Chapter 393: Business and Relationships (Part 1)

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

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

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

This scene seems familiar. They sat together like this more than once last season.

Popovich looked calm, Buford was slightly nervous, and Holt frowned.

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

Buford spoke with trepidation at this time.

At the trade deadline last year, they could have traded Tang Tian to Parsons. In that case, at least it was better than letting Tang Tian go for nothing like now.

But then again, if such a deal is really made, the Spurs will probably lose to the Heat in the finals and will not be able to complete consecutive championships.

"This damn guy, really considers himself an All-Star?!"

Holt looked annoyed.

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

"Ahem, in the past two years, Tang has made great contributions to the team's championship."

Popovich admired Tang Tian very much. Hearing what Holt said, he opened his mouth to defend his disciple.

"Then what do you say?"

Holt shot Popovich an unhappy look.

After all, Popovich had to agree to a two-year contract in the first place, and this is the situation now.

Originally, last season, he wanted Popovich to keep playing time on Tang Tian to avoid this situation.

The result was good, Popovich left behind and threw all the mess to the team management.

Now he still has the face to defend Tang Tian!

"Just match the contract."

Popovich said the most direct way.

"It's okay if Tim doesn't retire next year. He is 37 this year and his contract ends at 39. Tang Tian's contract can just be picked up."

Popovich went on to say that it seems that he and Buford have studied the situation clearly.

"Then let a player who doesn't have the ability to attack independently be our core? Greg, are you old and confused?"

After hearing what Popovich said, Holt became even angrier.

"I think Tang still has the potential to develop his own offensive ability, he..." Buford said.

"What do you think? What if it's not possible? What will we do then? You'll be in charge?!"

Before Buford could speak further, Holt asked directly.

Buford shuts up, then wants to slap himself, why should he keep talking.

Popovich didn't say a word at this time. Although Tang Tian was very confident, no one could guarantee that Tang Tian would be able to develop the ability to hold the ball.

Even in his more than 20 years of coaching career, he has seen players whose ability to hold the ball continues to improve, but he has never seen a player who can grow from scratch.

It's like never seeing a big man who can't pass the ball suddenly become a master of support.

"And have you considered that Leonard's contract will expire in two years?" Holt then asked again.

"Compared to Tang, he has the ability to hold the ball, his physical condition is better, and his upper limit is higher. Are you going to sign Tang with a maximum salary and then let him go?"

Neither Popovich nor Buford spoke.

What Holt mentioned is indeed a big problem. Tang Tian's poison contract will start to enter the maximum salary in two years, and Leonard's four-year rookie contract will also end by then.

It is impossible for the Spurs to offer two maximum salary contracts at the same time to keep wing players, unless they throw away all GDP.

But that's not realistic at all, not to mention that they will soon have to deal with the contract extensions of Ginobili and Splitter.

So Holt's thinking is very clear. Without paying the luxury tax, it is impossible for them to match this four-year contract.

Of course there is another way, first use it for 2 years, wait for the next two years before trading Tang Tian.

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

Seeing that Popovich and Buford were silent, Holt stood up with a sigh, walked to Popovich and sat down.

"Greg, I know Don has done a lot for this team and you have a great relationship with him, but you've been here for over 20 years and you know what's going on here and we can't afford a high Luxury tax, this is business, we have to make a trade-off between emotion and business."

Popovich also sighed after listening.

In fact, there is no right or wrong here.

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

If they were in Los Angeles or New York, this kind of thing would never exist.

"And if you want to be more open, we still have Leonard, Green, and Manu can still play. Our wings are enough. If we can't do it, let RC go to the market to find a substitute. The team's strength will not be lost much. of."

Holt saw that Popovich listened to his words, and then lowered his tone.

Popovich nodded.

With Holt's hard and soft words, he can only choose to compromise.

The reality lies here, and it is not something he can control as a head coach.

And Holt's words are indeed reasonable. Although Tang Tian left, Leonard Gagreen and the Spurs' flanks are still very strong.

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

After today, there will be no boy who also loves red wine to drink with him.

When he got home, he went straight to his basement and began to rummage through his collection.

"Dad, what are you doing?"

Popovich's daughter Jill saw that he hadn't come up for a long time, so she followed him.

"Where's my bottle of 1874 Jefferson?"

he asked without looking back.

"Since when did you have an 1874 Jefferson?"

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

"Yes, Tim and I drank it back then."

Popovich is still flipping.

"Back then? That guy Tim can drink?"

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

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

Popovich turned around at this time and said.

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

"What are you looking for?"

Jill saw that her father's posture must be found out, so she also came over to help.

"I'm looking for it... to drink with someone."

Popovich paused and said.

"Manuna old man wants to leave the team?"

Jill said in surprise.

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

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

"No, a boy, a good boy."

Popovich said with a smile.

Thanks to 12113, book friends 20190111214012818, Nightmare Shangqiu, and Xi level for their rewards.