Opening Scene – The ContractKyle sat across from Celtics General Manager Brad Stevens and team agent reps. Ari sat beside him—no longer just his girl, but his eyes and ears.
The table was covered with legal paperwork and iced coffees.
Brad slid the paper forward.
"Four-year rookie scale. First two guaranteed. Roughly $3.6 million this season, escalating. And, of course, a team option on years three and four."
Kyle kept his expression still.
"Can I add my brand into it?"
Brad tilted his head.
"Your Kyonic brand?"
"Yeah. My off-court identity. I don't want a conflict clause stopping me from wearing my own gear when I'm not in uniform."
A pause.
Brad smirked.
"We've never had a rookie come in asking for branding leverage."
"You've never had me before."
Ari jumped in.
"He's not signing without protection. He's not property. He's a partner."
The room went silent.
Then Brad laughed, impressed.
"You two are dangerous. I like it."
He leaned over and signed.
