Gasol-Spurs agree on contract buyout

Veteran centre Pau Gasol and the San Antonio Spurs agreed on a contract buyout Friday, the team announced. The 38-year-old intends to sign with the Milwaukee Bucks, according to ESPN.

Milwaukee will use Gasol as a backup to starting centre Brook Lopez. "Today, I bid farewell to @spurs," wrote Gasol on social media Friday afternoon. "It's been a dream to play for 1 of most storied franchises in @NBA history, an honour to be part of Spurs family. To all the staff, my teammates, the coaches, RC, Pop and, above all, the fans, thank you for making this place so special. #GoSpursGo!"

Gasol played in 168 games over parts of three seasons with San Antonio. He averaged 10.0 points and 7.4 rebounds. "Pau Gasol is an exceptional individual and the ultimate professional," Spurs coach Gregg Popovich said in a statement. "We are grateful for his contributions on the court, in the locker room and in our community."

Gasol is averaging career lows of 4.2 points and 4.7 rebounds in 27 games this season. He missed nearly two months due to a stress fracture in his foot. Gasol has career averages of 17.1 points and 9.2 rebounds in 18 NBA seasons. He was a member of two NBA title teams with the Los Angeles Lakers.