Gasol, Lee to opt out of deals with Spurs

Pau Gasol will decline a $16.2 million contract option for next season and become a free agent, but he is expected to re-sign with the San Antonio Spurs on a long-term deal, according to multiple reports.

The 36-year-old center intends to negotiate a lower annual salary so that the Spurs are able to offer free agents more money this offseason, according to the San Antonio Express-News.

The Vertical first reported Gasol's decision to opt out.

Gasol averaged a career-low 12.4 points, 7.8 rebounds and 1.1 blocks over 64 games (39 starts) in his first season with the Spurs last season.

The 16-year Spanish veteran has career averages of 17.9 points, 9.4 boards and 1.7 blocks in 1,119 games with the Spurs, Chicago Bulls, Los Angeles Lakers and Memphis Grizzlies.

Gasol is a six-time All-Star and a two-time NBA champion.

Former All-Star David Lee is also expected to opt out of his deal with San Antonio. Lee's option for next season is worth $1.6 million. The 34-year-old averaged 7.3 points and 5.6 rebounds in 79 games last season.

Tim Duncan retiring could free up space for Spurs to sign Pau Gasol

"Pro Court Report" Staff Report

The San Antonio Spurs are nearing a deal with Pau Gasol that will be two years in excess of $30 million with a Player Option for the second year, sources say.

It remains to be seen, who San Antonio will deal in trade, or what happens with Tim Duncan (who may retire) to create the needed cap space to sign Gasol

If Duncan does retire, San Antonio may waive and stretch him, reducing his cap hit to $2.1 mil over the next three seasons.