Chicago Bull center Pau Gasol (L) shoots a hook shot over San Antonio Spurs' Tim Duncan. (Photo : Getty Images)
The news about Kevin Durant's transfer has shaken the power structure in the NBA.
While the pecking order remains the same for the top two (the Golden State Warriors were already favored even before KD chose them), the odds have drastically changed and it was even described as "insane." (see them here).
The biggest drop belonged to the Oklahoma City Thunder, of course. For the Western Conference contenders, their odds have also dropped, including the San Antonio Spurs. They did not get to face the Golden State Warriors in the playoffs since they were beaten by Durant and the Thunder.
The Spurs may have to face the juggernaut without the face of the franchise that made them the standard of consistent excellence for 19 years. According to Adrian Wojnarowski of The Vertical, Tim Duncan is "leaning on" retiring.
"One of the NBA's all-time icons - San Antonio Spurs center Tim Duncan - is leaning strongly toward retirement, a decision that would end an illustrious 19-season NBA career, league sources told The Vertical," Wojnarowski wrote. "Duncan has left team officials, close associates and friends with a strong belief he's preparing to make an announcement in the near future on his departure, sources said."
Duncan would not be fond of a circus-like farewell the way Kobe Bryant left and an announcement that he would not return without any fanfare is well within his character.
The Spurs recently welcomed the announcement that guard Manu Ginobili would play one more season and were anticipating the Duncan would do the same. However, Wojnarowski pointed out that Duncan was bothered last season by soreness in his right knee-a nagging problem for him.
Fortunately for the Spurs, Duncan's center spot won't remain vacant for long. In a separate report from Wojnarowski at Yahoo Sports, Pau Gasol will be their new addition via free agency.
"Free-agent center Pau Gasol has reached agreement on a two-year, $30 million-plus deal with the San Antonio Spurs, league sources told The Vertical," Wojnarowski stated. "Gasol will have the option to re-enter free agency after this upcoming season or sign a longer contract with the Spurs, league sources said."
Gasol declined a rumored $40 million offer that the Portland Trail Blazers placed on the table. Apparently, the Spaniard still wants to win a title. He will join LaMarcus Aldridge and Kawhi Leonard in the Spurs vaunted frontcourt.
