The Spurs are looking at retaining one of the all time greats in franchise history. According to Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN, the Spurs and Manu Ginobili are finalizing details for a return. Ginobili is going to turn 40 years old next week and has won four NBA championships in San Antonio. Pau Gasol is also rumored to be returning as well.
Ginobili return
Ginobili made $14 million last season. Ginobili averaged 7.6 points a game last season which was just 0.1 point higher than his career low. The reserve played in 69 games last season while playing in about 20.7 minutes a game.
Ginobili could be a backup to Danny Green again this season.
Ginobili will return for a 16th season if a contract gets done. He has had a stellar career. He is the Spurs all time leader in three point field goals and ranks fifth in all time assists. He was a part of great teams that featured Tim Duncan and Tony Parker. Ginobili will bring a wealth of postseason experience to help the Spurs make a run at a NBA championship.
Gasol Return
According to Wojnarowski, the Spurs are looking to re-sign Gasol as well. The details fo the deal are not disclosed. Gasol would provide another veteran off the bench. Gasol played in 64 games last season while averaging a career low 12.4 points a game. His 7.8 rebounds nearly tied a career low as well.
However, Gasol is a winner of two NBA championships and can still contribute on a team. If Gasol is to re-sign, then the Spurs are likely to get rid of Joffrey Lauvergne. At this age, Gasol only wants to play for a contender and could take less money to stay in San Antonio.
Spurs makeup
The Spurs didn't make a lot of acquisitions this offseason as the team will look nearly the same.
Patty Mills was re-signed. Keeping Ginobili and Gasol will surely help the depth of the bench. However, the team is banking on another great year from Park and Kawhi Leonard. Despite all the rumors on draft night, LaMarcus Aldridge is still on the team.
The Spurs made the western conference finals this year, but it will be hard to get back.
The Houston Rockets acquired Chris Paul to pair with James Harden. They are rumored to possibly acquire Carmelo Anthony. The Golden State Warriors eliminated the Spurs easily, but the team was battling injuries.
As Greg Popovich is still around, you can't count out the Spurs. These moves are nice for the overall depth of the team, but the Spurs might need more firepower to contend with the best in the west.
