The San Antonio Spurs have had a magnificent offseason after landing highly-prized free agent forward LaMarcus Aldridge and finding out that both Tim Duncan and Manu Ginobili will return for at least one more season. It only gets better.
According to multiple reports, David West has agreed to take a veteran’s minimum deal with the Spurs.
West, 34, opted out of his $12 million contract with the Indiana Pacers before the start of free agency. Upon opting out, West made it clear that he does not want to play for money anymore. Rather, the 12-year veteran wanted to go to a championship contending team.
The Washington Wizards, Golden State Warriors and San Antonio Spurs were his first three options, but most recently the Cleveland Cavaliers became favorites to land the two-time All-Star. However, passing up on the chance to play alongside Aldridge, Duncan, Ginobili, Kawhi Leonard, and Tony Parker was too much for West, plus an opportunity to be coached by Gregg Popovich. According to ESPN sources, the Warriors, Wizards, and Cavaliers offered more than the veteran's minimum.
West spent the last four seasons with Indiana, trying to help them reach the NBA Finals. Even though that goal was never met, West’s veteran presence aided the Pacers to back-to-back Eastern Conference Finals appearances in 2013 and 2014.
He is a savvy veteran player with high I.Q. and great off court leadership. His style of play and attitude suits the Spurs really well. With this acquisition, the Spurs now have a very resilient frontline consisting of West, Aldridge, Duncan, and Boris Diaw.
The Spurs were eliminated in the first round of the playoffs last season by the Los Angeles Clippers. But, with the new additions to the team, they are once again considered favorites to win a championship.
West passed up on nearly $11 million to play a bench role for the Spurs. Not many players could say that.
Last season, he averaged 11.7 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 3.4 assists on 47.1 percent shooting in 66 games. West has career averages of 15.5 points and 7.2 rebounds.