Duncan signs extension with Spurs

Oct 31, 2007 - 4:53 AM SAN ANTONIO (Ticker) -- Tim Duncan apparently will be with the San Antonio Spurs for a long time to come.

Duncan signed a two-year contract extension that will keep him with the Spurs through the 2011-2012 season. After Tuesday's season-opening 106-97 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers, Duncan seemed happy to remain in San Antonio.

"To have signed this extension and, hopefully, end my career here, that's the biggest part of it," he said.

The Spurs, who are notoriously tight-lipped about players' contracts, did not disclose any financial terms.

But according to the San Antonio Express-News, the deal is worth around $40 million - a sum that will free up salary cap space for the Spurs to pursue free agents after the 2009-2010 season.

The NBA's collective bargaining agreement entitled Duncan for an extension worth up to $51 million.

Duncan, 31, has spent his entire 10-year career with the Spurs, averaging 21.8 points and 11.9 rebounds per game. The nine-time All-Star center has helped San Antonio win NBA titles in 1999, 2003, 2005 and 2007.