Popovich couldn't believe that besides him and the Spurs, there were other teams that wanted Bonner?
Have you ever played 2K10 or 2K11? Bonner’s rating is the lowest among them.
With only a 58-point rating and no passing score of 60, the Clippers actually want to grab Bonner?
Popovich specifically asked his agent what salary the Clippers were offering.
The agent said it was 11 million for 2 years, and Popovich immediately said: "We are offering 16 million for 4 years! Although the annual average is less, the total amount is higher, and you can enjoy a lower tax rate in Texas. The Spurs also have a better team culture. I hope Bonner can seriously consider it."
Popovich's words moved his agent, and he said he would discuss it more with the Clippers.
After hanging up the phone, Popovich felt that the real decision-maker was Bonner himself, and he decided to meet with Bonner in person.
Learn with emotion, move with reason, and use the Spurs' traditional culture of salary reduction to influence Bonner, which is the purpose of Popovich's signing.
As for adding money? It's impossible to add money. Duncan doesn't add money, so how can Bonner add money.
He immediately called Bonner and made an appointment to meet at a fast-food restaurant in San Antonio.
Before going out, Popovich asked his wife to take out all the discount coupons and coupons at home.
The wife asked: "What do you want to do? Do you want to go shopping?"
Popovich said: "No, we have to negotiate a signing."
"Then why do you take so many coupons?"
"Gifts, gifts to impress the other person."
The wife was speechless. What kind of gift was this?
Besides, it is illegal in the league to give gifts privately to contract players.
Of course, these coupons will probably not be investigated.
Popovich smiled and said nothing, put the coupons in his pocket and went out.
The meeting took place near an apartment in San Antonio where Bonner lived.
Although Bonner's annual salary is several million dollars, making him a wealthy person, he still insists on living in an apartment.
He didn't buy a mansion or a single-family villa like other players.
Not only that, he takes the subway or bus to go to work and train every day, and rarely drives his own private car.
Not to mention an NBA player with an annual salary of one million, it is incredible for an ordinary American.
When it comes to eating, Bonner prefers cheap fast food besides work meals. McDonald's and Subway are his first choices.
His clothes, grooming, and daily consumption are no different from those of an ordinary working-class person, and he is even more economical.
If someone is so frugal, it is probably related to a poor childhood, but Bonner is not. His family is quite normal.
So what he did is purely due to his personality. He is stingy, which is in line with the style of the Spurs team.
Popovich understood Bonner very well and arranged to meet at a fast food restaurant near his home so that he could walk without driving or taking public transportation, thus saving money.
Even if you have to spend money at a fast food restaurant, it is only a small amount of money, not much money.
Unexpectedly, on the way to the fast food restaurant, Bonner called and said: "Coach, you can come directly to my house. You will have to spend money to eat and drink tea outside. I have it at home."
That's even better! Go to Bonner's house, and the probability of success in talking about things like this will be higher.
Popovich quickly drove to Bonner's apartment and came to his home.
Bonner's clothes make him look like a Texas farmer, and his plaid shirt is as earthy as it is earthy.
After sitting down and making a cup of Lipton black tea for Popovich, the two talked about the contract issue for the new season.
Before the discussion, Popovich gave Bonner all the coupons and discount coupons in his pocket.
Bonner's eyes lit up when he saw it, and he quickly put them away as if they were some kind of treasure.
"I know you like these, so I brought everything I don't use at home. There is everything you like here, isn't it Matt? Do you want to go to Los Angeles? The consumption there is very high."
Popovich's words irritated Bonner.
Yes, although you will make more money in Los Angeles, you will also spend more money in big cities.
Moreover, the life of debauchery and sensuality in Los Angeles is not what Bonner likes.
"I haven't fully agreed to the Clippers' invitation. I...I'm still thinking about it."
Seeing what Bonner said, Popovich knew there was something going on.
He continued to lobby, mentioning the Spurs' better cultural atmosphere and his future ideas for team building.
"Matt, your role in the team will become more and more important, and your tactical status will become more and more prominent. Last season, you were made the starter, and the effect was not very good. This season, you will be on the bench again. But from next season At the beginning of the season, the team will give you a heavier tactical role, and you will have to take on more responsibilities and play a more important role."
Popovich began to criticize Bonner, saying that he would give him a more important tactical position.
In fact, it's not a joke. Popovich really needs to increase the development of three-pointers and peripheral tactics.
The tactical focus will gradually shift from Duncan to the outside, allowing others to share the responsibility.
Bonner will certainly not be the core, but his three-point ability as a substitute is highly valued.
Bonner was thoughtful and chatted briefly with Popovich, when a cry came from the room.
He hurriedly said: "Sorry, the child is crying. I'll go take a look."
Bonner's first child was born in June last year and was just one year old.
Of course he was stingy and did not hire a servant. Instead, he and his wife took care of the children together.
After coaxing the child in the room for a while, Bonner came out and said: "Greg, I really want to stay with the Spurs, but as you can see, my child was born and I have heavier responsibilities on my shoulders. I'm wondering if I can cancel the bonus clause in the contract if I stay?"
The Spurs' contract with Bonner set up a "shooting clause". His season shooting + three-point shooting + free throw shooting rate reached 169%. The US$100,000 in the contract will be paid to him in the form of bonuses.
Because Bonner's performance with the Spurs declined last season, the Spurs were worried that Bonner wouldn't play well after receiving the contract. They wanted to motivate him. On the other hand, it was also to save some money. Bonner might not get the bonus. .
Although the amount was only $100,000, it was enough to motivate Bonner to work hard.
The Spurs also have to dig out $100,000, which is a lot of money in isolation.
If no other team bids, the Spurs will certainly not cancel this clause. Sign it whether you like or not, no one else wants you anyway.
It's different now. The Clippers compete vigorously. Fortunately, their contract is short, only for two years. The Spurs have an advantage with a four-year contract.
Popovich thought for a while and said, "Okay, I promise you, it's just $100,000, no problem."
A smile appeared on Bonner's face. 100,000 US dollars, if distributed in the form of bonuses, there would be tax benefits.
He was about to shake hands with Popovich to reach an agreement when his agent called. Bonner's expression changed after hearing the call.
Popovich was very nervous. What happened? Did the Clippers give 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 can't refuse."
(End of chapter)
