Possible FA targets?

[MaNu4Tres]

WojYahooNBA Adrian Wojnarowski
Spurs, Pistons keeping close check on Chris Kaman, but Clippers won't move him until resolution on restricted free agent DeAndre Jordan.

[TD 21]

I'd be downright shocked if this happened. I just can't imagine the Clippers not signing either Butler or Prince or the Spurs having Duncan consistently guard PF's. But it's good to know they're thinking bigger than a guy like Johnson, literally and figuratively. He's solid, but not good enough to change their fortunes and is signed for four more years.

Even though there's been no rumors of them being interested in or pursuing Jefferson yet, I think he's more likely than Kaman. He's younger, better and would be a better fit.

[objective]

No team needs Jefferson for anything. If anyone actually wants him, they know they can wait until he's amnestied, this year or in the future.

[Seventyniner]

:lol

Well, I meant that a player like Josh Howard might be willing to take a smaller salary to start on a good team as opposed to being on the bench or playing for a bad team.

[TD 21]

While Hill himself has said the chances are good that he'll return to Phoenix, he has narrowed his list down to the Suns, Knicks, Bulls and Spurs with the Warriors, Celtics and Clippers trailing. (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2011/writers/sam_amick/12/05/lakers.chris.paul/index.html) The Knicks would seem unlikely, however, as sources have said New York is offering only one-year deals in order to preserve salary cap space for next summer when the likes of Paul, Howard and New Jersey point guard Deron Williams might be available as free agents. SI.com (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2011/writers/sam_amick/12/05/lakers.chris.paul/index.html)


[/URL][URL="http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2011/writers/sam_amick/12/05/lakers.chris.paul/index.html"]Battier's list still includes Miami, San Antonio, Indiana, Toronto, Memphis, Boston and his former Memphis team. (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2011/writers/sam_amick/12/05/lakers.chris.paul/index.html) Oklahoma City has also had discussions with either Battier or his camp. The team-to-player conversations might matter more with players like these than with so many others, as a clear understanding of roles, goals and -- of course -- financial incentive will come into play. SI.com (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2011/writers/sam_amick/12/05/lakers.chris.paul/index.html)

[MaNu4Tres]

I'd be downright shocked if this happened. I just can't imagine the Clippers not signing either Butler or Prince

I beg to differ.

I somewhat can understand why Clippers would pull off a DeJuan Blair/Jefferson for Kaman trade.

Kaman is expendable to them (they don't intend on resigning him after this year anyway) and at the same time, netting Jefferson/Blair to fill in Kaman's spot in the salary cap gives the Clippers more flexibility personnel wise.
What I mean by that is, Clippers would fill in two glaring holes (back-up PF/ Starting SF) without taking up any current cap space (Clippers would still have 13-14 million in cap space to use in other areas; giving them more flexibility).

Another reason why I somewhat understand why Clippers would agree to such a trade is because nothing is guaranteed during the free agency period. Sure Prince and Butler seem like great fits, but it's unlikely everything will be as smooth-sailing as you're implying. Maybe Clippers believe its best to pull the trigger on a guaranteed net gain of two players that fit two desperate needs instead of gambling in the Free Agency market where they could potentially whiff on everything.

And if you're worried about the Clippers future with R.J's contract, look more closely. Clippers will have roughly 34-35 million on the books for the 12/13 season (a year before RJ's contract becomes expiring; push that to roughly 42 million whenever DeAndre Jordan is extended). That being said, even with RJ and Blair, Clippers would still be major players the next 2-3 free agency periods.

[DPG21920]

Kaman has a trade kicker, but I'm not quite sure how it would work or the amounts. I know it says "15% or 4M whichever is less", but I'm not sure what the 15% is calculated off of; his final remaining owed amount or the total initial contract.

[TimmehC]

Wait, they've actually contacted Battier? Thank fuck, for a minute there I thought they were going to insist on fitting a square peg(RJ, Butler) into a round hole(Spurs system SF).

[DJ Mbenga]

the clips would trade with the intention of saving their cap room for next year.

[objective]

Eric Gordon is up for an extension, that could impact the Clippers in a big way financially if they commit to him.

Would I love a trade of RJ? Of course. Even for other trash like Hedo. I'm not thrilled with Kaman, but he's not RJ, so that's good.

But I'm highly dubious of Clipper interest in RJ. They have Gordon up for an extension that could be cutting into their caproom next summer, DeAndre Jordan being overpaid, Aminu still there to be groomed at SF, and they have the unprotected Timberwolves pick this summer to draft a SF or PG and spend money on. I could see a scenario where if they had RJ and Blair, extended Gordon, signed Jordan to market value which should be more than MLE, and sign their 1st rounders, they wouldn't have room for a MAX player.

But if they're that dumb and I'm wrong, I'll be happy.

[TD 21]

I beg to differ.

I somewhat can understand why Clippers would pull off a DeJuan Blair/Jefferson for Kaman trade.

Kaman is expendable to them (they don't intend on resigning him after this year anyway) and at the same time, netting Jefferson/Blair to fill in Kaman's spot in the salary cap gives the Clippers more flexibility personnel wise.
What I mean by that is, Clippers would fill in two glaring holes (back-up PF/ Starting SF) without taking up any current cap space (Clippers would still have 13-14 million in cap space to use in other areas; giving them more flexibility).

Another reason why I somewhat understand why Clippers would agree to such a trade is because nothing is guaranteed during the free agency period. Sure Prince and Butler seem like great fits, but it's unlikely everything will be as smooth-sailing as you're implying. Maybe Clippers believe its best to pull the trigger on a guaranteed net gain of two players that fit two desperate needs instead of gambling in the Free Agency market where they could potentially whiff on everything.

And if you're worried about the Clippers future with R.J's contract, look more closely. Clippers will have roughly 34-35 million on the books for the 12/13 season (a year before RJ's contract becomes expiring; push that to roughly 42 million whenever DeAndre Jordan is extended). That being said, even with RJ and Blair, Clippers would still be major players the next 2-3 free agency periods.

Kaman is expendable, but they can probably do better than what the Spurs can offer. Just look at how many teams are chasing centers. They're not all going to end up with one and when they don't, Kaman's value, which is already good, will only improve.

Backup PF is not a glaring hole. Griffin is going to play roughly 38 mpg. Thompkins is talented enough to be the long term backup. In the short term, they have Gomes, Aminu and Cook, to handle the leftover minutes. Starting SF is a glaring hole, but if they want either Butler or Prince badly enough, they'll get them, it's as simple as that.

[Big P]

Saw this on sportsillustrated

• Of all the free agency conversations to eavesdrop on during this fluid time, I'd pick the ones between Shane Battier, Grant Hill and their respective suitors. Both players are as bright as they come in this league, and you can bet they had plenty of poignant and pressing questions as they talked to team officials today.

Both small forwards are well-respected veterans with plenty left to offer prospective teams, and sources close to both players say they have yet to make up their minds regarding their future. While Hill himself has said the chances are good that he'll return to Phoenix, he has narrowed his list down to the Suns, Knicks, Bulls and Spurs with the Warriors, Celtics and Clippers trailing. The Knicks would seem unlikely, however, as sources have said New York is offering only one-year deals in order to preserve salary cap space for next summer when the likes of Paul, Howard and New Jersey point guard Deron Williams might be available as free agents.

Battier's list still includes Miami, San Antonio, Indiana, Toronto, Memphis, Boston and his former Memphis team. Oklahoma City has also had discussions with either Battier or his camp. The team-to-player conversations might matter more with players like these than with so many others, as a clear understanding of roles, goals and -- of course -- financial incentive will come into play.

Read more: http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2011/writers/sam_amick/12/05/lakers.chris.paul/index.html#ixzz1finQ7jl2

[MaNu4Tres]

Eric Gordon is up for an extension, that could impact the Clippers in a big way financially if they commit to him.

Would I love a trade of RJ? Of course. Even for other trash like Hedo. I'm not thrilled with Kaman, but he's not RJ, so that's good.

But I'm highly dubious of Clipper interest in RJ. They have Gordon up for an extension that could be cutting into their caproom next summer, DeAndre Jordan being overpaid, Aminu still there to be groomed at SF, and they have the unprotected Timberwolves pick this summer to draft a SF or PG and spend money on. I could see a scenario where if they had RJ and Blair, extended Gordon, signed Jordan to market value which should be more than MLE, and sign their 1st rounders, they wouldn't have room for a MAX player.

But if they're that dumb and I'm wrong, I'll be happy.

I already took into account Jefferson, Blair, Jordan, Aminu and next years 1st rounder.

As for Gordon, he will likely receive the qualifying offer (unless some outside team immensely overpays and Clippers are forced to match; which I don't see; although I could be wrong). Thinking worse case scenario, if Clippers are forced to match, Gordon's deal will most likely be back-loaded-- meaning his salary won't necessarily be drastically different the first year or two of his new deal ( maybe 3-5 million more than what he's due next year). Therefore, Clippers would still be significant players in the free agent market for Howard or Paul (especially if their deal is back-loaded; which it is 95% of the time).

[objective]

Kaman has a trade kicker, but I'm not quite sure how it would work or the amounts. I know it says "15% or 4M whichever is less", but I'm not sure what the 15% is calculated off of; his final remaining owed amount or the total initial contract.

according to Shamsports (http://www.shamsports.com/content/pages/playerProfiles/profileDisplay.jsp?id=163):


having a percentage listed means that's the percentage of their remaining salary that they will additionally get with the bonus.

So the Spurs would have to pay an additional 1.9 million.

Also, if the new CBA is like the last one, it would make getting Kamna harder, and likely have to include the scrubs on the roster like D. Butler or Green.

Because they're over the tax, the Spurs would be limited like the old CBA: they could only take back in salary up to 125% plus 100k. And Kaman's trade kicker counts as incoming salary (https://webfiles.uci.edu/lcoon/cbafaq/salarycap.htm#Q87): so Kaman's incoming salary would be 14.6 million.

It would take RJ + Blair + Green + Butler.

I don't think McDyess would be an option for cost savings with his buyout. The Spurs only delayed the decision on his buyout to the first day of the next player free agency period. That means that if the Clippers are as described by media reports to be waiting to make sure they have Jordan under contract before dealing Kaman, the deadline for McDyess to be used as cost savings due to his buyout would have already past.

[DPG21920]

Thanks Objective.

[MaNu4Tres]

Backup PF is not a glaring hole. Griffin is going to play roughly 38 mpg. Thompkins is talented enough to be the long term backup. In the short term, they have Gomes, Aminu and Cook, to handle the leftover minutes. Starting SF is a glaring hole, but if they want either Butler or Prince badly enough, they'll get them, it's as simple as that.

Thompkins is unproven in this league and he's their only PF outside of Griffin on the current roster. There is a hole there and not only would Blair fill that hole but he could also play some back-up 5 as he did here.

[TD 21]

Thompkins is unproven in this league and he's their only PF outside of Griffin on the current roster. There is a hole there and not only would Blair fill that hole but he could also play some back-up 5 as well as he did here.

Every rookie is unproven. You know how you get proven? By being given an opportunity. If not for questions about his motivation, Thompkins more than likely would have been a 1st round pick. He played 3 years in college, so he's not some raw rookie. Plus, we're talking about roughly 10 mpg, for at best a 7th or 8th seed. I think he could handle that. But that's probably moot, because Gomes and Cook, will probably split the backup duties anyway. When you have a superstar in the making at any position, a quality backup is a luxury, not a necessity.

[MaNu4Tres]

. When you have a superstar in the making at any position, a quality backup is a luxury, not a necessity.

When you're a team trying to reach playoff contention you want to attain the best pieces possible. In this case, every player/position in the assumed 9-10 man rotation is more relevant than you're implying (even if the position/player is only responsible for a limited 10-15 minutes a night). IMO

[TD 21]

When you're a team trying to reach playoff contention you want to attain the best pieces possible. In this case, every position in the assumed 9-10 man rotation is more relevant than you're implying. IMO

Fair enough. I'm just not convinced that this would make them better or that they couldn't do better on both fronts (trading Kaman, starting SF).

[MaNu4Tres]

Fair enough. I'm just not convinced that this would make them better or that they couldn't do better on both fronts (trading Kaman, starting SF).

Getting a starting SF via FA is a gamble and at the same time, making two separate moves (attaining SF via FA and trading Kaman) is more detrimental for their cap space in the near future than the presented Spurs trade (unless they trade Kaman for expirings; which is highly unlikely).

[Obstructed_View]

Holy fuck. Is there a player so far who hasn't claimed to have San Antonio interested?

[5in10]

Si reporting battier and grant hill considering spurs.

[bigdog]

Seriously. I can't remember this many FA's that have the Spurs "on their radar".

[ace3g]

I wonder if Spurs rumored interest in Butler and Howard (who I'd gladly take over RJ any day) is to possibly conceal their actual interest in Battier and Hill (less risk, not coming off major injuries).

[Spursfanfromafar]

IMO the worst time to be a Spurs fan is this free agent season. we are saddled with a hump in Jefferson whom nobody wants and who by no means deserves any "amnesty". Isn't there any hump of a GM anywhere who would be beguiled to take this idiot?

[Fireball]

Holy fuck. Is there a player so far who hasn't claimed to have San Antonio interested?

I am quite relieved by that, because that means the rumors around Howard, Butler and Carter mean nothing ...

[MR.SILVER&BLack]

IMO the worst time to be a Spurs fan is this free agent season. we are saddled with a hump in Jefferson whom nobody wants and who by no means deserves any "amnesty". Isn't there any hump of a GM anywhere who would be beguiled to take this idiot?
if only isiah was still GM of the Knicks. well their is Kahn and the T-Wolves are looking for a vet SF and no way do i see any Decent SF signing with the T-Wolves this year. most of them are chasing rings instead of looking for their payday.

[urunobili]

Pop has always had praise for Kaman... i am not sure his status but im sure they want him a Spur...

[spursince#99]

you dont know the ends and outs of what the front office has to do regarding trades so stop acting and talking like you do. that really irks me because you are ALL pessimistic and i think we could pull off a Kaman trade and sign a Caron Butler. How could you not be positive about your favorite team? thats a damn shame

[DPG21920]

Well reports are Clips won't entertain trade until Jordan is dealt with. Reports coming out they offered him a 5 year 40 million dollar contract. He's still expected to sign an offer sheet and force them to match.

[TDMVPDPOY]

if we arein serious rebuild mode, might as well trade parker for 1yr rentals then amnesty rj...stay under cap and rebuild through the draft

[Obstructed_View]

you dont know the ends and outs of what the front office has to do regarding trades so stop acting and talking like you do. that really irks me because you are ALL pessimistic and i think we could pull off a Kaman trade and sign a Caron Butler. How could you not be positive about your favorite team? thats a damn shame

You don't know how to properly capitalize, nor do you know the term "ins and outs", yet you feel the need to lecture people. That's a damn shame.

[TDMVPDPOY]

if we cant get any bigs via trade...

can always use the MLE on whoever is available or look into europe for a big for short term rental....

[Fireball]

if we cant get any bigs via trade...

can always use the MLE on whoever is available or look into europe for a big for short term rental....

well, it seems there are no NBA bigs available that want to come the Spurs ... and European players have already started their season - thus any serviceable bigman has contractual obligations

[TDMVPDPOY]

i wonder whats portlands situation, maybe we should try gettin camby or pryz from them via trade....

[MR.SILVER&BLack]

well, it seems there are no NBA bigs available that want to come the Spurs ... and European players have already started their season - thus any serviceable bigman has contractual obligations
What about Lorbek?

[TDMVPDPOY]

the way i see it...if we cant get any bigs to come here....

might as well start the mentoring program by signin the rookie bigs thats stash in europe...

[TDMVPDPOY]

the way i see it...if we cant get any bigs to come here....

might as well start the mentoring program by signin the rookie bigs thats stash in europe...

[Nathan89]

Anyone think Toronto would be interested in RJ? If so they could be a part of a three team trade.

Does something have to happen with Dice on the 9th? or when is the deadline?

[lefty]

I dont think Toronto is interested in RJ

[lefty]

Speaking of Toronto, Reggie Evans is a UFA

This guy is blue collar, a real beast

A leader and plays with passion

[Mugen]

Speaking of Toronto, Reggie Evans is a UFA

This guy is blue collar, a real beast

A leader and plays with passion

we have enough ball grabbers on the team, TBH.

[TDMVPDPOY]

reggie evans from 05 yeh...but today no....

[lefty]

we have enough ball grabbers on the team, TBH.


reggie evans from 05 yeh...but today no....
He was averaging almost 12 rbds a game last season, before his injury

That'S much better than some of our "big men"

[Fireball]

What about Lorbek?

he is under contract ... don't know which team

[MR.SILVER&BLack]

he is under contract ... don't know which team
think Bruno had said that hes in the last year of his contract. maybe a buy out or wait till the euro seasons over.

[ace3g]

Monroe_SA Mike Monroe
Parker, on potential Spurs additions: 'Knowing Pop, we want to try and win it so I know they’re going to bring guys who are competitive.”

[lefty]

Ok.....................................

[spursince#99]

You don't know how to properly capitalize, nor do you know the term "ins and outs", yet you feel the need to lecture people. That's a damn shame.


bitch shut up you knew what i meant

[Texas_Ranger]

Monroe_SA Mike Monroe
Parker, on potential Spurs additions: 'Knowing Pop, we want to try and win it so I know they’re going to bring guys who are competitive.”

If Pop really wants to win then I don't know why is that white floor spreader still on this team, oh and he's also playing 20 minutes.

[Obstructed_View]

bitch shut up you knew what i meant

Yeah, you meant to lecture people from your bandwagon. Fuck off.

[Obstructed_View]

Speaking of Europe and contractual obligations, is there Ryan Richards news or is he just a non-factor once again?

[BRs.Ganso]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WxjeWp40rNI

i think this guy could be a good addiction to spurs

he played two seasons for hornets but did not had much chances to play

he's averaging 25PPG here in Brazil, good defense and athleticism.

[MR.SILVER&BLack]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WxjeWp40rNI

i think this guy could be a good addiction to spurs

he played two seasons for hornets but did not had much chances to play

he's averaging 25PPG here in Brazil, good defense and athleticism.
Spurs have their mind set to sign a vet NBA SF & no ones going to change it. anyways they all ready have a 6'10 SF developing overseas in Bertans. really the only Euro player i want the Spurs to try and make a deal with is Erazem Lorbek.

[analyzed]

Here is a SF the Spurs should really consider, seriously.

http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/basketball/6096733/Abercrombie-turning-heads-beyond-Australasia/

Among the SF free agents the Spurs are considering I would go with Shane Battier. Aside from the obvious fit (Bruce Bowen like). His length and defense provides a different dimension . One that will allow us to put a front line of either TD or Splitter at center together with Battier and Leonard at forward. Although both forwards are ideally SF. the line-up is far from small and is excellent defensively. I don't see us having many mismatches defensivily , on the boards or in the paint. and in offense we can still stretch the defense and still have our fair share of offensive rebounds.

This frontline will certainly bring back the Spurs defensive culture back. The thing with Battier is he competes. I think MLE would be realistic to get Battier

[spursince#99]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x5P1NMVoMiw&safety_mode=true&persist_safety_mode=1&safe=active


after watching this over 5 times this actually makes me want to keep Jefferson lol

[swaggerjackson]

You know what they say highlights win championships

[spursince#99]

i can see James Anderson being the next Brandon Roy with the oppurtunity

[DawgMilkX]

I was wondering, I just read JJ Berea is probably not going to sign back with the Mavs. I wouldn't mind seeing him back up Tony Parker if we could get him at the right price.

[MaNu4Tres]

I was wondering, I just read JJ Berea is probably not going to sign back with the Mavs. I wouldn't mind seeing him back up Tony Parker if we could get him at the right price.

Doesn't make sense with the minutes and money Spurs have available.

Won't happen.

[Mr.Bottomtooth]

@realtuffjuice Caron Butler
Just met with Spurs great visit first class all the way....

[DMC]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x5P1NMVoMiw&safety_mode=true&persist_safety_mode=1&safe=active


after watching this over 5 times this actually makes me want to keep Jefferson lol
Funny thing about highlight videos, most people don't check the score. The Spurs were losing even after that dunk.

It wouldn't have been bad to keep RJ, but not at that price.

[DPG21920]

RJ being amnestied could create some small ripple effects in FA. Now teams know they might be able to bid on a somewhat talented SF for much cheaper than some available FA's.

[Mr.Bottomtooth]

MrMichaelLee Michael Lee
Josh Howard: "I know San Antonio is an A1 organization, as far as everything they do. It’s kind of a mirror image of Dallas or vice versa."

[Obstructed_View]

Okay, what little enthusiasm I had for JH just went up in smoke.

[DPG21920]

OV with the play on words goods.

[mudyez]

RJ being amnestied could create some small ripple effects in FA. Now teams know they might be able to bid on a somewhat talented SF for much cheaper than some available FA's.

true...

but gosh, please give us Hill, Battier or Prince at the wing!

Butler smells like RJ reloaded!

[Mr.Bottomtooth]

KBergCBS Ken Berger
In addition to Pacers, who've spoken with David West's reps, several non-room teams have inquired about FA forward: DAL, Spurs, MIA, ATL.

[Mr.Bottomtooth]

Not really any assets to give, but at least it's something.

[The Truth #6]

Good to hear that Caron Butler was impressed with his visit to SA. But "flattered"...I can only wonder what they said.

I'm guessing Pop learned the mistake of trying to mold RJ into Bruce Bowen...instead, he's probably pulled out a different archetype from his bag of championship success and convinced Butler that he can be our next "Mario Elie" and be a team leader just like in 99 when we won a title on a shortened season. I could easily see Butler eating that shit up.

I'd like to think Pop doesn't think in such cookie cutter shapes because it's completely short sighted, but hey, if that's the Spurs System, and it works, at least there's logic to it.

[DesignatedT]

Yeah, he told Butler he could be Mario Elie...

[crc21209]

WojYahooNBA Adrian Wojnarowski
The NBA has informed teams that they can begin player transactions at 2 p.m., ET on Friday, league sources tell Y! Sports.
14 minutes ago

[Mugen]

gonna be a good ol fashion ST meltdown when the spurs announce the signing of Bostan Nachbar on Friday afternoon.

[DesignatedT]

gonna be a good ol fashion ST meltdown when the spurs announce the signing of Bostan Nachbar on Friday afternoon.

:lol

[timtonymanu]

gonna be a good ol fashion ST meltdown when the spurs announce the signing of Bostan Nachbar on Friday afternoon.

:lol or Vince Carter or Michael Finley or Keith Bogans

[Mugen]

:lol or Vince Carter or Michael Finley or Keith Bogans

:lmao i thought i'd never say this, but i'll take Bostan Nachbar.

[timtonymanu]

ace3g put this in the TJ Ford thread.

AlexKennedyNBA Alex Kennedy
Unrestricted free agent T.J. Ford is leaning toward signing with the San Antonio Spurs, according to league source.

[slick'81]

ace3g put this in the TJ Ford thread.

AlexKennedyNBA Alex Kennedy
Unrestricted free agent T.J. Ford is leaning toward signing with the San Antonio Spurs, according to league source.


wow didnt see that coming not a bad backup pg though

[ElNono]

ace3g put this in the TJ Ford thread.

AlexKennedyNBA Alex Kennedy
Unrestricted free agent T.J. Ford is leaning toward signing with the San Antonio Spurs, according to league source.

This would be great. We've been needing a serviceable backup PG for a while. Especially valuable with the crunch of games coming up. Hope he's willing to sign cheap.

[monkeypunk]

I'd take TJ for the min. If he stays healthy, he can contribute.

[NASpurs]

Whoa TJ Ford, that came out of left field for me for some reason. I'm guessing Joseph is headed towards the Toros.

[DesignatedT]

So Caron for the MLE and Ford for the LLE. What abour our front court situation?

[Libri]

This would be great. We've been needing a serviceable backup PG for a while. Especially valuable with the crunch of games coming up. Hope he's willing to sign cheap.

I also like the news. I like that he's quick and can push the offense.

[Manu20]

I really like the TJ news! not bad for a backup PG..

[Ice009]

How about Jeremy Pargo if we don't get Ford?

I'm very interested in TJ Ford though as he seems aggressive and can push the ball. Could be a great signing if the price is right.

[DesignatedT]

I like both those signing but we seriously need some help down low. I like the looks of

PG-Tony,TJ Ford
SG-Manu, Neal, Anderson
SF-Butler, Leonard, Anderson

[tdunk21]

I like both those signing but we seriously need some help down low. I like the looks of

PG-Tony,TJ Ford
SG-Manu, Neal, Anderson
SF-Butler, Leonard, Anderson

butler signing is confirmed?

[DesignatedT]

butler signing is confirmed?

No. FA doesnt open up until Friday. I was just speculating.

[Big P]

Alex Kennedy: After using the amnesty clause on Richard Jefferson, don't be surprised if the Spurs sign Shane Battier. There's mutual interest

Read more: http://hoopshype.com/twitter/media.html#ixzz1fuq7pkmT

[slick'81]

The Nets met with unrestricted free agent SF Caron Butler on Wednesday and have another meeting planned on Thursday.

Butler has drawn a lot of interest around the league, but it should be noted that he was struggling before he had major knee (patella) surgery. In reality he's perfect for a 20-25 minute role on a contending team (like the Clippers who he met with earlier in the week), rather than being a No. 2 or 3 guy as some seem to believe he is.

https://twitter.com/#!/KBergCBS/statuses/144600405458952192

[Mr.Bottomtooth]

The Nets met with unrestricted free agent SF Caron Butler on Wednesday and have another meeting planned on Thursday.

Butler has drawn a lot of interest around the league, but it should be noted that he was struggling before he had major knee (patella) surgery. In reality he's perfect for a 20-25 minute role on a contending team (like the Clippers who he met with earlier in the week), rather than being a No. 2 or 3 guy as some seem to believe he is.

https://twitter.com/#!/KBergCBS/statuses/144600405458952192

When the hell did that happen?

[Ditty]

I'm suprised Spurs seem to have no interest in Joel Pryzbilla, maybe even Kwame Brown.

Hopefully when we settle our SF position, we can go after him.

[DMC]

When the hell did that happen?
This.

I don't recall the Clips being a contending team, unless they are talking about the lottery.

[GSH]

If the Spurs had a starting SF, James Jones would be a nice pickup. He plays D, he can stroke it, and he's going to go pretty cheap. I think he might be one of the bargains of the offseason. Not a game-changer - but a good, solid player for the price.

[elemento]

I'm suprised Spurs seem to have no interest in Joel Pryzbilla, maybe even Kwame Brown.

Hopefully when we settle our SF position, we can go after him.

Pryzbilla is definitely a good name if we can get for the min. :toast

[TDMVPDPOY]

get that big player b4 lookin at SFs...

i rather the spurs promote green or butler then chase another 3

wtf is replacing dice, hence we are short on bigs and blair, bonner = fail lineup

[Russo21]

yeah blair and boner need out of here i hope they can get rid of them.

Pryzbilla/Kwame
Duncan/Splitter

Something like that would be a good start. Go from having a midget frontline to a massive frontline. Then throw in Butler or Battier and our frontline is set.

Butler or Battier/Leonard
Manu/Anderson/Neal
Parker/ TJ Ford

[tdunk21]

http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/news;_ylt=AidxB3ZdaHI6HC6KSK52gJm8vLYF?slug=ys-nba_free_agent_buzz_120811


Memphis Grizzlies free-agent forward Shane Battier(notes) is still leaning toward signing with the Heat, a league source said. Battier wants to contend for a championship, and the Heat have long targeted him as a possible addition.


As Caron Butler(notes) completes his personal tour of NBA suitors, the Chicago Bulls remain the team to beat for him, league sources said.

[Russo21]

Huh the bulls have luol deng at SF? He's awesome they dont need butler. Unless they'd play butler at the SG

PG Rose
SG Butler
SF Deng

= Fucken wicked lol Hope the bulls dont get him

[elemento]

I am pretty sure they'll play Butler at the 2.

[tmtcsc]

So....if Chicago is in the lead for the Butler signing, then its its them or NJ right ?

If the San Antonio visit went so well, then how is Chicago still in the lead ? What kind of game is Butler playing. I hate when players pull that shit.

The Spurs and the FO don't need compliments, they need players.

[TDMVPDPOY]

if t he bulls get butler, are they going to keep bogans or they waiving him

wouldnt mind havin the centerpiece back on the team just for laughs

[TDMVPDPOY]

eddy curry medical with the heat, maybe minimum contract

kwame brown anyone?

[Redshadows]

I'm suprised Spurs seem to have no interest in Joel Pryzbilla, maybe even Kwame Brown.

Hopefully when we settle our SF position, we can go after him.
i remember that, in 2006, the spurs wanted to sign him.

[Mel_13]

Good, quick team-by-team overview of NBA free agency and salary cap information:

http://www.sbnation.com/2011-nba-free-agency/2011/12/7/2619078/nba-rumors-free-agents-trades-salary-cap

[ace3g]

right now I'm more on the Prince bandwagon than any other SF left: Butler, Howard, Hill, etc. (Plus he hasn't been mentioned at all in Spurs rumors).

He is 6'9, plays good defense (blocks and steals), and not an "offensive" type player.

[justinandimcool]

people that haven't watched the Pistons in 4 years fail to realize that Prince is simply not that good anymore.

Lazy on defense, selfish on offense. Stands around and then holds the ball to make an iso play when he has it. Ever since his injury he hasn't been the same physically or mentally.

He's on the bottom of my list, I'd rather have the older SF's.....

[TDMVPDPOY]

people that haven't watched the Pistons in 4 years fail to realize that Prince is simply not that good anymore.

Lazy on defense, selfish on offense. Stands around and then holds the ball to make an iso play when he has it. Ever since his injury he hasn't been the same physically or mentally.

He's on the bottom of my list, I'd rather have the older SF's.....

no motivation when ur stuck on a team rebuilding and going nowhere...

[justinandimcool]

I'd like to make a play at Pryzbilla if we can't get a bigger name.

As far as SF, I wonder if Dunleavy Jr is on our radar, other than the names we've been hearing.

[justinandimcool]

no motivation when ur stuck on a team rebuilding and going nowhere...

My point is we haven't seen him play well in 4 years...and he's just gonna start now?

[SpursDynasty85]

I hear Antawn Jamison is a possible amnesty target. Both he and Baron Davis are not needed in a rebuilding project such as the Cavaliers. While Baron is probably the better amnesty pick, I hear Jamison is really pushing for this because he wants to get on a contender desperately. Should he be amnistied, there is a good chance he signs with a team at the veteran minimum. What are your thoughts on Jamison on the Spurs for a low salary?

I think he would be very welcomed.

[Mugen]

right now I'm more on the Prince bandwagon than any other SF left: Butler, Howard, Hill, etc. (Plus he hasn't been mentioned at all in Spurs rumors).

He is 6'9, plays good defense (blocks and steals), and not an "offensive" type player.

Do you think he commands the full MLE? I'd say around 4 millions

System wise, he's a better fit than any SF left including butler. He shoots the corner 3 better than Caron and is a more versatile defender. I don't think he could be any worse than RJ so I'd be fine with it.

[Mel_13]

no motivation when ur stuck on a team rebuilding and going nowhere...

If the 10M/yr he was collecting from the Pistons wasn't enough motivation to play hard....

[Mel_13]

On December 3rd:


I'll expect the 2011-12 Spurs to be the 2010-11 Spurs minus Hill and Dice. New players will Leonard, a minimum salary big, and maybe a minimum salary backup PG.

I remain open to pleasant surprises.

[eric365]

I'll expect the 2011-12 Spurs to be the 2010-11 Spurs minus Hill and Dice. New players will Leonard, a minimum salary big, and maybe a minimum salary backup PG.

I remain open to pleasant surprises.

So basically to be the 2011 Spurs without our 2nd best big and our 3rd best guard from last year.

Sounds great

[Obstructed_View]

lol Dice second best big.

[PDXSpursFan]

Outlaw amnestied by the Nets:
http://basketball.realgm.com/wiretap/217572/Travis_Outlaw_Amnestied_By_Nets

Not sure he'll be an upgrade over RJ.

[montgod]

Outlaw amnestied by the Nets:
http://basketball.realgm.com/wiretap/217572/Travis_Outlaw_Amnestied_By_Nets

Not sure he'll be an upgrade over RJ.

I agree. At least RJ can stretch the defense.

[MaNu4Tres]

Outlaw was beyond terrible last year. He was so bad, Avery turned to Graham and Sasha over him.

I rather have R.J or, if amnestied, stick to Leonard/Anderson/Green.

[SenorSpur]

I agree with everyone else. Outlaw was way bad last year. Terrible shooter, non-committed defender, despite having great wingspan. At least RJ improved his 3-pt shooting.

As a matter of fact, between the Spurs re-upping RJ to a ridiculous extension and the Nets offering up the mid-level for Outlaw, I'm not sure which decision was worse.

[DPG21920]

Looks like the Spurs will hold onto RJ at this point. What I've read from McDonald this morning was supremely disappointing. It seems like the Spurs mindset is to just stay stable and not shake things up too much. I was surprised when Woj wrote they would amnesty RJ because it's hard to imagine them eating that contract. Looks like they will just hold onto him.

[benefactor]

Now the worry becomes them dumping him at the deadline with one of the good young players to get rid of him. This was probably the biggest reason I wanted to see him gone before opening day.

[cd98]

Honestly, RJ is better than the other small forwards on the market. Yes, we paid too much for him, but right now the benefit of waiving him doesn't translate into more cap space to get better players. And the best players on the market right now are marginal given that the best players planned for this season in advance and got their contracts to go beyond the lockout.

Oh well, we can always hope that young players make a big jump this season.

[cd98]

Actually, I think we should be like Dallas was last year. Why spend the mid-level on players that won't actually make the team better. Why not wait and see who becomes available at playoff time. Heck, there are some free agents stuck in China right now and if we have money, we could sign them for the playoff run (assuming we are in contention) rather than the crap that is on the market right now.

[MaNu4Tres]

Now the worry becomes them dumping him at the deadline with one of the good young players to get rid of him. This was probably the biggest reason I wanted to see him gone before opening day.

Pretty sure that's one of the reason's why R.J has yet to be traded (Along w/ his contract; Spurs are reluctant to trade young assets) .

Spurs will most likely wait to use the amnesty next off-season. I don't see the big deal either. If R.J has a bad first half or a bad stretch of games, Pop finally has more than capable replacements in Leonard and Anderson.

[tdunk21]

Jeff McDonald @JMcDonald_SAEN
The answer, of course, is amnesty for RJ would get Spurs use of full MLE. But w/o anyone left to spend it on, what's the point?



Jeff McDonald @JMcDonald_SAEN
Seems to me you can't just cut your starting SF, and pay him $30.5 million to walk, unless you have an obvious replacement ready to go.

[Mr.Bottomtooth]

Sadly, McDonald makes a good point. There's no one left worth clearing RJ's contract for, so might as well wait and try again next summer.

[therealtruth]

Honestly, RJ is better than the other small forwards on the market. Yes, we paid too much for him, but right now the benefit of waiving him doesn't translate into more cap space to get better players. And the best players on the market right now are marginal given that the best players planned for this season in advance and got their contracts to go beyond the lockout.

Oh well, we can always hope that young players make a big jump this season.

Exactly. He knows the system. He was efficient scorer last season and shot 44% from 3. I'd like to see him be more aggressive on offense and average 17-20 ppg. The main area the Spurs can improve is defensively. With the young guys I think they should be able to field a lineup that can consistently get stops when needed.

[mystargtr34]

If the plan is for Manu to come off the bench.. then i would put RJ on the bench with him.. he is next to worthless playing with Tony.

Fuck it, play the youngsters with Tim and Tony. Splitter, Leonard and Anderson. They will get over themselves in their own time.

[benefactor]

The ironic thing about what Drunk Jeff said is there already are suitable replacements...even if they are undersized.

[monkeypunk]

If the plan is for Manu to come off the bench.. then i would put RJ on the bench with him.. he is next to worthless playing with Tony.

Fuck it, play the youngsters with Tim and Tony. Splitter, Leonard and Anderson. They will get over themselves in their own time.

This but I'd leave Manu starting and force RJ to play with TJ. TJ can create for RJ thus maximizing RJ's effectiveness.

Move Leonard to the 3, use the mini mle on a PF/C and we are ready to go!

[benefactor]

Pretty sure that's one of the reason's why R.J has yet to be traded (Along w/ his contract; Spurs are reluctant to trade young assets) .

Spurs will most likely wait to use the amnesty next off-season. I don't see the big deal either. If R.J has a bad first half or a bad stretch of games, Pop finally has more than capable replacements in Leonard and Anderson.
Saw this after I replied and I agree in regards to Leonard/Anderson. I just hope you are right about them using it on him next year instead of dumping him plus a young player. Remember...at the end of the day money rules with the Spurs. If someone were to dangle a large expiring and ask for...say...Gary Neal in return for taking RJ it might be too much cost savings for Holt to pass up.

[DPG21920]

To me thought it's not just about having replacements or depth. With RJ it's an unspoken thing, a subtle thing that unless you have played sports you might not realize. No one trusts him. I've compared him to a cold or sickness that doesn't keep you from showing up to work, but does just enough to zap the energy out of you. That is what RJ does from this team and if you don't move him it's much of the same. For the health of the team and in order to get the necessary energy back, he has to go.

[Roger Freemason Jr.]

Just let it die people.

RJ is going to be our starting SF. Stop exaggerating on
how bad that will be for us, because the truth is, his 3pt shooting
does spread the floor, he's subpar at getting to the rim now, but
at least he can still get there from time to time. & his defense was
pretty good outside the post-season.

Plus, he isn't old enough to where he can't develop his mentality.
He can still learn from mistakes, and is spry enough to work on them.

Stop acting like it's the end of the Spurs organization because RJ isn't
a phenomenal player. We should be more worried about Bonner.

[8FOR!3]

I remember hearing on BSPN or something that his defensive rating was in the upper 25% echelon at SF last year or something? Don't know how true that is, but I definitely heard something about it.

[DPG21920]

Well all we can do is hope. We base things off what we've seen and what is likely. Most are open for surprises.

[Roger Freemason Jr.]

That's very true DPG, & in that regard, we have seen RJ get to the rim whenever he pleases, but he was wearing different colors, and had a pass first PG to create for him.

Hell, if Kawhi excels enough to start, TJ Ford can create for RJ off the bench.