The Hornets were the first team to publicly announce on their official Twitter that they intended to sign Blake Su to a four-year, $20 million contract.
Their boldness was largely driven by Blake Su's own positive signals toward joining the Hornets, which made the team unusually proactive and daring.
Although "The Point God" Chris Paul felt some discomfort at the thought of teaming up with a rookie who had once completely overwhelmed him, deep down he still hoped to partner with a center who possessed such a phenomenal, game-changing offensive arsenal.
Meanwhile...
The Spurs, who had originally been very enthusiastic, abandoned their pursuit of Blake Su after receiving a direct rejection from Austin.
After all, even without Blake Su, the Spurs—armed with the "Big Three," led by legendary coach Popovich, and holding the best record in the Western Conference—still had undeniable championship credentials.
"Four years, $20 million? That's almost on par with a No. 1 pick's contract. Isn't the Hornets' offer a bit too high? Blake Su has only had four standout games—his future is still very uncertain."
"Yeah, that's true."
"Idiot, this is about betting on the future—betting on Blake Su's potential. If it pays off, if he stays this strong, then $20 million over four years is nothing."
"Exactly."
"Look, the Magic just made an offer too—three years, $21 million. My god, that's $7 million a year. That's even higher than top pick Wall's four years, $24 million deal.
Are the Magic insane?"
"Not at all. They're going all in for a championship. 'The Beast' dominates the paint, Blake Su controls the perimeter—two centers ruling the entire court.
Just thinking about it is terrifying.
If this deal goes through, the Magic could very well counter the Heat's 'Big Three' and become the biggest dark horse of the season."
"Whoa! Another team just made an offer!"
"The Nuggets are offering four years, $28 million—again $7 million a year. Another contract above the No. 1 pick. A Blake Su plus Anthony duo would be no joke."
"And the Heat are actually bidding too—one year, $3 million. Wait… isn't this just blatantly asking Blake Su to come freeload a championship?
Heat, that's a bit much."
"Wow~ the Bulls aren't backing down either. Two years, $16 million. The 'Windy City Rose' just turned into a war god and took down the Heat's 'Big Three.'
If Blake Su joins them, the Bulls would be unstoppable this year."
"And… and…"
"Hahaha, it's like as long as Blake Su joins any team and pairs up with a star, that team instantly becomes invincible. Man, you have to admit—Blake Su is seriously strong!"
"Unbelievable. Almost every offer is higher than the No. 1 pick's contract. This must be pretty awkward for Wall and Griffin."
"Skill reigns supreme. Blake Su's massive contract is earned—it's only natural."
"That may be true, but… don't forget, at the end of the day, Blake Su is just a big man with deadly outside shooting. Or rather, a big-bodied shooter.
Once teams start targeting him, he might not be that dominant.
Are these teams really going to give him such enormous salaries?"
"My god, are there actually people who believe Blake Su only knows how to shoot mid-range?"
"Isn't that the case?"
"Bullshit!"
Fans marveled at the frenzy of teams fighting over Blake Su, each contract offer climbing higher than the last, while simultaneously launching yet another round of debate over whether Blake Su was truly just a mid-range shooter.
Of course, no one managed to convince the other.
Still, amid wave after wave of argument, Blake Su's popularity and buzz quietly soared, becoming known to more and more fans and players alike.
...
The next day.
Today was the deadline for Blake Su's short-term contract.
At the same time, the Suns were scheduled to play the Knicks tonight. If Blake Su failed to sign a contract by then, he would not be required to suit up for the Suns in that game.
As a result, teams continued their frantic pursuit of Blake Su.
However...
Media outlets seized the chaos to release several highly trending stories.
"Teams across the league are going crazy over rookie center Blake Su, with offers exceeding those of the No. 1 pick—but… is Blake Su, who only has a mid-range game, really worth such astronomical prices?"
— Daily News
"Is Blake Su merely a flash in the pan receiving excessive hype? Can he maintain efficiency once facing targeted defense?"
— Houston Chronicle
"..."
If yesterday's discussions had mostly been limited to online comment sections, today's headlines exposed far more fans to the criticisms voiced by certain detractors.
Nothing was stated in absolute terms, but it was enough to make many fans reconsider. Some even rewatched earlier games, questioning whether Blake Su truly only possessed mid-range shooting ability.
Many fans felt he did not.
Others, after careful analysis, concluded that Blake Su really did rely heavily on mid-range jumpers—after all, judging solely from his four games, jump shots were indeed his most common scoring method.
Even so, despite the media's frantic hype-chasing, there was no shortage of teams still eager to sign Blake Su.
3:00 PM.
Inside a high-end tea lounge near the West Arena.
Austin slid three contracts across the table toward Blake Su.
"Right now… one is Orlando's three-year, $21 million deal, a 2+1 contract. Another is Chicago's two-year, $16 million offer. And the last is Charlotte's four-year, $20 million, 2+2 contract.
These are the best offers available at the moment.
But… based on what you want, whether you team up with Howard, Rose, or Paul, you probably won't be the core player in your rookie season.
The Hornets are actually a decent choice. Paul is an All-Star–level guard—if you play well, he'll naturally and willingly shift into a supporting role.
The problem is that their offer is too low, and four years ties your hands too much."
"What about the Suns?!"
Blake Su asked.
Austin tapped the table with his fingers.
"The Suns haven't made an official offer yet, but Manager Lance said he'll definitely give you something you'll be satisfied with. If you don't rush a decision, we can hear his offer last.
But today is the short-term contract deadline. We really should sign something today, or the losses will be significant."
"Mm."
Blake Su nodded, thinking for a moment before saying, "Then let's hear what Manager Lance has to say."
"Alright."
Austin drove Blake Su toward the Suns' front office.
Blake Su's mood grew slightly heavy.
"Like Austin said, teaming up with Paul would be great. With his intense desire to win, once he realizes how strong my scoring ability is, he'd constantly create opportunities for me.
But at the same time…
A four-year, $20 million deal—lower than Wall's contract—is something I just can't accept.
Manager Lance promised me an offer that would satisfy me. As long as it beats the Magic's and Bulls' offers, that's enough. Partnering with Nash wouldn't be a bad choice either.
And also…"
At this point, Blake Su asked, "Austin, how did things go with persuading Curry?"
"Not bad,"
Austin replied. "With how well you've been playing, and with me constantly pointing out how his role overlaps with Ellis on the Warriors, he's starting to waver.
On top of that, Nash seems to be doing some persuading as well. I think landing Curry is just a matter of time. It's just that…
Is Curry's ceiling really that high, for you to want him this badly? Honestly, I'm not entirely sure myself."
"Heh."
Blake Su smiled faintly.
"The future will shock you."