In a move long expected, and one that does not necessarily guarantee his departure from the Spurs, backup point guard Patrick Mills has declined a second-year option with the team.
Spurs officials acknowledge the contractual deadline for Mills to opt in to another season in San Antonio has passed, rendering the 23-year-old Australian a restricted free agent when the new league year begins Sunday.
Mills, who signed with the Spurs in March and was scheduled to earn a league-minimum $885,120 next season, will soon be free to solicit offer sheets from other teams.
Because he is restricted, however, the Spurs retain the right to match any outside offer he receives.
Not much of a shock really. He wants more money and more years.
