Earlier in December, I listed Tony Parker among the players on de facto expiring contracts, meaning their deals are only partially guaranteed or non-guaranteed beyond this season. While that’s technically true in Parker’s case, there’s virtually no chance the Spurs release him rather than guaranteeing his 2014/15 salary. Still, the veteran point guard tells Jabari Young of the San Antonio Express-News that he’s hoping to stick around in San Antonio even beyond 2015.
“The history here, they always take care of the guys,” Parker said. “They did it with [Tim Duncan] and Manu [Ginobili], so hopefully they take care of me…. I just don’t want a guarantee, I want an extension, too.”
Parker became extension-eligible two months ago, so the Spurs could ink him to a new deal at any point between now and June 2015, when his current deal expires. However, it may make more sense for the team to wait until at least next July. Veteran contract extensions can only span four total years, which includes the seasons remaining on a player’s existing deal. So if Parker were to re-up this season, he could only tack two new years onto his current contract.
It’s also worth noting that there’s no guarantee the Spurs’ current core will still be in place by the time Parker’s current deal expires, which could affect both his and the team’s plans. For now, Tiago Splitter is the only Spur under contract beyond 2015, so if San Antonio enters a retooling period, Parker, who turns 32 this May, would have to carefully consider whether he wants to stick around long-term.
“My wish is to stay here and play my whole career here,” Parker said. “But if there is no more Pop or Timmy or Manu, I’m not against going somewhere. I’m not against that.”
Parker is in line to make $12.5MM in each of the next two seasons, though only $3.5MM of his 2014/15 salary is guaranteed for now.