Physical clears way for Ginobili extension
Manu Ginobili(notes) underwent a physical Thursday afternoon that revealed no concerning health issues, the last significant hurdle he had to clear before completing his three-year extension with the San Antonio Spurs, league sources said.
Spurs officials were working out a couple minor details with Ginobili's agent, Herb Rudoy, but the extension should be approved by the NBA office early Friday morning.
The deal binds Ginobili to the Spurs through the 2012-13 season. He will make $11.9 million next season, a raise from his current $10.7 million. The final two years of the extension call for him to earn $13 million and $14.1 million.
Ginobili also will receive a bonus if he's traded.
The physical was important given Ginobili's injuries from the previous two season. Ginobili, who turns 33 in July, had last season cut short by a right ankle injury. He also was slowed by problems with his left foot in the 2008 playoffs and later needed surgery after aggravating the injury in the Beijing Olympics.
Ginobili's strong play over the past two months affirmed the Spurs' desire to keep him as one of the franchise's core players.
