against the Bulls at home. Facing the Bulls' defense, you scored a 40-point triple-double! If I remember correctly, it was your first 40-point triple-double in your career. Oh my God, I was shocked at that time. I kept asking myself, is this guy really a undraft?"

Pera, who was sitting next to Link, stared at the empty court and gestured with her hands as she spoke.

"After that, I often came to the Federal Express Arena to watch the game. Every time, your performance surprised me very much. At that time, most media and fans didn't like you. But I felt that the boy might play a key role!"

"Then, I bought the Memphis Grizzlies, and I didn't even think about O.J. Mayo and Rudy Guy. From the beginning, you were my team-building core! Everyone said I was crazy, what was the result?"

Pera said, turning his head to look at the six championship pennants at the Federal Express Arena!

Except for the home courts of the Lakers and Celtics, there is no other stadium with more championship pennants than the Federal Express.

For Pera, this is the most proud thing he has!

Chicago United Center? Sorry, the number of championship pennants there can only be tied with the Grizzlies now.

Link listened silently, without saying anything, just giggling.

Unexpectedly, he and a diamond five like Pera actually have such beautiful memories.

Scenes of the past ten years have emerged in Link's mind one by one.

"So... have you really decided?" Pera turned his words and his eyes fell on Link.

It was precisely because he couldn't accept Link's retirement after playing next season that he went to the empty stadium to chat with Link for a while.

"I've thought about it, Robert. I'm reluctant to leave it, but I'll have to say goodbye sooner or later."

"It's really hell this summer. Zach is leaving and Tony is leaving. Now, even you are leaving." After receiving Link's affirmative reply, Pera covered her forehead.

A few days ago, Randolph and Tony Allen, the locker room treasure, decided to retire in a group.

Both of them are almost 40 years old and have won enough championships. In their opinion, it is not helpful to stay with the Grizzlies. Other teams really don't want to go.

The contract just happened to expire, so the two of them simply decided to retire at the peak of the Grizzlies' second dynasty, which was a perfect end to their career.

Pera has promised to retire Randolph and Tony Allen's jerseys, and fans have also sent their blessings, which can be said to be very happy.

But unexpectedly, Randolph and Tony Allen announced their retirement not long after they returned.

"Hahaha, I have to fight for another year. It's not time to leave yet, Pera." Link patted the boss on the shoulder, telling him not to be so sad.

Pera also knew that once Link decided on something, even ten cows could not pull back.

Besides, Pera has no right to hinder others from choosing their lives.

Link wanted to live another life, that was Link's freedom.

Although he was reluctant to leave, Pera slowly accepted the facts.

Yes, leaving a legendary back at the peak is also a good ending.

If Michael Jordan had retired at the peak, he might have been more "god".

But everyone knows Jordan's second comeback, it turns out that the magical mj is also a physical body.

Link's choice is actually quite good.

"You said you will retire if you win the championship next season. What if... I can't win the championship?" Pera held it in for a long time and finally asked this question.

Link stood up from the stands, crossed his waist, and looked down at the venue where he created countless honors.

"We'll definitely win the championship, Robert, no if."

Link spoke firmly, and for the last turn, he would not allow any mistakes to happen.

Half an hour later, Robert Pera and Link returned to the office.

The two sides reached an agreement to sign a one-year maximum salary contract worth $54.3 million!

It's nearly 55 million a year, which is definitely an astronomical figure.

Soon, the whole world will know that Link has only renewed his contract with the Grizzlies for one year. At that time, all kinds of suspicions will definitely surge.

But Link doesn't plan to announce that he will retire after another year of fighting.

Jordan suddenly announced his retirement after winning the championship twice. Link didn't want to be so sudden like Jordan, but he wouldn't have announced so early.

As a result, several Grizzlies players will receive large contract quotes from other teams this summer. The Grizzlies are limited by their cap space and cannot offer prices that match them.

So this summer, someone will definitely leave.

But if Link announces that he will retire now, most of them will definitely rather cut their salary and play with Link for another year.

This is not Link boasts, he does have such a personal charm. In the Grizzlies, he is the person he respects and admires the most.

Of course, Link hopes that the old friends can accompany him to finish the last season, but that is too selfish.

The opportunity to sign a big contract is not available every year. It would be inappropriate if Link joked about other people's future just because he wanted everyone to play with him for the last year.

Secondly, the holiday has just begun and the players are still relaxing their tired bodies.

It is announced at this time that it will cast a shadow on their holiday.

Therefore, Link felt that the news of his retirement announced the day before the start of the regular season would be taken first and then reported.

Of course he knew that if he used his influence to force the Grizzlies' dynasty lineup to maintain another year, his chances of achieving his goal would be greater.

But the same thing is said, he cannot delay others for his own purposes.

For example, Dinwiddie is now a hot star guard in the league. Last summer, the Nets offered him an annual salary of 34 million yuan for three years.

In order to achieve three consecutive championships, Dante Widdie chose to cut his salary and renew his contract for one year.

This year, Dinwiddie's value will continue to rise. As far as Link knows, the Nets have increased their price to 42 million in three years.

They are also chasing Irving and Durant, hoping to form the Big Three and make a comeback at one time.

And this price is not available to the Grizzlies.

The Grizzlies now have two large contracts that have not been executed, Gasol and Conley. Last summer, they renewed Jokic at a price close to the maximum salary. Now, they renewed their contract with Link.

These four people basically occupied all the Grizzlies' salary space.

The Grizzlies can only sign some middle-class special cases and basic salary players now. Dinwiddie is definitely not able to come up with a price code that matches his strength.

If Dinwiddie cuts his salary and stays, Link will be dissatisfied with it.

In the same situation, Harrell, Richardson and others, the group of young people at the time, have now become the backbone of the league and are favored by other teams.

This is also why people are not optimistic about the prospects for the Grizzlies to win the championship next season.

Because again, the Grizzlies' roster will face disbandment and reorganization, just like they did after their first three consecutive championships.

This is the shackles that the NBA rules put on the grizzly bears.

This cycle of reincarnation is something that no team can resist.

It was a miracle that the Grizzlies were able to recover after a year.

However, Link is not afraid of challenges. If these four consecutive championships are easily won, what else is the point?

That night, news that Link had only renewed his contract with the Grizzlies for one year spread throughout the world.
Chapter completed!