Pau Gasol is the ultimate team player.
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The veteran big man is set to decline an option that would've paid him $16.2 million next season to remain with the Spurs on the cheap. The Vertical's Adrian Wojnarowski reported Tuesday the 7-footer will return to San Antonio after negotiating a long-term deal that will pay him less annually.
For the Spurs, this is a way to get salary cap relief on the 2017-18 roster. Gasol will return on a smaller annual salary. https://t.co/BNtilHNMAx
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@WojVerticalNBA) June 20, 2017
At 35, Gasol is still a serviceable big man, but no longer commands the salary he was due in 2017-18. Gasol averaged a double-double at 17.5 points and 11.4 rebounds per game in two seasons with the Bulls prior to joining the Spurs last summer. In his first year with the Spurs, he started in just 39 of the 64 games he was available for and played a career-low 25.4 minutes a contest. His averages of 12.4 points and 7.8 boards were also career lows.
Gasol's decision fuels rumors the Spurs are making moves to attempt to sign star point guard Chris Paul, who is said to be seriously considering leaving the Clippers for the Alamo. The Spurs will still need to address what they're going to do with franchise staple Manu Ginobili, Jonathon Simmons and Patty Mills.