David West very badly wants to win a championship before calling it a career. About two weeks after he chose not to exercise his player option with the Pacers, the 34-year-old power forward will join the San Antonio Spurs, according to respected reporters David Aldridge and Adrian Wojnarowski.
The frontcourt duo of Hibbert and West is no more in Indy.
West wanted a situation where he would have a great chance at winning a title and the Spurs are set up pretty well to contend. Tim Duncan and Manu Ginobili are both returning, Kawhi Leonard will sign a new deal to remain in San Antonio, and LaMarcus Aldridge agreed to sign a four-year max deal in free agency.
How much of a sacrifice is David making for a chance at a ring? He passed on $12.6 million from the Pacers for the veteran’s minimum, $1.4 million, next season with the Spurs.
ESPN reported that offers from the Cavaliers, Warriors, and Wizards were all for more money.
Going into his 13th season, the Spurs will be just his third different team. The two-time NBA All-Star was drafted by the New Orleans Hornets 18th overall in the 2003 NBA Draft and he played his first eight seasons there. Seeking both a better situation and an opportunity to compete for a title, he came to Indiana for four years (and two contracts).
Last season, West said he had already played more seasons than he expected and everything now is just bonus. West can quietly take care of business and be a solid contributor next season under Gregg Popovich and play on a no-nonsense, veteran team full of grown-ups.
In 12 seasons, West has earned $87,668,418, according to Basketball-Reference. In 815 career games, West has averaged 15.5 points and 7.2 rebounds per game.