Popovich can't believe that there is a team besides him and the Spurs that wants Bonner?

Have you ever played 2K10 or 2K11, and Bonner's rating is the lowest level.

With only a 58-point rating and a passing score of 60, the Clippers are going to rob Bonner?

Popovich specifically asked his agent what the Clippers were offering in terms of salary.

The agent said that it was 11 million for 2 years, and Popovich immediately said: "What we gave is 16 million for 4 years!" Although the annual average is smaller, the total amount is higher, and the tax rate is lower in Texas, and the Spurs have a better team culture. I hope Bonner will give it a serious thought. ”

Popovich's words moved the agent, and he said that he would discuss more with the Clippers.

After hanging up the phone, Popovich decided that it was Bonner himself who could really call the shots, and he decided to meet Bonner in person.

Knowing it with emotion, moving it with reason, and using the traditional culture of Spurs' salary cut to influence Bonner is the purpose of Popovich's signing.

As for adding money? It's impossible to add money, Duncan doesn't add money, how can Bonner add money.

He immediately called Bonner to meet him at a fast-food restaurant in San Antonio.

Before leaving the house, Popovich asked his wife to take out all the discount coupons and coupons in the house.

The wife asked, "What do you want to do, do you want to go shopping?" ”

Popovich said: "No, it's going to negotiate a signing." ”

"Then why are you taking so many coupons?"

"Gifts, gifts to impress each other."

The wife felt speechless, what kind of gift is this?

Besides, it is illegal to give gifts privately in the league for the purpose of signing players.

Of course, these coupons are not expected to be investigated.

Popovich laughed and went out with these coupons in his pocket.

The two agreed on a location near an apartment in San Antonio, where Bonner lived.

Although Bonner earns millions of dollars a year and is a proper wealthy class, he still insists on living in an apartment.

Didn't buy a mansion or a detached house like other players.

Not only that, he takes the subway or bus to work and trains every day, and rarely drives his own private car.

Not to mention for an NBA player with an annual salary of one million, for an average American, it is incredible.

In addition to working meals, Bonner prefers cheap fast food, McDonald's and Subway, which are his first choice.

His dress, grooming, and usual consumption are no different from an ordinary salaryman, and even more economical.

If someone is so frugal, it is mostly related to a poor childhood, but Bonner is not, his family is quite normal.

So what he did was purely out of character, he was just picking the door, which is very much in line with the style of the Spurs team.

Popovich knew Bonner well and made an appointment to meet at a fast-food restaurant close to his home, so that he could go out on foot, without driving or taking the bus, and save money.

Even if you have to spend money at a fast food restaurant, it is a small amount of money, and it doesn't cost a few dollars.

Unexpectedly, on the way to the fast food restaurant, Bonner called and said, "Coach, you can come directly to my house, it costs money to eat and drink tea outside, and my family has it." ”

That's even better! Go to Bonner's house, and the chances of success will be higher.

Popovich quickly drove to Bonner's apartment and came to his home.

Bonner's outfit made him look like a Texas farmer, and a plaid shirt was a lot of dirt.

After sitting down and making Popovich a cup of Lipton tea, the two talked about the issue of a contract for the new season.

Before talking, Popovich gave Bonner all the coupons and discount coupons in his pocket.

Bonner's eyes lit up when he saw it, and he hurriedly put them all away, as if they were some kind of treasure.

"I knew I liked that, so I brought everything I didn't use at home. It's got everything you like, isn't it Matt? Do you want to go to Los Angeles? The consumption there is very high. ”

Popovich's words sparked Bonner's nerves.

Yes, although it will make more money in Los Angeles, it will also cost more money in the metropolis.

And Los Angeles is full of wine and the life of dogs and horses is not what Bonner likes.

"I haven't fully agreed to the Clippers' offer, and I... I'm still thinking about it. ”

Seeing Bonner say this, Popovich knew there was a play.

He continued to lobby, mentioning the Spurs' better culture, as well as his own thoughts on the future of team building.

"Matt, your role in the team is going to be more and more important, and your tactical position is going to be more and more prominent. Last season you were a starter, it didn't work too well, and this season you get back on the bench. But from next season onwards, you'll have more tactical roles, more responsibilities and more important roles. ”

Popovich began to draw a pie at Bonner, saying that he would give him a more important tactical position.

In fact, it is not a pie, Popovich does have to increase the development of three-point shooting and perimeter tactics.

The tactical focus will gradually shift from Duncan to the outside, allowing others to share it.

Bonner certainly won't be the centerpiece, but his three-point ability as a backup is highly valued.

Bonner was thoughtful and chatted with Popovich when there was a cry in the room.

He hurriedly said: "I'm sorry, the child is crying, I'll go and see." ”

Bonner's first child was born in June last year, just over a year old.

Of course, he did not hire a servant, but took care of the children with his wife.

After helping to coax the child in the house for a while, Bonner came out and said, "Greg, I would love to stay at the Spurs, but as you can see, my baby has been born, and I have a heavier responsibility on my shoulders. I wondered, if I stayed, could I cancel the bonus clause in the contract? ”

In the Spurs' contract to Bonner, there is a "projection clause", his shooting + three-point shooting percentage + free throw shooting rate for the season is 169%, and the $100,000 in the contract will be paid to him in the form of bonuses.

Because Bonner's performance in the Spurs declined last season, the Spurs were worried that Bonner would not play well with the contract on the one hand, and motivate him, and on the other hand, in order to save some money, Bonner is likely not to get this bonus.

Although the amount was only $100,000, it was enough to motivate Bonner to work hard.

And the Spurs too, $100,000 is also a lot of money.

If there is no other team bidding, of course the Spurs will not cancel this clause, you like to sign it or not, no one else wants you anyway.

Now it's different, the Clippers are competing hard, and luckily they have a short contract of only two years, while the Spurs have an advantage in a four-year contract.

Popovich thought for a moment and said, "Okay, I promise you, it's only $100,000, no problem." ”

A smile appeared on Bonner's face, $100,000, if it was given in the form of a bonus, there would be a tax benefit.

He was about to shake hands with Popovich and make a deal when his agent called, and Bonner's face changed when he heard the call.

Popovich was nervous all of a sudden, what was going on? Could it be that the Clippers are giving a new price?

Sure enough, Bonner hung up the phone and said to Popovich in a regretful tone: "Sorry coach, I'm going to Los Angeles because the Clippers gave me a price I couldn't refuse." ”

(End of chapter)