If the Spurs thought they only had to compete with other NBA teams for the services of Manu Ginobili this offseason, it appears they may have been mistaken.
The 32-year-old played for Ettore Messina, now Real Madrid’s head coach, during his stint with Virtus Bologna from 2000-2002. It’s rumored the club may offer Ginobili $10 million Euros, or roughly $13.5 million US dollars — much more than the $10.7 million the Spurs are paying him this season.
While Manu has been averaging 15.4 points, 4.8 assists and 3.8 rebounds per game this season, he’s really been on a different level lately. He’s scored in double figures in 12 of his last 13 games and has scored 38 points twice this month.
While I doubt Manu would choose money over competing for a championship in the NBA, the Spurs would probably prefer if Manu were in Spain over Los Angeles.