Manu Ginobili opted out, but he wants to get back in.
Ginobili plans to play next season, he wrote on his blog. It’d be a major shock if it’s anywhere outside San Antonio, his only team in a 14-year NBA career.
The Spurs have Ginobili’s Bird Rights, so they can exceed the cap to give him any contract up to the max. If history is an indication, they’ll compromise based on whom else the team can land.
San Antonio met with Kevin Durant yesterday, though him bolting for the Spurs still seems like a longshot. One-time target Mike Conley is off the board. Pau Gasol still looms.
If San Antonio can get a big name, Ginobili will probably accommodate. If not, maybe it’s time to reward him financially for previous sacrifices.
What does this mean for Tim Duncan? I think he’ll make his own decision, but that decision could be influenced by a desire to make another run with Ginobili and Tony Parker.