Spurs' Tim Duncan: 'Leaning strongly' toward retirement

Duncan is said to be "leaning strongly" toward announcing his retirement, Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo! Sports reports.

Duncan has reportedly told those close to him that he's planning on making an announcement regarding his future in the coming weeks, and it's believed he plans on stepping away from the game after a spectacular 19-year career. The Spurs seemingly prepared for a potential Duncan departure by signing Pau Gasol to a two-year, $30 million contract over the weekend, and it's uncertain if the 40-year-old would be willing to accept a backup role behind Gasol. Duncan already exercised his $5.6 player option for the 2016-17 season, so he'll be due that salary regardless of what he ends up deciding. He saw his production dwindle to career-worst levels last season, as he averaged just 8.6 points, 7.3 rebounds, 2.7 assists and 1.3 blocks across 25.2 minutes per game in his 61 appearances.