Pau Gasol declined his $16,197,500 player option, giving the Spurs the ability to chase major free agents.
But once Chris Paul went to the Rockets before free agency even began, San Antonio had a summer it could’ve had if Gasol opted in – re-signing Patty Mills and Manu Ginobili and signing Rudy Gay with the mid-level exception. One more order of business: Re-signing Gasol, whose Bird Rights San Antonio still holds.
The Spurs could have massive cap space next summer, and I doubt they’ll jeopardize that for the 37-year-old Gasol. But I also expect them to reward his willingness to opt out and give them flexibility now (even if it went unused).
My best bet: A one-year contract at a rate similar to his option-year salary then – after that overpay – Gasol re-signing for far less next year, when San Antonio can actually take advantage of a discount.
