Key keywords: Sandro Mamukelashvili, decline player option, 2024 NBA free agency, San Antonio Spurs, restricted free agent, NBA power forward, 2024-25 NBA season, Victor Wembanyama, NBA center depth, Adrian Wojnarowski First reported by ESPN’s senior insider Adrian Wojnarowski on June 21, 2024, 25-year-old Georgian big man Sandro Mamukelashvili has officially declined his $1.9 million player option for the 2024-25 NBA season with the San Antonio Spurs, making him a restricted free agent for the upcoming free agency period. The decision, confirmed by Mamukelashvili’s representation at Priority Sports, gives both the player and the Spurs flexibility to negotiate a longer-term deal that matches his on-court value, while also allowing Mamukelashvili to test interest from other teams across the league. Drafted with the 54th overall pick by the Milwaukee Bucks in the 2021 NBA Draft, Mamukelashvili spent his first two seasons bouncing between the Bucks rotation and the G League before being waived in March 2023. The Spurs claimed him off waivers shortly after, and he quickly emerged as a core rotation piece for Gregg Popovich’s young squad. Over the 2023-24 regular season, Mamukelashvili averaged 7.7 points, 5.3 rebounds and 1.4 assists per game across 68 appearances, shooting 51.7% from the field and notching 12 double-doubles, including a career-high 24 points and 12 rebounds against the defending champion Denver Nuggets in January. His physical play, high basketball IQ, and ability to play both center and power forward made him an ideal backup for Rookie of the Year Victor Wembanyama, as he can hold down the paint on defense and finish efficiently around the rim on offense, freeing Wembanyama to operate from his more comfortable high post and perimeter spots. League sources note that the Spurs have already extended a qualifying offer to Mamukelashvili to retain his restricted free agent rights, meaning they can match any offer sheet he signs with another team. San Antonio’s front office has publicly stated their priority to re-sign the 6-foot-10 big, as they look to build a competitive playoff roster around Wembanyama, Keldon Johnson and Jeremy Sochan. Multiple teams with shallow frontcourt depth, including the Portland Trail Blazers, Orlando Magic and Indiana Pacers, are expected to pursue Mamukelashvili with offers ranging from $5 million to $7 million per season, a significant raise from the declined player option. Mamukelashvili’s agent noted that both sides remain aligned on a potential return, and the decision to decline the option is simply a step to ensure the player receives fair market compensation for his contributions over the past two seasons.