NBA Free Agency: Ginobili might return for a 16th season

Amidst all the insanity of the 2017 offseason so far, Manu Ginobili has suggested that he’ll probably return to the Spurs for another season.

As increasingly ludicrous rumors trickle out on Twitter in the buildup to the NBA Draft and free agency, the Spurs continue to operate as a bastion of stability among utter chaos. Adrian Wojnarowski noted in a report on Pau Gasol’s decision to decline his player option, that Spurs lifer Manu Ginobili will likely return for another year in San Antonio.

For the sixth season in a row, questions about Ginobili’s retirement began immediately after the end of the Spurs’ season. Manu, who continues to defy the laws of nature, will turn 40 next month. He put up another solid season and performed strongly during San Antonio’s run to the Western Finals. Honestly, how long can this guy continue playing at an effective level? We thought that his block on James Harden to end a Game 5 overtime thriller would be his last signature moment, but he just keeps coming back for more!

Aside from the obvious cultural value that Ginobili brings to the Spurs organization, a decision to return could immensely impact San Antonio’s ability to lure a top free agent. When free agency begins in July, Manu will be on the Spurs’ books with a hold of $21 million until they resolve his situation.

Assuming that Manu will take a big pay cut to continue playing in San Antonio, the two sides need to hammer out a deal quickly so that Ginobili’s pricey cap hold doesn’t clog up cap space. If the Spurs are serious about chasing Chris Paul, and numerous reliable sources have indicated that they are, every single dollar they can save is critical.

Next: Every NBA team's greatest draft pick of all time

This morning the Spurs convinced Pau Gasol to decline his player option and re-sign in July for a much smaller salary, which will facilitate their ability to create space for a star. Bringing back Manu at a low price is another important step that would maintain space for San Antonio; it would also ensure that Ginobili and his wily tricks are back in our lives for one more season!