David West Forgoes $12 Million, Signs With San Antonio Spurs For $1.4 Million

Indiana Pacers power forward David West has agreed in principle to join the San Antonio Spurs on a one-year deal worth roughly $1.4 million. West, who previously took a hard stance against ring-chasing, opted out of the final $12 million of his deal with the Pacers and agreed on the veteran’s minimum with the Spurs, who are a formidable contender in the NBA's Western Conference.

“I'm not going to be one of those guys that's just out here chasing that. I'm not going to be one those guys out here sacrificing who I am, the things that make me me, to go out and get a material goal. That's just not the way I'm wired," West declared during last year’s training camp.

The new development is the latest in a productive offseason for coach Gregg Popovich and the Spurs. The team not only retained the services of Tim Duncan, Manu Ginobili, Kawhi Leonard and Danny Green but also got the most coveted player of the summer in LaMarcus Aldridge. By adding West, the team now needs only to fill several backup perimeter positions to further solidify its bid for a sixth NBA championship. (Only the Celtics, Lakers and Bulls have won more championships than the Spurs.)

The team is still seeking a third ball handler to play behind Parker and Patty Mills after third-string guard Corey Joseph joined the Toronto Raptors. The Spurs are in a tug-of-war with the Dallas Mavericks for Los Angeles Lakers guard Jeremy Lin, who is leaning toward the Mavs who can guarantee more playing time and possibly, a starting spot.