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Philadelphia 76ers lured Manu Ginobili

By Alex Butler
San Antonio Spurs guard Manu Ginobili (R) talks with referee Eli Roe. UPI/Brian Kersey
1 of 2 | San Antonio Spurs guard Manu Ginobili (R) talks with referee Eli Roe. UPI/Brian Kersey | License Photo

PHILADELPHIA, July 25 (UPI) -- Luckily San Antonio Spurs fans will never have to know what it would have looked like to see Manu Ginobili in a Philadelphia 76ers jersey.

But it was a close second place in the race for the aging free agent.

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Last week Ginobili told The Vertical's Michael Lee that he "never wanted to leave San Antonio," but he said he "had to listen to all the options."

Ginobili ultimately did not have the heart to leave the 67-win Spurs for a 10-win 76ers squad. However, the veteran did consider offers north of $16 million to reunite with former Spurs assistant Brett Brown, compared to the Spurs' original $3 million proposition.

"The fact that Philadelphia had a great coach and a person I appreciate so much as Brett Brown, made it more appealing in the case the Spurs didn't happen," Ginobili told The Vertical. "But the Spurs happened and they always had the priority."

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ESPN's Marc Stein reported Ginobili and the Spurs to be negotiating for a deal in the $10 million range, but the parties eventually agreed to a $14 million deal. Keeping Ginobili was imperative for the historic franchise, after losing Tim Duncan to retirement.

Parte la banda rumbo a Las Vegas!

A photo posted by Manu Ginobili (@manuginobili) on

Ginobili, 38, averaged 9.6 points, 3.1 assists, and 2.5 rebounds per game in 58 contests this season. According to ProjectSpurs reporter Paul Garcia, he is currently dealing with a sore calf as his competes in international play with Team Argentina.

Amazing day yesterday at the Grand Canyon with teammates. Espectacular excursión al Gran Cañón ayer con los chicos. Muy recomendable!

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A photo posted by Manu Ginobili (@manuginobili) on

The 14-year NBA veteran doesn't appear to be to irked by free agency as he enjoys a summer vacation out west. He has posted several photos in the last week on Instagram from his latest travels in Las Vegas and the Grand Canyon.

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