Tony Parker Wants to Play 20 NBA Seasons; Willing to Leave Spurs to Do It

Tony Parker wants to extend his NBA career for three more seasons, even if it means leaving the only franchise he's ever played for.

In an interview with France's RMC Sports, Parker said his goal is to play 20 seasons with the understanding it might not happen with the San Antonio Spurs, via ESPN.com's Michael C. Wright:

"It is not yet sure that I'll stay with the Spurs. I am open to all proposals. I would like to make my entire career in San Antonio. The sport remains a business, and we will have to make choices. I have been 17 years with the Spurs. I would always be nostalgic, but it's not the end of the world if I change my club. I say two or three years more [I can play if] I can go somewhere else, I'm 50-50. I do not see myself outside of basketball yet. I want to stay three more years to do the 20 seasons."

Parker, who will turn 36 on May 17, appeared in a career-low 55 games during the 2017-18 season. He missed the first 19 games recovering from a ruptured tendon in his left quadriceps, suffered in a playoff game against the Houston Rockets the previous season.

Parker averaged 19.5 minutes and 7.7 points per game, both career lows. His 45.9 shooting percentage was his worst mark since the 2003-04 season.

A staple of the Spurs' success since being drafted No. 28 overall in 2001, Parker has spent his entire 17-year career with the organization. He has won four NBA titles with the team and was named MVP of the 2007 NBA Finals after averaging 24.5 points and shooting 56.8 percent in a four-game sweep of the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Parker will be an unrestricted free agent this summer.