After signing an offer contract with the Pelicans, the Spurs also received the news as soon as possible.

Now the only thing for them is whether or not to match.

Popovich and Buford, both at this time, were in Holt's estate, sitting across a table on a sofa that formed a ninety-degree angle.

It's a familiar scene, and they sat together like this more than once last season.

Popovich's expression was calm, Buford was slightly nervous, and Holt frowned.

"A four-year contract is really difficult to get."

Buford was a little trembling when he spoke.

At the trade deadline last year, they could have traded Tang Tian to Parsons, which would have been at least better than letting Tang Tian go for nothing now.

But then again, if that trade had been made, the Spurs would have lost to the Heat in the Finals and would not have been able to complete a back-to-back championship.

"This damn guy really thinks of himself as an All-Star?!"

Holt looked angry.

With a four-year contract and a maximum salary for the last two years, the Spurs will definitely not be able to match this contract unless they are determined to make Tang Tianli the core of the next generation.

"Ahem, in the past two years, Don has made a great contribution to the team's championship."

Popovich admired Tang Tian very much, and when he heard Holt say this, he opened his mouth to defend his disciple.

"So what do you say?"

Holt glanced at Popovich with displeasure.

It seems that Popovich had to agree to a two-year contract in the first place to get to where he is now.

Originally, last season, he also wanted Popovich to keep Tang Tian playing time to avoid the current situation.

Fortunately, Popovich left the mess on the back of the team management.

Now he still has the face to defend Tang Tian!

"Just match the contract."

Popovich said the most straightforward way.

"It's okay if Tim doesn't retire next year, he is 37 this year, his contract ends at the age of 39, and Tang Tian's contract just happens to be connected."

Popovich went on to say that he and Buford had worked the situation out.

"And then let a player who doesn't have the ability to attack on his own be our core? Greg, are you old and confused? ”

After hearing what Popovich said, Holt became even more angry.

"I think Don still has the potential to develop his own offensive ability, and he ......," Buford began.

"What do you think? What if not? What to do then? You're in charge?! ”

Without waiting for Buford to speak, Holt asked directly.

Buford shut up, and then wanted to slap himself, why did he continue to talk.

Popovich didn't speak at this time, although Tang Tian said very confidently, but really no one can guarantee that Tang Tian will be able to develop the ability to hold the ball.

Even in his more than 20 years of coaching career, he has seen the improvement of his ability to handle the ball, but he has never seen a player who can start from scratch.

It's like I've never seen a big man who can't pass the ball suddenly become a master of strategy.

"And have you thought about Leonard's contract expiring in 2 years?" Holt then asked.

"Compared to Don, he has the ball, his physical condition is better, and the ceiling is higher, are you going to sign Tang with the highest salary and then let him go?"

Neither Popovich nor Buford spoke.

Holt's mention of this is indeed a big problem, Tang Tian's poison contract will start to enter the salary cap after two years, and then Leonard's four-year rookie contract will also end.

There's no way the Spurs are going to offer two max contracts at the same time to keep the wing players unless they throw all the GDP away.

But that's simply not realistic, not to mention that they will soon have to settle the issue of contract extensions for Ginobili and Split.

So Holt's thinking is clear, they can't match this four-year contract without paying luxury tax.

Of course, there is another way, use it for 2 years first, and then trade Tang Tian after two years.

But a role player with a maximum salary is not something that can be sent away.

Seeing that neither Popovich nor Buford spoke, Holt sighed and stood up, walked over to Popovich and sat down.

"Grieg, I know Don has contributed a lot to this team and you have a good relationship with him, but you've been here for more than 20 years and you know very well what the team is like, we can't afford the hefty luxury tax, that's business, we have to make a trade-off between feelings and business."

Popovich sighed after hearing this.

In fact, there is no right or wrong in this.

Tang Tian has his own pursuits, and the team also has pressure from the team.

If they were in Los Angeles or New York, that wouldn't have happened.

"And if you want to open a little, we still have Leonard, and Green, Manu can also play, our wings are enough, and we really can't let RC go to the market to find a substitute, and the team's strength will not lose much."

Holt saw that Popovich had listened to him, and then said in a low tone.

Popovich nodded.

Under Holt's hard and soft words, he could only choose to compromise.

The reality is here, and it's not something that he can control as a manager.

And Holt's words do make sense, although Tang Tian left, but Leonard Gargreen, the Spurs flank is still very strong.

Coming out of Holt's estate, Popovich looked at the scene outside the car in a daze.

After today, there will be no more of the same boy who loves red wine to drink with him.

Back at home, he went straight to his basement and began to dump his collection.

"Dad, what are you doing?"

Popovich's daughter, Jill, saw that he had not come up for a long time, and she also came down.

"Where's my 1874 Jefferson?"

He asked without looking back.

"When did you have a Jefferson in 1874?"

Jill said suspiciously, he had never heard Popovich mention it.

"Yes, I drank with Tim back then."

Popovich is still flipping.

"Back then? Tim that guy drinks? ”

Jill felt even more foggy, she really didn't remember it.

"yes, in 2000, he wanted to go to Orlando, and I drank Jefferson with him before he agreed to stay."

Popovich turned around and said.

Jill was speechless for a while, 2000? That was 13 years ago, and who remembers where it was.

"What are you looking for it for?"

Jill saw that his father's posture had to find out, and he also came over to help.

"I'm looking for it...... Drink with people. ”

Popovich paused and said.

"Manu, that old guy wants to leave?"

Jill said in surprise.

If she remembers correctly, Ginobili's contract expires this year.

And the only one who can make Popovich use that level of wine is Ginobili.

"No, it's a boy, a good boy."

Popovich said with a laugh.