RJ's Contract Details

[Seventyniner]

For those who think RJ is a bad fit, do you think Pop is unwilling or unable to tweak the system to his personnel, especially now that he knows RJ will be part of it for the next few years? Tim and Manu aren't going anywhere, so if Parker gets extended this season, the Spurs will have the core of Parker/Ginobili/RJ/Duncan/Splitter/Hill/Blair/Anderson together for at least the following two seasons, allowing Pop to build the system around those players (with an increased emphasis on the younger players over the course of time).

[oligarchy]

But that's all a bit irrelevant isn't it? At least until we have some clue what is going to happen with the CBA

No. If they made a trade today and win the championship what does have to do with next year's CBA?

[coyotes_geek]

Hairston played more defence in that 472 minutes then RJ did all season.

If you say so.

I know the Hairston fan club wants Malik to be a good defender, but that doesn't make it so.

[ElNono]

Oh my god bro. I don't want to trade Tony and I never wanted to trade Tony and I think it would be a terrible idea to trade Tony. You were telling me that Dallas has positioned themselves in a better position to win the championship because they could "potentially" trade for cp3 around the trade deadline :lmao and then you said they left themselves with options and we have no options. I just said that trading TP would be an option. Yes, I understand its a shitty option.. but its an option correct????????

I never said such thing, please quote where I said that.
I said that if their current team is not good enough, which doesn't seem to be by looking around the league, they have a chunk of cap room to get better going forward. We do not. We just signed off on $13m/per in contracts for the next 3 seasons, and the only wiggle room we have is Tony at $13.5m...

This is our 'get better' move, and it's basically being the same team as last season. You can keep kidding yourself that Bonner will cease to be a choker, RJ will suddenly start giving a shit, and that Blair will improve to the point of being able to play against a frontline of Bynum and Gasol.

Do you ever remember we got our asses swept by none other than the Suns a couple months ago?

[DesignatedT]

So you are arguing the Mavs have good options and the Spurs have shitty options?

You are also arguing since the Spurs beat the Mavs, they are better than the Mavs, but the Suns who swept the Spurs just showed the Spurs weren't far off from the "pack"?

:lol I'm not arguing about any options. I wouldn't go into the season with the anticipation of landing some big name player in february and putting my title hopes on that.

The Spurs are better than the Mavericks that's clear.... The Suns were better than us last season obviously. That's definitely not the case anymore IMO. We have gotten better than we were last season which puts us right up there with contention for 2nd best team in the west behind LA.

[ohmwrecker]

What did RJ bring to the table. All I have said is that RJ's value could have been replaced or at least they could have gotten close.

RJ is the best player available overall, but not as a fit.

I think the "fit" issue can be fixed. I also think that way too much importance has been focused on this perceived "fit" theory. RJ is athletic, explosive around the rim and, when properly motivated, is a pretty good defender. Confidence and consistency are the only real issues I can see. Easily remedied.

[HarlemHeat37]

If any of Anderson/Hairston/Gee/Temple emerges as a nice player, this contract will be even worse, so I'm kind of scared to cheer for any of those guys:lol..

Even if RJ was the best option, which he is, 10 mil a year for 4 years for a player on the decline, coming off a season where he was horrible = scary..

[ElNono]

But that's all a bit irrelevant isn't it? At least until we have some clue what is going to happen with the CBA

Not really, no. Those contracts come off the books as soon as the season ends, before the new CBA is even discussed.

[DPG21920]

If you say so.

I know the Hairston fan club wants Malik to be a good defender, but that doesn't make it so.

Did you watch him play, even in those limited minutes? His defense is really not a question mark. I am not saying he is Bruce, but he is a good defender.

[Brazil]

holy shit... 40 M ??? I hope fourth year is a team option

[Vic Petro]

Ihave not seen anything that would supersede this as a firm indication of how RJ has spent, at least, part of his summer.

Jefferson staying in S.A.?
Richard Jefferson’s decision to opt out of the final $15 million season of his contract might not be a sign he’s willing to leave the San Antonio Spurs.
Sources said Spurs coach Gregg Popovich has been personally working out Jefferson in San Antonio. The free-agent forward could re-sign with the team at a number that lowers the franchise’s luxury-tax hit while guaranteeing him more money on the back end of a multiyear contract.
– Adrian Wojnarowski, June 30, 10:30 ET


http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/news;_ylt=Aije5AsvnhNeyZEso0XYzL68vLYF?slug=ys-freeagentbuzz063010

Can anyone post a link that debunks this?

I'm not sure you can call this a direct debunking, but it's from RJ's mouth:


“Awesome, I wish it was sanctioned by the league,” he said of his experience at Nike Pro City. “It was good competition – great competition. I’ve only been working out for two or three days and these guys were really getting up and down the court.”


http://www.nypost.com/p/sports/more_sports/nike_pro_city_notebook_richard_jefferson_n5dqd0vWE HHVd3AHPSSgWL

If he had only worked out once or twice as of July 13th, I'm not sure how he's been working with Pop all summer.

[DPG21920]

:lol I'm not arguing about any options. I wouldn't go into the season with the anticipation of landing some big name player in february and putting my title hopes on that.

The Spurs are better than the Mavericks that's clear.... The Suns were better than us last season obviously. That's definitely not the case anymore IMO. We have gotten better than we were last season which puts us right up there with contention for 2nd best team in the west behind LA.

How is it clear? That Mavs series provided no definitive answer as it could have gone either way. I think the Spurs are definitely right there with the Mavs, but I don't think they are clearly above them.

Utah, Portland, OKC, Dallas. Those teams are arguable as good or better.

[coyotes_geek]

Did you watch him play, even in those limited minutes? His defense is really not a question mark. I am not saying he is Bruce, but he is a good defender.

I did watch him play. The effort is there. I like what I see. But I dont' see how you can definitively say that he's a better defender than RJ when the players RJ was being asked to guard were a hell of a lot better than the ones Hairston was guarding.

[DesignatedT]

No way Hairston is even close to the player RJ is. I keep hearing you say this but it's just not true nor will it ever be.

[ElNono]

Those expiring contracts don't get CP3. They would need to trade for him in order to do so, and no way does NO take back expiring junk for their franchise player. You take back good picks or young players. NO can get that.

Those expiring $ will be good to get a dumped player that is expensive but good, historically.

Like what we did with RJ? :lol

[ohmwrecker]

Did you watch him play, even in those limited minutes? His defense is really not a question mark. I am not saying he is Bruce, but he is a good defender.

He isn't as good as RJ either. Hairston defended 2nd unit guys. RJ, on most nights, defended the best player on the opposing team. He wasn't that bad either.

Beaten to the punch again.

I agree with Coyote's Geek!

[DesignatedT]

How is it clear? That Mavs series provided no definitive answer as it could have gone either way. I think the Spurs are definitely right there with the Mavs, but I don't think they are clearly above them.

Utah, Portland, OKC, Dallas. Those teams are arguable as good or better.

Lol could have gone either way? They played a 7 game series and we won... without homecourt. that isn't enough proof? That's why they play the series to see who's better, and then the better team wins. We were better than Dallas. no amount of excuses will change that.

[My Fault]

Malik is already a better defender, so that helps there. A guy like Simmons could have replaced the 3 PT shooting and combined I think him and Malik could have gotten enough points (Maybe 8 PPG) to keep things close with improved defense and 3 PT shooting.

:lmao Yes, just switch Simmons in when on O and then put Malik when on D. That makes sense.

[benefactor]

RJ will hold a new conference thanking Splitter for taking less money so he could take more.

[AFBlue]

I never said such thing, please quote where I said that.
I said that if their current team is not good enough, which doesn't seem to be by looking around the league, they have a chunk of cap room to get better going forward. We do not. We just signed off on $13m/per in contracts for the next 3 seasons, and the only wiggle room we have is Tony at $13.5m...

This is our 'get better' move, and it's basically being the same team as last season. You can keep kidding yourself that Bonner will cease to be a choker, RJ will suddenly start giving a shit, and that Blair will improve to the point of being able to play against a frontline of Bynum and Gasol.

Do you ever remember we got our asses swept by none other than the Suns a couple months ago?

Splitter is a big addition for the Spurs with his length, athleticism and overall intelligence. His presence in the lineup alone should vastly improve the team as a whole. Blair and Hill have the tools and the work ethic to improve significantly. And Tony coming back healthy and fresh is probably the biggest factor to consider for another championship run.

Bottom Line: The Spurs made some direct moves to either improve their team (Splitter and Anderson) or to ensure that it doesn't take a step back (Bonner and RJ). We can debate whether they're closer, but I'd say with the moves they made that they're certainly no farther away from a championship.

[DesignatedT]

:lmao Yes, just switch Simmons in when on O and then put Malik when on D. That makes sense.

:lmao

[HarlemHeat37]

The pro-Jefferson guys have to admit that RJ and his agent hustled the Spurs nicely though, no doubt about it..

They played their cards well..they knew the Spurs wouldn't have any other options..

[DPG21920]

I will say it again. I don't mind RJ being back for this year. I agree he is the best option for this year. I just don't think he was such a good option that it was worth 4 years, 40 million.

[angelbelow]

No way Hairston is even close to the player RJ is. I keep hearing you say this but it's just not true nor will it ever be.

Hairston also doesn't have the size that RJ does. The preimere 3's in our league are scary big and strong, we need a guy like RJ to check them. I can't imagine Hairston on Carmelo, Lebron, Duran, etc.

Not saying that RJ is the answer, but at least he has the size and the athleticism to keep up. (theoretically.)

[teeclark]

If any of Anderson/Hairston/Gee/Temple emerges as a nice player, this contract will be even worse, so I'm kind of scared to cheer for any of those guys:lol..

If any of those turn out good it really doesn't matter from a contractual standpoint! It's like the NFL, when a player is drafted he is not expected to turn the franchise around in year one. Although he may be better than the individual that is ahead of him in his position (more times than not which is paid more than him) the in-expensivne contract he holds allow for the organization to wait on him to reach a certain comfort level within the pro game. As long as we are under the cap and still getting value for our dollar we should all pray these players become stars or at least valuable role players why they are on the cheap!

[benefactor]

Spur fans are lipsticking the pig in this thread at an epic level.

[coyotes_geek]

I will say it again. I don't mind RJ being back for this year. I agree he is the best option for this year. I just don't think he was such a good option that it was worth 4 years, 40 million.

Now there we agree. The Spurs could have gotten RJ for less than what they did IMO.

Assuming that the 4/40 report does turn out to be accurate.

[Pauleta14]

Hairston played more defence in that 472 minutes then RJ did all season.

It's easier to be good on a shorter PT, you can give more, you're not "expected"...

I agree with coyote_geek on the fact that people always draws quick conclusions with players who don't play a lot, in a positive and a negative way...
We saw it with Hill where at some point last year some posters on ST really thought he was better that Tony...
Hairston might be good, but he didn't prove anything...yet.

[DesignatedT]

I will say it again. I don't mind RJ being back for this year. I agree he is the best option for this year. I just don't think he was such a good option that it was worth 4 years, 40 million.

I will say it again, I definitely understand that this move wasn't necessarily a good move 3 or 4 years from now but with Duncan and Manu retiring I don't really care to analyze what's going to happen then.

[angelbelow]

RJ will hold a new conference thanking Splitter for taking less money so he could take more.

Not if it was a pre-arranged deal :p:

[HarlemHeat37]

If any of those turn out good it really doesn't matter from a contractual standpoint! It's like the NFL, when a player is drafted he is not expected to turn the franchise around in year one. Although he may be better than the individual that is ahead of him in his position (more times than not which is paid more than him) the in-expensivne contract he holds allow for the organization to wait on him to reach a certain comfort level within the pro game. As long as we are under the cap and still getting value for our dollar we should all pray these players become stars or at least valuable role players why they are on the cheap!

Oh, I agree with all of that, but having great value contracts like Splitter's(and potentially some of the young guys) is negated when you're severely overpaying for Jefferson and overpaying Bonner..

[ohmwrecker]

I will say it again. I don't mind RJ being back for this year. I agree he is the best option for this year. I just don't think he was such a good option that it was worth 4 years, 40 million.

I do agree that that is too much money.

[Obstructed_View]

I'd rather have an overpaid RJ > some D-league scrub. Let's face it. It was RJ...or nothing really. The same people who are in here hating on him are going to be the ones sucking him off when he has a highlight worthy dunk..

I seriously doubt there are any Spurs fans that are rooting for him to fail so they can say "see I told you he wasn't worth the money". I'm hoping he turns out to be worth every penny of that fat bloated contract he just signed and can keep the Spurs competetive when Parker, Manu and Duncan are gone.

[HarlemHeat37]

I will say..

There's a chance that timvp is bullshitting us here, preparing us for the worst case scenario so that we're more willing to embrace Jefferson's return after hearing the contract is less than the projected 4-year/40:lol..

[benefactor]

Not if it was a pre-arranged deal :p:
Splitter: I want MLE.

FO: We'd like to, but we have already committed to overpaying Bonner and RJ.

Splitter: Damn...I feel sorry for you guys. I will take less.

[ohmwrecker]

Benefactor quoting himself because nobody else gives a shit.

[024]

i had no problem with jefferson staying this year because he may just fit in. the spurs might need the scoring with ginobili and duncan in fast decline. but i am opposed to the longer contract. this was obviously prearranged. why would the spurs willingly give jefferson such a longer contract? the money they save this year will most likely be offset by jefferson's long term contract.

i would rather the spurs just bite the bullet this year, take the luxury tax hit, and evaluate jefferson's ability at the end of next season. they should not be offering a long term contract after jefferson's horrible year. there is no justification.

[Chomag]

He isn't as good as RJ either. Hairston defended 2nd unit guys. RJ, on most nights, defended the best player on the opposing team. He wasn't that bad either.

Beaten to the punch again.

I agree with Coyote's Geek!

I do tend to recall Hairston giving Lebron, and Prince fits a couple of seasons ago. I wouldn't call those guys second unit guys.

Talent wise Hairston isn't better then RJ but I think he is tougher and he is naturally a better defender even though RJ has a hell of alot more experience on his belt.

[DesignatedT]

I will say..

There's a chance that timvp is bullshitting us here, preparing us for the worst case scenario so that we're more willing to embrace Jefferson's return after hearing the contract is less than the projected 4-year/40:lol..

:lol

[Pauleta14]

The pro-Jefferson guys have to admit that RJ and his agent hustled the Spurs nicely though, no doubt about it..

They played their cards well..they knew the Spurs wouldn't have any other options..

nothing is official yet!!

As much as I respect timvp's "insights", he could be wrong on the numbers...

[underdawg]

He isn't as good as RJ either. Hairston defended 2nd unit guys. RJ, on most nights, defended the best player on the opposing team. He wasn't that bad either.

Beaten to the punch again.

I agree with Coyote's Geek!

he's not as good of a player as RJ for sure, but it's not a stretch to say Hairston's a better defender. Who did RJ shut down last year, what game was his best defensive game? I can't remember one.

I remember Malik playing pretty good D against melo the year before last when Pop sat the starters and overall his D has been pretty good in games he's played. His shooting - not so much.

[AFBlue]

I will say..

There's a chance that timvp is bullshitting us here, preparing us for the worst case scenario so that we're more willing to embrace Jefferson's return after hearing the contract is less than the projected 4-year/40:lol..

And I will say, that I had the same thought.

[benefactor]

random insult
Just relaying truth, son.

[FuzzyLumpkins]

The pro-Jefferson guys have to admit that RJ and his agent hustled the Spurs nicely though, no doubt about it..

They played their cards well..they knew the Spurs wouldn't have any other options..

Nobody as to admit to shit. None of us have any idea what the market for Jefferson was nor how the negotiations with the Spurs went at any point.

You can go ahead and assume shit based on nothing but speculation but that does not make it true.

[Libri]

Any chance RJ's 4 year contract begins with the first year being the lowest, say 8 million and then increasing? His last year could be the highest, which would give the Spurs a pretty good expiring contract.

[angelbelow]

I will say it again. I don't mind RJ being back for this year. I agree he is the best option for this year. I just don't think he was such a good option that it was worth 4 years, 40 million.

I agree about the contract length. But we have one of the smartest FO's out there. My point is that I used to think some guys were untradable, not because of their talent, but because of their contract. An excellent example is Maggette. What I realized that is that there will always be stupid fucking GMs out there that seem to overpay and overtrade. In case RJ completely flops, hopefully we can trade him to the wolves because Kahn thinks RJs passing ability is as good as Vlade Divac's.

[teeclark]

The pro-Jefferson guys have to admit that RJ and his agent hustled the Spurs nicely though, no doubt about it..

They played their cards well..they knew the Spurs wouldn't have any other options..

How so? 15.2 million guaranteed + tax penalty incurred by the team vs. doing each other a favor and obtaining services back for those monies from a NBA vet. Not hustled....not even close! Not the greatest deal i will agree, but certainly not the worse (see atlanta and joe johnson).:lmao

[DesignatedT]

Nobody as to admit to shit. None of us have any idea what the market for Jefferson was nor how the negotiations with the Spurs went at any point.

You can go ahead and assume shit based on nothing but speculation but that does not make it true.

real talk.

[ohmwrecker]

I do tend to recall Hairston giving Lebron, and Prince fits a couple of seasons ago. I wouldn't call those guys second unit guys.

Hairston couldn't give Lebron fits if he laced his Gatorade with meth before the game.

[boo_radley]

No. If they made a trade today and win the championship what does have to do with next year's CBA?

Because to some the uncertainity of the future has lessened the value of expiring contracts...I can see it either way myself

[coyotes_geek]

Any chance RJ's 4 year contract begins with the first year being the lowest, say 8 million and then increasing? His last year could be the highest, which would give the Spurs a pretty good expiring contract.

That's how most nba contracts are structured.

[Thompson]

I will say..

There's a chance that timvp is bullshitting us here, preparing us for the worst case scenario so that we're more willing to embrace Jefferson's return after hearing the contract is less than the projected 4-year/40:lol..

That's sort of what I was hoping when I saw page 1, but it's already over 10 pages. I feel weird hoping this is a cruel hoax. I wanted us to bring RJ back, but that price is even making me queasy.

[ohmwrecker]

Just relaying truth, son.

If you say so, bubba.

[benefactor]

This thread has future epic bump written all over it.

[ElNono]

I don't know why you guys keep on thinking Pop will play rookies for anything more than 10 mins in the playoffs, if at all. Yeah, I'm including Splitter. I really can't recall that happening this side of Ginobili. I mean the only exception I can remember is Hill getting 20 mins in '08 basically when we already waved the white flag.

And yes, I think Hill will keep progressing and Blair too. But you're kidding yourself if you think Blair can guard anybody 7 feet tall and bulky as Bynum or as skilled as Gasol.
Hill is a good player, but he's no superstar.

What pisses me off the most is that we just rewarded two guys that bring everything that's soft defensively in our team.

Tony is the guy that can make a huge difference if he comes back healthy, but when people bring up Tony from two seasons ago, they forget that Manu was pretty much out. Tony dominated the ball a lot more because there was simply one less star to share it with. I think we can get a much better Tony than last season, but I don't think you're going to see a '08 Tony unless Manu or Tim go down (which I hope they do not, obviously).

[AFBlue]

That's sort of what I was hoping when I saw page 1, but it's already over 10 pages. I feel weird hoping this is a cruel hoax. I wanted us to bring RJ back, but that price is even making me queasy.

It's 10 pages of b.s., except for timvp chiming in saying he still hadn't confirmed with a second source but was confident his first source would be right.

[Fabbs]

That's sort of what I was hoping when I saw page 1, but it's already over 10 pages. I feel weird hoping this is a cruel hoax. I wanted us to bring RJ back, but that price is even making me queasy.
If someone wants to explain how RJ is worth more then 3 million a year for 4 years, I'm all ears.

[rascal]

Think of it this way. RJ was going to cost the Spurs 22 mil for one year (salary and penalty). Spurs make a deal and basically give that whole amount to RJ (which was going to be spent anyway) and an additional 3 years at 6 mil per. Total cash outlay 40 mil divided over 4 years.

When Holt looks in his wallet he spends the same amount of money plus he gets a starting SF for 6 mil per year for an additional 3 years that will be trade bait at 10mil on the 4th year.

The only thing that is left is now to get RJ to effectively play his position. That means RJ playing SF the way we need him, Spur players also playing to RJs strengths and coach Pop not playing RJ out of position anymore.

Jefferson won't be worth having on the roster in 4 years.

[ElNono]

I seriously doubt there are any Spurs fans that are rooting for him to fail so they can say "see I told you he wasn't worth the money". I'm hoping he turns out to be worth every penny of that fat bloated contract he just signed and can keep the Spurs competetive when Parker, Manu and Duncan are gone.

Absolutely. I think it's a terrible deal, but I would like nothing more than eat crow.

[Mel_13]

I haven't taken the time to read thru the thread, so if these ideas have already been expressed please know that I haven't stolen your ideas, I merely share them.

If 4/40 is true:

1. Clear evidence that RJ and the Spurs had an agreement in place before RJ opted out.

2. Good news for Gee, Hairston, and Temple. Bad news for those hoping we would use the LLE or the remainder of the MLE. After Anderson is signed, the Spurs will have 10 players with fully guaranteed contracts. I estimate that they'll be about 3M under the lux tax threshold at that point. I can't see them doing this deal with RJ only to go back over the tax level. 3M will buy Gee, Hairston, and Temple. Perhaps enough for Gist as well.

3. Good news for the Trade Tony and Hate Tony crowd. I always thought that the Spurs wouldn't trade RJ's 15.2M expiring contract for a long-term contract like Iguadola because of the adverse impact such a trade would have on the team's ability to keep Tony for the long term. Well they've essentially traded RJ's expiring deal for three more years of RJ. The odds of signing Tony to an extension just got substantially longer in my book. I still don't see a Tony trade this summer, but if the team in under-performing as we approach the trade deadline...

[Birn]

4 years and $40 mil sound about right for RJ. Very likely the final year is a team option. This keeps the Spurs out of the luxury tax plus still leaves flexibility for us to use the rest of our MLE and the LLE and still remain under the luxury tax. Great move by the FO and RJ. I don't care how much RJ, TD, TP, Bonner, etc. are getting paid individually as long as the total team salary doesn't exceed the luxury tax. The other thing this does is enhance the reputation of the Spurs organization as a desirable place for players to come. They take care of their players.

[ElNono]

I will say..

There's a chance that timvp is bullshitting us here, preparing us for the worst case scenario so that we're more willing to embrace Jefferson's return after hearing the contract is less than the projected 4-year/40:lol..

That thought actually crossed my mind... :lol

[ohmwrecker]

This thread has future epic bump written all over it.

No doubt.

[DPG21920]

I don't think there is any question Malik is a better defender. A bettter NBA player? No. Better defender? Yes.

[coyotes_geek]

Jefferson won't be worth having on the roster in 4 years.

So? Four years from now the Spurs window will be closed, nailed shut and bricked over so RJ's presence doesn't hurt anything.

[ohmwrecker]

No question?! No question at all?!

[AFBlue]

3. Good news for the Trade Tony and Hate Tony crowd. I always thought that the Spurs wouldn't trade RJ's 15.2M expiring contract for a long-term contract like Iguadola because of the adverse impact such a trade would have on the team's ability to keep Tony for the long term. Well they've essentially traded RJ's expiring deal for three more years of RJ. The odds of signing Tony to an extension just got substantially longer in my book. I still don't see a Tony trade this summer, but if the team in under-performing as we approach the trade deadline...

This is my biggest issue with the reported deal. I've said all along that I wouldn't mind RJ back if it didn't prohibitively hinder TPs chances of remaining here long-term.

If this is true, the dollar figure and amount of years has to have some implications for Tony's future.

[DPG21920]

real talk.

Don't do that. This is forming opinions based on logic. Just like you assuming RJ will be better next year.

By his logic, ST would be pointless unless we discussed only things we know for sure happened.

[ElNono]

I haven't taken the time to read thru the thread, so if these ideas have already been expressed please know that I haven't stolen your ideas, I merely share them.

If 4/40 is true:

1. Clear evidence that RJ and the Spurs had an agreement in place before RJ opted out.

2. Good news for Gee, Hairston, and Temple. Bad news for those hoping we would use the LLE or the remainder of the MLE. After Anderson is signed, the Spurs will have 10 players with fully guaranteed contracts. I estimate that they'll be about 3M under the lux tax threshold at that point. I can't see them doing this deal with RJ only to go back over the tax level. 3M will buy Gee, Hairston, and Temple. Perhaps enough for Gist as well.

3. Good news for the Trade Tony and Hate Tony crowd. I always thought that the Spurs wouldn't trade RJ's 15.2M expiring contract for a long-term contract like Iguadola because of the adverse impact such a trade would have on the team's ability to keep Tony for the long term. Well they've essentially traded RJ's expiring deal for three more years of RJ. The odds of signing Tony to an extension just got substantially longer in my book. I still don't see a Tony trade this summer, but if the team in under-performing as we approach the trade deadline...

That's what I thought... :bang

Thanks for confirming that...

[DesignatedT]

I don't know why you guys keep on thinking Pop will play rookies for anything more than 10 mins in the playoffs, if at all. Yeah, I'm including Splitter. I really can't recall that happening this side of Ginobili. I mean the only exception I can remember is Hill getting 20 mins in '08 basically when we were already waved the white flag.
.

Well what rookies has pop sat on the bench that should have played? Obviously Parker was starting his rookie season. Manu played his rookie year. Hill could have been utilized more and he publicly said he made a mistake on that. Blair could have gotten some more minutes last year i guess? who else? you act like he has been piling rookies on our bench who should have been playing the last decade? I can think of one... Beno Udrih, who did play for us as a rookie unfortunately.

[ohmwrecker]

Hey, go back to the main page! RC is on the intertubes!

[ElNono]

So? Four years from now the Spurs window will be closed, nailed shut and bricked over so RJ's presence doesn't hurt anything.

His contract does...

[teeclark]

2005 roster people:
HtWtBirth DateExpCollege17Brent Barry (http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/b/barrybr01.html)G6-6185December 31, 19719Oregon State University (http://www.basketball-reference.com/friv/colleges.cgi?college=oregonst)12Bruce Bowen (http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/b/bowenbr01.html)F6-7185June 14, 19718California State University, Fullerton (http://www.basketball-reference.com/friv/colleges.cgi?college=calstfull)23Devin Brown (http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/b/brownde02.html)G6-5220December 30, 19782University of Texas at San Antonio (http://www.basketball-reference.com/friv/colleges.cgi?college=utsa)21Tim Duncan (http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/d/duncati01.html)F-C6-11248April 25, 19767Wake Forest University (http://www.basketball-reference.com/friv/colleges.cgi?college=wake)20Manu Ginobili (http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/g/ginobma01.html)G6-6210July 28, 197721Dion Glover (http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/g/glovedi01.html)G6-5228October 22, 19785Georgia Institute of Technology (http://www.basketball-reference.com/friv/colleges.cgi?college=gatech)5Robert Horry (http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/h/horryro01.html)F6-9220August 25, 197012University of Alabama (http://www.basketball-reference.com/friv/colleges.cgi?college=alabama)43Linton Johnson (http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/j/johnsli01.html)F6-8205June 13, 19801Tulane University (http://www.basketball-reference.com/friv/colleges.cgi?college=tulane)4Sean Marks (http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/m/marksse01.html)F-C6-10250August 23, 19754University of California (http://www.basketball-reference.com/friv/colleges.cgi?college=california)34Tony Massenburg (http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/m/masseto01.html)F6-9220July 31, 196712University of Maryland (http://www.basketball-reference.com/friv/colleges.cgi?college=maryland)2Nazr Mohammed (http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/m/mohamna01.html)C6-10221September 5, 19776University of Kentucky (http://www.basketball-reference.com/friv/colleges.cgi?college=kentucky)8Rasho Nesterovic (http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/n/nestera01.html)C7-0248May 30, 197669Tony Parker (http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/p/parketo01.html)G6-2180May 17, 198233Glenn Robinson (http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/r/robingl01.html)F6-7225January 10, 197310Purdue University (http://www.basketball-reference.com/friv/colleges.cgi?college=purdue)31Malik Rose (http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/r/rosema01.html)F6-7250November 23, 19748Drexel University (http://www.basketball-reference.com/friv/colleges.cgi?college=drexel)14Beno Udrih (http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/u/udrihbe01.html)G6-3205July 5, 1982R11Mike Wilks (http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/w/wilksmi01.html)G5-10185May 7, 19792Rice University (http://www.basketball-reference.com/friv/colleges.cgi?college=rice)

All NBA Type stuff huh??????


Team game people that extends past one player or another. Lets let RJ show us he is a complete coward befor we burn him to the stake:nope

[DPG21920]

So? Four years from now the Spurs window will be closed, nailed shut and bricked over so RJ's presence doesn't hurt anything.

It certainly hurts the re building process. Are the spurs a contender with RJ this year?

[DesignatedT]

Don't do that. This is forming opinions based on logic. Just like you assuming RJ will be better next year.

By his logic, ST would be pointless unless we discussed only things we know for sure happened.

:lol touche

[cd98]

I'm not sure you can call this a direct debunking, but it's from RJ's mouth:


“Awesome, I wish it was sanctioned by the league,” he said of his experience at Nike Pro City. “It was good competition – great competition. I’ve only been working out for two or three days and these guys were really getting up and down the court.”


http://www.nypost.com/p/sports/more_sports/nike_pro_city_notebook_richard_jefferson_n5dqd0vWE HHVd3AHPSSgWL

If he had only worked out once or twice as of July 13th, I'm not sure how he's been working with Pop all summer.

Workout doesn't necessarily mean conditioning. He could have been reviewing defensive positioning or adjusting certain offensive sets. Heck, he could even be working on his jump shot. That won't mean that he has energy to get up and down the court with people that have been working out all summer.

[wildbill2u]

My guess is that they offered this contract (whatever it is) to start with and he went looking to see if anyone would beat it.

There wasn't the interest from other teams in beating this deal so he went back to the Spurs and they honored their offer.

I really don't know why fans get so involved in the contract details. It's like the money was coming out of their pockets instead of Holt's.

Or maybe they want the guy to take the vet minimum simply because they didn't like his level of performance last year. Sorry guys, but contracts aren't designed to be reward or punishment according to the whims of fans.

Spurs signed him. We own his playing rights. He is a Spur again. Let's move on.

[diego]

:depressed and scola signed with the rockets for less :bang

I understand that RJ was probably our best bet right now and expected the FO to bring him back, but like El Nono said, the FO has just given reward-type deals to the two softest guys on the team, precisely when one of our problems is lack of toughness (physical and mental). Its a slap in the face. I hope like everyone else that RJ can improve on certain things (FG%, rotations), but he will always be too mentally fragile to be of any use to this team, much less worth 10M a year.

[FuzzyLumpkins]

I don't think there is any question Malik is a better defender. A bettter NBA player? No. Better defender? Yes.

What do you base this on? Your scouting from your couch?

[rascal]

4 years and $40 mil sound about right for RJ. Very likely the final year is a team option. This keeps the Spurs out of the luxury tax plus still leaves flexibility for us to use the rest of our MLE and the LLE and still remain under the luxury tax. Great move by the FO and RJ. I don't care how much RJ, TD, TP, Bonner, etc. are getting paid individually as long as the total team salary doesn't exceed the luxury tax. The other thing this does is enhance the reputation of the Spurs organization as a desirable place for players to come. They take care of their players.

Good post. The spurs were in a position where they could not low ball Jefferson without if having negative effects on Jefferson's attitude and the perception it would leave that they low balled the offer.

[ElNono]

Well what rookies has pop sat on the bench that should have played? Obviously Parker was starting his rookie season. Manu played his rookie year. Hill could have been utilized more and he publicly said he made a mistake on that. Blair could have gotten some more minutes last year i guess? who else? you act like he has been piling rookies on our bench who should have been playing the last decade? I can think of one... Beno Udrih, who did play for us as a rookie unfortunately.

Hill, Blair, Oberto, Pops Mensah-Bonsu...

Ok, the last one was just a joke... :lol

[boo_radley]

4 years and $40 mil sound about right for RJ. Very likely the final year is a team option. This keeps the Spurs out of the luxury tax plus still leaves flexibility for us to use the rest of our MLE and the LLE and still remain under the luxury tax. Great move by the FO and RJ. I don't care how much RJ, TD, TP, Bonner, etc. are getting paid individually as long as the total team salary doesn't exceed the luxury tax. The other thing this does is enhance the reputation of the Spurs organization as a desirable place for players to come. They take care of their players. Except this would mean that if the Spurs use the LLE and the rest of the MLE that they would almost certainly be paying the tax.

[Trill Clinton]

My guess is that they offered this contract (whatever it is) to start with and he went looking to see if anyone would beat it.

There wasn't the interest from other teams in beating this deal so he went back to the Spurs and they honored their offer.

I really don't know why fans get so involved in the contract details. It's like the money was coming out of their pockets instead of Holt's.

Or maybe they want the guy to take the vet minimum simply because they didn't like his level of performance last year. Sorry guys, but contracts aren't designed to be reward or punishment according to the whims of fans.

Spurs signed him. We own his playing rights. He is a Spur again. Let's move on.

http://i745.photobucket.com/albums/xx100/MABOcho/m8390y.gif

[DesignatedT]

Hill, Blair, Oberto, Pops Mensah-Bonsu...

Ok, the last one was just a joke... :lol

:lol pops

[coyotes_geek]

It certainly hurts the re building process. Are the spurs a contender with RJ this year?

They're closer to being contenders with RJ than they are without him.


His contract does...

Let's see what the contract details are first before making that judgement.

[ElNono]

Let's see what the contract details are first before making that judgement.

Agree.

[Vic Petro]

Workout doesn't necessarily mean conditioning. He could have been reviewing defensive positioning or adjusting certain offensive sets. Heck, he could even be working on his jump shot. That won't mean that he has energy to get up and down the court with people that have been working out all summer.

I agree the quote is not proof he hasn't been working out with Pop, but by the same token Wojo's sources don't constitute proof to me either.

I expect improvement from RJ, but I'm skeptical of a big leap in production, which is what we'll need if we're going to win #5.

[E-RockWill]

Don Harris just stated on TV that they have the contract details....

[DesignatedT]

Don Harris just stated on TV that they have the contract details....

:hungry:

[Ditty]

4 years 38 million

[E-RockWill]

4yrs/$38.8 mill. 1st year is $8.4

[Ditty]

first year is like 8 something the first year

[EmptyMan]

So? Four years from now the Spurs window will be closed, nailed shut and bricked over so RJ's presence doesn't hurt anything.

This

[Creation88]

http://sienzuf.files.wordpress.com/2010/05/white-flag.jpg

[Creation88]

http://www.motifake.com/image/demotivational-poster/0905/eternal-facepalm-eternal-facepalm-facepalm-captain-pickard-demotivational-poster-1242264259.jpg

4 yrs $38.8 mil

[lurker23]

4yrs/$38.8 mill. 1st year is $8.4

Well, I've been saying that I thought someone would give RJ 3/$30mil or 4/$40mil, but I really didn't think it was going to be the Spurs.

Definitely overpaying IMO, and would have preferred a sign and trade at that price. Apparently the FO feels RJ is a big part of the future. I guess we'll see. :shootme

[Marcus Bryant]

Either Jefferson or nobody at the 3 spot for the next couple of seasons.

This contract is not worth getting agitated about.

[Libri]

So were looking at 11 or 12 million in his last year.

[boo_radley]

4yrs/$38.8 mill. 1st year is $8.4

This is confirmed?

[Leonard Curse]

I hope I don't run into any puppies or chubby faced babies today. Cuz if I do they're getting kicked...
:lol

[lurker23]

This is confirmed?

Aldridge says same, at least for total money.

daldridgetnt

Sources: Spurs and Richard Jefferson both get something out of RJ's new four-year, $38.8 million deal. Story up soon on NBA.com.

[Mel_13]

8.38
9.26
10.14
11.02

[Chomag]

So were looking at 11 or 12 million in his last year.

Yep, 11-12 mil on a player that that will be 34 that year that relies exclusively on his athleticism

[E-RockWill]

This is confirmed?

It's just what was reported by Don Harris on WOAI News 4.

Take it for what it's worth to you.....

[Mel_13]

Gotta stop calling him Bonzi Jefferson.

[AFBlue]

8.38
9.26
10.14
11.02

Thanks...any word on whether the last year is fully guaranteed?

[buttsR4rebounding]

Is the 4th year on option?

[lurker23]

8.38
9.26
10.14
11.02

Lines up with other contracts decently, I guess. Of course, the big question mark is how existing contracts are going to be handled under the new CBA. Could be a really bad deal if salary cap is significantly lower and existing contracts don't get some sort of break, but I really don't see that happening.

[LongtimeSpursFan]

HUh? Parker and Ginobili have NEVER been equal to Wade or Lebron in terms of playing ability.

Ginobili has won at every level he has played in. Sure Lebron is more athletic, bigger, stronger but when the game is on the line and its crunch time...which player would you rather on your team?

2008-2009 Parker was good enough to get some mention of MVP consideration.

[vander]

Yep, 11-12 mil on a player that that will be 34 that year that relies exclusively on his athleticism

and the year before that, we'll be paying 14 mill for a player who will be 35 & little more than a spot up shooter :downspin:

[20beastie45]

I hope I don't run into any puppies or chubby faced babies today. Cuz if I do they're getting kicked...
:lmao:lmao

[boo_radley]

Lines up with other contracts decently, I guess. Of course, the big question mark is how existing contracts are going to be handled under the new CBA. Could be a really bad deal if salary cap is significantly lower and existing contracts don't get some sort of break, but I really don't see that happening.

I think if the owners manage to get a hard cap in place it will have to be phased in over the next 6 years or so to accomodate the contracts that were signed before the expiration of the current CBA. What I'm thinking is that they work towards each other so that eventually, the cap is just a higher number. For example, this year the cap and tax lines are about 12 million apart, under my plan, next year they'ed be 10 mill apart at 59 and 69 mil, and then 8 at 60 and 68 and so on... until the cap is 64 mil (adjusted for inflation and revenue of course)

That way teams aren't to harsh penalized for their dealings under the old deal, and the players get something out of it as well.

[alchemist]

ah shit :bang


http://i40.tinypic.com/34y3gcn.jpg
:lol :( :depressed

[boo_radley]

@DonHarris4WOAI R.J's new deal with Spurs: 4 years, 38.8 mil. Starts at 8.4 mil. 4th year at his option.

Maybe the next CBA will be set to expire right before that last year and he'll opt out again:lol

[lurker23]

In the end, RJ got the equivalent of a 3 year, $23.6 million extension. Not a bad deal for him at all, considering the uncertainty of labor talks in the NBA. Only thing he really loses out on is the interest/investment income on $7 million over 1-2 years.

Not only do the Spurs gain the aforementioned interest/investment income, they also save probably close to $10 million from the luxury tax system (don't have time/energy to do more exact calculations, but it'll probably be at least that from loss of dollar-for-dollar tax, as well as payouts from other teams).

Only regret Spurs might have are the financial and basketball implications in years 2-4, particularly years 3 and 4. This would be lessened drastically if year 4 isn't fully guaranteed in some way.

[Brazil]

please somebody tells me the fourth year is an option

[VI_Massive]

Aldridge's story says 4th year is a player option.......ugh

http://www.nba.com/news/features/aldridge.2010.freeagency/

[lurker23]

http://www.nba.com/news/features/aldridge.2010.freeagency/

[Brazil]

please somebody tells me the fourth year is an option

hum ok rj's option

[E-RockWill]

Thanks...any word on whether the last year is fully guaranteed?


Is the 4th year on option?

Not that I'm aware of, but then again, I don't have any sources.....

[Chomag]

Player option... LOL

Nice hustling job RJ!

[Marcus Bryant]

WGAF about years 3 and 4? If he'll suck as much as some of you think, the higher the lotto pick.

[VI_Massive]

Since the Spurs' FO is so notoriously tight-lipped, do reporters must get this info from the players and/or agents, right? Maybe from the league office?

[boo_radley]

please somebody tells me the fourth year is an option

Player option

[DesignatedT]

player option is better than no option.

[chazley]

PLEASE GOD, let DA be wrong about the 4th year being a player option instead of a team option...

11 mil for a 34 year old RJ? *puke*

It'd be alright if the Spurs ever moved expiring contracts for assets, but they rarely do.

If only we had traded for Jared Jeffries last season...

[AFBlue]

This does not bode well for Parker. I do not like it.

[Texas_Ranger]

At least we've got a SF now. Yes he is overpaid, and I gues he will suck in his 3rd and 4th year, but if we want to win it all we need him now. Jefferson was not that good last year, but I believe he will play much better this year. So I'm OK with RJ. The only thing that makes me angry is Bonner's contract. LOL @ raise. Pathetic.

[Brazil]

Player option... LOL

Nice hustling job RJ!

if only he could hustle like that during the games

[Chomag]

player option is better than no option.

Might as well be, I highly doubt RJ would opt out of the 11 mil (highest paid year of his contract) near the end of his career.

[boo_radley]

By my calc's, the Spurs are now about $740K over the tax line if you count Anderson @ 100% of the rookie scale (he can sign from 80% to 125% of that figure) and the 4 Toros as fully guaranteed (though we know that they aren't (http://www.spurstalk.com/forums/showpost.php?p=4482373&postcount=1)).

That's 14 players on the roster by the way.

[Chomag]

if only he could hustle like that during the games

:lol no doubt!

[vander]

WGAF about years 3 and 4? If he'll suck as much as some of you think, the higher the lotto pick.

Blair/Hill/Splitter/RJ/Bonner...

I don't see a top 10 pick

[Brazil]

This does not bode well for Parker. I do not like it.
:depressed

[chazley]

This does not bode well for Parker. I do not like it.

I think it's the opposite. You really think the only players the Spurs want to have on the books past the next 2 years are two players who will be north of 33? I see this as the Spurs saying we don't want any years of rebuilding and we will try our hardest to make sure we put a title contender on the floor every season.

[timvp]

Props to our source for giving us the details almost three hours before the Spurs finally admitted the numbers. :tu

[Obstructed_View]

By my calc's, the Spurs are now about $740K over the tax line if you count Anderson @ 100% of the rookie scale (he can sign from 80% to 125% of that figure) and the 4 Toros as fully guaranteed (though we know that they aren't (http://www.spurstalk.com/forums/showpost.php?p=4482373&postcount=1)).

That's 14 players on the roster by the way.

That's almost exactly what Hairston made last season. Time to cut his useless ass loose.

[Libri]

Player option?? It must be a typo. Let me check again...



:depressed

[Bruno]

What an awesome off-season.

Spurs got swept in the secodn round and they come back with the same team and two rookies. Spurs have also spend about $50M for a choker and a player who failed to fit with the team.

Please, tell me it's a nightmare and not the reality...

[HarlemHeat37]

Nobody as to admit to shit. None of us have any idea what the market for Jefferson was nor how the negotiations with the Spurs went at any point.

You can go ahead and assume shit based on nothing but speculation but that does not make it true.

:lol

Calm down, beautiful..

I doubt timvp would have made a thread like this without having a solid source, he's one of the more credible guys on the forum..I trusted him, and I was correct..


How so? 15.2 million guaranteed + tax penalty incurred by the team vs. doing each other a favor and obtaining services back for those monies from a NBA vet. Not hustled....not even close! Not the greatest deal i will agree, but certainly not the worse (see atlanta and joe johnson).:lmao

It's clearly some quality hustling from Jefferson and his people..

He's going to make 40 million $ in the next 4 years, despite coming off his worst season, and clearly being on the decline..

No other team appeared to be willing to give him anything, and for good reason..he's severely overpaid, a lot more than his actual market value, and he's going to have long-term security without earning it..

He's getting his Frank Abagnale game on..

[K-State Spur]

i don't know why he is "clearly on the decline".

i didn't see a lack of athleticism from him last year, i saw a player that was too hesitant and couldn't figure out his role with the team.

his percentages weren't far off from what he's done throughout his career - he just was a lesser option in the offense and got less attempts. if he had signed with a bad team this offseason, there's a good chance his numbers would have gone right back to where they were.

now, a player with his skill set will decline earlier in his 30s than later - but i don't think last year provided much evidence that his skills have decline yet.

the bigger issue is that he was never a great fit for this team in the first place.

[Vic Petro]

Seriously this sucks badly.

So we'll be a contender for the playoffs this year, but not a championship. Then we're hamstrung financially for the next few years and may or may not be able to keep our best player beyond next year.

Ffffffuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuucccccccccccccckkkkkkkkkkkkkk k.......................................

[ElNono]

Props to our source for giving us the details almost three hours before the Spurs finally admitted the numbers. :tu

:tu

[Agloco]

So now Spurs will have 2 players that are overpaid for 4 years? Great off-season FO!

Well, it is what it is. I guess the only thing to do now is hope for success.

At least they'll have two that are also underpaid.........

[VI_Massive]

McDonald tweeted last year is partial guarantee.

http://twitter.com/JMcDonald_SAEN/status/19115544517

[Nathan89]

Are the official terms of the contract out? If so what are they?

[angelbelow]

Fuck it.. lets just be positive and hope he can contribute next year. No reason to dwell on this contract.

[pad300]

By my calc's, the Spurs are now about $740K over the tax line if you count Anderson @ 100% of the rookie scale (he can sign from 80% to 125% of that figure) and the 4 Toros as fully guaranteed (though we know that they aren't (http://www.spurstalk.com/forums/showpost.php?p=4482373&postcount=1)).

That's 14 players on the roster by the way.

Either Hairston or Jerrels is toast... Maybe both - that would give the Spurs enough room for a vet-min pickup later, if they needed one...

[AFBlue]

I think it's the opposite. You really think the only players the Spurs want to have on the books past the next 2 years are two players who will be north of 33? I see this as the Spurs saying we don't want any years of rebuilding and we will try our hardest to make sure we put a title contender on the floor every season.

It's a numbers game...Spurs are already teetering on the lux tax line for this year and will have raises for everyone on the team, including sizeable ones for Duncan, Ginobili and now Jefferson.

You really think the Spurs are going to offer Parker a contract extension at or above his current earning rate given those future payouts?

[boo_radley]

That's almost exactly what Hairston made last season. Time to cut his useless ass loose.
I'm actually a little low on the calc, I used the wrong tax figure for the 4 Toros

[ElNono]

There's your 'mutual option'... player option + partially-guaranteed.

[admiralsnackbar]

At least they'll have two that are also underpaid.........

That's what's lost in all this uproar. The disparity between pay and production level will probably be much greater with Tiago, Anderson, Hill, and Blair than it will be with RJ. And, as CG succinctly explained: by the time Jefferson's contract becomes an issue, our window will officially be closed.

[ElNono]

Still a bad contract imo. Please RJ prove me wrong :D

[dbestpro]

It is now obvious that RJ had a pre-arranged agreement with the Spurs. The Spurs knew RJ was going to cost about 23 mil (including tax). At 38.5 mil this means the Spurs will pay an additional 15.5 mil for 3 extra years of service, Also, with the last year being around 11 mil you can bet he will be a great trading chip with such a large expiring contract or partial guaranteed contract.

[MoSpur]

Both Bonner & Jefferson better step the hell up come playoff time

[ElNono]

It is now obvious that RJ had a pre-arranged agreement with the Spurs. The Spurs knew RJ was going to cost about 23 mil (including tax). At 38.5 mil this means the Spurs will pay an additional 15.5 mil for 3 extra years of service, Also, with the last year being around 11 mil you can bet he will be a great trading chip with such a large expiring contract or partial guaranteed contract.

If he doesn't opt out...

[Texas_Ranger]

Both Bonner & Jefferson better step the hell up come playoff time

Not even in your dreams. I hope he will not play in the playoffs.

[chazley]

It's a numbers game...Spurs are already teetering on the lux tax line for this year and will have raises for everyone on the team, including sizeable ones for Duncan, Ginobili and now Jefferson.

You really think the Spurs are going to offer Parker a contract extension at or above his current earning rate given those future payouts?

Considering Holt is going to sign off on this RJ deal.. yes I believe he is willing to also pay Parker, even if that means luxury tax. Parker will be our best player no doubt in 2 years, I think everybody in the organization will realize that and will pay him accordingly.

[baseline bum]

What an awesome off-season.

Spurs got swept in the secodn round and they come back with the same team and two rookies. Spurs have also spend about $50M for a choker and a player who failed to fit with the team.

Please, tell me it's a nightmare and not the reality...

At least the short bus crew of this forum can rejoice, with Parker's extension looking like it's in major jeopardy.

[MoSpur]

We can't do anything about. Spurs need to get a backup SF now.

[boo_radley]

I'm actually a little low on the calc, I used the wrong tax figure for the 4 Toros

As of right now, I have the Spurs @ $1,017,410 over the tax line including James Anderson, Gee, Temple, Jerrells, and Hairston.

So it looks like the Spurs are gonna pay the tax for the upcoming season. :bang

[Spurs Brazil]

JMcDonald_SAEN
RC Buford on Jefferson's re-signing: "We wouldn't have been as good a team had Richard decided to play someplace else." #spurs
RJ's deal: 2010-11 ($8.4 million); 2011-12 ($9.282 million); 2012-13 ($10.164 million); 2012-13 ($11.046 million). Final yr partial gurantee
Last year not fully guaranteed. Easily tradeable in season 3. RT @kevinajones7 Two more years after Duncan's final year. A bit puzzling.

[ElNono]

As of right now, I have the Spurs @ $1,017,410 over the tax line including James Anderson, Gee, Temple, Jerrells, and Hairston.

So it looks like the Spurs are gonna pay the tax for the upcoming season. :bang

Maybe we can ask Splitter to take even less money... :greedy

[DesignatedT]

its a good deal. could be much worse.

[AFBlue]

McDonald tweeted last year is partial guarantee.

http://twitter.com/JMcDonald_SAEN/status/19115544517

This makes me feel a little better.

[ElNono]

What an awesome off-season.

Spurs got swept in the secodn round and they come back with the same team and two rookies. Spurs have also spend about $50M for a choker and a player who failed to fit with the team.

Please, tell me it's a nightmare and not the reality...

this

[Mel_13]

As of right now, I have the Spurs @ $1,017,410 over the tax line including James Anderson, Gee, Temple, Jerrells, and Hairston.

So it looks like the Spurs are gonna pay the tax for the upcoming season. :bang

What numbers are you using for RJ, Splitter, and Bonner?

I believe that they're still under the tax with the 10 guaranteed contracts plus Temple/Gee/Hairston. Jerrells will be cut.

[MaNu4Tres]

If he doesn't opt out...

Last year is partially guaranteed. Meaning it's more than likely going to be only a 3 year deal (Spurs choice).

After his first two years, his expiring will become reasonably tradeable (worst case scenario.

I also didn't see any "decline" in his athleticism last year that indicated declining is on the immediate horizon.

[Spurs Brazil]

As of right now, I have the Spurs @ $1,017,410 over the tax line including James Anderson, Gee, Temple, Jerrells, and Hairston.

So it looks like the Spurs are gonna pay the tax for the upcoming season. :bang

Spurs owner Peter Holt has committed to paying luxury tax again next season and in 2011-12, the final two years of star center Tim Duncan's contract. After that, San Antonio is likely to rebuild around Splitter--who will be up for a new deal by then--guards George Hill and Manu Ginobili, whom the team signed to a three-year, $38 million extension last season, and second-year forward DeJuan Blair.

http://www.nba.com/news/features/aldridge.2010.freeagency/

[MoSpur]

After reading those numbers from McDonald's tweet, its not that bad.

[Nathan89]

its a good deal. could be much worse.

Now, could it really be much worse? He received everything he wanted without any other teams aggressively looking for his services. Spurs need a new negotiator.

[Spurs Brazil]

Props to our source for giving us the details almost three hours before the Spurs finally admitted the numbers. :tu

:tu

[AFBlue]

Considering Holt is going to sign off on this RJ deal.. yes I believe he is willing to also pay Parker, even if that means luxury tax. Parker will be our best player no doubt in 2 years, I think everybody in the organization will realize that and will pay him accordingly.

I'm not as certain as you are, and I think the total payroll will have an impact on individual contract negotiations. I guess it's best to agree to disagree on this.

[lurker23]

What numbers are you using for RJ, Splitter, and Bonner?

I believe that they're still under the tax with the 10 guaranteed contracts plus Temple/Gee/Hairston. Jerrells will be cut.

This. I'm pretty sure all my previous calculations indicated that they'd be fine with a contract up to about $10 million for the first year, with the upper ends of that obviously dictating that they do not use their LLE or remaining MLE.

Of course, a lot of it depends on the $1 million possible range of Bonner's contract, which we still haven't gotten solid numbers on.

[MaNu4Tres]

I'm not as certain as you are, and I think the total payroll will have an impact on individual contract negotiations. I guess it's best to agree to disagree on this.

If you believe Spurs resigned R.J knowing they couldn't have the option to resign Parker (because of R.J's new deal), you have to be smoking something.

No way on earth would the Spurs choose Jefferson over Parker. Parker certainly will still be a possibility to be resigned (they have his bird rights and wouldn't necessarily exceed the luxury the one year with Parker, Manu, Tim, R.J under contract for the 2011/2012 season).

[ElNono]

Last year is partially guaranteed. Meaning it's more than likely going to be only a 3 year deal (Spurs choice).

Uh? It's a player option, meaning he can opt out and walk away from whatever is guaranteed of his last season. If he opts in, then the Spurs have the choice of buying him out by paying only the guaranteed amount instead of all the $11m...

[elemento]

Really bad contract considering he had no market at all !!

Really disappointing offseason !! The only good thing was Splitter.

[AFBlue]

If you believe Spurs resigned R.J knowing they couldn't have the option to resign Parker, you have to be smoking something.

I didn't say that they re-signed RJ knowing anything...I'm looking at the numbers, seeing now 3 guys being paid big money already, seeing an up-and-coming guard in Hill and seeing likely big demands from the star guard. All that will factor into the decision to extend Parker...you'd have to be smoking something not to acknowledge it.

[AFBlue]

Any idea on how much of the last year is guaranteed?

[loveforthegame]

It could be worse. We could have Finley back instead.

[Chieflion]

4 years/38.8 million. Holy crap. He and Bonner and be the core of the team in 2013-2014.

[MaNu4Tres]

I didn't say that they re-signed RJ knowing anything...I'm looking at the numbers, seeing now 3 guys being paid big money already, seeing an up-and-coming guard in Hill and seeing likely big demands from the star guard. All that will factor into the decision to extend Parker...you'd have to be smoking something not to acknowledge it.

I'm sure R.C is fully aware of those numbers as well. I don't think he would resign R.J to this deal without having the flexibility to resign Parker.

Parker, Duncan, Manu and R.J under contract this season will be slighlty below the luxury tax. If Parker is giving an extension that is back-loaded, Spurs can certainly stay slightly under the tax again for the 2011-2012 (If he is resigned).

After the 2011-2012 season Duncan's 21 million comes off the books and gives the Spurs some breathing room (even though I can see Duncan resigning for one more year at half the price to give it one more run).

[MaNu4Tres]

Uh? It's a player option, meaning he can opt out and walk away from whatever is guaranteed of his last season. If he opts in, then the Spurs have the choice of buying him out by paying only the guaranteed amount instead of all the $11m...

Partially guaranteed means Spurs have the option to waive him, which saves all the money that isn't guaranteed that 4th year.

[Cane]

FWIW on Parker who shares the same agent as James, CP3, and Anthony; all 4 of these guys have expressed that they wanted to join super teams:


Parker already has publicly stated his intention to pass on an extension and become a free agent next summer,

http://www.cbssports.com/nba/story/13659617/new-hornets-brass-already-facing-crisis-with-paul?tag=headlines;other

[Spurs Brazil]

It's four more years for Jefferson
By Jeff McDonald on Jul 21, 10 06:52 PM
http://blogs.mysanantonio.com/weblogs/courtside/2010/07/its-four-more-y.html

[cd98]

Really bad contract considering he had no market at all !!

Really disappointing offseason !! The only good thing was Splitter.

Actually I disagree with this sentiment. How many good small forwards were on the market this summer? And how many could have been had for what was left of the MLE after Splitter's contract?

Spurs had no options and were desperate. Sure Jefferson didn't have a lot of teams that could afford to pay him what he was looking for, but if he had gone somewhere else for less money, then the Spurs would have been screwed. Our D-League graduates amount to 13th-15th man scrubs. They wouldn't be in the league but for the NBA's decision to expand a roster to 15 players.

Worse, we would have had to part with a key piece to get any upgrade at that position.

He needed us, but we needed him.

I think the front office has a better idea of Jefferson's skills than a lot of people posting here who act like he isn't fit for the NBA or something.

[ElNono]

Partially guaranteed means Spurs have the option to waive him, which saves all the money that isn't guaranteed that 4th year.

Only if the player opts in... otherwise, he'll be a free agent and other than a S&T, the Spurs don't see anything. Obviously, they don't have to pay the partially guaranteed money either.

It's both a player option and a partial guarantee on the last year.

[DPG21920]

LMAO at people celebrating this. The logic that "RJ was our best option" means nothing if you truly want to win a title because he does nothing to help that. He might not hurt the chances. He might keep the chances from sliding backwards a bit, but he does not help the chances at realistically winning a title.

If that is truly the goal, the the Spurs FO has failed miserably in that regard.

A huge :td to this deal and what it could mean.

[The Truth #6]

its a good deal. could be much worse.

DesignatedT,

You defend Finley, Bonner, and now this contract.

Honest question: do you work for the Spurs organization? If not, then you should send them an invoice.

It's been a long day at the office. Take a break. Save your energy for telling us how giving Bogans a raise is good for our title run.

[boo_radley]

What numbers are you using for RJ, Splitter, and Bonner?

I believe that they're still under the tax with the 10 guaranteed contracts plus Temple/Gee/Hairston. Jerrells will be cut.

I've got Splitter down for 3.4 mil, RJ for 8.4 mil, and Bonner down for 4 mil.

If however, Bonner's deal were escalated then the first year would be around $3,422,271, which makes the tax hit about $440K

[DPG21920]

WGAF about years 3 and 4? If he'll suck as much as some of you think, the higher the lotto pick.

WGAF about this year when the Spurs have not shot at a title with RJ? And yes, I disagree that if the Spurs let RJ go and just had Malik + filler + possible trade to work with that the Spurs would have definitely been worse off.

[Chieflion]

I am still shocked at the overpaying. Did RJ have a picture of R.C Buford and Popovich in the men's toilet doing stuff? Or did they not allow him to join them? I just don't get this.

[ElNono]

I've got Splitter down for 3.4 mil, RJ for 8.4 mil, and Bonner down for 4 mil.

If however, Bonner's deal were escalated then the first year would be around $3,422,271, which makes the tax hit about $440K

I've seen Bonner's first year as low as as $2.85m, with 10% increases for 4 seasons. Not official numbers though.

[The Truth #6]

The FO is REALLY afraid of change. Bonner and RJ were about to vanish but instead of trying to find new talent we take the easy way out and bring back the same problems. This is like an orphanage for millionaires.

[boo_radley]

I've seen Bonner's first year as low as as $2.85m, with 10% increases for 4 seasons. Not official numbers though.

If it's for $16mil, that won't work

[DPG21920]

Let us celebrate the mediocrity of Tim's last years and look forward to the future with Matt and RJ leading the way.

The Spurs just Cleavlanded Duncan's last years.

[xellos88330]

I like this signing. RJ came back cheaper just like I thought he would.

This contract just might tell us what kind of person RJ really is. Here are a couple of assumptions I have made.

1. Since it is bottom heavy, it would seem that RJ is of course pissed about his last performance and feels he didn't earn it. The man grew up with ministers after all. This is the epitome of integrity and personal accountability.

2. Now that he is back with the Spurs, him signing for much less for the first years of the new contract tells me he still wants the Spurs to have roster flexibility, in case he has an encore performance of last season.

3. Contract shows me a man bent on redemption. He will get his money from the Spurs AFTER he proves himself.

[Texas_Ranger]

FWIW on Parker who shares the same agent as James, CP3, and Anthony; all 4 of these guys have expressed that they wanted to join super teams:


Then trade his ass.

[Mel_13]

I've got Splitter down for 3.4 mil, RJ for 8.4 mil, and Bonner down for 4 mil.

If however, Bonner's deal were escalated then the first year would be around $3,422,271, which makes the tax hit about $440K

Ok. I'm figuring Bonner at 3.0M and nothing for Jerrells. 13 players fit under the tax line that way.

It will be interesting to see if they use the remainder of the MLE or the LLE. Doing so would definitely put them over the line.

[MaNu4Tres]

LMAO at people celebrating this. The logic that "RJ was our best option" means nothing if you truly want to win a title because he does nothing to help that. He might not hurt the chances. He might keep the chances from sliding backwards a bit, but he does not help the chances at realistically winning a title.

.

That is nothing more than just your opinion. I have to disagree.

[boo_radley]

...Jerrells will be cut.
If that's true then they be $400K on the good side of the tax line

I can send you my spreadsheet if you want to compare

[ElNono]

If it's for $16mil, that won't work

I think it's more like a $13m contract... do you have any official numbers?

[angelbelow]

DesignatedT,

You defend Finley, Bonner, and now this contract.

Honest question: do you work for the Spurs organization? If not, then you should send them an invoice.

It's been a long day at the office. Take a break. Save your energy for telling us how giving Bogans a raise is good for our title run.

His defense for Bonner was mainly the FO being willing to pay the money. I think its valid, even though no one on this site would want Bonner back for 3-4 million, including DesignatedT. Therefore, I don't think hes defending Bonner getting a raise, rather there are people willing to people for him. Although I don't agree with Bonner being paid that much, even if the FO is willing to pay, I dont think his intentions are to defend Bonner being overpaid and remaining a Spur.

Did he defend Finley? I hope not lol.

With RJ, it could really be worse.. hes got the potential to turn things around and is a talented player.

[MaNu4Tres]

Only if the player opts in... otherwise, he'll be a free agent and other than a S&T

R.J will have no say in the 4th year.

R.J playing out the 4th year will be solely the Spurs decision. ( Which is not likely; meaning this deal is really a 3 year deal with an extra bonus parting gift-- this is if he doesn't fit in their plans that 4th year or if his expiring contract isn't traded away the 3rd year)

[Mel_13]

If that's true then they be $400K on the good side of the tax line

I can send you my spreadsheet if you want to compare

That's ok. I don't get too complicated, just use Sham and a calculator.

[DPG21920]

That is nothing more than just your opinion. I have to disagree.

Well, we saw what he did for our chances last year. I am basing mine off the games I have seen, including the playoffs.

Where are you basing yours off of?

Also everything is opinion. Just like saying Petro's contract was a bad one. It's all subjective. But sometimes, the signs are pretty clear.

Answer this question (and not with, they have a better chance with him than without): Are the Spurs contenders for the title? Was that their goal?

[Kori Ellis]

I like this signing. RJ came back cheaper just like I thought he would.

This contract just might tell us what kind of person RJ really is. Here are a couple of assumptions I have made.

1. Since it is bottom heavy, it would seem that RJ is of course pissed about his last performance and feels he didn't earn it. The man grew up with ministers after all. This is the epitome of integrity and personal accountability.

2. Now that he is back with the Spurs, him signing for much less for the first years of the new contract tells me he still wants the Spurs to have roster flexibility, in case he has an encore performance of last season.

3. Contract shows me a man bent on redemption. He will get his money from the Spurs AFTER he proves himself.

It's not bottom heavy. It's a standard contract with 10.5% raises each year.

[boo_radley]

If that's true then they be $400K on the good side of the tax line

I can send you my spreadsheet if you want to compare I can get them up to $640K on the safe side if Anderson signs @ 80% of scale...which I doubt because I think the Spurs will treat him like they did Blair, which is to say pay him what he should have got had he not dropped.

[ElNono]

R.J will have no say in the 4th year.

R.J playing out the 4th year will be solely the Spurs decision. ( Which is not likely; meaning this deal is really a 3 year deal with an extra bonus parting gift-- if he doesn't fit in their plans that 4th year and if he's expiring contract that 3rd year isn't traded away)

Where did you get that from? I'm basing the player option from all these:

@DonHarris4WOAI R.J's new deal with Spurs: 4 years, 38.8 mil. Starts at 8.4 mil. 4th year at his option.

-Sources tells TNT's David Aldridge that forward Richard Jefferson's new contract with the San Antonio Spurs, officially announced on Wednesday, is for four years and $38.8 million, with a player option for the final season at a little more than $11 million.

Do you understand what a player option is, right?

[boo_radley]

That's ok. I don't get too complicated, just use Sham and a calculator.
I use the Sham #'s too, but my first mistake was using the 4 Toros actual salary not the 2 year minimum that is required to calculate the tax.

[angelbelow]

Well, we saw what he did for our chances last year. I am basing mine of the games I have seen, including the playoffs.

Where are you basing yours off of?

Also everything is opinion. Just like saying Petro's contract was a bad one. It's all subjective. But sometimes, the signs are pretty clear.

Just wondering, would you have been okay with the Spurs limping into the season without a starting SF? Would you just have backed on us picking up a SF next offseason? Or are you just against the contract?

[Texas_Ranger]

R.J will have no say in the 4th year.

R.J playing out the 4th year will be solely the Spurs decision. ( Which is not likely; meaning this deal is really a 3 year deal with an extra bonus parting gift-- this is if he doesn't fit in their plans that 4th year or if his expiring contract isn't traded away the 3rd year)

So this is like 28mil/3y contract.

[YoMamaIsCallin]

Don't have time to read all 17 pages of this crap. So excuse me if this has already been mentioned.

From the Yahoo story:


The Spurs were hamstrung by salary cap restrictions in what they could offer an outside free agent, limited to the $2.4 million leftover from the mid-level exception. Though Jefferson struggled at times last season, there aren't many 12.3-point-per-game scorers available at that price.


THIS is what it's about. Without resigning Jefferson, they could not acquire a free agent with anything in the same zipcode as his capabilities on the court, because of the salary cap rules. Jefferson's agent knew this, and so...

THIS is why he opted out in the first place, and THIS is why the Spurs offered him what he wanted... a longer term contract that gets him towards the end of the career, and that will be grandfathered in post-new-CBA.

It's really a win-win for both the Spurs and Jefferson.

There was really no option of getting someone else who could contribute even 1/2 of what Jefferson did last season, so most of this 17 pages of reaction is pointless drivel.

[DPG21920]

What an awesome off-season.

Spurs got swept in the secodn round and they come back with the same team and two rookies. Spurs have also spend about $50M for a choker and a player who failed to fit with the team.

Please, tell me it's a nightmare and not the reality...

But he was the best option. He truly gives the Spurs a legit shot to help Tim get #5. So much so that it was worth giving out a shit contract.

I guess the Spurs did not want to stand out from everyone else giving away bad contracts to players who make no sense.

[Texas_Ranger]

Where did you get that from? I'm basing the player option from all these:

@DonHarris4WOAI R.J's new deal with Spurs: 4 years, 38.8 mil. Starts at 8.4 mil. 4th year at his option.

-Sources tells TNT's David Aldridge that forward Richard Jefferson's new contract with the San Antonio Spurs, officially announced on Wednesday, is for four years and $38.8 million, with a player option for the final season at a little more than $11 million.

Do you understand what a player option is, right?


McDonald sad that his last year is partial guarantee.

http://twitter.com/JMcDonald_SAEN/status/19115544517

[boo_radley]

...so most of this 17 pages of reaction is pointless drivel.
Isn't most of what's on the internet pointless drivel...especially within forums?

[DPG21920]

Just wondering, would you have been okay with the Spurs limping into the season without a starting SF? Would you just have backed on us picking up a SF next offseason? Or are you just against the contract?

If the option was RJ at 4/40, then yes, I was ok with limping into the season with Malik and what ever they could sign with the rest of the MLE.

In my mind, the difference in our title hopes with RJ or with Malik/MLE are not that different. Plus there was also the possibility the Spurs actually got better without RJ and using the young guys/MLE guy + possible trade.

[boo_radley]

McDonald sad that his last year is partial guarantee. it can be both partially guaranteed and at his option

[ElNono]

McDonald sad that his last year is partial guarantee.

http://twitter.com/JMcDonald_SAEN/status/19115544517

It's both. You can have both a player option AND a partial guarantee.

We've been discussing this, named 'mutual option', 3 or 4 pages ago.
Pierce has the same deal in the last year of his contract.

[Mel_13]

I use the Sham #'s too, but my first mistake was using the 4 Toros actual salary not the 2 year minimum that is required to calculate the tax.

Lots of little details.

I'm sure of this much. If the Spurs have an ownership directive to stay under the tax this season, they can do it. The next few weeks will tell us whether or not that's the case.

[xellos88330]

It's not bottom heavy. It's a standard contract with 10.5% raises each year.

Well if that is the case it is even better.

[Cane]

Don't have time to read all 17 pages of this crap. So excuse me if this has already been mentioned.

From the Yahoo story:



THIS is what it's about. Without resigning Jefferson, they could not acquire a free agent with anything in the same zipcode as his capabilities on the court, because of the salary cap rules. Jefferson's agent knew this, and so...

THIS is why he opted out in the first place, and THIS is why the Spurs offered him what he wanted... a longer term contract that gets him towards the end of the career, and that will be grandfathered in post-new-CBA.

It's really a win-win for both the Spurs and Jefferson.

There was really no option of getting someone else who could contribute even 1/2 of what Jefferson did last season, so most of this 17 pages of reaction is pointless drivel.

Agreed, good post :toast

[Kori Ellis]

FWIW on Parker who shares the same agent as James, CP3, and Anthony; all 4 of these guys have expressed that they wanted to join super teams:

I thought Parker's agent was Marc Fleischer, and their agent is Leon Rose. Did Parker switch agents?

[DPG21920]

What did RJ contribute exactly? 12 meaningless PPG? That can be made up by committee. Spurs need better defense. They need some better 3 point shooters. They need system players, not talented bad fits. At least not at this cost for this many years.

[Chomag]

R.J will have no say in the 4th year.

R.J playing out the 4th year will be solely the Spurs decision. ( Which is not likely; meaning this deal is really a 3 year deal with an extra bonus parting gift-- this is if he doesn't fit in their plans that 4th year or if his expiring contract isn't traded away the 3rd year)

How will a a players option solely the Spurs decision?

[boo_radley]

How will a a players option solely the Spurs decision?
I think he means that they will trade him before then if it doesn't work out

[Kori Ellis]

I thought Parker's agent was Marc Fleischer, and their agent is Leon Rose. Did Parker switch agents?

To answer my own question - Parker switched to Steven Heumann a few years ago. He's with Creative Artists, but not the same agent as LeBron, CP and Carmelo (who use Leon Rose).

[angelbelow]

If the option was RJ at 4/40, then yes, I was ok with limping into the season with Malik and what ever they could sign with the rest of the MLE.

In my mind, the difference in our title hopes with RJ or with Malik/MLE are not that different. Plus there was also the possibility the Spurs actually got better without RJ and using the young guys/MLE guy + possible trade.

Icic, I have mixed feelings about the contract.

On one hand, we retain probably our best option at SF available to us immediately this off-season. Additionally, RJ can still fit, with a year under his belt, and with him understanding his role better, there is a chance he surprises us next year. I think we have a higher chance seeing a better season than RJ repeating his performance from last year. i say this because RJ is still a skilled player. He can slash and finish with the best of them and he still time to adjust his game. Also, the coaching stuff can maybe make some adjustment to get him going as well. Last year Pop was given just a few months to integrate a player like RJ and perhaps he just didnt have the time to use his strengths.

But the contract is nothing to be proud of. If RJ doesn't work out once again, then we got ourselves a Maggette type situation that the Spurs are just not known for. I want to say that if RJ doesn't make an improvement, we can still roll with Malik+other young guns and see if they can contribute better but I'm not sure thats realistic with someone making 10mill on the roster.

All in all, I am happy with bring RJ back because hes probably the best available option with (IMO) the upside to improve and adjust.

[Cane]

I thought Parker's agent was Marc Fleischer, and their agent is Leon Rose. Did Parker switch agents?

Tbh not even sure who his agent was until now, from that CBS article FWIW:

"Paul will be represented by CAA agent Leon Rose, who also represents James and potential 2011 free agents Anthony and Tony Parker"

http://www.cbssports.com/nba/story/13659617/new-hornets-brass-already-facing-crisis-with-paul?tag=headlines;other

[DPG21920]

"Gawdddddd, if you listenin', heelllllllllllllp"

Well good news is if the Spurs are going to trade TP, they now have a terrible contract they can demand be taken with him :lol

[Chieflion]

How will a a players option solely the Spurs decision?

He picks that option up, Spurs trade him or buy him out. Sure, it might be his own decision, but he doesn't really get to stay with the team. He will get the money and then look for another new contract.

So my question would be, why the hell does this kind of option exist anyway? It has no meaningful purpose at all because it is definitely guaranteed that Jefferson will pick up the option. They aren't fooling anyone here.

[MaNu4Tres]

Well, we saw what he did for our chances last year.

R.J wasn't the reason why the Spurs flamed out. Interior Defense and the nucleus of the bench consisting of (Mason, Bogans, Bonner) were the major weak points. IMO



I am basing mine of the games I have seen, including the playoffs.

R.J still manage to score in double figures in 58 outings in the regular season (32 outings above 15 points) and R.J had a big hand in the victory over Dallas and he also had two great games against Phoenix. I don't buy into Jefferson's athletic ability declining significantly and I don't think R.J has a low BBIQ. I also don't think he is a lock-down defender (against quick guards) by any means, but I believe he gives the Spurs versatility on the defensive end by being able to defend bigger wings ( Pierce, Artest, Melo, ect) well.



Answer this question (and not with, they have a better chance with him than without): Are the Spurs contenders for the title? Was that their goal?

I don't think Spurs are as far off as you are implying. I think Spurs ran into a Phoenix Suns team that played out of it's mind in four games against the Spurs( I don't think they missed a shot in every 4th quarter). I actually believe last year's squad could have played with the Lakers or the Celtics to 6-7 games had they had the opportunity.

This next year they are fortifying their interior defense to an extent with Splitter, Manu and Parker are coming in to the season as fresh as they have ever been, Spurs are replacing the horrid combination of Mason and Bogans with more athletic players with higher ceilings (on both ends) in Hairston, Andreson and possibly Gee. Hill and Blair (who were big contributors last season) are only going to improve as well. Jefferson also certainly has the ability to improve (most notable in his 3 point shooting; which he's proved to be a threat from before).

Spurs should be a much better team this upcoming season.IMO

[ElNono]

He picks that option up, Spurs trade him or buy him out. Sure, it might be his own decision, but he doesn't really get to stay with the team. He will get the money and then look for another new contract.

So my question would be, why the hell does this kind of option exist anyway? It has no meaningful purpose at all because it is definitely guaranteed that Jefferson will pick up the option. They aren't fooling anyone here.

He can decide to opt out and become a free agent. If he thinks he can land MLE type of money and his guaranteed money is less than what he can get, it works for RJ. The Spurs don't get anything back though, unless they can force a S&T.

[beachwood]

Damn, that would suck if it's true. That's way to much for him.

[MaNu4Tres]

How will a a players option solely the Spurs decision?

To my understanding it's not a player's option-- The 4th year is partially guaranteed if I'm correct.

[ElNono]

I guess if he doesn't pan out we can always package him with Splitter and Hill and trade him for expirings... :tu

[ElNono]

To my understanding it's not a player's option-- The 4th year is partially guaranteed if I'm correct.

It is partially guaranteed.... AND a player option.

[Mel_13]

To my understanding it's not a player's option-- The 4th year is partially guaranteed if I'm correct.

If the reporting is correct, it's both partially guaranteed and a player's option.

[Mel_13]

He picks that option up, Spurs trade him or buy him out. Sure, it might be his own decision, but he doesn't really get to stay with the team. He will get the money and then look for another new contract.

So my question would be, why the hell does this kind of option exist anyway? It has no meaningful purpose at all because it is definitely guaranteed that Jefferson will pick up the option. They aren't fooling anyone here.

It does. You just need to think through all the possibilities.

[ElNono]

Just to add, Spurs would have Bird Rights if he opts out of that 4th season. So they could match any contract offered to him.

[Chieflion]

If the reporting is correct, it's both partially guaranteed and a player's option.

Then my understanding is correct, it just means free money for RJ.

[DPG21920]

I agree the Spurs are better next year. Splitter alone helps that. I agree replacing Bogans (hopefully he won't be back, but with how shitty the Spurs FO has been this summer it would not surprise me) and Mason with Malik/Anderson/... is another nice step.

I still don't see the Spurs any where close to a title imo. I really, really hope I am wrong. I think the Spurs will be in the pile of teams that are a solid step below the true contenders, but they will still be a damn good basketball team.

[ElNono]

(provided Bird Rights still exist then)

[Chieflion]

It does. You just need to think through all the possibilities.

The possibilities of someone wanting free money is 100%. He will definitely pick up that option.

[ElNono]

I agree Bogans and Mason sucked and I'm glad they're gone... but Bogans averaged a grand total of 7 mins in the playoffs, and Mason 10 mins.

[Vic Petro]

It is now obvious that RJ had a pre-arranged agreement with the Spurs. The Spurs knew RJ was going to cost about 23 mil (including tax). At 38.5 mil this means the Spurs will pay an additional 15.5 mil for 3 extra years of service, Also, with the last year being around 11 mil you can bet he will be a great trading chip with such a large expiring contract or partial guaranteed contract.

There's still time, but Eddy Curry's expiring deal hasn't helped the Knicks yet. Don't think it's a guarantee that you'd be able to trade an $11 million Jefferson in 4 years so easily just because his contract is expiring.

[Mel_13]

The possibilities of someone wanting free money is 100%. He will definitely pick up that option.

Ok.

You're making assumptions that may or may not come to pass. Other possibilities exist that don't require wild flights of fancy. Definitely not worth arguing about three summers in advance of the decision.

[ElNono]

The possibilities of someone wanting free money is 100%. He will definitely pick up that option.

Uh? You still don't get it.

Say his guaranteed portion is $6m out of those $11m. Say Boston is looking to offer him a $12m/3 year deal. If he opts out, he signs that deal, he makes more than even full money from the Spurs and he has a 3 year contract.
If he picks up the option instead, he can make at most $11m, with the real possibility he will only make $6m and will not have a contract to play for anybody after that.

[Cane]

I still don't see the Spurs any where close to a title imo. I really, really hope I am wrong. I think the Spurs will be in the pile of teams that are a solid step below the true contenders, but they will still be a damn good basketball team.

Imo it all depends on health. Tony Parker had the stats and impact of a top 10 player two years ago and this past season he had all sorts of injuries and ailments and was reduced to nothing but an average player's stats and impact. This is also a seriously underestimated quality that RJ addresses - he's about as durable as they come (probably the biggest trait he shares with Bowen) and will probably lead the Spurs in minutes. Even Malik got injured and he was a back-up that hardly played.

The Lakers only finished 2 wins higher than the 2nd seed in the West and they have a lot of IF's and potential health problems to watch out for. Odom's playing international basketball in the summer, Bynum needs surgery and doesn't ever seem healthy enough for the NBA season + playoffs, and Kobe's relying more and more on skill as well. Meanwhile the Spurs haven't played anywhere near as much basketball and might finally have a healthy season from their big 3.

Spurs have a legitimate shot at coming out of the West next year imo especially if LA doesn't have HCA and if the miles from their consecutive finals runs keep catching up....and if the Spurs can finally stay healthy as well.

[nbaman99]

Jefferson's opt out pays off in new deal with Spurs
-Sources tells TNT's David Aldridge that forward Richard Jefferson's new contract with the San Antonio Spurs, officially announced on Wednesday, is for four years and $38.8 million, with a player option for the final season at a little more than $11 million.

http://www.nba.com/news/features/aldridge.2010.freeagency/?ls=iref:nbahpt2

Here is his contract details. I'm not sure if nyone else posted this, but if not here you go.