The San Antonio Spurs have reportedly agreed to contracts to bring back two big men in free agency. According to Shams Charania of The Athletic, the Spurs have re-signed center Charles Bassey. Additionally, Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN reported that San Antonio re-signed Sandro Mamukelashvili. Both players agreed to a one-year, $2.2 million contract that is fully guaranteed.
Both big men have spent the last two seasons with the Spurs. In 65 games, Mamukelashvili has averaged 6.1 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 1.5 assists per game. Bassey has played 54 games, averaging 4.9 points, 5 rebounds, and 1.1 assists per game.
By re-signing both players, the Spurs add depth behind reigning Rookie of the Year Victor Wembanyama.
San Antonio Spurs Re-Sign Pair of Big Men
Sandro Mamukelashvili: “I Love Being [in San Antonio]”
After the 2023-24 season, Mamukelashvili, a Seton Hall alum, became a restricted free agent, indicating a likely return to the team. Mamukelashvili expressed his desire to stay in San Antonio.
Sources: The San Antonio Spurs are re-signing center Charles Bassey to a fully guaranteed one-year, $2.2 million contract. Deal was negotiated by Young Money APAA CEO Adie von Gontard and agent Daveed Cohen. pic.twitter.com/zw1jwG6Bom
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) July 16, 2024
Mamukelashvili ended the 2023-24 season strong, starting five of the final eight games. During this stretch, he averaged 11.4 points, 9.9 rebounds, and 2.1 assists per game, shooting 47.25% from the field and 37% from three-point range. The 25-year-old has shown potential and should be a solid role player next season.
Charles Bassey is Aiming to Bounce Back From Season-Ending ACL Injury
Bassey played the first 19 games of the season last year before an ACL injury ended his season. He averaged 10.8 minutes per game, with a standout performance of eight points, 11 rebounds, and three blocks in his final game. Overall, he averaged 3.3 points and 4 rebounds per game, shooting 72.5% from the field.
Back Home ! GSG 🖤 https://t.co/TclCy6griP
— Sandro Mamukelashvili (@Mamukelashvili5) July 16, 2024
With Bassey officially returning, it will be interesting to see his role next season. Like Mamukelashvili, Bassey showed his skillset during his shortened season.
The Last Word on the San Antonio Spurs Free Agency Moves
Re-signing both big men to such affordable contracts is a low-risk move for the Spurs. After their second consecutive 22-60 finish, the Spurs appear to be headed in the right direction with their offseason moves, including re-signing Mamukelashvili and Bassey, signing point guard Chris Paul, drafting guard Stephon Castle, and trading for forward Harrison Barnes.
