For 82 games, an NBA season can feel like a marathon. Even players admit that, at times, it gets repetitive and a little boring. That is why the new in-season tournament, now known as the NBA Cup, has brought a fresh burst of excitement for both fans and players. There is real money on the line, too.
On Wednesday night, when the Los Angeles Lakers face the San Antonio Spurs in the quarterfinals, every player on the winning team will receive a bonus of $53,093. And one Spurs forward already knows precisely what he wants to do with his share.
Keldon Johnson Has Revealed His Wish Regarding the NBA Cup Bonus
During shootaround before Wednesday night’s game, Spurs forward Keldon Johnson was asked what he’d do with the bonus money if San Antonio reached the semifinals of the NBA Cup. Johnson didn’t hesitate. His plan was simple and surprising.
“I’ll probably add to the farm. You know I’m getting a big pond built right now. I might get a llama. I might get some sheep or something like that,” said Johnson during the interview.
But he didn’t stop there and went on to explain that he already owns a farm of his own. The 26-year-old currently has 12 goats, six chickens, four mini-cows, two horses, and a mini-donkey, all cared for by his family and best friend.
“We can’t wait to get out there, have some fun and ultimately compete… If we get the win, it will definitely be our biggest win of the season, so we looking forward to that. We know what’s at stake and we are ready to go,” added Johnson during the interview.
Johnson joined the NBA when the San Antonio Spurs selected him with the 29th overall pick in the first round of the 2019 NBA Draft. He only spent one year at the University of Kentucky.
Since then, Johnson has continued to grow as a player. This season, he is averaging 13.0 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 1.8 assists, and has shot 57.5% from the field in just 24.1 minutes per game.
As the Spurs take the floor on Wednesday night, they’ll be doing it without their rising star Victor Wembanyama. He has been dealing with a calf injury since November 14. That means players like Devin Vassell and De’Aaron Fox, who are averaging 15.7 and 24.3 points per game, will need to step up as they prepare to face the power of Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves on the other side.
The NBA Cup certainly adds extra motivation. The bonus money makes things even more interesting.
Teams that make the semifinals in Las Vegas receive $106,187 per player. Reaching the championship game doubles that to $212,373 per player. And the team that wins it all? They take home a massive $530,933 per player. So for Johnson, who dreams of adding more animals to his ever-growing farm, the stakes are higher than ever.
