Tim Duncan didn't issue a two-word statement like Michael Jordan. He didn't even use the words "I'm back."

But he did make his most definitive declaration Wednesday that he plans to return to the Spurs.

Or, at least, his most sarcastic one.

"I'm going to Europe," Duncan said, when asked whether he had decided to come back for at least one more season. "There's a league over there. I really want to learn French. Tony (Parker) says it's nice. So, I'm going to go over there and see what I can do."

Duncan has to decide before July 1 whether he wants to exercise the fourth-year option in his contract or become a free agent. If Duncan becomes a free agent, he can sign a new contract up to seven years in length with the Spurs. If he exercises his option, he can either wait to become a free agent at the end of next season or extend his existing contract up to an additional five years.