David West desperately wants his first NBA championship. Manu Ginobili couldn’t resist going for his fifth.
The two proud veterans have decided to join together for the chase with the San Antonio Spurs, bolstering a roster buoyed by some uncharacteristically major spending on the free agent market.
West chose to leave some $12 million on the table to join the Spurs, while Ginobili shrugged off an injury-plagued season for one more run in San Antonio.
West agreed to terms on a one-year deal for the veteran’s minimum of $1.4 million, a person with knowledge of the agreement told The Associated Press on Monday. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the deal had not been announced.
In choosing to align with the Spurs in the powerful Western Conference, West left a $12 million payday he was due from the Indiana Pacers, and several opportunities to make millions more from other interested suitors on the open market.
Ginobili was considering retiring after injuries contributed to him playing in just 70 games last season.
But after the Spurs won the bidding for star free agent LaMarcus Aldridge and also locked up Kawhi Leonard and Danny Green with lucrative deals, Ginobili decided to return to the only NBA team for which he has played.
“Happy to announce that I’m coming back next season,” Ginobili announced on Twitter, adding the hashtag “gospursgo.”
Franchise centerpiece Tim Duncan announced his decision to come back for a 19th season last week, giving the Spurs a powerful mix of veteran experience with Duncan, West, Ginobili and Tony Parker combining with in-their-prime starters Aldridge, Leonard and Green.
Ginobili also joked on Twitter with a hashtag “TDwouldvemissedmetoomuch.”
Ginobili averaged just 10.5 points per game last season, his lowest since he was a rookie.
West averaged 11.7 points and 6.8 rebounds in his fourth season with the Pacers.
“Thanx Indy for giving me a chance…Thanx for the support over the last 4 years,” West tweeted. “Luv is Luv….”
The depth the two provide to the Spurs, who shelled out $215 million on Aldridge, Leonard and Green will be invaluable.