http://hangtime.blogs.nba.com/2013/1...-dec-30/#spurs
No. 1: Parker not opposed to leaving Spurs one day — Much like teammates Tim Duncan and Manu Ginobili, point guard Tony Parker seems destined to join that duo as a life-long Spur. But Parker, responding to an ESPN.com report that says the Knicks have interest in pursuing him once he becomes a free agent in 2015, isn’t so sure he’d stick with San Antonio no matter the cost. While Parker says staying with the Spurs is his top choice, he told the San Antonio Express-News‘ Jabari Young that he’s also open to testing the free-agent waters should things not work out as he hopes in San Antonio:
Tony Parker to the New York Knicks?
Unlikely, but Parker wouldn’t rule it out. In fact, he wouldn’t rule out going anywhere if certain cir stances aren’t in place.
A report last week by ESPN.com said the Knicks hope to target the All-Star point guard in 2015, when Parker is set to become a free agent. Told of the report, Parker smiled and said he hadn’t seen it, but is keeping all his options open.
Parker made it clear though, his first choice it to remain in San Antonio as long as he could.
“If I can yeah”, Parker told the San Antonio Express-News. “The history here, they always take care of the guys. They did it with [Tim Duncan] and Manu [Ginobili], so hopefully they take care of me. At the end of this year they have to guarantee my year after, so, technically, maybe, I’ll be a free agent this summer.”
The 31-year-old Parker, who is averaging 17.8 points and 6.0 assists this season, signed a four-year, $50 million extension in 2010. He is owed $25 million in the last two years of his contract, but the final year is partially guaranteed for $3.5 million if he is waived by June 30, 2014 and fully guaranteed for $12.5 million after that.
Said Parker: “I just don’t want a guarantee, I want an extension, too.”
Even if Parker remains in San Antonio for the final year, his decision to stay beyond 2014-15 will depend on his coach and teammates.
Who knows when Spurs coach Gregg Popovich will hang it up, though it may not be too far away, and Duncan has a $10 million player option next season, which is the final year of his deal. Will he be around beyond that?
“I want to stay positive,” Parker said, “but if it doesn’t work out, then it doesn’t work out. My wish is to stay here and play my whole career here, but if there is no more Pop or Timmy or Manu, I’m not against going somewhere. I’m not against that.”
Parker being targeted is nothing new, though, and he always expresses his desire to remain in San Antonio for the remainder of his career. But what if the Spurs and Parker don’t reach an extension, would Parker seek a trade?
“I don’t even think like that because I think Pop and [Spurs General Manger R.C. Buford] they always take care of their guys,” Parker responded. “They did it with Timmy and Manu, so I don’t see no reason why they’re not gonna do it with me.”
He always liked big marketed
“At the end of this year they have to guarantee my year after, so, technically, maybe, I’ll be a free agent this summer.”
Said Parker: “I just don’t want a guarantee, I want an extension, too.”
I hope they´ll send his ass to the big apple, There is a new heroballer in town.
Can he go like now?
Can you go like now?
How terrible that a player who can probably help keep us at the 50 win level with the other pieces we'll have after Tim and Manu retire wants an extension....
Who cares team will be good even without him, besides after those 2 are gone this will not be a championship team for a while, so there is no need to I´LL HAVE THE BALL 23 SECONDS IF I CANT SHOOT I´LL PASS AND IF THE MORON SCORES I WILL GET A FREE ASSIST mentality.
I wouldn't blame Parker for wanting out when Duncan/Manu/Pop call it quits. I hope he stays though. Would be amazing if the entire big 3 + pop actually play their full careers in one jersey
fk this clown tbh!
There all gone when Duncan hangs it up. So will 85% of the viewers of this site.
Don't worry guys, we got Nando.
LOL at people in favor of parker leave, do not seem to understand the culture of the spurs
I can understand Parker wanting an extension. I hope the Spurs show loyalty to him and offer him an extension so he can retire as a Spur.
We need Parker this year as we are not contenders without him (assuming we can finally beat a contender). But when Tim and Manu retire, then we for sure won't be contenders. So if things don't work out, and he leaves after that, I'm not upset at him. If we can trade him and get some value, that would be great. If he walks, that leaves us money to sign a younger player, great. Likewise, Tony has never played on an NBA team that wasn't considered a contender. Not sure he would want to stay around when we stink. Let him go to another team and continue to contend for les through the rest of his career. I'd cheer for him as long as it isn't the Lakers or the Heat.
No appreciation for one of only two PG in the league (if you can still call Billups a PG / in the league) with a finals MVP. This whole board would rather have had CP3 or DWill and their whining their way out of town three times by now.
Parker won't finish his career here and that's fine, by then we won't be contenders.
Parker wants to end his career with the Spurs, he said it multiple times. In fact, he never said otherwise. He admires Duncan and I think he would like to something like his heir in career.
I don't understand why all Spurs fans aren't happy that a multiple All-Star and a proved winner accepts less money and wishes openly to spend his whole career with the team.
My guess is that Tony would like to stay, and while SA will no longer be le contenders after Tim and Manu leave, if SA has the ability to field a playoff team for the duration of his contract extension, he'll sign.
The team will not make the playoffs without Tony when Tim and Manu leave. Period. End of story. With him, they might be around 50 wins. Without him, they'd struggle to win 35.
Also consider this: Tony and Boris are pretty much a package deal. If Tony is shown the door, chances are high that we lose one of the most versatile forwards in the league.
Our fanbase is generally re ed tbh.
It's absolutely ridiculous that Parker is only making 12.5 million a year when John Wall, a freakin scrub, is making 16 million a year.
Parker has taken pay cuts his entire career. And he's been the best PG for the last decade. It's about time the Spurs take care of him. He's just letting them know. And he should.
it would be nice if he and Pop stayed a bit longer with Kawhi. Who knows... maybe Bertans works out well and the team remains a force.
If he decides to leave, I'd still root for his success elsewhere. And yeah, Boris coming to the team with TP has been fantastic.
I feel like the Spurs are going to take care of him and give him an extension.
Last edited by TXstbobcat; 12-30-2013 at 04:44 PM.
That Parker-to-NYC thing is old and tired. Tony had s chance to bolt already, but he ended up signing a below-market deal that he's already exceeded.
This is just him negotiating to get an extension, which he really wants. It's what he deserves and what he'll likely get.
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