Duncan, the league’s MVP the last two seasons, decided not to exercise an option in his current contract, meaning he will become a free agent. But that doesn’t mean the 7-foot forward is thinking about going anywhere.
“He will enter into discussions with the Spurs as soon as he is able to,” Lon Babby, Duncan’s agent, said. “Tim intends to re-sign with the Spurs once the details of a long-term deal can be finalized.” Babby said Duncan does not expect to even talk to other teams.
Under NBA rules, teams are not permitted to negotiate with free agents until today, and contracts cannot be signed before July 16. Spurs spokesman Cliff Puchalski said the team had no comment on any reports relating to Duncan’s contract.
He is eligible for a deal up to seven years in length and $122 million. He averaged 24.7 points, 15.4 rebounds and 3.3 blocked shots in the 2003 playoffs, which culminated with the Spurs winning the NBA title. For his career, Duncan has averaged 22.9 points, 12.3 rebounds and 2.5 blocks per game.
