When the Nike representative said this, his eyes gleamed with excitement. He suddenly thought that Su Wan renewing his contract with the Pacers was a good thing, as it would make it a natural progression for him to leave the Pacers once the contract ended.
Moreover...
Ending his rookie contract and leaving Indiana felt a bit too hasty, too utilitarian.
Such an image wasn't befitting Su Wan's swagger.
The path that Su Wan was following was that of Michael Jordan and Larry Bird, which naturally required a bit more swagger.
What's more important:
The Pacers' salary cap was already exceptionally tight.
After renewing Su Wan's big contract, for the following years, they would have to shoulder a considerable luxury tax.
The players whose contracts expired during this period would likely have a hard time renewing...
