Were Ginobili, Parker available for the right deal?

It’s hard to picture Manu Ginobili and Tony Parker not in a San Antonio Spurs uniform. They have poured blood, sweat and tears into making the franchise into a perennial championship team and have helped bring three NBA titles to the Alamo City.

But apparently last season, both players were available to any team for the right deal.

According to New York Post’s Peter Vecsey, Manu and TP (and any othe player outside Tim Duncan) were on the shopping block.

Spurs management called around the league to let the right people know that every player was touchable, exempting Tim Duncan. Owner Peter Holt, team president/coach Gregg Popovich and general manager R.C. Buford were committed to honor Duncan’s reign of scandal-drama-free excellence (four titles) over 14 seasons until he decided not to play for pay anymore.

The Spurs made the correct move keeping guard Manu Ginobili, who has been a key player in San Antonio’s strong run through the NBA playoffs.

Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili, I must reemphasize, were available for the appropriate equity.

If the report is true, then I am sure glad the Spurs did not pull the trigger on any trade involving Manu and TP. This season the two have proved invaluable for the team’s success.

Parker is having a phenomenal season, made the All-Star squad, garnered MVP consideration, and is leading the team within two wins of making an NBA Finals appearance and a shot at a fifth title for San Antonio.

Ginobili, though dealing with injuries early this season, sprung to life in the Western Conference Finals series against the Thunder in Game 1 and 2 and is still showing he has plenty of gas left in the tank despite his age.

However, in the end let’s face it, these two player will retire a Spur and have their jersey hanging in the rafters of the AT&T Center. They have contributed so much to the franchise that it’s only fitting they never wear any other team colors other than black and silver.