San Antonio Spurs shooting guard Manu Ginobili is largely expected to seal a deal and remain with the team for the next season after the free agency period.
After unexpectedly falling short to the Oklahoma City Thunder during the semi-finals of the Playoffs and not making it to the Western Conference Finals, the San Antonio Spurs ended their season earlier than expected which left fans wondering what the future holds for the team.
Considered as a powerhouse for more than a decade and having won many championships, the latest being 2014, the sudden loss spelled the possibility for legends Tim Duncan and Manu to finally retire and mark an end of an era.
But Manu believes that it isn't his time to drop the ball for good yet, and that he won't be retiring in the near season.
"I want to keep enjoying the game for a little while longer." He just needed to let some time pass after the season to come up with a good decision.
Having signed a two-year contract last summer, Manu is looking forward to re-sign with the Spurs once he gets a good deal on the table. Veteran players like him have been looking to cash in since younger players are being given excellent deals during the free agency period.
"I definitely feel more certain now than I have been last year because the season went well for me and I have stayed healthy throughout the season aside from the minor unfortunate incident back in February," he said in an interview with ESPN.
The minor incident he was referring to was his testicular injury when the San Antonio Spurs won against the New Orleans Pelicans back in February 3, which required him to undergo surgery that resulted to him being absent for 12 games in the regular season.
Now 38, the left-handed veteran's will mark his 15th year in the sport at the 2016-2017 NBA season and as well as his longstanding membership with the San Antonio franchise.
Manu has also been training in the gym and court in preparation for the Rio Olympics in Brazil this summer, where he will represent the Argentina national basketball team, according to ESPN.