Wojnarowski: Spurs look to trade McDyess, eye Thomas

[jiggy_55]

http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/news;_ylt=AvAgqT7QfYAjZiC6Ns_CIFm8vLYF?slug=aw-thomasspurs021610&prov=yhoo&type=lgns

Spurs look to trade McDyess, eye Thomas

By Adrian Wojnarowski, Yahoo! Sports
16 minutes ago
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The San Antonio Spurs are trying to unload Antonio McDyess(notes) and the remaining $7.5 million owed him after this season to possibly clear a way to make a trade for Chicago Bulls forward Tyrus Thomas(notes), league sources told Yahoo! Sports.

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The Spurs have been searching for expiring deals to move McDyess, who will make $4.9 million next season and is guaranteed about $2.6 million in 2011-12. Trading McDyess would free minutes and give them greater flexibility to re-sign Thomas this summer if they want. Thomas would give the Spurs a younger, more athletic complement to Tim Duncan(notes), and could be part of a future frontline with former first-round pick Tiago Splitter(notes) and rookie DeJuan Blair(notes).

The Spurs are shopping Roger Mason(notes), who is in the final season of his contract, with the help of Mason’s agent. In addition to Mason, they have a number of other expiring contracts – Michael Finley(notes), Matt Bonner(notes), Ian Mahinmi(notes) among them – to possibly offer the Bulls.

The Denver Nuggets could be a match for McDyess, who played six seasons there. Nevertheless, it’s less likely the Spurs would want to do that deal with another Western Conference contender. The Bulls have been shopping Thomas, and are trying to get expiring contracts and a good first-round pick for him.

New York still has interest in a deal for Thomas that would include Al Harrington(notes), but doesn’t have a 2010 first-round pick to give them. And one of the Knicks future first-round picks could be on its way to Houston in the deal they’re discussing for Tracy McGrady(notes) and his expiring contract.

The Spurs are 30-21 and are tied for fifth place in the Western Conference. They traded for Richard Jefferson(notes), who they also have tried to trade, and signed McDyess last summer to increase their payroll to about $80 million in hopes of chasing their fifth championship.

[koriwhat]

wow they're shopping dyess? i didn't see that coming at all.

[DBMethos]

Poor Dice. Didn't he say that he was planning on retirement had the Spurs not signed him as a free agent? Now they're trying to ship his ass on out...

[objective]

Dice has just proven to be too tall for Pop to stand by and do nothing.

:lol

[Libri]

I had posited Jefferson for expiring contracts but that would seem unlikely. According to this update, it's Dice for expiring contracts.

[silverblk mystix]

I think this is a bad move...Dice was just gearing up for a 2nd half run and was looking pretty good.

[jiggy_55]

wow they're shopping dyess? i didn't see that coming at all.

I know we haven't heard shit about a Spurs deal, but I think their looking seriously at making a big trade.. They just aren't letting anyone know of their intentions until now maybe..

The article implies 2 separate trades.. It seems their doing their best to make a trade, I like it..

[5in10]

Man, that would really give a lot of playing time to TT and Blair. I guess it would help TT learn the system faster, but it shows that the FO must have a lot of confidence in Blair. Just when we were all starting to like dyess.

[HarlemHeat37]

Trying to trade Dice tells me they're more serious about Haslem..

With that being said, having Thomas-Splitter-Blair in our frontcourt next season would be really sexy..Splitter has the size, Blair has the "it factor" and Thomas has the athleticism..

[Thompson]

I don't know, McDyess is just now starting to look solid; if we were to trade him for Tyrus, who's to say it wouldn't take him just as long (or longer) to start fitting in?

I hate to lose McDyess just for his personality too, he seems like a great guy and I was hoping he could get his ring with us (maybe a moot point now, although I hope not). Maybe he does what he did with Denver last year and refuses to play for Chicago, then they cut him and he comes back here.

[z0sa]

Mr Second Half is finally living up to his name, too . .

[spursfan4ever]

wow they're shopping dyess? i didn't see that coming at all.

Are we tanking in 2010????? I dont get it. We rolled the dice this summer by reaching into holts pocket and now since this gamble has failed, are they tanking?

[Admidave50]

With Pop reluctance with the youth movement, I can't see him believing on a Blair/T. Thomas frontcourt to help Tim. If Dice and Bonner are traded, it may be interested to get Haslem and T. Thomas.

[HarlemHeat37]

If it was up to me, I would love having both Haslem and Tyrus over Dice and Bonner right now..I highly doubt that happens though..it's looking more like the Spurs are going hard after Haslem though..

[z0sa]

With Pop reluctance with the youth movement,

If Pop has nothing but young guns to play ...

[Ditty]

I rathe the spurs trade mason to memphis for sam young while the spurs trade for thomas and maybe miami will bite on bonner and finley or mihinmi for haslem

[objective]

Maybe junking McDyess isn't for Tyrus, it's just a ploy to free up more minutes at PF for Bonner and Finley

[Wombatzu]

http://games.espn.go.com/nba/tradeMachine?tradeId=yf3pzv8

[CGD]

I hate the idea of losing Dice.

[HarlemHeat37]

I doubt McDyess ends up getting moved, but if he does, I hope it's to a contender..he deserves to play for a ring..I wouldn't mind seeing him on Denver..

[FvckMavs]

I doubt McDyess ends up getting moved, but if he does, I hope it's to a contender..he deserves to play for a ring..I wouldn't mind seeing him on Denver..

[Libri]

If it was up to me, I would love having both Haslem and Tyrus over Dice and Bonner right now..I highly doubt that happens though..it's looking more like the Spurs are going hard after Haslem though..

Yeah, it looks like they are working to get front court help. After Tim and Blair, the Spurs only have Bonner and that's not encouraging whatsoever.

[baseline bum]

This season is just fucking chaos. :dizzy

[in2deep]

stupid to trade Dyess as he's playing much better

[Bruno]

I don't like that at all. :td

If Spurs trade McDyess for an expiring contract, they are basically giving up this year.

In 2010-2011, MdDyess could be useless with Duncan, Thomas, Blair and Splitter but Spurs will really need Dice this year. And while in 2010-2011, Spurs will have some good young players, Duncan and Ginobili will be one year older than this year.

[Admidave50]

Well, Haslem can be had if Amare is traded to the Heat. The Heat may be a suitor for Dice, combine is experience with Amare. Amare/Dice looks better than Beasley/Haslem.
What does a straight Haslem / Dice trade look like?

[ShoogarBear]

On a per 36 minute basis, McDyess is not far off from last year's stats. Defensively he's not been as strong as expected, but he's acknowledged his found the concepts difficult to get used to, and you would think eventually it'll click.

I think it's unlikely that Haslem comes in and does better than him this late in the year, and it's almost a certainty Thomas won't.

If the Spurs are still trying to win this year, trading Dice at this point makes little sense. If they've written off the year, then Haslem or Thomas have more to offer down the line.

[objective]

I would be pro-Dice-dumping if it honestly freed up time for Mahinmi.

[scottspurs]

If McDyess is being shopped then I believe the Spurs really are thinking youth movement.

Maybe the FO believes Duncan has plenty in the tank and the idea is to surround him with youth and athleticism and make a run at being a top title contender later rather than now.

[Pistons < Spurs]

This shit is making me sick.

This was supposed to be Dice's opportunity to get a ring before he rode off into the sunset. From the style of play, personality and professionalism standpoints the Spurs were a perfect fit for him. The front offices aggressive move in getting RJ in the offseason, I thought this summer would finally see Antonio McDyess hoisting a Championship trophy.

Instead, RJ has been a pansy. Manu is actually starting to look like a reserve due to the miles on his body rather than by choice. And Parker has taken a step back this season with his effectiveness. Throw in small ball from Pop and my hopes for Dice have evaporated.

But now to hear that he's just going to be dumped and passed on to another team .... F that. Dice deserves better than that.

I hope he some how lands on the Lakers now.

[Ditty]

a athletic 23 year old thomas or a 35 year old mcdyess who we have locked up for next few years who could be done after this season

thats a real hard decision in my books

[doobs]

All this speculation is so freaking annoying.

[Ditty]

maybe dice gets bought out or something :lol

and would like to come back if this happens....who knows?

nevermind i think u have to be in the final year of your contact :lol

[TDomination]

:(

Honestly, I don't like the idea of moving McDyess. Now if there was a way that I could see into the future and if I saw that moving him would help us a lot, then okay. But he has playing better and im sure he is just getting used to the system.

Oh well, we'll see what happens.

[doobs]

McDyess is good, man. He's FINALLY starting to look comfortable on this team.

[Admidave50]

With Dice playing good in the last couple of games, it's actuallyy still worth keeping him.
Best package to get in a deal is Thomas/Salmons for RJM/Bonner/Finley/Mahinmi.

All these Spurs guys don't play much or they're in Pop's Doghouse.
I can't think of a better deal without destroying our core and the progress we have accomplished.

[Phonzie20]

I hope he some how lands on the Lakers now.

Bite your tongue. :nope

Lakers want a PG anyway.

[Libri]

Could there be a fallout between Dice and the coach staff?

[TheChillFactor]

I like the guy personally but he's been awful. I say ship his ass out.

[Manufan909]

I would be pro-Dice-dumping if it honestly freed up time for Mahinmi.

That'd be sweet. But if a big comes in from whatever trade the Spurs pull, Ian is screwed. If bigs have to leave the team, I want Bonner, Theo, Ian leaving, in that order. Pop has Tim/Dice/Blair who are good for 80 or so minutes, and with how Pop plays small ball, not all of the 16 leftover minutes would go to the 4th big. Unless Pop gets someone like Haslem/Tyrus, and still keeps Tim and Blair/Dice. Then the 4th big would be fucked. Hopefully on Friday Ian is the 4th big, and there is no 5th big.

I'd love to see Finley and another wing gone, then Hairston could get called up. Fuck!!!!!!!!!!!! This shit is too crazy.:jack And where's the goddamn exploding smiley when I need it!?!

[blkroadrunners]

With Dice playing good in the last couple of games, it's actuallyy still worth keeping him.
Best package to get in a deal is Thomas/Salmons for RJM/Bonner/Finley/Mahinmi.

I agree, but maybe the Bulls just aren't into Mase, Bonner, Fin, or Ian...

Still though, sucks for McDyess. He's a true class act for this team and the league.

[alchemist]

Wow! WTF is going on?

[Admidave50]

Could there be a fallout between Dice and the coach staff?

I doubt that, Dice is a real pro and I think he was the first one to acknowledge that he lost a step and requested to come from the bench because he was more comfortable. I don't see him having any ego issues and others have said that he wanted to retire if he hadn't signed with a contender.

[Phonzie20]

Could there be a fallout between Dice and the coach staff?

You guys would know better than me but I doubt. I think it's just phone calls being exchanged as the deadline is a few days away.

I wouldn't freak out.

[slick'81]

but can they unload that 7.5 million dyess has coming

[tp2021]

Dice deserves better than that.


While that may be true, nothing matters more in SA than what Timmy deserves.

[Ryvin1]

I want to keep dyess, but if he's traded it might be another buy-out resign deal.

[hater]

this season is a fuckin nightmare

[ohmwrecker]

Sounds like a season tanking move to me. What happens if we trade McDyess and can't lock down Thomas? Too risky for me. McDyess is a championship chip. Tyrus Thomas is not.

[Cane]

Both McDyess and RJ cemented themselves as disappointments; no problem if either or both get shipped out especially if it means cheaper young talent.

Hopefully the Spurs come out with a good trade - we definitely need to ante up especially since Dallas has.

[HarlemHeat37]

McDyess getting traded to Denver would actually be a positive for him..they have a much better chance at winning a title than the Spurs do..he's also good friends with Billups, so that would be a positive for him too..

Personally, I'd rather keep McDyess, but the way Pop has constructed this current team, we desperately need youth..it would be easier to play 'Dice if we had an athletic big man to off-set him for matchup purposes..

Like the article says though..the Spurs have tried to shop Jefferson too..maybe nothing happens..maybe some team ends up taking Jefferson at the deadline, which could potentially free up cap space for next year..there's still plenty of time and none of us know what will happen, so let's have some patience..

[Ditty]

as much as i love mcdyess they would be poking the bulls in the eyes if no picks are involved its a no brainer

[scottspurs]

Wow! WTF is going on?

Exactly how I feel.

Something is going to happen that surprises everyone.

[yavozerb]

Maybe Jr smith is available...Not that I like this crazy kid but he's def. got some game.

[Blackjack]

'Dyess is a Championship piece for a team with the right pieces in place -- the Spurs are not that team, sadly . . .

[HarlemHeat37]

It would be cool if the Spurs FO surprised us with an unexpected trade for a big piece, although I wouldn't expect it at all..

It's tough to get a read on all of this because we're in such foreign territory right now..everything about this season has been unusual for the Spurs, so I really have no idea what to expect..

[Blackjack]

Yeah, expect the unexpected.

What a year . . .

[024]

heh, i thought it was kurt thomas for a second. from what it sounds like in the article, it just seems that the spurs are trying to get rid of mcdyess for expiring contracts to make room for thomas. thomas is still young enough for the spurs to influence him but the spurs would be giving up on this year. thomas is a project and will see many minutes on the bench.

[Mel_13]

It would be cool if the Spurs FO surprised us with an unexpected trade for a big piece, although I wouldn't expect it at all..

It's tough to get a read on all of this because we're in such foreign territory right now..everything about this season has been unusual for the Spurs, so I really have no idea what to expect..

True.

This is first time in recent memory that the Spurs may make transactions that are focused on improving future Spurs teams rather than upgrading the roster for the current season.

[Booharv]

I wish more people would throw Bogans name into trade talks. Even if he's not going anywhere it would be nice to fantasize about.

[Manufan909]

It would be cool if the Spurs FO surprised us with an unexpected trade for a big piece, although I wouldn't expect it at all..

It's tough to get a read on all of this because we're in such foreign territory right now..everything about this season has been unusual for the Spurs, so I really have no idea what to expect..

I hope Mason and Finley leave with no wings returning, making the guy in your avatar a player Pop is forced to play 20+ minutes a night.:toast

And is the trade deadline at 12:00 AM tomo, or 11:59 PM? I'm guessing the latter.

[hater]

True.

This is first time in recent memory that the Spurs may make transactions that are focused on improving future Spurs teams rather than upgrading the roster for the current season.

this is also the first season in recent memory the spurs are borderline out of the playoffs

[EricB]

:pctoss trading dyess is beyond fucking retarded....

[Brazil]

sounds like spurs FO are considering this season over

[Phonzie20]

'Dyess is a Championship piece for a team with the right pieces in place -- the Spurs are not that team, sadly . . .

Sure could have used him last year.

There are two camps about the buyout. One is Dyess is bitter with the Nugg org (even though the FO that used to jerk him around are no longer around), and the other is that he was going to be bought out by the org because they just wanted Chauncey.

Either way, he'd be really good for Denver. Don't see how it would come to fruition though. Denver has little to work with trade-wise.

[GeorgeShinnLooms]

So, the rebuilding begins.

[Mel_13]

this is also the first season in recent memory the spurs are borderline out of the playoffs

That fact would seem to be the motivating force in the changed focus.

[Manufan909]

this is also the first season in recent memory the spurs are borderline out of the playoffs

I think it's more realistic to assume the Spurs will make the playoffs, but'll have to face one of the top 3 seeds in the first round. Assuming they keep pace.

[lurker23]

If they trade Dice, and Tyrus Thomas is the main piece they get from their dealings, I would not be happy at all. Wouldn't make any sort of basketball sense if the goal is to win this year.

Normally I'm a huge fan of Woj and trust his sources. but I seriously hope that either there's more to this story than it seems at first glance, or the Spurs are pulling some major CIA stuff to get people off their trail.

[Bruno]

I highly doubt Spurs will be able to trade Dice for expiring contract. He is old, has been very average this year and has a quite big contract. When you see how teams have a hard time dumping contracts, Spurs would have to give up assets to make that trade.

IMO, Dice will still be a Spur next week.

[Chomag]

Oh wow! Spurs are shopping out Dice when they could shope out Finely, Bonner among others!?!?!?!

WTF.....oooohhhh now I remember. This guy is in charge :pop:
Especialy Finley and Bonner are not going anywhere as long as he calls the shots.

[crc21209]

I hope Mason and Finley leave with no wings returning, making the guy in your avatar a player Pop is forced to play 20+ minutes a night.:toast

And is the trade deadline at 12:00 AM tomo, or 11:59 PM? I'm guessing the latter.

The trade deadline is Thursday at 2 p.m.

[Libri]

If the Spurs FO are now sour about signing Dice and Jefferson, then that would make it an $18,700,00 mistake. :(

[RiverwalkParade]

Dyess and Mace=Jamison?

[GeorgeShinnLooms]

Oh wow! Spurs are shopping out Dice when they could shope out Finely, Bonner among others!?!?!?!

WTF.....oooohhhh now I remember. This guy is in charge :pop:
Especialy Finley and Bonner are not going anywhere as long as he calls the shots.

Nobody wants their skid-marks.

[HarlemHeat37]

TBH, I think some people have to let go of "winning this year"..I hope we can turn it around too, but it would be VERY DIFFICULT to win a title with Keith Bogans and Michael Finley in the rotation, along with having no size or athleticism in the frontcourt..

The way to succeed when your front court doesn't have size and athleticism is for your PG/SG/SF to bring the athleticism/quickness and constantly put pressure on the ball..unfortunately for us, Jefferson/Bogans/Finley don't play defense..

[024]

kind of makes sense, no shame in rebuilding now. spurs tried and failed to make the pieces work. the quicker they begin rebuilding, the faster they finish it. mcdyess on a non contending spurs only takes up time and money. his minutes can go to someone younger for development.

this is just an elaborate smokescreen though. the final trade will be roger mason + mahinmi + splitter's rights + first round pick for marc gasol.

[baseline bum]

It's too bad Dice is on a deal with 2 years guaranteed instead of just this one; if the latter was the case, then he could have been bought out if traded and at least signed with a contender. I hate the situation for him, but at the same time this team is nowhere close to a title this season and he should probably be moved if it can get the team some decent young talent. Duncan is the only untouchable on the Spurs right now. If Dice signed for the minimum then you clearly could not trade him after he took such a paycut, but I don't feel nearly as bad moving him on an MLE deal. I'm a huge Dice fan and don't think he did anything wrong here, but the team crumbled around him and I think it desperately needs to reload for next season.

[Chomag]

I wish more people would throw Bogans name into trade talks. Even if he's not going anywhere it would be nice to fantasize about.

Not a team in the NBA other then Spurs that like him I'm thinking. :lol

[crc21209]

TBH, I think some people have to let go of "winning this year"..I hope we can turn it around too, but it would be VERY DIFFICULT to win a title with Keith Bogans and Michael Finley in the rotation, along with having no size or athleticism in the frontcourt..

That is why if the Spurs could get Thomas/Salmons for crap like Bonner, Mason, Finley I would do it NOW....

[Bruno]

Normally I'm a huge fan of Woj and trust his sources. but I seriously hope that either there's more to this story than it seems at first glance, or the Spurs are pulling some major CIA stuff to get people off their trail.

Agree.
Maybe it's a negotiation trick with Chicago like "If you want us to take Salmons, we had to dump Dice first." When Spurs will fail to dump Dice, Bulls could be more ready to speak about a trade without Salmons included.

[crc21209]

Agree.
Maybe it's a negotiation trick with Chicago like "If you want us to take Salmons, we had to dump Dice first." When Spurs will fail to dump Dice, Bulls could be more ready to speak about a trade without Salmons included.

I kinda want the Spurs to take on Salmons though, that way we get Bonner and Finley off this team...

[Mel_13]

It's too bad Dice is on a deal with 2 years guaranteed instead of just this one; if the latter was the case, then he could have been bought out if traded and at least signed with a contender. I hate the situation for him, but at the same time this team is nowhere close to a title this season and he should probably be moved if it can get the team some decent young talent. Duncan is the only untouchable on the Spurs right now. If Dice signed for the minimum then you clearly could not trade him after he took such a paycut, but I don't feel nearly as bad moving him on an MLE deal. I'm a huge Dice fan and don't think he did anything wrong here, but the team crumbled around him and I think it desperately needs to reload for next season.

He could still be bought out. There were nearly two full seasons and more dollars left on his deal when he was traded last year.

Thing is, the Spurs are trying to trade him for expiring contracts. That means they have to send him somewhere that want him to actually play and someplace that he finds acceptable. That greatly limits the number of possible trade partners.

[SCdac]

This sucks... McDyess was starting to look better, and I feel we never gave him the minutes and role he deserved (even as a starter his minutes were inconsistent, 20 min one game 15 the next, etc)... Hopefully there's more to this story, but you have to wonder what it's like in that Spurs locker room right now.

[Sobe_Kucks]

What is up with the negative talk about Dyess' game by some of the posters here????? Do you guys actually watch any of the games? Haven't you heard about how he's a second half of the season player? How Chauncy used to joke with him and say, "It's Valetine's Day" time to start playing? Have you seen his stroke latley?

His play has improved and at this point he's looking like the guy we traded for. Still a little late on weakside help defense but his offensive game is what we thought it would be. He's hitting his midrange jumpers with a smooth shot that gets nothing but net. He's spacing the floor. Who are you people???? :bang

Trading Dyess at this point for another big sucks for this season, especially since he's a good character guy and team player. He deserves better. The only way I'm happy about losing him is if we parlay this into getting two younger bigs. This season is a mess.... I wouldn't feel bad at all if we were shopping Dick (we have an no one wants him) and he left, but Dyess has Spur written all over him. Good character, team player and consumate professional. If he's traded I hope he ends up with some jewlery. Guys like Dyess deserve a ring.

[Spurs Brazil]

We can trade for Thomas now and wait until summer to deal Dice

Trade Dice now would be stupid

[timvp]

Very interesting article. Some thoughts:

1. If the Spurs are already to the point where they are potentially making room for Ty Thomas, shouldn't that mean that they could be relatively close to trading for Ty Thomas? For expirings and a first rounder, that's a good trade ... especially if there is a plan in place to keep him around.

2. My initial reaction when the Thomas rumors began was that Thomas wouldn't help this season. But if McDyess is moved, Thomas suddenly would be thrust into the fire. In fact, I think Thomas becomes a starter if McDyess isn't around. Even though Blair is likely better right this second, Thomas fits well next to Duncan.

3. I feel sorry for McDyess. He was my favorite player outside of the Spurs before this season. He really deserves a ring. Hopefully he can be traded to a team with even better championship hopes. (If the Cavs don't get Stoudemire, getting Maggette and McDyess wouldn't be a bad Plan B. [Though it'd be complicated getting McDyess on Cleveland just for expirings.])

3. I'm not sure what went wrong with McDyess and the Spurs. McDyess' slow start shouldn't have been too surprising. Then again, it never really seemed like McDyess was the first option for the Spurs last summer. I'm guessing that Greek bigman was Plan A ... and I'm still not convinced the Spurs wanted McDyess over Wallace. This news seems to indicate McDyess wasn't a hugely sought after piece.

4. It's good to see that Splitter is still in the plans. I'm not sold on him being a quality NBA player but at the very least his mobility defensively would help this team. Thomas, Splitter and Blair would be one hell of a young bigman trio.

5. Swapping McDyess essentially for Thomas would be a subtle way to start the rebuilding process without blowing everything up. I doubt it raises the championship hopes for this season but there's no doubt it'd give the team a higher ceiling going forward.

[crc21209]

We can trade for Thomas now and wait until summer to deal Dice

Trade Dice now would be stupid

I was thinking this as well....why not just dump Bonner + others (Finley, Mason, etc.) for Thomas and give the front-court minutes to Duncan, Dice, Thomas, and Blair....

[Bruno]

I kinda want the Spurs to take on Salmons though, that way we get Bonner and Finley off this team...

It could also be Spurs saying "if we can't dump Dice, Thomas will likely be a 4 months rental because we won't have the money to re-sign him. We can't give you what you ask for him."

[Allanon]

Dice is too tall to play Center. Spurs are just trying to dump him to give Jefferson more time at Center.

Seriously though, this is an odd trade.

[HarlemHeat37]

Either way, if the Spurs want to win this year, something has to be done..

Look at our frontcourt..

We have ONE guy with size, Duncan..

None of our rotation bigs have athleticism, and Blair/Bonner/McDyess don't have the size to make up for their lack of athleticism..

Look at all the other teams..

Boston has the size in Perkins/KG/Wallace..Cleveland has the size in Shaq, Z, quickness in Varejao and athleticism in Hickson..Dallas has size in Haywood, Dampier and Nowitzki..Denver has size in Nene and Anderson, along with athleticism in Nene/Anderson/Martin..Lakers have size in Bynum/Gasol/Odom along with relative quickness/athleticism..Orlando has Dwight Howard, the best defensive anchor in the NBA by a large margin..Portland has Camby and Alrdridge, along with their young bigs that bring a lot of athleticism and they are only there to replace their other bigs with size, Pryzbilla and Oden..

The only good team with comparable size/athleticism is Utah(they're more quick/athletic though) and they load up the rest of their positions with quickness/athleticism with Kirilenko and guys like Brewer/Miles..



Personally, I hope the Spurs don't "rebuild" right now, instead going with a "sink or swim" lineup..that will still keep the Spurs competitive(probably better IMO, but a good chance that there will be growing pains) while seeing what they have in young guys..get Thomas, put Hairston and Ian in the lineup, and start a subtle "youth movement"..this is highly unlikely, but I can dream..

[crc21209]

Either way, if the Spurs want to win this year, something has to be done..

Look at our frontcourt..

We have ONE guy with size, Duncan..

None of our rotation bigs have athleticism, and Blair/Bonner/McDyess don't have the size to make up for their lack of athleticism..

Look at all the other teams..

Boston has the size in Perkins/KG/Wallace..Cleveland has the size in Shaq, Z, quickness in Varejao and athleticism in Hickson..Dallas has size in Haywood, Dampier and Nowitzki..Denver has size in Nene and Anderson, along with athleticism in Nene/Anderson/Martin..Lakers have size in Bynum/Gasol/Odom along with relative quickness/athleticism..Orlando has Dwight Howard, the best defensive anchor in the NBA by a large margin..Portland has Camby and Alrdridge, along with their young bigs that bring a lot of athleticism and they are only there to replace their other bigs with size, Pryzbilla and Oden..

The only good team with comparable size/athleticism is Utah(they're more quick/athletic though) and they load up the rest of their positions with quickness/athleticism with Kirilenko and guys like Brewer/Miles..

Agreed. This Spurs front-court would get killed in the Playoffs....Now if the Spurs do get Thomas from the Bulls and Bonner's minutes went to him, then I would feel more confident in the rotation. TD, Thomas, Blair, and Dice (if he isnt traded) isnt too bad....

[objective]

I wonder if Don Harris will be going on WOAItv tonight or the 1250 Zone radio show and break the news about how "his sources" have informed him that Dice could be moved?

Then 36 hours from now McDonald will have a piece cut and pasted from Yahoo about the Spurs possibly moving Dice.

[Mel_13]

We can trade for Thomas now and wait until summer to deal Dice

Trade Dice now would be stupid

I believe the idea to use Dice's salary slot to pay Thomas. If Dice is traded for expiring contracts now, it removes his salary from next year's payroll. If they wait until the summer they can exchange his contract for other players, but it would be much, much harder to make his contract disappear. It would also cost a draft pick or a young player.

[jjktkk]

Oh wow! Spurs are shopping out Dice when they could shope out Finely, Bonner among others!?!?!?!

WTF.....oooohhhh now I remember. This guy is in charge :pop:
Especialy Finley and Bonner are not going anywhere as long as he calls the shots.

Yea, what a shame too, since I'm sure every NBA team exec. is secretly fantasizing to acquire Bonner and Finley. :rolleyes

[crc21209]

I wonder if Don Harris will be going on WOAItv tonight or the 1250 Zone radio show and break the news about how "his sources" have informed him that Dice could be moved?

Then 36 hours from now McDonald will have a piece cut and pasted from Yahoo about the Spurs possibly moving Dice.

Right on the money :tu :lol

[CGD]

It could also be Spurs saying "if we can't dump Dice, Thomas will likely be a 4 months rental because we won't have the money to re-sign him. We can't give you what you ask for him."

Maybe, but the problem is that there are MANY teams putting offers in for TT. Spurs really don't have the leverage to get "cute." If I'm the Bulls, I'd turn around and say, "that's fine Spurs, thanks for your time but we have to end talks now because we have a call with the Nuggets in 15 minutes. Ciao!"

[crc21209]

Yea, what a shame too, since I'm sure every NBA team exec. is secretly fantasizing to acquire Bonner and Finley. :rolleyes

No, but some teams desperately need outside shooting and Mason and Bonner could provide that for some teams...

[MaNu4Tres]

If Spurs are trying to trade mcdyess, it all but says they are waving the white flag this year and planning for the future. I can't think of a realistic trade with mcdyess going out that would improve the spurs this year.

[objective]

Maybe, but the problem is that there are MANY teams putting offers in for TT. Spurs really don't have the leverage to get "cute." If I'm the Bulls, I'd turn around and say, "that's fine Spurs, thanks for your time but we have to end talks now because we have a call with the Nuggets in 15 minutes. Ciao!"

I don't know, what teams are out there?

Portland is off the table. Dallas is off the table.

Houston, even though they have about 3 dudes the same size making half as much? Cleveland? If he's on Cleveland's radar he's way down the list of their "guys we want" rollcall.

I guess Milwaukee. Other than that I'm having a hard time coming up with teams that would offer expirings +sweeteners for him.

[jiggy_55]

Just FYI guys, Thomas was a beast last season in the playoffs against the Celtics.. He's a decent player and a great athlete..

I know people still believe, but we have to be realistic here, there are about 10 teams that will easily kick our asses out of the playoffs if we meet them. I don't have any hope left for this season. Having Thomas or Haslem for next season over Mcdyess would be a great move in my opinion. Gives them time to start learning from now and all the summer. We've needed an athletic big man next to Duncan for years, this is our chance. Even if he is still a raw talent, i think it would be a bold and good move by the FO. Mcdyess will only be getting older and older.

[dbestpro]

Maybe, but the problem is that there are MANY teams putting offers in for TT. Spurs really don't have the leverage to get "cute." If I'm the Bulls, I'd turn around and say, "that's fine Spurs, thanks for your time but we have to end talks now because we have a call with the Nuggets in 15 minutes. Ciao!"

We've talked about what the Spurs could offer, but what does Denver have that could be better for Chicago?

[StoneBuddha]

I kinda want the Spurs to take on Salmons though, that way we get Bonner and Finley off this team...

I want Salmons included in the deal because we desperately need someone who can play some defense and be more of an offensive threat than Bogans.

After seeing some life in McDyess's legs, it feels like trading him would be like the Spurs waving the white flag. It may be the most logical move but it would be a painful one to see.

[timvp]

It's odd to me that the same Spurs fans who complain about the team being old then complain when the Spurs are rumored to trade away one of their oldest pieces. I guess they just like complaining . . .

While I'm a big McDyess fan, I just don't think he's a championship quality starting bigman anymore. It's tough to admit but I really do think McDyess is more suited for the role of being the first bigman off the bench. He's solid defensively but he's not above average in any aspect on that end. Good post defender, decent out on the perimeter, decent at times protecting the rim ... but honestly the Spurs likely need more than that.

Thomas is far from a defensive stud but he has the tools to be a top notch shotblocker and also be a guy who can defend out on the perimeter. Since I don't consider the Spurs a championship contender right now, I would have to approve a McDyess for Thomas swap. Thomas gives the Spurs more potential going forward, while McDyess will only be getting worse.

Sucks but it's the new reality of the Spurs.

[objective]

Thomas had a good series . . . but it could be argued that he was still outperformed by Big Baby, or had an inferior series.

[Kuestmaster]

I kinda feel sad for Dice, but c'mon, he's played well 2 weeks in all season. if we can get a younger, athletic big I would pack him now. duncan is the only untouchable in this team.

I don't think they are tanking this season, Duncan would not let that happen. I think that maybe it's more like they don't believe we can win it all with this team, not with all the others teams moving and the disappointment of RJ so far

[Mal]

What does a straight Haslem / Dice trade look like?

Haslem is 7 mln Dice 4,5 mln.

Heat got only 2 players (cant believe they take 4,3 mln option on Jones and they do take Chalmers option) for 5,7 mln. So with rule to have 13 players every time, they have 11,2 mln. With salary cup on 51 mln, they have almost 40 mln to spend. If i were Heat I wouldn`t trade Haslem. Sign him next year with his birds rights. He is still valueable, and I suppose he will be cheaper then 4,7 mln Dice. Or if there is Amare trade coming to Heat...

[crc21209]

It's odd to me that the same Spurs fans who complain about the team being old then complain when the Spurs are rumored to trade away one of their oldest pieces. I guess they just like complaining . . .

While I'm a big McDyess fan, I just don't think he's a championship quality starting bigman anymore. It's tough to admit but I really do think McDyess is more suited for the role of being the first bigman off the bench. He's solid defensively but he's not above average in any aspect on that end. Good post defender, decent out on the perimeter, decent at times protecting the rim ... but honestly the Spurs likely need more than that.

Thomas is far from a defensive stud but he has the tools to be a top notch shotblocker and also be a guy who can defend out on the perimeter. Since I don't consider the Spurs a championship contender right now, I would have to approve a McDyess for Thomas swap. Thomas gives the Spurs more potential going forward, while McDyess will only be getting worse.

Sucks but it's the new reality of the Spurs.

+1. Dice isnt going to get any better...and if the Spurs could get Thomas for Dice...I do it. The Spurs desperately need some youth and energy in the front-court, and Thomas could be the guy to give it to them....

[timvp]

If the Spurs are going to start rebuilding and go young, how about trade McDyess and Manu to Cleveland so that they'll have a shot to beat the Lakers? Watching those two win a ring would be about 2% as cool as watching the Spurs win :smokin

[objective]

do we get a re-upped expiring Szczerbiak in return for RJ? :lol

[Mal]

Go young = trade for Sam Young ?

[Mel_13]

If the Spurs are going to start rebuilding and go young, how about trade McDyess and Manu to Cleveland so that they'll have a shot to beat the Lakers? Watching those two win a ring would be about 2% as cool as watching the Spurs win :smokin

Now there's some forward thinking. Manu and Dice for Big Z, Hickson, and Danny Green. Buy out Big Z, send him back and start pulling for San Antonio North.

[Bartleby]

If the Spurs are going to start rebuilding and go young, how about trade McDyess and Manu to Cleveland so that they'll have a shot to beat the Lakers? Watching those two win a ring would be about 2% as cool as watching the Spurs win :smokin

I have a hard time imagining Dice and Manu dancing with Lebron et al.

[Libri]

If the trade goes through, the Spurs will have their PF. They would now need a back up PG.

[jjktkk]

No, but some teams desperately need outside shooting and Mason and Bonner could provide that for some teams...

True, but I was responding to Chomag's post on Pop's refusal to trade Finley and Bonner. Now adding Mason and Bonner, would be a slight upgrade, but I guess we'll see after the trade deadline if anything happens.

[Cane]

I don't buy into the argument that if the Spurs trade McDyess that they're waving the white flag - now if they traded Ginobili they would be calling it quits.

McDyess was the secondary option behind Wallace and really both have been pretty lackluster and disappointing. McDyess has a lot of difficulty handling Ginobili's passes and plays; other than a jumpshot he doesn't contribute enough not to put him on the block. Don't get me wrong, he's a decent player but if we can get a younger, athletic big then it might be worth pulling the trigger.

Can't wait until Thursday though.

[rjv]

Just FYI guys, Thomas was a beast last season in the playoffs against the Celtics.. He's a decent player and a great athlete..

I know people still believe, but we have to be realistic here, there are about 10 teams that will easily kick our asses out of the playoffs if we meet them. I don't have any hope left for this season. Having Thomas or Haslem for next season over Mcdyess would be a great move in my opinion. Gives them time to start learning from now and all the summer. We've needed an athletic big man next to Duncan for years, this is our chance. Even if he is still a raw talent, i think it would be a bold and good move by the FO. Mcdyess will only be getting older and older.

well if splitter came it would offer a frontline of splitter, thomas and blair down the road. not exactly tim and david but it would at least be a younger and more athletic crew.

[MaNu4Tres]

If the Spurs are going to start rebuilding and go young, how about trade McDyess and Manu to Cleveland so that they'll have a shot to beat the Lakers? Watching those two win a ring would be about 2% as cool as watching the Spurs win :smokin

I mentioned this in your thread after the laker game. If spurs are aiming to make a move for the future oppose to this year, they should just go all out and get as many future assets they can get for their expiring contracts and do the same next year for RJs contract and possibly parkers.

[baseline bum]

If the Spurs are going to start rebuilding and go young, how about trade McDyess and Manu to Cleveland so that they'll have a shot to beat the Lakers? Watching those two win a ring would be about 2% as cool as watching the Spurs win :smokin

Watching Shaq get ring #5 and bragging about how he beat Duncan to the milestone would fucking suck. Yes, I would rather see Kobe get #5 than Shaq.

[Spurs Brazil]

Maybe Wojnarowski is getting some of those news from Ludden but it's amazing how many news yahoo give us. The crap Monroe/McDonald give us nothing, nada, no news at all.

Since Ludden left yahoo gave us: TD extension, Thomas/Barry trade, RJ trade, Dice signing. Trying to get Camby last season and now Thomas and maybe move Dice

In the same period McDonald/Monroe only did one thing: put up that crap week show

Sad.

[Mr. Body]

Watching Shaq get ring #5 and brag about how he beat Duncan to the milestone would fucking suck. Yes, I would rather see Kobe get #5 than Shaq.

That's crazy talk.

[Blackjack]

Report: Spurs Shopping McDyess (http://www.48minutesofhell.com/2010/02/16/report-spurs-shopping-mcdyess/)
by Graydon Gordian

According to Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo! Sports, the Spurs are looking to trade Antonio McDyess in anticipation of trading for Tyrus Thomas:


The Spurs have been searching for expiring deals to move McDyess, who will make $4.9 million next season and is guaranteed about $2.6 million in 2011-12. Trading McDyess would free minutes and give them greater flexibility to re-sign Thomas this summer if they want. Thomas would give the Spurs a younger, more athletic complement to Tim Duncan, and could be part of a future frontline with former first-round pick Tiago Splitter and rookie DeJuan Blair.

Woj’s analysis seems to hit the nail on the head. If were to trade for (and re-sign) Thomas, as well as sign Splitter, the frontcourt might not have enough minutes to go around. Although McDyess has had his critics amongst Spurs fans this season, I’m a defender of his, and Tim Varner may present some evidence over the next day or two suggesting the Spurs have been at their best when he and Duncan are on the floor together.

Nonetheless, a de facto replacement of McDyess by Thomas would reflect the long term, youth-oriented thinking I’ve been a proponent of recently. Depending on whom McDyess is traded for, it also gives the Spurs more financial flexibility headed into this summer, as the team would no longer be responsible for the $7.5 million McDyess is guaranteed for the remainder of his contract.

Woj throws out the Denver Nuggets as a team with which McDyess would fit smoothly, but names no other potential trade partners.

N.B. Our last two posts have cited reports by Adrian Wojnarowski. The NBA is always ridden with unsubstantiated rumors in the days leading up to the trade deadline, but we do not believe either of these reports are exemplary of that journalistically irresponsible atmosphere. Woj is a good reporter and both Tim and I believe there are good reasons to take these reports seriously.

[baseline bum]

That's crazy talk.

Rooting against a prick who constantly disrespected the Spurs is crazy?

[Mel_13]

Watching Shaq get ring #5 and bragging about how he beat Duncan to the milestone would fucking suck. Yes, I would rather see Kobe get #5 than Shaq.

Not for me. Shaq is no worse than 4th on my list after Kobe/KFC, KG, and Cuban.

[ginobili fan]

Sorry but Dice or not Dice it changes anything.
You people are talking like Dice could be our savior but TT can at least bring us some athletism we need.
I'm okay if we get TT for dice sorry Dice

[SenorSpur]

:pctoss trading dyess is beyond fucking retarded....

Thinking that this Spurs team, as currently constructed, has any prayer of contending with the Fakers, and now Mavs and Portland, is what's retarded.

If this happens, it's clear the FO has looked at their roster, where they are in the standings and the landscape of the contenders and come to the same conclusion.

[Mr. Body]

Rooting against a prick who constantly disrespected the Spurs is crazy?

Shaq is a big clown who runs his mouth clownishly. Kobe is unadulterated, smug evil. The choice is clear: Shaq winning as a buddy/sidekick to a clearly better person in LeBron.

[mexicanjunior]

Rooting against a prick who constantly disrespected the Spurs is crazy?

If the disrespecting prick is Phil Jackson...I am all for it. I would rather see Shaq win than the Phil and Kobe show...

[Old School 44]

Now there's some forward thinking. Manu and Dice for Big Z, Hickson, and Danny Green. Buy out Big Z, send him back and start pulling for San Antonio North.

As long as we're giving guys away, how about Manu/Jefferson to Phoenix, not necessarily for Amare, but just to shed Jefferson's salary.
Seeing Manu running with Nash without Pop's leash would be fun to see. I even think Jefferson would be a better fit in Phoenix.

[ginobili fan]

It's odd to me that the same Spurs fans who complain about the team being old then complain when the Spurs are rumored to trade away one of their oldest pieces. I guess they just like complaining . . .

While I'm a big McDyess fan, I just don't think he's a championship quality starting bigman anymore. It's tough to admit but I really do think McDyess is more suited for the role of being the first bigman off the bench. He's solid defensively but he's not above average in any aspect on that end. Good post defender, decent out on the perimeter, decent at times protecting the rim ... but honestly the Spurs likely need more than that.

Thomas is far from a defensive stud but he has the tools to be a top notch shotblocker and also be a guy who can defend out on the perimeter. Since I don't consider the Spurs a championship contender right now, I would have to approve a McDyess for Thomas swap. Thomas gives the Spurs more potential going forward, while McDyess will only be getting worse.

Sucks but it's the new reality of the Spurs.

this.

[MaNu4Tres]

I don't buy into the argument that if the Spurs trade McDyess that they're waving the white flag - now if they traded Ginobili they would be calling it quits.

McDyess was the secondary option behind Wallace and really both have been pretty lackluster and disappointing. McDyess has a lot of difficulty handling Ginobili's passes and plays; other than a jumpshot he doesn't contribute enough not to put him on the block. Don't get me wrong, he's a decent player but if we can get a younger, athletic big then it might be worth pulling the trigger.

Can't wait until Thursday though.

You don't understand, the only teams that would be interested in mcdyess are contenders. The best they would offer are expiring contracts of inferior talent I.e scalabrine and Sheldon Williams and a 1st for mcdyess. Such a trade to a contender would only be increasing the margin between the spurs and the contenders. That is a sign of spurs prioritizing the future over the present . That is if this rumor is true.

[timvp]

Rooting against a prick who constantly disrespected the Spurs is crazy?

Kobe once said he wanted to elbow Sean Elliott in his transplanted kidney :stirpot:

But seriously, Shaq getting ring number five as like a 6th option is better than Kobe getting ring number five as a first option ... and then having a good argument to pass Duncan in the all-time ranks. It sucks either way but I would have to root for San Antonio North.

[mexicanjunior]

I would be all for this trade...Mcdyess is part of the reason this roster isn't living up to it's potential. Better to have one of the factors change and hope for the best than standing pat and watching this team go further into decline.

[EricB]

I think you can win now with trading for Thomas. Dice and Blair coming off the bench would be fantastic and Thomas can start...

Trading mcdyess is idiotic...

[Blackjack]

Kobe once said he wanted to elbow Sean Elliott in his transplanted kidney :stirpot:

But seriously, Shaq getting ring number five as like a 6th option is better than Kobe getting ring number five as a first option ... and then having a good argument to pass Duncan in the all-time ranks. It sucks either way but I would have to root for San Antonio North.

If they had the contracts, I'd rather them move Tim to OKC. :smokin

[baseline bum]

If the disrespecting prick is Phil Jackson...I am all for it. I would rather see Shaq win than the Phil and Kobe show...

'Eh, Jackson already has #10, so there's really no more resume padding for him.

[DesignatedT]

I think you can win now with trading for Thomas. Dice and Blair coming off the bench would be fantastic and Thomas can start...

Trading mcdyess is idiotic...

i wouldnt say idiotic...

do we really want to be committed to dyess for 3 more years, especially with him having the horry effect (not trying in the 1st half of the season)... if someone is willing to take his contract and we can get a younger big man i would be for it... even though i like the way dyess has been playing the last few games but not like its been THAT good. hes just been trying harder.

[lurker23]

I think you can win now with trading for Thomas. Dice and Blair coming off the bench would be fantastic and Thomas can start...

Trading mcdyess is idiotic...

This is basically my thought as well. I'm against trading Dice, especially since his best basketball of the season is almost certainly yet to come. I think Thomas is overrated by many on this board, but I'd be willing to try him out and see what he can do with minutes in the system. The Thomas/Duncan and Blair/Dice pairings you mentioned would work well defensively and create a nice boost off the bench.

As I mentioned when talking about a potential Haslem trade, undersized and mobile PFs like Haslem and Thomas might give Pop his taste of small ball while still having two bigs on the court. That would be a big plus for the Spurs defense.

[baseline bum]

Kobe once said he wanted to elbow Sean Elliott in his transplanted kidney :stirpot:

But seriously, Shaq getting ring number five as like a 6th option is better than Kobe getting ring number five as a first option ... and then having a good argument to pass Duncan in the all-time ranks. It sucks either way but I would have to root for San Antonio North.

Kobe's already going to get that love anyways for playing his whole career in LA, the same way everyone in the media always thought Ewing was better than Robinson.

[SenorSpur]

5. Swapping McDyess essentially for Thomas would be a subtle way to start the rebuilding process without blowing everything up. I doubt it raises the championship hopes for this season but there's no doubt it'd give the team a higher ceiling going forward.

This is the point I've been harping on for weeks. The Spurs ARE NOT going to overthrow the Fakers this year and probably not next year. All the contenders are getting appreciably better. Every Western Conference contender, except the Mavs, has younger talent. Talent that have been waxing the Spurs asses all season long.

The offseason acquisitions were bold and swift. The FO should not be ashamed for taking the risk. However, it didn't work. Unfortunately for the Spurs, the failed RJ trade signaled a huge mistake and the slamming of the championship window. It's better to cut the losses now and move forward with those improvements.

To avoid a total and dramatic roster overhaul in 2-3 years, it's better to gradually improve the talent level by adding a couple of younger, more talented pieces at a time.

[Mr. Body]

Kobe's already going to get that love anyways for playing his whole career in LA, the same way everyone in the media always thought Ewing was better than Robinson.

I don't know anybody who thinks Ewing was better than Robinson. I live in New York and know tons of Knicks fans and no one thinks Ewing was better.

[NuGGeTs-FaN]

If Dyess is happy (emphasis on those two words) to go back to Denver and the Nuggets and Spurs can pull it off, then id be all for Dyess playing alongside his buddy Chauncey again :smokin

A front court rotation of Melo/Dyess/K/Nene/Birdman , that would be pretty sweet

[JR3]

for the spurs to try to get rid of dyess, they MUST have an offer that Chicago really likes!

[baseline bum]

I don't know anybody who thinks Ewing was better than Robinson. I live in New York and know tons of Knicks fans and no one thinks Ewing was better.

The national media always did. I remember reading all those top bigmen of all-time lists that were so popular a few years ago when Shaq and Duncan were both in their primes, and national writers like Jack Ramsay (and lots of others) always put Ewing ahead.

[Mhak]

The offseason acquisitions were bold and swift. The FO should not be ashamed for taking the risk. However, it didn't work. Unfortunately for the Spurs, the failed RJ trade signaled a huge mistake and the slamming of the championship window. It's better to cut the losses now and move forward with those improvements.


I personally think this year RJ do not get the system. Some player are slow or lost out there due not knowing where they fit. Next year RJ will be more confident and now what to do.

Also i think he is thinking way to much and put a lot of pressure to himself.

[scottspurs]

I don't know anybody who thinks Ewing was better than Robinson. I live in New York and know tons of Knicks fans and no one thinks Ewing was better.

Jeff Van Gundy

[SenorSpur]

It's too bad Dice is on a deal with 2 years guaranteed instead of just this one; if the latter was the case, then he could have been bought out if traded and at least signed with a contender. I hate the situation for him, but at the same time this team is nowhere close to a title this season and he should probably be moved if it can get the team some decent young talent. Duncan is the only untouchable on the Spurs right now. If Dice signed for the minimum then you clearly could not trade him after he took such a paycut, but I don't feel nearly as bad moving him on an MLE deal. I'm a huge Dice fan and don't think he did anything wrong here, but the team crumbled around him and I think it desperately needs to reload for next season.

I defintely agree with everything you said. The offseason acquisitions simply have not worked out as planned. This isn't Dice's fault, though he's culpable. Despite the fact that he's come on a bit as of late, he's been a big disappointment overall. His defense on the quick PFs has been very underwhelming, at best. I just think the Spurs got him too late in his career. Had the Spurs been able to get him 2 years ago, instead of KT, then maybe.

Now it's time to upgrade the talent level along the frontline. Duncan cannot continue to be paired up with +30 year-old running mates, where he STILL has to do the lionshare of the work on both ends.

[SenorSpur]

If Dyess is happy (emphasis on those two words) to go back to Denver and the Nuggets and Spurs can pull it off, then id be all for Dyess playing alongside his buddy Chauncey again :smokin

A front court rotation of Melo/Dyess/K/Nene/Birdman , that would be pretty sweet

I don't know for sure, but I hardly think Dice would be disappointed to go back and play with his boy Billups.

[Mr. Body]

The national media always did. I remember reading all those top bigmen of all-time lists that were so popular a few years ago when Shaq and Duncan were both in their primes, and national writers like Jack Ramsay (and lots of others) always put Ewing ahead.

MmmKay. They don't now.

[HarlemHeat37]

I also live in NY and I can vouch for Mr. Body..

As I said in the NBA forum when this was brought up, Shaq winning a title as a #4 or #5 option means nothing at all, nobody remembers guys that win titles as distant options..shit, a lot of people forget that Shaq even had an impact on the Heat, even though he had a big part in it..who cares if he brags?..

As timvp said, Kobe winning another title would give him a great argument ahead of Duncan..I only know a few Shaq homers and they aren't even nearly as bad as Al-Quobe, the terrorist organization that continues to spread all over the internet..

Shaq is an insecure clown that will have occasional funny moments, while Kobe is a snitching rapist that shits on his teammates..not a tough choice..

[ShoogarBear]

The national media always did. I remember reading all those top bigmen of all-time lists that were so popular a few years ago when Shaq and Duncan were both in their primes, and national writers like Jack Ramsay (and lots of others) always put Ewing ahead.

Robinson should have started ahead of Ewing on the Dream Team, but didn't because of this bias.

[The Truth #6]

I could see Cleveland and Denver having some use for Dice's size. He's a nice guy but if we can get something promising back then I think it's a solid move. This season is over.

What happens now if we don't trade Mason and Dice? I can't imagine it will be a locker room with a positive, winning attitude. This season is shot and the FO needs to pull off these trades.

However, I still think they're cock teasing us with some of these leaks to Yahoo. There's probably a few good plans in place, but they probably won't work out and we'll end up with plan B or C.

I'm curious about the mindset of the FO at this point. Do they think it's time to rebuild on the fly? I sure hope so.

I could appreciate Manu and Dice at Cleveland if it came to that. If the Cavs win a title it will be hard for Lebron to leave. And if Lebron leaves, then Cleveland as a franchise (and city?) will be devastated.

[SenorSpur]

I don't know anybody who thinks Ewing was better than Robinson. I live in New York and know tons of Knicks fans and no one thinks Ewing was better.

Are you saying that most view Robinson as better than Ewing?

I always heard the reputation of New York sports fans as being a very, very intelligent breed. Still wonder why they keep shelling out good money to attend Knick games, when they've sucked for about 15 years.

[angelbelow]

If Dyess is happy (emphasis on those two words) to go back to Denver and the Nuggets and Spurs can pull it off, then id be all for Dyess playing alongside his buddy Chauncey again :smokin

A front court rotation of Melo/Dyess/K/Nene/Birdman , that would be pretty sweet

Theres no way we trade Dice without getting a big back though. We would just be too thin.

[Mr. Body]

Are you saying that most view Robinson as better than Ewing?

I always heard the reputation of New York sports fans as being a very, very intelligent breed. Still wonder why they keep shelling out good money to attend Knick games, when they've sucked for about 15 years.

Yeah, most Knicks fans I know -- who are very wry about the current team -- would admit Robinson was better than Ewing.

Well, maybe not my wife, but she's a huge homer for all NY teams.

[tav1]

If all San Antonio wants back for McDyess is expiring cap, JR. Giddens, Bill Walker, and Tony Allen almost fits the description. Boston might not want the extra money, but Wallace has been a failed experiment on par with RJ.

[HarlemHeat37]

Boston wants to get younger, I don't think they would take him..

[Mal]

If Spurs acquire Thomas, then can throw a pick into package. There are only bigs in this draft. Spurs need backup PG, so pick is worth sending for a big_for_now_and_here

[SenorSpur]

If Spurs acquire Thomas, then can throw a pick into package. There are only bigs in this draft. Spurs need backup PG, so pick is worth sending for a big_for_now_and_here

Bullshit! First round picks are like gold. This team will soon be facing a major roster overhaul. As such, the Spurs SHOULD NOT part with any 1st round picks.

[Josepatches_]

To avoid a total and dramatic roster overhaul in 2-3 years, it's better to gradually improve the talent level by adding a couple of younger, more talented pieces at a time.


TT is young but nothing more.That overhaul is going to happen anyway with or without Thomas.....if he stays here next summer.

[TD 21]

It makes perfect sense. As much as the Spurs like the type of player McDyess is, why would they choose him, presumably a year and a half away from retirement, over Thomas? A Duncan-Thomas-Blair-Splitter front court next season is very intriguing and would allow the team to focus their efforts almost solely on the perimeter, namely the wings.

Assuming Parker re-signs a year and a half from now, with him, Hill and a second-tier prospect like De Colo in the wings, the Spurs are set up relatively well at the point.

The wings are a different story. There's not a single building block in place there, but luckily for the Spurs that's the easiest area in the league to find talent. Assuming Ginobili re-signs, Jefferson will be a Spur until at least the '11 trade deadline and Hairston is a 4th/5th wing option next season, that leaves one-two (because Hill will see time at SG) spots to fill on the wings. My guess is Finley retires, which leaves Bogans, who I'd say is 50/50 to return. If the Spurs can't trade for a relatively significant wing, then they should take a flier on a young player like Wright, McGuire, Almond, etc. All cheap and attainable. The other spot has to be at least a semi-established player ala Mason. SF, in particular, is where the organization is thinnest.

[phxspurfan]

In the beginning I was shocked. But after reading the takes in this thread I agree that rooting for a trade because we're old and decrepit and then tossing the idea of shopping McD conflict.

It's clear the Spurs FO is getting desperate, shopping their starting center. It's also clear that by doing so they have to get a big in return. Logically, the big we get back in return would have to at least be considered a better shot blocker and paint defender than who we're shipping out.

This of course ignores the very real possibility that the Spurs will just tank and rebuild at this point.

[Baseline]

I love the idea of Thomas. He would fit alongside Tim similar to the way Horry did. Thomas isn't as smart a player as Horry was, but he's way more athletic - capable of guarding both the 3 and the 4 spot. And playing with Tim makes everybody smarter.

Obviously Thomas doesn't give us the three-ball like Horry, but his sheer athleticism on the offensive end would be a welcomed site.

All that said, I'd much rather keep Dice and ship out Bonner, Finley and whoever. I'd rather keep Mason, but if he's on the way out, so be it.

[dbestpro]

Bullshit! First round picks are like gold. This team will soon be facing a major roster overhaul. As such, the Spurs SHOULD NOT part with any 1st round picks.

Early second round picks are like gold. Late first round picks can be a guaranteed pain.

[SenorSpur]

Early second round picks are like gold. Late first round picks can be a guaranteed pain.

Disagree. Maybe if your team is a perennail championship contender and is stacked with a deep roster.

The Spurs are neither. The Spurs are a mediocre team and as their record slips, their draft order improves. I repeat, a team in this position, and one that will undergo an eminent rebuild, DOES NOT give away draft picks.

[dbestpro]

This is where I disagree. Rebuilding is a term for perennial losers. Reloading is for teams like the Spurs. Very few teams successfully rebuild an entire team. Free agent acquisitions and trades are the ticket. LA was having the same discussions we are having now before they got Gasol.

[exstatic]

I think this is a bad move...Dice was just gearing up for a 2nd half run and was looking pretty good.

It's not a trade for this year. Blair is the real deal, and if they can save the difference between his salary and Dice's, that's money to put in the Manu pot this summer.

[DPG21920]

It's not a trade for this year. Blair is the real deal, and if they can save the difference between his salary and Dice's, that's money to put in the Manu pot this summer.

Why do you want to extend Manu if you have no shot to win a title?

[8FOR!3]

I love the idea of Thomas. He would fit alongside Tim similar to the way Horry did. Thomas isn't as smart a player as Horry was, but he's way more athletic - capable of guarding both the 3 and the 4 spot. And playing with Tim makes everybody smarter.

Obviously Thomas doesn't give us the three-ball like Horry, but his sheer athleticism on the offensive end would be a welcomed site.

All that said, I'd much rather keep Dice and ship out Bonner, Finley and whoever. I'd rather keep Mason, but if he's on the way out, so be it.

I was always a huge Robert Horry fan, but as far as shooting the three, when was the last time he was ever consistent at it for us anyways? His last couple of years with us his three wasn't the slightest bit reliable. No more than a guy like Bonner if anything.

[wildbill2u]

Dice is 35 and way past his 'sell by' date. Why would any fan or GM be satisfied with a guy who makes millions but only comes to play for half a season? That's BS about not playing well in the beginning of the year is just an excuse for bad play.

And Why should anyone assume that the last few games renaissance will last? Who or what guarantees he'll really come on in the last half of the season?

[exstatic]

I was always a huge Robert Horry fan, but as far as shooting the three, when was the last time he was ever consistent at it for us anyways? His last couple of years with us his three wasn't the slightest bit reliable. No more than a guy like Bonner if anything.

His long shot was reliable enough to space the floor. His defense was better than any big we had after Dave. He could block shots and rebound. One of the major problems we have now is that we have those skills covered, but with like 3 players that have to be shuffled in and out. That requires decisions and right guesses. The demise of Robert Horry's career has had as much effect on our fade from contender to also ran as any other single factor.

[SenorSpur]

This is where I disagree. Rebuilding is a term for perennial losers. Reloading is for teams like the Spurs. Very few teams successfully rebuild an entire team. Free agent acquisitions and trades are the ticket. LA was having the same discussions we are having now before they got Gasol.

I agree that the reason the Spurs have avoided the dreaded "r" word is Robinson and Duncan. The Spurs have built and reloaded around them for the past 20 years. That means they've been perennial contenders during most of that period.

I disagree that rebuilding is a term for perennial losers. You wouldn't call the Utah Jazz perennial losers. Yet they were forced to rebuild after the Stockton/Malone era ended.

For the Spurs, Duncan is 33. Gino is 32. Both have a lot of miles. TP is hobbled by injury and fatigue. Manu is likely gone next year. Use whatever term you want. This team is staring down its first major rebuild effort. Therefore, it's better to add younger pieces a little at a time, rather than a complete, sudden overhaul.

And by the way, championship contenders are fortified through free agency and trades. The Spurs are no longer afforded such a luxury, as the acquisitions made this summer have not panned out. They now need to build via a combination of all those plus the draft. Whether Pop has the stomach for it, we'll see.