“Yeah, I’m happy here,” he told The Athletic. “(I’m) playing a lot. I’ve been enjoying it here. The family loves the city. I would definitely be happy to stay here for a longer time.” And as always, it’s not just about basketball. “(D.C.) is just more something closer to home, like a little international, European style,” said Bertāns, who is from Latvia. “There’s some history that not a lot of cities in the States have. And then when you’re downtown, everything is walking distance. That’s about it. My family loves it here. So, that’s a big part. … Happy wife, happy life.”
More on Davis Bertans Free Agency
And according to Bertans’ longtime agent, Arturs Kalnitis, the appreciation is mutual. "Tommy [Sheppard] has done an incredible job of putting together this staff, team, and the players feel super cared about. It's been an all-around great experience," Kalnitis said in a phone interview last week. "After Davis' first two weeks with the team, he called me and said, 'This is great.' "Davis is super confident in Washington and this situation really allows him to showcase his abilities. If he stays in D.C. next season they'll have an even more interesting dynamic with John [Wall] healthy. Davis truly believes they can be a force in the East so I'm sure that will be a strong point for him," Kalnitis added. "Winning is important."
Shortly after the interview, Sheppard, on a Wizards’ team podcast, said Bertans was in his plans for the future. “We have every intention of retaining him,” he said. “He's the exact type of player we want to have in our organization.”
Sheppard was asked about Bertans and other players the Wizards brought in over the summer. He praised Bertans, spoke about other players, and then went back to the Latvian Laser to clear something up. "We have every intention of retaining him. He's the exact type of player we want to have in our organization. I think he wants to be here. Business will take care of itself," Sheppard said.
"There's so much chit-chat in this league that gets out there. Most of it is contrived by the teams that would love to have Davis. Well, guess what? One of the teams that would have to have him, has him. We intend to keep him. We're excited about his growth."
What will Bertāns commandeer on the open market? Opinions vary. “He will get between $15M and $20M (per year) this summer.” the former front office person said. “Most likely for a two-year deal. Don’t see him getting a four-year deal.” But a current GM didn’t agree. “He will not get 20M,” the GM texted. “(There’s) only six teams with space.”
The San Antonio Spurs announced on Wednesday that they have officially re-signed Rudy Gay and Davis Bertans. As always with team policy, the terms of their contracts were not disclosed, but Shams Charania of Yahoo! Sports reported the deal for Gay was worth one year at $10 million. The deal for Bertans is reportedly two years for $14.5 million.
Michael C. Wright: Official.
Davis Bertans: Happy to say that I’m staying in San Antonio for at least 2 more years. Thanks to @spurs for putting the trust in me and I can promise that I will pour my heart and soul to help this team win! Can’t wait for the new season.
Chuck Miketinac: Davis Bertan's agent, Happy Walters, said there were other suitors chasing Davis, and there would have been an offer sheet for a bit more money from an unnamed team, but Bertans thinks the Spurs are the best place for him going forward. More coming up at 9:45 on Max Sports.
Citing an anonymous source, the international basketball website Sportando reported Monday that Bertans has agreed to terms with the Spurs on a four-year, $20 million deal. The report, though, is premature, a league source, as well as a spokesperson for Bertans’ agent, said.
While it’s true the Spurs have shown heavy interest in retaining Bertans and are working toward hammering out a deal, no agreement has been reached, the league source said. A spokesperson for Bertans’ agent, Happy Walters, agreed, saying of the report, “It’s not true.”
Emiliano Carchia: The San Antonio Spurs will re-sign Davis Bertans to a four-year, $20 million contract, a source told Sportando
Darren Wolfson: Corey Brewer and Davis Bertans are two more FAs that the #Twolves have planted seeds on. 2018 falls in line with 2016 and 2017 FA process that involved reaching out on dozens upon dozens of players.
Emiliano Carchia: The San Antonio Spurs have extended a qualifying offer to forward Davis Bertans, a source told Sportando
