NBA: Built to Dominate

$28 Million Over Six Years!

An average salary of nearly $4.67 million per year.

This contract surpasses Alex Mo's current rookie deal and even exceeds the annual earnings of many established NBA stars.

For Adidas to offer such a high-value contract to a big man shows just how serious they are.

"Alex, we don't see you as just a traditional big man," said Kenneth, Adidas' representative.

He continued, "We view you as a perimeter player—an emerging superstar."

"Our company wants to build a brand around you, but before that, we need to establish your presence in the market."

In other words, Adidas was ready to create a signature sneaker line for Alex Mo.

But in the 90s, only one player had truly earned a signature sneaker contract—Michael Jordan.

Nike and Adidas had designed various player-exclusive models, like the Air Penny series for Penny Hardaway, but those weren't true signature shoes.

Aside from Jordan, no other player in the 90s had been deemed worthy of a dedicated sneaker line.

That's why Adidas wasn't willing to jump straight into a signature deal for Alex Mo. Instead, they structured the contract with a major incentive clause:

If, within the first three years, Alex Mo could earn two All-NBA Team selections (First, Second, or Third Team), Adidas would convert his contract into a signature shoe deal and double his salary for the remaining three years.

On top of that, Adidas would create the first signature sneaker in the company's history for a big man.

Kenneth laid it all out, and Alex Mo understood.

At a minimum, Adidas was guaranteeing him a six-year, $28 million endorsement deal.

If he proved himself worthy over the next three seasons, they would take the leap and give him his own shoe line.

But Adidas' hesitation, their wait-and-see approach, was obvious.

"Alex, even in these first three years, we'll provide you with our latest technology and top-tier performance sneakers," Kenneth assured him.

"We'll make sure you have the best Adidas has to offer!"

Kenneth was eager to lock in the deal. With Nike dominating the basketball sneaker market, Adidas couldn't afford to miss out on a rising star like Alex Mo.

However, despite the generous offer, Alex remained unmoved.

"Thank you for considering me, but I won't be signing this deal," Alex said decisively.

Kenneth was stunned.

Alex continued, "We both know a six-year, $28 million deal—or $4.7 million per year—doesn't reflect my true value."

$28 million over six years? To Alex, that was far too low.

He was carrying two major markets—Los Angeles and China.

His playstyle was electric, his marketability undeniable, and his ceiling limitless.

A deal like this? Not even close.

"I understand that you're worth much more," Kenneth admitted.

"But Alex, trust me—if you sign now, your contract will escalate to over $10 million per year in just a few seasons!"

Alex shook his head.

"I don't want empty promises about the future," he replied. "No point in selling me a dream, my friend."

His answer was final.

"Thanks again, Adidas. I appreciate your interest, but I'll be waiting for a better offer."

Kenneth tried to fight for one last chance, but even Bill Duffy, Alex's agent, stepped in to end the meeting.

Duffy knew exactly what his client was worth.

A signature shoe deal was the bare minimum.

A higher starting salary was a must.

No matter how sincere Adidas was, this contract simply wasn't good enough.

The Fallout

As Kenneth left, Bill Duffy turned to Alex.

"Mo, Nike, Reebok, and Converse have all reached out. They want to discuss endorsement deals."

"Before they make an offer, though, we need to set the tone," Duffy said.

"If we don't, they'll all come in low—just like Adidas. And we'll just be wasting time."

Alex agreed.

The very next day, the Los Angeles Times ran an explosive headline:

Exclusive: Lakers No. 1 Pick Alex Mo Rejects Adidas' $30 Million Offer!

The news shook the basketball world.

Even though major sneaker brands recognized Alex as a unique talent, fans didn't fully understand his market value.

The idea that big men don't sell shoes was still deeply ingrained.

Historically, centers had struggled to land major sneaker endorsements.

Take Patrick Ewing, for example.

Instead of accepting an insultingly low sneaker deal, he created his own brand in 1989.

Even Hakeem Olajuwon, one of the most dominant centers in NBA history, couldn't secure a deal with a top-tier company.

Instead, his shoes were produced by Spalding, the brand known for making basketballs—not footwear.

Even Karl Malone, a perennial All-Star, had only earned $300,000 per year from Converse.

The highest endorsement contract ever given to a big man?

Kevin Garnett's five-year, $2.3 million deal with Nike.

So when Adidas offered $30 million over six years to Alex Mo, the basketball world was stunned.

And when he turned it down?

Fans couldn't believe it.

But while fans were in shock, sneaker executives got the message loud and clear.

Nike's chairman, Phil Knight, immediately called his negotiating team.

An emergency meeting was scheduled.

"Alex Mo's team just sent us a signal," Knight stated.

"There's no point in offering anything under $5 million per year."

A Nike executive hesitated.

"But, sir… we were already prepared to offer him a $5.4 million annual salary…"

That was true. Nike's first offer included incentives that could push it to $8 million per year—a number that surpassed every active NBA player, except Michael Jordan.

And yet—Knight still pulled back the negotiating team.

"Listen to me," he said.

"Alex Mo doesn't just want a shoe deal—he wants a signature line."

"This kid isn't just looking for a paycheck. He's looking for legacy."

Nike's top executives debated the issue, but one thing was clear:

Alex Mo deserved his own signature shoe.

The same conversation was happening at Reebok, Converse, and Adidas.

All of them had reached the same conclusion:

Before making a final offer, they needed to see how Alex Mo performed under pressure.

The upcoming three games would decide everything.

November 22 – Lakers vs. Warriors

The Golden State Warriors were struggling.

They had a 3-7 record, sitting dead last in the Western Conference.

Their former No. 1 overall pick, Joe Smith, had shown some improvement… but it wasn't enough.

The real star of the Warriors was Latrell Sprewell—nicknamed "The Madman."

Sprewell was a ferocious competitor and an elite scorer.

But tonight, none of that mattered.

Because at Staples Center, there was only one true star:

Alex Mo.

He dominated Joe Smith, completely outclassing him.

By the end of the game:

Alex Mo: 46 points, 22 rebounds, 8 blocks, 3 steals.Joe Smith: 4 points, 1 rebound.

The No. 1 pick of 1995 had just suffered his worst game of the season at the hands of the No. 1 pick of 1996.

And this was only the beginning.

After sending the Warriors home in defeat, the Lakers set their sights on their next challenge:

A **cold, snowy night in Vancouver…

And a battle with the ferocious Giant Shark.