Key NBA Veterans Coming Back for More Next Season

Each season, a new generation of star players emerge. Anthony Davis, who reached a $145 million contract extension with the New Orleans Pelicans, is only 22 years old. With the new wave of talent comes a group of tried-and-true players who are gearing up for another run. Take a look at these veterans (entering their 13th season or higher) who have agreed to return for more during free agency.

Kevin Garnett, Minnesota Timberwolves
Age: 39
Draft: 1995
Entering: 21st season
Twenty years after being drafted first overall by the Timberwolves, Garnett agreed to a two-year deal. The future Hall of Famer will serve as a veteran leader on a young squad. While his production on the court has decreased, his most valuable asset is the wisdom and work ethic he can instill within the team.

Tim Duncan, San Antonio Spurs
Age: 39
Draft: 1997
Entering: 19th season
It’s hard to imagine the Spurs without Tim Duncan. The organization doesn’t have to, with Duncan re-signing to a two-year deal. He is one of the few to play for one team his entire career and is still the face of the franchise after 18 years. He averaged a near double-double last season and made the All-Star Team.

Paul Pierce, Los Angeles Clippers
Age: 37
Draft: 1998
Entering: 18th season
Emoji struggles aside, Paul Pierce proved in the postseason he can still make an impact when it matters. The Inglewood, Calif. native will return home to play under his former coach Doc Rivers, with whom he won the 2008 NBA Championship. Pierce is not only a go-to in the clutch, he will continue to be a voice in the Clippers locker room just as he was last season on the Washington Wizards.

Mike Miller, Cleveland Cavaliers
Age: 35
Draft: 2000
Entering: 16th season
Miller will return to the Cavs after exercising his player option for next season. The former fifth pick appeared in 52 games last season.

Tyson Chandler, Phoenix Suns
Age: 32
Draft: 2001
Entering: 15th season
Chandler entered the NBA out of high school so he has logged more mileage than his age would imply. That didn’t deter the Suns, however, from offering him a four-year, $52 million contract. After all these years in the NBA, Chandler is still atop the list of sought after big men.

Manu Ginobili, San Antonio Spurs
Age: 37
Draft: 1999 (NBA debut 2002)
Entering: 14th season
They’re keeping the band together. Ginobili agreed to a two-year deal with the Spurs to return for his 14th season. The Spurs kept their veteran core in place by re-signing Ginobili and Duncan. Their veteran presence will lie the foundation for the next generation of players once they choose to walk away from the game.

Mike Dunleavy Jr., Chicago Bulls
Age: 34
Draft: 2002
Entering: 14th season
Dunleavy Jr. will stay with the Bulls on a three-year contract worth over $14 million. He started all 63 of his games last season and averaged nearly 10 points and 4 rebounds.

Drew Gooden, Washington Wizards
Age: 33
Draft: 2002
Entering: 14th season
Gooden will return to the Wizards for his third season with the team, according to Yahoo! Sports. On a roster led by young talent, his veteran experience will be important as they continue to grow.

LeBron James, Cleveland Cavaliers
Age: 30
Draft: 2003
Entering: 13th season
As expected, James re-signed with the Cavs. The two-year contract reportedly includes a player option and is worth $47 million.

Dwyane Wade, Miami HEAT
Age: 33
Draft: 2003
Entering: 13th season
Championship winners have come and gone, but Wade has stayed. He will remain with the HEAT, the team that drafted him, for a one-year, $20 million contract. Goran Dragic negotiated his mega-deal for less money to create flexibility for a situation like this.

David West, San Antonio Spurs
Age: 34
Draft: 2003
Entering: 13th season
West opted out of a $12 million contract with the Indiana Pacers to sign a one-year, veteran minimum deal worth $1.5 million with the San Antonio Spurs. He chose to go to a championship contender over making more money elsewhere.

Kirk Hinrich, Chicago Bulls
Age: 34
Draft: 2003
Entering: 13th season
Hinrich exercised his $2.85 million player option for the upcoming season. Once a starter, he is now in a reserve role but backcourt depth is important on a Bulls team that has dealt with guard injuries.

Leandro Barbosa, Golden State Warriors
Age: 32
Draft: 2003
Entering: 13th season
Barbosa found a fit with his fifth NBA organization. The guard won a championship with the Warriors and will return on a one-year deal. On a team with plenty of star power, he gives the Warriors a spark off the bench and does so without demanding major minutes.

Mo Williams, Cleveland Cavaliers
Age: 32
Draft: 2003
Entering: 13th season
Williams was there for the 2009 Eastern Conference Finals run. Now he is returning to the Cavaliers for another title quest. He played more than two seasons for the team and earned an All-Star selection along the way. Williams will add depth in a backup role.

Veteran unrestricted free agents include: Carlos Boozer, Elton Brand, Caron Butler, Rasual Butler, Reggie Evans, Willie Green, Richard Jefferson, James Jones, Andre Miller, Kendrick Perkins, Tayshaun Prince, Luke Ridnour, Amar’e Stoudemire, Jason Terry, Hedo Turkoglu