Report: Manu Ginobili opts out of contract, may play next season

Spurs guard Manu Ginobili will reportedly opt out of his contract, but may play next season.

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Spurs guard Manu Ginobili will opt out of his contract, but may play next season instead of retiring, according to Shams Charania of The Vertical.

Ginobili declined his $2.9 million player option for next season before the Wednesday deadline. The 38-year-old guard, who turns 39 next month, “is leaning” toward playing another season. He would likely intend to return to San Antonio, where he has spent his entire 14-year career, dating back to 2002.

Last season, Ginobili logged a career-low 19.6 minutes per game but was still effective in his usual bench role, averaging 9.6 points, 3.1 assists and 2.5 rebounds. He has won four championships with San Antonio and made two All-Star teams in addition to winning the Sixth Man award in 2008.

Also up in the air is the status of Spurs cornerstone Tim Duncan, who has until June 29 to decide on his $6.39 million player option. Duncan, 40, is a five-time champion in 19 seasons with the Spurs, and is regarded as one of the greatest big men in the history of the game. There has been some speculation that he will retire this off-season.

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In related news, veteran Spurs forward David West, 35, will not pick up his contract option after one season with the team, and is not sure if he will retire, according to Tom Orsborn of the San Antonio Express-News.