It is the end of an era in San Antonio. According to a report from Shams Charania, long-time Spurs guard Tony Parker has agreed to a deal with the Charlotte Hornets.
Tony Parker has agreed to sign with Charlotte, league sources tell Yahoo.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) July 6, 2018
ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski added that it is a two-year, $10M deal.
Tony Parker has agreed to a two-year, $10M deal with Charlotte, league source tells ESPN
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) July 6, 2018
The 36-year-old Parker has spent the first 17 seasons of his career with the Spurs, winning four titles along with the likes of Tim Duncan, Manu Ginobili and Kawhi Leonard. As he got older, however, his role continued to lessen, until the Spurs apparently decided this summer that it wasn't worth bringing him back. Spurs coach Gregg Popovich issued a statement praising his longtime player.
Coach Pop quote on Tony Parker pic.twitter.com/gQ941bz6NG
— Marc J. Spears (@MarcJSpearsESPN) July 6, 2018
After returning from a quad injury, Parker played 55 games last season, but averaged career-low numbers with 7.7 points and 3.5 assists per game. In addition, his public complaints about Leonard's injury were reportedly the last straw for Leonard, who now wants out of San Antonio.
You can see why the Hornets made this move, as they needed point guard depth behind Kemba Walker and Parker isn't a bad option. However, $10M guaranteed is a lot of money for someone of Parker's caliber.
Still, even though it makes sense why the Spurs have moved on, it's going to be strange to see Parker in a uniform other than the black and white of the Spurs.