Aside from Kawhi Leonard, the return of Tony Parker to the San Antonio Spurs remains one of the biggest question marks in the offseason. Parker is set to become an unrestricted free agent, and it is not known if if the Spurs are interested in bringing him back for his 18th season with the only team that he has played for in the NBA. Last season, Parker expressed his intent to play three more years, preferably with the Spurs. However, the Spurs could choose youth instead of his veteran leadership after he averaged a career-low 7.7 points and 1.7 boards in 19.5 minutes of action.
Parker started 21 of 55 games last season before he lost his spot in the starting lineup to Dejounte Murray. In an interview with French publication RMC Sports, Parker said that while he wants to stay in San Antonio, he could seek employment elsewhere if the Spurs don’t bring him back next season.
Tony Parker open to proposals from other teams
Parker said he’s open to all proposals from other teams, but he would prefer to stay with the Spurs. “I had 17 years with the Spurs, I would always be nostalgic but this is not the end of the world if I change my club,” said Parker, adding that he could still play for two to three more years and finish his career with 20 NBA seasons under his belt. Last season, Parker made $15 million, but he is open to receiving a lower salary from the Spurs or any other squad.
According to Rob Wolkenbrod of Air Alamo, Parker could play a backup role with the Golden State Warriors, Houston Rockets, Portland Trail Blazers or the Utah Jazz. However, Wolkenbrod said the Spurs remain as the best option for Parker, who could provide Murray with veteran help.
Spurs could lose three more players
Parker is the only guaranteed unrestricted free agent, while three others could become free agents and test the market if they opt out of their respective deals.
Shooting guard Danny Green has a $10 million player option for the 2018-19 season, but his shooting slump in the last three seasons could be a turn-off for other teams if he tests the free agent market. Last season, Green averaged 8.6 points, 3.6 boards and 1.6 assists in 70 games. Rudy Gay, for his part, has an $8.8 million player option for next season, but it is unknown whether he will return to the Spurs next season. Back-up big man Joffrey Lauvergne has a $1.6 million player option for next season, but he played in just 55 games last season due to injuries.
