In an era where professional athletes are constantly criticized for chasing dollar signs, NBA veteran forward David West did the exact opposite when he agreed to sign with the San Antonio Spurs on Monday.
David Aldridge of NBA.com reports that West has agreed to a one-year deal with the Spurs at the league’s veteran minimum salary. West will earn $1.4 million next season after making $24 million over the past two seasons with the Indiana Pacers, so we’re not saying you should feel badly for him. Still, it’s hard not to respect how much he left on the table.
As Aldridge notes, West played two years of a three-year, $36 million deal he had signed with the Pacers. He opted out of the remaining one year and $12 million left on the contract to take more than a $10 million pay cut with the Spurs.
West, who has spent his 12-year career with the Pacers and New Orleans Pelicans, wants to win a championship. He obviously feels that the Spurs give him a chance to accomplish that goal, and for good reason. San Antonio landed the top free agent prize on the market this offseason in LaMarcus Aldridge. Tim Duncan and Manu Ginobili have also announced that they will return for the 2014-2015 season.
For some people, it’s not all about the money.
