It’s official: Tony Parker is the latest tentpole of the San Antonio Spurs to leave the franchise. Rumors had popped up that the veteran point guard was getting looks from a few teams as an unrestricted free agent, with Charlotte and Denver among the squads interested in acquiring his services.
On Friday afternoon, word dropped that Parker will leave the Spurs to join the Hornets. The news was broken by Shams Charania of Yahoo Sports and confirmed by Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN. Wojnarowski included the terms of the deal, which will keep Parker in Charlotte for two years.
Tony Parker has agreed to sign with Charlotte, league sources tell Yahoo.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) July 6, 2018
Tony Parker has agreed to a two-year, $10M deal with Charlotte, league source tells ESPN
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) July 6, 2018
The move makes sense, as the Hornets could use a point guard behind Kemba Walker and the team’s new head coach, James Borrego, was an assistant in San Antonio. Plus Parker’s countryman Nic Batum confirmed the news on social media.
Number 9, I see you soon in Buzz City my big bro… 🇫🇷x🇫🇷
— Nicolas Batum (@nicolas88batum) July 6, 2018
According to Wojnarowski, Parker let Gregg Popovich know that he will leave the only organization he’s played for in his NBA career.
Source: Parker called Gregg Popovich in the last hour to inform him of decision to accept Charlotte offer. Spurs wanted Parker back, but Parker will take on a significant role with Hornets behind Kemba Walker. https://t.co/qjNzJqN2v0
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) July 6, 2018
Parker joined the Spurs in 2001 and turned into one of the premier point guards in basketball, as he was a member of four championship squads in San Antonio. He also was an All-NBA Second Team selection three times and added a Third-Team nod to his resume, too, along with a Finals MVP in 2007.
Make no mistake about it: Watching Parker suit up for a team other than the Spurs is going to be weird. Still, this is a solid signing by the Hornets, even if it’ll take some getting used to for everyone who has spent the last 17 years being captivated by the best basketball player France has ever produced.
