The San Antonio Spurs’ campaign this season may be over but the front office never stops working. As many as five rotation players on the Spurs' 2017-18 season roster could hit free agency this summer, and some of them were part of their last championship run.

Tony Parker, who pocketed $15.4 million last season, will become an unrestricted free agent at the age of 35. The former NBA Finals MVP expressed his desire to continue playing for the Spurs, though he’s keeping his options open with the hope of landing a better deal elsewhere.

Danny Green, 30, is another player who could bolt after several postseason grinds with the Spurs.

The former North Carolina standout has blossomed into a reliable 3-and-D player during his time in San Antonio, and like Parker, he could be looking to cash in on his last significant paycheck in the NBA. Another player with the ability to opt out is Rudy Gay, who put up solid numbers (11.5 points on 47 percent FG shooting and 5.1 rebounds) in his first season following an Achilles heel injury.

Manu Ginobili has a player option for next season ($2.5 million), yet it would not be a surprise if the 40-year-old hoops legend finally retires.

The Spurs will also have to deal with the upcoming restricted free agency of Kyle Anderson, Bryn Forbes, and Davis Bertans. They are expected to receive qualifying offers, allowing them to sign offer sheets, with the Spurs retaining the rights to match within three days.

All eyes on Kawhi/Spurs meeting

Of course, one of the biggest storyline heading into the NBA offseason is Kawhi Leonard and his future with the Spurs. The rest of the league is closely monitoring Kawhi’s ongoing saga which has apparently affected his rapport with head coach Gregg Popovich and the rest of the locker room.

Coach Pop is expected to lead the negotiations with Leonard’s group in an attempt to salvage their working relationship.

After that, the Spurs must decide if they will give their star player a super-max extension worth $219 million over five years. Many NBA pundits believe failure to close out a deal with Leonard in the offseason may force the Spurs to heavily consider trading Kawhi for the right package.

Jeff McDonald of the San Antonio Express-News listed four teams that have a realistic shot in terms of landing arguably the best two-way player in the game.

He mentioned the Los Angeles Lakers, Los Angeles Clippers, Philadelphia 76ers, and Boston Celtics as teams with enough trade assets to enter into the Leonard sweepstakes.

Insider report

Among the four potential suitors, the Celtics could present the best trade offer because of their deep stash of young players and high draft picks. According to McDonald, the most competitive offer the Celtics could offer for Kawhi would be a package consisting of Jaylen Brown, Jayson Tatum, Greg Monroe and a first-round draft pick.

It’s basically a King’s Ransom offer headlined by Brown and Tatum, who both have superstar potential.

On the other hand, McDonald pointed out that the opportunity to form a super team with Kyrie Irving, Gordon Hayward, Al Horford, and Leonard would certainly intrigue Danny Ainge.

In fact, several Spurs scouts are now paying more attention to three Celtics youngsters: Tatum, Brown and Terry Rozier. A team insider even claimed that the Spurs would definitely ask for Rozier if they pursue a deal with the Celtics for Leonard.

Rozier, 24, has become the postseason’s breakout star after averaging 17.6 points on 41 percent shooting, with 6.7 assists and 4.3 rebounds in the first-round series with the Milwaukee Bucks. The former Louisville standout upped his production in the Celtics’ Eastern Conference semis series with the Philadelphia 76ers, pumping out 22.3 points on 50 percent FG shooting, 6.0 assists and 7.3 rebounds per game in three games.

While the Spurs like Dejounte Murray’s physical tools and defensive upside, Rozier is undoubtedly the better player at this stage of their careers. Coach Pop loves speedy guards who can create shot opportunities for themselves and others through penetration, something Parker has done throughout his career.

Rozier is eligible for a rookie contract extension this offseason, and it will be fascinating to see how Ainge addresses the growing dilemma before his very eyes. The Celtics are just $4 million below the luxury tax line this season, so locking up Rozier would certainly compromise their payroll flexibility moving forward. Then again, it’s an issue that can wait until the offseason. Right now, the Celtics have more important business to attend to as they try to close out their series with the Sixers on Monday.
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