Manu next?

[PeterBurns]

If all reigns true and as of 10 minutes ago, there is still a "No Comment" from Spurs FO.

An educated guess is that "no comment" is code for Ink isn't dry and let's not jinx this, press release to follow.

Obviously, Spurs wouldn't make this trade unless they had someone in mind for a big to replace Thomas/Oberto.

So a few ways to look at it....

Finley opts-in, and is traded for a big man with perhaps a sign and trade with Udoka. (Oklahoma City)

Gooden is toast. Will not be a Spur next year.

Perhaps move Manu for a Camby/Wallace type person. If you dont think you are going to resign at the heavy $10mil price tag and you just got a healthier 15ppg guy in Jefferson why not?

Keep in mind that Ian is not healthy, so either another trade is in the midst, or Tiago Splitter is coming over next year.

[K-State Spur]

I think this trade makes it more likely that Manu stays. RJ isn't the third option on a championship team, but if he's your 4th best player, then you've got a chance.

[to21]

I don't necessarily think Gooden is gone.

[Kori Ellis]

This trade makes it more likely Manu is kept, I think. And it also lengthens his career because he won't have to play major minutes in the regular season.

Bucks are going to cut Oberto/Bowen. The Spurs will probably look around for other bigs, dangling Mason/Bonner in a trade package. If they get nothing, they'll pick up a vet on the cheap and/or consider bringing Oberto back.

[rayray2k8]

That's what I'm wondering right now.
We traded our 2 centers and we're left with just Ian.
Another big on the way? (Please be splitter)

Believe in R.C and :pop:

[EricB]

Yeah this solidifies Ginobili staying.

Putting a guy like Jefferson next to Ginobili gives the Spurs so much offensive and defensive possibilities, its making Pop squirm.


I think the MLE and the LLE and trades will be used.

Mason and Bonner with their ending contracts are obviously very appealable.

[BG_Spurs_Fan]

I don't think we're done dealing at all. Hopefully Manu stays though.We're headed stright into lux tax territory, deep into it. Don't know if it's realistic to expect the Spurs to pay it in this economy.

But who knows lol maybe next thing we hear is that Spurs are ready to give $3mil for a 1st round pick.

[coyotes_geek]

JMO, but I can't see the Spurs dumping Manu now that they've got an insurance policy for him in case he gets hurt. I think they'll end up keeping Manu and using the MLE on a big. That's a big luxury tax hit for the Spurs to take, but I didn't think they'd take on a contract like RJ's without sending Manu's out. The Spurs may lose money the next couple of years, but once Duncan hangs it up they're going to suck anyways, so they can look to turn some profits then to make up for the losses now.

[Blackjack]

The only reason this trade was made, and the more than significant salary was taken on by Holt, was to give the Big 3 enough help to make another run at a title.

Manu is going nowhere, unless this team goes into the tank and the Spurs have no intention on re-signing him next year.

[timvp]

This trade is perfect for Manu. Takes some of the pressure off of him in the regular season but still keeps him as a very important piece come winning time in the playoffs.

There's no way in hell you trade Manu now. Prior to the Jefferson trade, there were a few scenarios that made trade. Now? No way.

[Spurtacus]

This trade makes it more likely Manu is kept, I think. And it also lengthens his career because he won't have to play major minutes in the regular season.

Bucks are going to cut Oberto/Bowen. The Spurs will probably look around for other bigs, dangling Mason/Bonner in a trade package. If they get nothing, they'll pick up a vet on the cheap and/or consider bringing Oberto back.

I agree. This should help the big 3 tremendously.

I hope Mason isn't part of a trade package. If Finley and Bowen come back we've got some great depth at SG/SF.

[Big P]

If all reigns true and as of 10 minutes ago, there is still a "No Comment" from Spurs FO.

An educated guess is that "no comment" is code for Ink isn't dry and let's not jinx this, press release to follow.

Obviously, Spurs wouldn't make this trade unless they had someone in mind for a big to replace Thomas/Oberto.

So a few ways to look at it....

Finley opts-in, and is traded for a big man with perhaps a sign and trade with Udoka. (Oklahoma City)

Gooden is toast. Will not be a Spur next year.



Perhaps move Manu for a Camby/Wallace type person. If you dont think you are going to resign at the heavy $10mil price tag and you just got a healthier 15ppg guy in Jefferson why not?

Keep in mind that Ian is not healthy, so either another trade is in the midst, or Tiago Splitter is coming over next year.

No

[ElNono]

I can actually see Manu starting now, if RJ can bring scoring off the bench.

[BG_Spurs_Fan]

This trade is perfect for Manu. Takes some of the pressure off of him in the regular season but still keeps him as a very important piece come winning time in the playoffs.

There's no way in hell you trade Manu now. Prior to the Jefferson trade, there were a few scenarios that made trade. Now? No way.

Timvp, do you expect us to pay the luxury tax this year, especially if we use the MLE or a portion of it as well to get the much needed frontcount help we need? We'd be considerably above the threshold.

[EricB]

I can actually see Manu starting now, if RJ can bring scoring off the bench.

:lol

Jefferson will be the starting small forward for barring injury the next 5 years.

He's only 29.

[timvp]

Timvp, do you expect us to pay the luxury tax this year, especially if we use the MLE or a portion of it as well to get the much needed frontcount help we need? We'd be considerably above the threshold.

The Spurs will probably not pay the lux tax ... or will try as hard as possible to get under it.

Unless Holt promised Duncan to pay the lux tax if needed if Duncan agreed to take less money in his last contract.

[Spurtacus]

I can actually see Manu starting now, if RJ can bring scoring off the bench.

RJ will be starting. Manu off the bench and we can afford to limit his minutes better.

[bigdog]

I can actually see Manu starting now, if RJ can bring scoring off the bench.

$14 million is NOT coming off the bench. Haha, why would you bring your best SF off the bench? If all goes well, the Spurs will have Jefferson starting at SF for a few years to come.

I would not be surprised at all to see another trade before or during, even after the draft. The Spurs obviously have a plan to replace the bigs they just lost. Something MUST be in the works. this is getting good.

[ElNono]

:lol

Jefferson will be the starting small forward for barring injury the next 5 years.

He's only 29.

Pop has been reluctant to start all their top players, because it leaves the bench thin scoring wise. Before RJ came around, Manu was pretty much the only option. Now he has a choice.

[EricB]

The Spurs will probably not pay the lux tax ... or will try as hard as possible to get under it.

Unless Holt promised Duncan to pay the lux tax if needed if Duncan agreed to take less money in his last contract.


The only way to round out the team with decent bigs to win a championship would be to go a bit over the luxury tax.

[ElNono]

RJ will be starting. Manu off the bench and we can afford to limit his minutes better.

I'm good with that too.

[timvp]

I think you start Jefferson and Manu next year. Maybe start Mason over Manu but probably not.

Starting Manu will allow him to not carry too much load during the regular season.

[EricB]

Pop has been reluctant to start all their top players, because it leaves the bench thin scoring wise. Before RJ came around, Manu was pretty much the only option. Now he has a choice.


Yeah I understand and agree.

But I bet Manu comes off the bench is a gaurantee this year so that they can save him and keep him fresh.

[ElNono]

But I bet Manu comes off the bench is a gaurantee this year so that they can save him and keep him fresh.

I don't disagree with your opinion. But I actually think Pop has been trying to get Manu to start for a few seasons now, but the lack of production from Hedo or Finley off the bench is what has kept him putting Manu back in the bench.
I think he's got a realistic choice now.

[baseline bum]

Yeah this solidifies Ginobili staying.

Putting a guy like Jefferson next to Ginobili gives the Spurs so much offensive and defensive possibilities, its making Pop squirm.


I think the MLE and the LLE and trades will be used.

Mason and Bonner with their ending contracts are obviously very appealable.

I don't see the Spurs spending their MLE. That would push the committed salary over $75 million. The only way I see them spending it is if they can salary dump two of Bonner, Mason, and Finley (or one and Finley retires).

[all_heart]

I think this trade makes it more likely that Manu stays. RJ isn't the third option on a championship team, but if he's your 4th best player, then you've got a chance.

Perhaps on paper, but you know dam well there will be some nights where Jefferson will be carrying the offense. Hell even Bonner carried the offense for a few minutes this past year. Spurs need to get their PF/C now. I wouldn't be surprised if Mason and a few other pieces are on the trading block now. You never know...

[Lebowski Brickowski]

10-1 the next announcement from the F.O. is gonna be "big-man" related. Either Splitter or some euro or maybe that Ian has a bionic ankle installed by Dr. James Andrews.

[meestahmeestah]

I think it's the fans' general perception that you add RJ to the "big 3" but the financial and basketball reality is that unless you're going well into the luxury tax area, you can't just fill your roster with All-Star caliber (or former All-Star caliber) talent on the cheap. Thinking Rasheed Wallace or McDyess will sign for the vet's minimum is a pipe dream. When's the last time a guy signed on the cheap to chase the ring? Michael Finley, right? Easy decision to make if you're still cashing the huge checks from your former employer.

The thought process by PeterBurns is completely legitimate. You don't trade for a $15M/year player as insurance. Maybe Manu stays, maybe he goes. It all depends on how pressing a need the FO sees the newfound lack of depth at the 4/5. Maybe they surround Tim and whoever's left (Bonner) with a bunch of other journeymen types and think that it'll be enough. I just don't see how you get a top 10 center without giving up Manu. Sure, you can make the money work by throwing in the rest of the roster filler, but then you're in the luxury tax and you've got 6 people on your roster. You want to talk about a thin bench? How about signing 6 guys at the minimum just to fill out a mandated 12 man roster?

[Spurtacus]

I think you start Jefferson and Manu next year. Maybe start Mason over Manu but probably not.

Starting Manu will allow him to not carry too much load during the regular season.

Who will be that burst off the bench if we start them together? I think Mason has will start to play off Duncan and Parker. I still seeing Manu leading the second team when D+P are on the bench.

[coyotes_geek]

Who will be that burst off the bench if we start them together? I think Mason has will start to play off Duncan and Parker. I still seeing Manu leading the second team when D+P are on the bench.

With the Big 3 now expanding to a Big 4, do you still need a burst off the bench? Shouldn't be too hard for Pop to figure out how to keep at least 2 of those guys on the floor at all times.

[timvp]

Who will be that burst off the bench if we start them together? I think Mason has will start to play off Duncan and Parker. I still seeing Manu leading the second team when D+P are on the bench.

Keeping 2 of the Fab 4 on the court at the same time shouldn't be overly difficult. In that scenario, you don't really need a bench spark. Mason or Hill should be enough.

[manufan10]

I just don't see how you get a top 10 center without giving up Manu.

The thing is the Spurs don't need a top 10 rated center. All they need is a quality big that will do what a big is suppose to do. Be a good interior defender, block/alter shots, rebound, and score when called upon. Nothing too drastic, but someone who can be relied upon.

[bigdog]

Keeping 2 of the Fab 4 on the court at the same time shouldn't be overly difficult. In that scenario, you don't really need a bench spark. Mason or Hill should be enough.

Good point. I think the Spurs should have enough flexibility with Jefferson being able to play big minutes, where he can play some minutes with the 2nd unit, and him and Manu can split minutes with the 2nd unit. Mason and Hill coming off the bench should be fine.

[manufan10]

Keeping 2 of the Fab 4 on the court at the same time shouldn't be overly difficult. In that scenario, you don't really need a bench spark. Mason or Hill should be enough.

As long as Mason doesn't struggle too much coming off the bench. If I recall correctly, a few times he came off the bench he wasn't as productive. But like you said, with a Fab 4, it won't be hard to have 2 of them on the floor at the same time.

[SouthTexasRancher]

If all reigns true and as of 10 minutes ago, there is still a "No Comment" from Spurs FO.

An educated guess is that "no comment" is code for Ink isn't dry and let's not jinx this, press release to follow.

Obviously, Spurs wouldn't make this trade unless they had someone in mind for a big to replace Thomas/Oberto.

So a few ways to look at it....

Finley opts-in, and is traded for a big man with perhaps a sign and trade with Udoka. (Oklahoma City)

Gooden is toast. Will not be a Spur next year.

Perhaps move Manu for a Camby/Wallace type person. If you dont think you are going to resign at the heavy $10mil price tag and you just got a healthier 15ppg guy in Jefferson why not?

Keep in mind that Ian is not healthy, so either another trade is in the midst, or Tiago Splitter is coming over next year.


Manu will NOT be traded ... PERIOD!!! Unless La and/or Cleveland are willing to do a Kobe/Lebron trade straight up which ain't gonna happen. If Manu comes back fully recovered we will need him as an integral part of the Championship run. If he is not healthy/fully recovered no other team would want him except for one of the minimum salary brackets. Pop & Holt love Manu's gung-ho attitude and style and also realize he is a big fan favorite = $$$$$$$$$$ so Manu retires as a Spur.

I pretty much agree with you about Fin, Udoka and Gooden.

[SteelerNation]

I think there is a very good chance Manu is traded now. The Spurs just took on a big salary and went younger. If there is a deal out there for a solid SG and high draft pick, I think the Spurs may go that direction and get younger without having to rebuild for a couple of years.

[MB20]

Will the Spurs trade Manu to the Wizards to get that #5 pick now?

[timvp]

The chances of Manu being traded went from 1% to 0.000001%.

[Spurtacus]

I think there is a very good chance Manu is traded now. The Spurs just took on a big salary and went younger. If there is a deal out there for a solid SG and high draft pick, I think the Spurs may go that direction and get younger without having to rebuild for a couple of years.

Slim chance, but maybe the Wizards are still calling. I'd prefer to see Manu stay. With RJ in we can limit his minutes and prolong his career.

[Gervin44Silas13]

Guys guys get it in your head manu is not going anywhere enoughallfukenredy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!

[TMTTRIO]

There's no way in hell you trade Manu now. Prior to the Jefferson trade, there were a few scenarios that made trade. Now? No way.

Unless they want to get something out of Manu's expiring contract coming up. I still see a possibility that he's traded.

[timvp]

Unless they want to get something out of Manu's expiring contract coming up. I still see a possibility that he's traded.

Having Manu on your team > Trading Manu's expiring contract

[antgomez2009]

Yea, i Also think Manu will stay put, for the time being! I think its exactly what someone stated here already, an Insurance Policy! Clearly, there is not another player like Ginobili (Lefty, good ball handling, shooter, slasher, Clutch, Defensive, Has Heart!, Energetic, good free throw shooter) but Richard Jefferson is as close as its going to get! The Big Question is if Manu does not get back to form with a whole summer of Rest and His Injury ends up staying a LOOMing Injury, then The Richard Jefferson Trade makes it even more brilliant! If Manu Stays, and he is healthy, the Spurs will have 4 Offensive threats with good defensive skills on the court when it matters the most! If Manu cannot get to par and does not have it in him like he use to, I think Even Manu knows it will be time to either take a huge pay cut to stay with the spurs, move on, or retire! So, i think this Trade respects Manu!(because it allows him to prove that he can possibly get to his old self), but also serves as a insurance policy for the Spurs Organization, if say he cannot get back to self because of his injury!

All in all, great trade. Now its time to keep it going, still a long way to go before start of training camp!:flag:

[Mal]

Gino + Splliter for Cambyman and #1 pick ?? Could Clipps go with it ?

[coyotes_geek]

Gino + Splliter for Cambyman and #1 pick ?? Could Clipps go with it ?

No.

[intlspurshk]

Hate to say it but Manu looks to be a tradeable asset if spurs keep mason. Spurs know that they need a big badly now and Manu health status at the playoff is a question mark. Spurs are in a full win now mode and they know that without a quality big would not put them in a position to compete with the lakers. Maybe magic resign their backup big and trade him with lee plus filler to Manu. Maybe clippers trade filler plus kaman for Manu plus bonner

The key pt is spurs need some lux tax relief and a good quality bigman to pair up with td and tp and rj now. There is obvious no enough min and ball for tp rj Manu mason and hill.

[HarlemHeat37]

Simply put, Manu Ginobili is worth MUCH more to us than he is to any other team..he's had plenty of time off, he says he's healthy, and he will no longer have to have a big scoring load now that RJ is on the team..

If Manu is healthy, this team can potentially be scary..

Mason, Bonner and/or Finley are much more likely to be traded than Manu..we don't need a big-name big man anymore after this trade, we need a role player..those expiring contracts should be enough to get us somebody..

[z0sa]

Hate to say it but Manu looks to be a tradeable asset if spurs keep mason.

it's pretty much surely the opposite. Mason is the expendable one now, Manu isn't going anywhere until after the season begins and his health is reassessed.

If a Manu trade were to go down, I doubt its before February.

[hater]

SPurs backcourt is pretty much set in stone:
Parker
Hill
Mason
Manu
Jefferson

Spurs have to see what they have in their frontcourt before making their next move:
Gooden
Ian
Gist
?

they will make 1 or 2 more moves...

[roycrikside]

This trade is perfect for Manu. Takes some of the pressure off of him in the regular season but still keeps him as a very important piece come winning time in the playoffs.

There's no way in hell you trade Manu now. Prior to the Jefferson trade, there were a few scenarios that made trade. Now? No way.

I wish I could believe you, but now it makes more sense for them to trade Manu for Haywood/Blatche/Young plus the fifth pick (Harden). They get bigs to make up for Kurt/Fab.

Even if they keep Manu this year, the chance of re-signing him now would be nil. If he got a 3 year/30 mil deal, it would mean $59M for four guys in '10 and 57.4M for four guys in '11.

[timvp]

I wish I could believe you, but now it makes more sense for them to trade Manu for Haywood/Blatche/Young plus the fifth pick (Harden). They get bigs to make up for Kurt/Fab. No way they make that trade. Jefferson is an "all in" move by the Spurs trying to get another title out of the Big 3. It doesn't make sense as a reshuffling move.


Even if they keep Manu this year, the chance of re-signing him now would be nil. If he got a 3 year/30 mil deal, it would mean $59M for four guys in '10 and 57.4M for four guys in '11.That's not too outrageous. With these four, you don't need much more than $10 million to fill out the rest of your roster.

After this trade becomes official, I think it makes more sense to offer Ginobili an extension now since the 2010 plan is dead. Plus the Spurs could get a reduced rate.

[hater]

dude, those Wizard bigmen are garbage

[meestahmeestah]

dude, those Wizard bigmen are garbage

I wouldn't go that far.

Etan Thomas is kind of a poet. Maybe he and Pop could bond over some wine and some fine philosophy, like Jacob Riis. :whine

[roycrikside]

dude, those Wizard bigmen are garbage

I like Blatche, but not enough to include Manu in a trade for him obviously.

[Duncan2177]

I can actually see Manu starting now, if RJ can bring scoring off the bench.

PG/Parker
SG/Ginoblii
SF/Jefferson
PF/Duncan
C/?

[Aggie Hoopsfan]

I like Blatche, but not enough to include Manu in a trade for him obviously.

I'd take Blatche and the #5 for Manu, but only if they threw in Butler as well. But that ain't happening.

Manu ain't getting traded. As LJ has already pointed out, this move was about setting us up as Finals contenders for the remainder of the Duncan era. Period.

Anyone outside the big 4 is now expendable in trades. Lots of teams are feeling the economic crunch, and we've got about 10 million in expiring deals to play with if we asked Finley to exercise his option so he could be traded.

[Tully365]

The thing is the Spurs don't need a top 10 rated center. All they need is a quality big that will do what a big is suppose to do. Be a good interior defender, block/alter shots, rebound, and score when called upon. Nothing too drastic, but someone who can be relied upon.

Very true. Let's remember, Luc Longley was not all that great a basketball player, but he still started for the team with the best record in NBA history.

[Marcus Bryant]

PG/Parker
SG/Ginoblii
SF/Jefferson
PF/Duncan
C/?

McDyess.

[ulosturedge]

McDyess.

I like this idea. Lets hope Mahinmi overachieves also.

[SouthTexasRancher]

I think there is a very good chance Manu is traded now. The Spurs just took on a big salary and went younger. If there is a deal out there for a solid SG and high draft pick, I think the Spurs may go that direction and get younger without having to rebuild for a couple of years.


Absolutely, positively NOT!!! Manu will be an integral part of Championship #5

[ulosturedge]

This thread is fail btw. FYI.