In July this year, free agent power forward David West gave up $11 million for him to be able to play for the San Antonio Spurs and now he has revealed the reason for doing so.

West told Yahoo Sports in a recent interview that he paid a good price just to play alongside Spurs star Tim Duncan.

"I find myself staring at Tim. I have just been trying to find little corners to watch him -- and I just stare at him," West added.

It was noted that the NBA player had on option of a $12.5 million contract for his third year with the Indiana Pacers, but he decided to decline the deal to accept the $1.4 million veteran's minimum in San Antonio.

Yahoo Sports noted that the choice West made earlier this year "was no choice at all" noting that he is a person carefully invested in his money and lives a modest life.

"People are talking about what I gave up, but not as much about what I've gained here," West added.

He also explained in a similar ESPN report that the decision he made was a difficult one.

"I guess it's just the nature of it: Everybody's just sort of focused on money and right now. But truth be told, it wasn't a big decision for me or my family. I've been preparing to be able to put myself in the position to be able to choose what I wanted to do at the end of my career since Day 1," he added.

The 35-year-old veteran detailed that his move was a strategic one and a "very calculated decision.

"I didn't use emotions or anything like that. It was very calculated, very thought out. In examining where I was, who I am as a player, as a person, I felt like this environment would be best suited for me at this moment," West added.

Earlier, SB Nation said that West's addition to the Spurs will give them the depth they needed as they compete for the NBA Championships this season. It added that the forward is "one of his generation's most intelligent, dependable players."

"I needed to be in an environment where I can really learn again. We've got a few guys older than myself, and I can actually look up and ask questions again," West added in the Yahoo Sports report.

He noted that this is something he has not been able to do for the past years in his NBA career.

"You had to focus on your own mindset and mentality and then having to make sure that others are where they need to be," he added.

Now, the Spurs are certainly looking forward to see how West will contribute to the team's goal for this season.