Manu Ginobili and Tim Duncan have been a major part of the Spurs’ legacy — a legacy that has been hugely successful. Duncan has won 5 championships and Ginobili has won 4. Sadly, that Spurs’ core is almost through. At the respective ages of 39 and 37, Duncan and Ginobili have little left in the tank. However, Duncan has aged as well or better than any player ever, and the Spurs are hoping to keep the team together at least through next season. It looks like the Spurs will get their wish, according to ESPN’s Marc Stein. From Stein:
Although Duncan and fellow Spurs mainstay Manu Ginobili have yet to make a formal declaration about their plans for next season, sources told ESPN.com that the Spurs are optimistic about re-signing both at salaries that will allow the team to re-sign prized restricted free agent Kawhi Leonard this summer and to pursue top-tier free agent LaMarcus Aldridge.
Signing Leonard is San Antonio’s first priority, but getting Aldridge on board would huge. The Spurs are far from the only team after Aldridge, but they seem to be the current favorite, according to Marc Stein:
ESPN sources say Lakers appear to be passing Dallas on list of likely destinations for Aldridge should he leave POR. San Antonio still No. 1
— Marc Stein (@ESPNSteinLine) June 25, 2015
Aldridge is one of the best power forwards in the league, and plenty of teams are pursuing him in light of the news that he’s sure to leave Portland. Suitors for Aldridge other than the Spurs include the Mavericks, the Rockets, and the Lakers.
Aldridge would fit very nicely in the Spurs’ system. He has a phenomenal post game, is one of the best midrange shooters in the league, and is underrated defensively. Should they land him, they’ll be able to compete for another championship without blowing up the roster.
The Spurs are also reportedly in contention for Grizzlies’ star center Marc Gasol.
As for how long Duncan and Ginobili stick around should they stay for the 2015-2015 season, Ginobili is expected to retire after the season, while Duncan could sign a 2-year contract.
