ESPN Stein: Spurs have AK47 in their sights

[deibero]

No, you can't use cap space AND the MLE. we can use MLE only if we sign our current player (SPlitter, Gino, Neal...)

You can use the room mle in that case. 6mil/2yrs i believe

[K-State Spur]

Seems to me if AK47 were coming here we would have heard something solid by now!

Why?

He has to go *somewhere* and there has been nothing solid on him going *anywhere*.

[Kineto]

You can use the room mle in that case. 6mil/2yrs i believe

the room exception is 5M/2yrs

[Bruno]

With Ginobili at $14M/2 years, it's going to be tough to get Kirilenko for Spurs.

[Texas_Ranger]

bye bye Kirilenko

[Kineto]

With Ginobili at $14M/2 years, it's going to be tough to get Kirilenko for Spurs.

can we offer him a 4 years 25-30M contract ?

[Mal]

can we offer him a 4 years 25-30M contract ?

Full MLE for 4 years is max for him, what Spurs can offer.

[50 cent]

With Ginobili at $14M/2 years, it's going to be tough to get Kirilenko for Spurs.
Manu can't stop fucking this franchise over.

[Bruno]

can we offer him a 4 years 25-30M contract ?

Without trying too hard, Spurs could be able to sign Kirilenko to $25.6M/ 4 years contract. Now, they can try to do some tricks like a sign and trade with Minny or salary dumping players like Mills or De Colo. They could also get lucky with a cap being a little higher than projected.

I'm not saying that getting Kirilenko is impossible for Spurs but just that it won't be easy. If Manu had signed for $5M per year, Spurs would have been in a way more comfortable situation to get Kirilenko.

[Sean Cagney]

Without trying too hard, Spurs could be able to sign Kirilenko to $25.6M/ 4 years contract. Now, they can try to do some tricks like a sign and trade with Minny or salary dumping players like Mills or De Colo. They could also get lucky with a cap being a little higher than projected.

I'm not saying that getting Kirilenko is impossible for Spurs but just that it won't be easy. If Manu had signed for $5M per year, Spurs would have been in a way more comfortable situation to get Kirilenko.
FOR GODS sakes they go and give him 7 million a year, SMH at this FO man. They overspent on this one bigtime. Ray Allen makes around 3 a year opting in, we go out and spend 7 on a guy the same age and looked broken down late last year.

[Baam]

Without trying too hard, Spurs could be able to sign Kirilenko to $25.6M/ 4 years contract. Now, they can try to do some tricks like a sign and trade with Minny or salary dumping players like Mills or De Colo. They could also get lucky with a cap being a little higher than projected.

I'm not saying that getting Kirilenko is impossible for Spurs but just that it won't be easy. If Manu had signed for $5M per year, Spurs would have been in a way more comfortable situation to get Kirilenko.

How much can they give him per year as it is?

[BatManu20]

See ya AK47. Shame.

[spursince#99]

Like I said, pipe dream.

[Bruno]

How much can they give him per year as it is?

As it is, only the full MLE.

[td4mvp2k]

Like I said, pipe dream.

good lol tho in dis thread

[Sean Cagney]

Like I said, pipe dream.
Spurs made it that way with these stupid signings! Way overpaid a few, should have let two go. Thats all.

[TheGreatYacht]

FOR GODS sakes they go and give him 7 million a year, SMH at this FO man. They overspent on this one bigtime. Ray Allen makes around 3 a year opting in, we go out and spend 7 on a guy the same age and looked broken down late last year.Thank you. Manu cost Tim Duncan his 5th ring for the second time in a row.

[mudyez]

As it is, only the full MLE.

Maybe they have discussed it with AK47 prior to signing Manu or its a pipe dream. If we don't here something over the next 24h it was a pipe dream from the beginning.

[spurraider21]

Without trying too hard, Spurs could be able to sign Kirilenko to $25.6M/ 4 years contract. Now, they can try to do some tricks like a sign and trade with Minny or salary dumping players like Mills or De Colo. They could also get lucky with a cap being a little higher than projected.

I'm not saying that getting Kirilenko is impossible for Spurs but just that it won't be easy. If Manu had signed for $5M per year, Spurs would have been in a way more comfortable situation to get Kirilenko.
Why would Minnesota want de colo or mills when they just drafted shabazz, signed Kevin Martin, and already have Rubio/shved. They drafted other point guards too iirc

[FvckMavs]

Thank you. Manu cost Tim Duncan his 5th ring for the second time in a row.

It would be the third time if you count in 06'. :lol

[N0 LyF3 ScRuB]

Thank you. Manu cost Tim Duncan his 5th ring for the second time in a row.

Listen, moron. JJ Redick is making 6.5 million dollars/year. Manu runs the offense, is a playmaker that like it or not, would make the Spurs a whole lot worse without. If your stupid ass looked past the last two games of the year, you would understand that. But you don't because you're stupid as fuck.

Ignore list. Fucking idiot.

*waits for the "MANU LUVUR CUZ I HAS A DIFF OPENYON DEN YEW".

[lurker23]

The bottom line now is: what will the market dictate AK47's salary to be? If there are teams out there willing to give him 3 years/$21 million, the Spurs don't have a chance, short of a sign-and-trade. However, there's always the chance that those with cap space go after younger players, leaving Kirilenko to decide between several teams offering him the full MLE. If it comes to that, I'd give the Spurs a very good chance.

[manufan10]

Thank you. Manu cost Tim Duncan his 5th ring for the second time in a row.

Duncan really seemed upset about Manu being resigned. Can't believe it!

[spurraider21]

A rebuilding team with cap won't target 32 year old Kirilenko. Among teams with title aspirations, San Antonio would probably be kirilenko's ideal landing spot

[Bruno]

Why would Minnesota want de colo or mills when they just drafted shabazz, signed Kevin Martin, and already have Rubio/shved. They drafted other point guards too iirc

Mills and De Colo could be traded to another team (like Utah or Atlanta, for example).

Because of cap hold rules, Spurs could give more to Kirilenko through a S&T like Kirlenko for a TE+cash+2nd round picks than just by signing him.

With a signing, Kirilenko contract can start at $6M. With an "empty" S&T, Kirilenko contract could start at $6.6M.

[cd98]

The bigger question is which contender can offer him a better deal? A young team won't want him. His suitors are contenders.

[monkeypunk]

The bigger question is which contender can offer him a better deal? A young team won't want him. His suitors are contenders.

How many contenders have the full MLE this year?

[pgardn]

The guy who is not on your team is always a better fit...

[PingPong]

Spurs played against one of most impressive teams of the decade (probably) and took it to the 7th game with three eldery players, two or three médium players and a bunch of scrubs. And people keep complaining about it. Wich team would do the same thing with players like Neal, Green, Bonner, Blair, Mills, De Colo, Baynes, Joseph in thir roster?

[mudyez]

The bigger question is which contender can offer him a better deal? A young team won't want him. His suitors are contenders.

It's not like we aren't a contendor (even while only beeing the 2nd to 4th best option). If its true that AK is tight with Pop and TP it should leap them ahead of any other contendor (that can only give the MLE).

[Baam]

It's not like we aren't a contendor (even while only beeing the 2nd to 4th best option). If its true that AK is tight with Pop and TP it should leap them ahead of any other contendor (that can only give the MLE).

Yeah right the guy is gonna jump on the occasion to make chump change because they chose to pay Tiago Splitter...

[mudyez]

Yeah right the guy is gonna jump on the occasion to make chump change because they chose to pay Tiago Splitter...

It's not like he has to impress someone like a 24year old guy hoping for a big paycheck after this one.

This is more like Boris than Blair!

[TheGreatYacht]

Spurs played against one of most impressive teams of the decade (probably) and took it to the 7th game with three eldery players, two or three médium players and a bunch of scrubs. And people keep complaining about it. Wich team would do the same thing with players like Neal, Green, Bonner, Blair, Mills, De Colo, Baynes, Joseph in thir roster?Outside of Neal and Green how much did those other player that you named contributed to the Spurs' success in the playoffs? :lmao

[timvp]

Welp, time to forget about AK47 :depressed

[Baam]

It's not like he has to impress someone like a 24year old guy hoping for a big paycheck after this one.

This is more like Boris than Blair!

Yeah but you're not giving him fair money and you're not giving him a starting spot. He's friend with TP, not married with him, at some point you can't fit a square peg into a round hole...

[Nathan89]

Listen, moron. JJ Redick is making 6.5 million dollars/year. Manu runs the offense, is a playmaker that like it or not, would make the Spurs a whole lot worse without. If your stupid ass looked past the last two games of the year, you would understand that. But you don't because you're stupid as fuck.

Ignore list. Fucking idiot.

*waits for the "MANU LUVUR CUZ I HAS A DIFF OPENYON DEN YEW".

Talking about Manu from many years ago?

[mudyez]

Yeah but you're not giving him fair money and you're not giving him a starting spot. He's friend with TP, not married with him, at some point you can't fit a square peg into a round hole...

Yeah, but I thought we are talking about MLE teams/contenders only. Money is the same and I'm not sure which contender offers AK47 a bigger role hence a starting job (I guess, you could make a case for MIA).

[Nathan89]

The bigger question is which contender can offer him a better deal? A young team won't want him. His suitors are contenders.

Timberwolves gave him a very nice contract last year. Were they contenders?

[N0 LyF3 ScRuB]

Talking about Manu from many years ago?

..... no

[Raven]

i still hope for ak47 to come here with the mid level tbh.. i mean what team would want him anyway, all the contenders are way over the cap or aren't good fits, rebuilding teams wont sign him, with minnesota out of the race, we are in theory his only landing spot.

[PingPong]

Outside of Neal and Green how much did those other player that you named contributed to the Spurs' success in the playoffs? :lmao

That's the question. Wich another team would get the same anchievement with these kind of contribuitors?

[tuncaboylu]

I think that AK47 would accept full MLE.

[ducks]

I would have thought manu would

[ceperez]

AK47 like is coming the spurs for a pay cut. The guy already took a pay-cut before by playing in Europe. He didn't have to, but he did it.

Besides, he already opted out of a 10 million contract. Dude is taking a pay cut to win and the only likely destination where he is going to play a role is with the Spurs.

[monkeypunk]

I would have thought manu would

Couldn't use it on him. Could only use cap space...

[bthewigwam]

I think that AK47 would accept full MLE.

I tend to agree for this reason. Does anybody think he would've gotten a deal worth more than the $10M he turned down? It very well could be because he wanted the security of a longer term deal but it could also be because he just wants to play for a contender.

[ducks]

Couldn't use it on him. Could only use cap space...

he could have taken the mle money not the mle

[manufan10]

He stated that he was looking more at years than at $$, so the Spurs could still be in play.

[monkeypunk]

he could have taken the mle money not the mle

Sorry, I didn't have my mallard translator active. :lol

He may very well have taken mle money, we haven't seen anything official yet...

[DesignatedT]

All depends on what else is out there for him.

[ceperez]

He stated that he was looking more at years than at $$, so the Spurs could still be in play.

well perfect then.... spurs are well known for keeping old players fresh.

[ElNono]

He stated that he was looking more at years than at $$, so the Spurs could still be in play.

This is also another intriguing part of it all... what does he mean by more years... 3, 4, 5 years?

Spurs are aligning everything to have the vet salaries come off in two years... if AK wanted more years, do the Spurs oblige? At what price?

[Anonymous Cowherd]

Spurs are aligning everything to have the vet salaries come off in two years... if AK wanted more years, do the Spurs oblige? At what price?

Surely yes to 3yrs/16m. Question is would we stretch to a 4-year

[Raven]

This is also another intriguing part of it all... what does he mean by more years... 3, 4, 5 years?

Spurs are aligning everything to have the vet salaries come off in two years... if AK wanted more years, do the Spurs oblige? At what price?

can always trade him after two years tbh. best scenario, full mid level for 4 years with the third year a team option.

[Mal]

can always trade him after two years tbh. best scenario, full mid level for 4 years with the third year a team option.
And why would he agree on that ?

[Robz4000]

Watch him go to the Thunder tbh.

[Kindergarten Cop]

Watch him go to the Thunder tbh.

Why would you even say this?:bang

[Raven]

And why would he agree on that ?

well if it's the best scenario..

[Knoxxx]

AK is like Diaw, only with the Spurs will he truly flourish in the NBA!

[coyotes_geek]

Watch him go to the Thunder tbh.

Or the Heat. If I'm Riley, I'd dump Battier for AK in a heartbeat.

[Robz4000]

Or the Heat. If I'm Riley, I'd dump Battier for AK in a heartbeat.

I think he's a bit too expensive for the Heat. Who knows, though.

[BackHome]

If we don't get this guy it is going to be game six all over again...:(

[spurraider21]

If we don't get this guy it is going to be game six all over again...:(

this tbh. kirilenko is a great free throw coach

[Mal]

well if it's the best scenario..

Nope, best scenario is when he`ll decide to run for ring with vet min salary, tbh

[DAF86]

I have never been too high on perimeter players that can't shoot, Pop may want him to play the 4 but then again this is not the kind of player I would like seeing as a bigman. I don't know why folks in here are so high on him.

[BackHome]

Cause the guy gives you defense and offense and OH he can dribble the ball without turning it over...wow..that will be worth paying for a ticket.

[DAF86]

Cause the guy gives you defense and offense and OH he can dribble the ball without turning it over...wow..that will be worth paying for a ticket.

His "offense" doesn't fit the Spurs very much and I doubt he would be doing much dribbling/playmaking, tbh.

[exstatic]

I have never been too high on perimeter players that can't shoot, Pop may want him to play the 4 but then again this is not the kind of player I would like seeing as a bigman. I don't know why folks in here are so high on him.

His problem with shooting is that he just kind of flicks the ball up there with no follow through. It makes him very streaky. Chip could probably work with him to get him to "hold the cobra" and he'd improve immediately.

[exstatic]

His "offense" doesn't fit the Spurs very much and I doubt he would be doing much dribbling/playmaking, tbh.

Why would you not take advantage of that ability? He averages almost 3 a game for his career.

[spurraider21]

Kirilenko can do much of what Boris does, but rather than being a shooter, he can be a slasher. also brings more defensively

[DAF86]

Why would you not take advantage of that ability? He averages almost 3 a game for his career.

Because I doubt Pop would give him playmaking obligations, maybe he could play Boris role BUT he isn't the shooter Diaw is so folks won't respect him when he's out there on the perimeter and he's not the post defender that the Frenchman is. I really don't see the benefit of signing this guy, I would rather sign a good spot up 3 pt shooter with average defense or a true bigman.

[james evans]

him and ginobli together? these 2 flopping mfs on the same team along with parker? they're gonna injure each other throwing their bodies all over the court.

[spurraider21]

maybe if we keep talking about it, it will happen

[Rapper]

AK47 to sign with the spurs with a 2 years/19 millions contract!!!!

related souces will be released after 10 july!!!

I"m very very excited now !!!!!

[N0 LyF3 ScRuB]

AK47 to sign with the spurs with a 2 years/19 millions contract!!!!

related souces will be released after 10 july!!!

I"m very very excited now !!!!!
Don't joke l!

[spurraider21]

the spurs don't have the room to make that move... lame

[rayray2k8]

maybe if we keep talking about it, it will happen


AK47 to sign with the spurs with a 2 years/19 millions contract!!!!

related souces will be released after 10 july!!!

I"m very very excited now !!!!!

I think that was his intention... Stupid if you ask me.

[Man In Black]

Rapper is from China...so English isn't his 1st language, but seriously...if you got Info Rapper...You must source it.
Sorry for my poor Chinese Skills!
So, let's Google Translate this into simplified Chinese.
说唱者是来自中国......所以英语是他的第一语言，但严重......如果你有信息说唱......你 必须。
对不起，我的可怜的中国技能！
所以，让我们的谷歌翻译成简体中文。

[spurraider21]

no. think he's just stupid

[Man In Black]

I can see 1 possible angle that Rapper has is shoes. The bulk of basketball shoes are made in China. To make sure that the the proper athlete has the right shoes to sell the public, I could see that Adidas, who AK47 has that shoe contract with, could be telling the workers to make AK's next shoes in Silver and Black?

This season this is what Andrei rocked:
Andrei Kirilenko - adidas adizero Crazy Light 2

Read more: http://solecollector.com/news/sneaker-watch-adidas-basketball-recap-week-4/#ixzz2Y3sWFpUF

But thats just off the top of my head. I'm curious what the Chinese Spurs Talk Member is going to use for proof of his post. It could be all BS but what if he's right about the signing but wrong about the contract amount...we'd all be pretty ecstatic.

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1513005-which-kicks-rule-the-nba

[Baseline]

Without trying too hard, Spurs could be able to sign Kirilenko to $25.6M/ 4 years contract. Now, they can try to do some tricks like a sign and trade with Minny or salary dumping players like Mills or De Colo. They could also get lucky with a cap being a little higher than projected.

I'm not saying that getting Kirilenko is impossible for Spurs but just that it won't be easy. If Manu had signed for $5M per year, Spurs would have been in a way more comfortable situation to get Kirilenko. Exactly. Honestly, I was thinking that 2/8M would do it, considering the Game 6 debacle. I can't comprehend paying him 2/14M at this stage. I'm livid.

[Bruno]

I still haven't fully lost hope Spurs will be able to get Kirilenko. The key would be that no team with cap space offer him a big multiyear contract. What could allow that is that teams in rebuilding/tanking mode won't be that interested in a 32 years old player and that teams might be wary to give long term contracts because they would want to try again to go after free agents in 2014 or 2015.

Full MLE is $22M/ 4 years. If Spurs do some moves (amnestying Bonner, renouncing Neal and an empty S&T), they would be able to offer Kirilenko up to $28M/4 years. I'm sure these aren't the numbers Kirilenko was dreaming for but these aren't ridiculous offers so ti's worth the try.

And if Spurs can't get Kirilenko, which is now likely, they should really go after another quality forward.
Right now they have 6 guards (Parker, Ginobili, Green, Joseph, De Colo and Mills), 3 forwards (Leonard, Diaw and Bonner) and 3 centers (Duncan, Splitter and Baynes). Even if they often play with 3 guards lineup or 2 center lineup, Spurs are very thin at SF/PF.

[spurraider21]

what are kirilenko's other potential suitors?

[Raven]

the spurs don't have the room to make that move... lame

agree, didn't bite even for a sec

[Bruno]

AFAIK, only Spurs have been rumored interested in him.

A list of the teams with cap space able to offer Kirilenko more than a MLE deal:
Atlanta, Charlotte, Cleveland, Dallas, Detroit, Houston, Milwaukee, Orlando, Philadelphia, Portland, Sacramento and Utah.

I'm not sure exactly with what teams Kirilenko will fit. Houston will go with Howard or Josh Smith, I doubt Dallas will hurt their 2014 cap space for an aging Kirilenko, Portland will likely go with a center and a lot of the other teams are rebuilding and are looking at young players.

Atlanta, Sacramento and Detroit seems to be the way less worst fits but I'm' not sold their best interest is to go after Kirilenko.

[jyra]

I thnk the Clippers could also be a possibility. They just have the MLE at their disposal but they could offer him a bigger role than the Spurs, he would start at SF and could also give them minutes at the 4. But there rumored to be going after Carl Landry and Matt Barnes, so I hope they get those two guys instead.

[spurspokesman]

Spurs played against one of most impressive teams of the decade (probably) and took it to the 7th game with three eldery players, two or three médium players and a bunch of scrubs. And people keep complaining about it. Wich team would do the same thing with players like Neal, Green, Bonner, Blair, Mills, De Colo, Baynes, Joseph in thir roster? Point well taken and we are clearly overachievers but the masses want a 5th championship for tim and as constructed most dont see them getting it done. The old almost never counts rule.

[Marcus Bryant]

4 yr/$25MM is fair and probably the most you'd want tied up in a 32 year player reliant on his athleticism.

[ducks]

ak47 you could go 4 years with his option to opt out when the big three are out of their contracts

[xmas1997]

So are they still going after AK47?
I've nothing lately.

[slick'81]

AK47 could salvage this offseason

[coachmac87]

Once Dwight signs the cookie will crumble. Other teams will scramble and some players will get over paid...AK may be one of them..

Tyreke Evans is the biggest name switching teams so far...

[coyotes_geek]

I think he's a bit too expensive for the Heat. Who knows, though.

Fair point. The Heat do have some pretty serious luxury tax ramifications to consider.

[Leetonidas]

The fact that you haven't heard much is probably a good thing tbh

[dbestpro]

I get the feeling AK47 will not get the contract he wants and finds himself back playing ball back in another continent.

[coyotes_geek]

Unless the cap figure comes in well below what the alleged experts are predicting, the Spurs should still be able to clear enough capspace to beat an MLE contract. It wouldn't be by much, and by how much is basically going to depend on how Manu's deal is structured. Assuming a Bonner amnesty, a $58.5 cap and a $6.75 salary for Manu next year, Spurs can probably offer up a 4yr deal starting at $6 mil. Over the 4 years that beats 4 year MLE by $3 million dollars (assuming no S&T). Don't know if that would be enough to land AK or not.

Damn I wish the Spurs would add another year to Manu's deal and transfer some of his cap liability from '13-'14 to '15-'16. Every dollar the Spurs can lower Manu's '13-'14 cap figure by is four extra dollars the Spurs can offer someone like AK.

Would also be nice to be able to trade Decolo, Joseph or Mills to someone for a future 2nd round draft pick.......

[Chinook]

I get the feeling AK47 will not get the contract he wants and finds himself back playing ball back in another continent.

For some reason I imagined him playing with a bunch of penguins in Antarctica when I read this.

[Biggems]

now that we just signed bellinelli, do we have any chance at all to make a run at AK47?

[coyotes_geek]

now that we just signed bellinelli, do we have any chance at all to make a run at AK47?

Depends how the Spurs intend to sign him. Part of the MLE or the Room Exception. Using part of the MLE takes the Spurs out of the running for AK.

[PingPong]

If the Spurs get rid of Green and Bonner?

[Leetonidas]

If the Spurs get rid of Green and Bonner?
http://ragefaces.s3.amazonaws.com/5041f6fdae7c704ffe000001/facepalm.png

[SpursRock20]

For some reason I imagined him playing with a bunch of penguins in Antarctica when I read this.
:lol or with a bunch of kangaroos in Australia.

[Biggems]

Depends how the Spurs intend to sign him. Part of the MLE or the Room Exception. Using part of the MLE takes the Spurs out of the running for AK.

i do not understand the salary cap at all....the NFL is so much easier to follow than the NBA when it comes to this topic.

I feel we overpaid for Manu. I am not upset that we gave him the money we gave him, just wish we could have hooked him up post career with some of that cash.....saving some cap space over the next two seasons.

I love the bellinelli signing, i am ok with the tiago contract, and I am ok with neal not coming back (though i am a fan of his). I am also ok with letting blair walk (still wish pop would have given him more time against the heat), and i have a feeling we amnesty Bonner (if we are still able to).

I would be so stoked if we could add AK47 to the mix......

[TD 21]

In addition to the Spurs, the Pistons, Bucks, Kings and Jazz, are probably the most likely suitors.

As DAF86 detailed, signing him and starting him at PF, is not without issues. But in the grand scheme of things, it's worth a shot because it would raise their ceiling (he'd obviously be especially useful against the Heat and Thunder, who Bonner is useless against) and even if it backfires, I don't see how they could be markedly worse.

If they do in fact sign him, then bringing in a minimum stretch four to replace Bonner and fill out the roster would make sense.

[Texas_Ranger]

In addition to the Spurs, the Pistons, Bucks, Kings and Jazz, are probably the most likely suitors.

As DAF86 detailed, signing him and starting him at PF, is not without issues. But in the grand scheme of things, it's worth a shot because it would raise their ceiling (he'd obviously be especially useful against the Heat and Thunder, who Bonner is useless against) and even if it backfires, I don't see how they could be markedly worse.

If they do in fact sign him, then bringing in a minimum stretch four to replace Bonner and fill out the roster would make sense.

If he want to win he won't sign with any of those teams. And I don't believe the Spurs would bring Splitter who'll be getting 9M of the bench.

[Robz4000]

In addition to the Spurs, the Pistons, Bucks, Kings and Jazz, are probably the most likely suitors.

As DAF86 detailed, signing him and starting him at PF, is not without issues. But in the grand scheme of things, it's worth a shot because it would raise their ceiling (he'd obviously be especially useful against the Heat and Thunder, who Bonner is useless against) and even if it backfires, I don't see how they could be markedly worse.

If they do in fact sign him, then bringing in a minimum stretch four to replace Bonner and fill out the roster would make sense.

Might explain their interest in Jamison. Didn't make sense otherwise.

[TD 21]

If he want to win he won't sign with any of those teams. And I don't believe the Spurs would bring Splitter who'll be getting 9M of the bench.

Of course he wants to win (who doesn't?), but he also wants as much money as he can get, which is why he came back from Russia last off season to join the perennial bottom feeder Timberwolves. Granted, if healthy, they'd have had a shot at having the right to be blown away by the Thunder or Spurs in the 1st round, but still.

Gibson is getting $8.5M to come off the bench and Anderson is getting just less than that to do the same. Re-signing Splitter was about retaining an asset. I'm not convinced Pop ever wanted to or was ever all that comfortable starting him, he was just the best option. Besides, he'd still get 20-25 mpg off the bench and in two years time, when Duncan likely retires, he'd start again.


Robz4000, it would be a non rotation spot and Jamison's not signing up for that. I suspect it would be some project who'd just be happy to be in the league and wouldn't be in a position to complain about not playing.

[Robz4000]

Robz4000, it would be a non rotation spot and Jamison's not signing up for that. I suspect it would be some project who'd just be happy to be in the league and wouldn't be in a position to complain about not playing.

Then fuck. Really don't know why they'd reach out to him. Jamison would bring nothing to this team that it doesn't already have.

[Texas_Ranger]

Jamison would still be better than Bonner.

[Robz4000]

Jamison would still be better than Bonner.

I'd still take Bonner over him tbh.

[Texas_Ranger]

I'd still take Bonner over him tbh.

I don't mind Bonner being on the team, the problem is his contract. Jamison would play for the vet min. For a 37 year old 9 & 5 is pretty good.

[Robz4000]

I don't mind Bonner being on the team, the problem is his contract. Jamison would play for the vet min. For a 37 year old 9 & 5 is pretty good.

Jamison would command more than that, even with the chance to play for a contender. Prolly around the contract Belli just got.

[Texas_Ranger]

Jamison would command more than that, even with the chance to play for a contender. Prolly around the contract Belli just got.

he played for a minimum this year, so I doubt it.

[Robz4000]

he played for a minimum this year, so I doubt it.

Lakers were already over the cap and were heavy favorites to come out of the West. Reason he only took it for one year. Some of the rumored offers non-contenders threw his way were about $4mil/year. While he'd definitely settle for less to play for a team like the Spurs, it wouldn't be the vet min. He might take it for the Thunder where he could be an essential bench player.

[ducks]

Depends how the Spurs intend to sign him. Part of the MLE or the Room Exception. Using part of the MLE takes the Spurs out of the running for AK.

I trade booner and filler for him

[xmas1997]

I thought they were grooming Bonner for a FO job.

[Marrow]

I thought they were grooming Bonner for a FO job.

grooming takes time... a friend of a preist told me that

[007nites]

Hope we get him. Versatile player who we can play at 3 different positions. Also, gives us some athleticism and more length. We are likely to face OKC during the playoffs and a combination of Leonard and AK47 on Durant could wear him down.

[Bruno]

If Spurs can't get Kirilenko because, for example, he isn't fine with playing most of his minutes at the PF slot, they have a possible good plan B with Millsap.

[HI-FI]

If Spurs can't get Kirilenko because, for example, he isn't fine with playing most of his minutes at the PF slot, they have a possible good plan B with Millsap.

interesting. i'm a fan of Millsap, i'll be happy with either one panning out.

[spursince#99]

Pray we get him.

[jesterbobman]

I have no real preference between the 2. A 3.75 is what we need, and both AK and Millsap are good players who fit the bill.

[TE]

Eh...no to Milsap. Please get AK47

[Spursfanfromafar]

If Spurs can't get Kirilenko because, for example, he isn't fine with playing most of his minutes at the PF slot, they have a possible good plan B with Millsap.

I'd rather think that Kirilenko would be fine with playing most of his minutes at the PF slot; for that is where he seems to be most effective these days (perhaps it is a matchup thing).

Millsap, I am sure will command a bigger remuneration somewhere. I think he is valued a lot by folks in the NBA.

[Leetonidas]

Antwan Jamison is the black Matt Bonner at this point :lol

[xmas1997]

And I thought TP and AK47 were good pals. Won't TP try to influence him to come here?

[SpursFan4-Life]

Milsap or Ak47 landing in SA would be dream scenarios at this point

[wut]

pipe dream.

[spurman123]

At this point why would anyone significant come to SA? There are no more minutes in the rotation for all these guys.

[Redshadows]

Maybe he want a bigger contract which Spurs could not offer.

Maybe he don't want to play a lot at PF.

Maybe he want to be a starter.

Maybe Spurs not want him that much.

I don't know whether Kirilenko would come or not. But I do believe De Colo might leave.

[HarlemHeat37]

AK and Millsap have been my 2 choices since the beginning, and the Spurs should be all over them, tbh..

They both fit the need of small ball PF and would put the Spurs a level above the rest of the West IMO..

[Mugen]

Both are long shots tbh.

[TheGreatYacht]

AK and Millsap have been my 2 choices since the beginning, and the Spurs should be all over them, tbh..

They both fit the need of small ball PF and would put the Spurs a level above the rest of the West IMO..Get over it. Manu killed any hopes of us acquiring an impact FA. The offseason for the Spurs is pretty much over. Any changes that the FO wants to make can be done via trades unless we're lucky enough to sign a FA for the veteran's minimum such as Greg Oden or Chauncy Billups.

[DesignatedT]

Both are long shots tbh.

If the Spurs are serious about either one they can make proper roster moves to offer either a very nice contract that IMO could and would lure one of them down here tbh.



It becomes a longshot because the Spurs likely aren't as interested as we are.

[Mel_13]

If the Spurs are serious about either one they can make proper roster moves to offer either a very nice contract that IMO could and would lure one of them down here tbh.



It becomes a longshot because the Spurs likely aren't as interested as we are.

We have a winner!

[DPG21920]

Don't necessarily agree with that. We have seen numerous times, even when the Spurs have equal or greater money, that FA's are not interested in playing in SA.

[txallstar]

wtf will ak47 give you? it's like he's this missing link SA has always needed. for his career his ave are no better than manu. manu had a crappy year but ak47 wouldn't give you anything more.

[Baam]

Don't necessarily agree with that. We have seen numerous times, even when the Spurs have equal or greater money, that FA's are not interested in playing in SA.

Mercenaries like Manu and Tiago yes but great guys like Beli and Boris took pay cuts to play here.

[DPG21920]

Mercenaries like Manu and Tiago yes but Beli and Boris took pay cuts to play here.

Dig deeper, pull from a bigger list of track records.

[Mel_13]

Don't necessarily agree with that. We have seen numerous times, even when the Spurs have equal or greater money, that FA's are not interested in playing in SA.

I remember plenty of guys who took more money to play elsewhere and a few who took equal money, but I don't recall any who took less money than they could have gotten from the Spurs.

[Baam]

Dig deeper, pull from a bigger list of track records.

AK is friend with TP like Boris so the track record of players signed by TP is just Boris.

[DPG21920]

I remember plenty of guys who took more money to play elsewhere and a few who took equal money, but I don't recall any who took less money than they could have gotten from the Spurs.

Really meant max money, maybe not greater (as in Kidd).

[Mugen]

Mel, why would the Spurs not be interested in either AK or Milsap assuming they weren't asking for big money?

They're both no-brainer FA targets tbh.

[Mel_13]

Really meant max money, maybe not greater (as in Kidd).

Kidd was my first thought as well. Spurs offered max possible, but Jersey offered the extra year and bigger raises. (back then a S&T probably would have happened and he would have gotten equal money from the Spurs).

There really haven't been any other cases over the last 10 years. The Spurs haven't offered anyone big money since 2003.

[PlayNando]

Get over it. Manu killed any hopes of us acquiring an impact FA. The offseason for the Spurs is pretty much over. Any changes that the FO wants to make can be done via trades unless we're lucky enough to sign a FA for the veteran's minimum such as Greg Oden or Chauncy Billups.
You have problems. Every post you make is a pot shot at Manu. You are pathetic.

Another thing people have to consider is do we even have the roster spots to sign these guys? Do you really think AK47 wants to be a backup? I doubt it, tbh...

[DPG21920]

But the overall point remains: even if the Spurs have equal money, we have seen FA's go elsewhere often enough. I do not think that no AK/Millsap means no Spurs interest. I think it's more likely they didn't have enough money.

[Mel_13]

Mel, why would the Spurs not be interested in either AK or Milsap assuming they weren't asking for big money?

They're both no-brainer FA targets tbh.

I'm assuming that they are. It's very possible that the Spurs went into this offseason with a plan to use the MLE for FAs, and no intention of taking the steps necessary to create significant cap space. Under that scenario, they would have contacted a player like AK47 to determine if he had any interest in the MLE (due diligence and all that). Once he gave the predictable answer, they moved on.

[Mel_13]

But the overall point remains: even if the Spurs have equal money, we have seen FA's go elsewhere often enough. I do not think that no AK/Millsap means no Spurs interest. I think it's more likely they didn't have enough money.

You just went from numerous to often enough.

Not semantics. :toast

[Mel_13]

But the overall point remains: even if the Spurs have equal money, we have seen FA's go elsewhere often enough. I do not think that no AK/Millsap means no Spurs interest. I think it's more likely they didn't have enough money.


The point I was trying to make was: no interest at the required price point.

[coachmac87]

If you had a choice who'd you take Milsap or AK47??

[Mugen]

Yeah, Milsap will easily get 9-10 million from another team.

AK is a more realistic target but wouldn't be surprised if he got a similar deal somewhere else. I don't think he opts out of 10mil this upcoming season for the MLE and a backup role on the Spurs.

Longshots tbh.

[Mugen]

If you had a choice who'd you take Milsap or AK47??

If they're for identical contracts then Milsap.

[Darkwaters]

If you had a choice who'd you take Milsap or AK47??

AK47 is the better fit, and the contract would likely be lower.

AK47

[spursince#99]

Pop probably told AK47 the same thing he told Stephen Jackson, and they probably haven't spoken since. That was most likely the end of the interest after Pop told him, and they both probably went separate ways as AK said no. No more communication since then, while we're on here looking foolish. "These are mostly Kawhi's minutes." :pop:

[Baam]

Pop probably told AK47 the same thing he told Stephen Jackson, and they probably haven't spoken since. That was most likely the end of the interest after Pop told him, and they both probably went separate ways as AK said no. No more communication since then, while we're on here looking foolish. "These are mostly Kawhi's minutes." :pop:

Probably, the thing is if you bring in a very good SF or combo guard, there's not enough playing time for everyone, so imo either there's a trade coming up or we stay pat.

[spursince#99]

Probably, the thing is if you bring in a very good SF or combo guard, there's not enough playing time for everyone, so imo either there's a trade coming up or we stay pat.


There's certainly a trade in the works.

[Darkwaters]

Probably, the thing is if you bring in a very good SF or combo guard, there's not enough playing time for everyone, so imo either there's a trade coming up or we stay pat.

But AK47 probably plays more PF than SF at this point. And with Bonner and Blair likely out of the loop we're in need of another big.

[Mel_13]

But AK47 probably plays more PF than SF at this point. And with Bonner and Blair likely out of the loop we're in need of another big.

Bonner's not going anywhere.

[Darkwaters]

Bonner's not going anywhere.

If we're signing either AK47 or Millsap then he has to.

[Mel_13]

If we're signing either AK47 or Millsap then he has to.

Then we're not signing AK47 or Millsap.

[DPG21920]

Then we're not signing AK47 or Millsap.

You seem certain that amnesty is not even an option, why?

[Bruno]

You had to be patient with the Whole Kirilenko thing, because, even if Spurs are really interested in him, it's a complicate situation:

- Spurs couldn't really makes him an offer before Ginobili agreed to his new contract and even now, since they don't know the exact value of the cap, they can't make him a precise offer.
- Kirilenko opt out of $10.2M, he might still hope to receive a better offer than Spurs' one from a team that tried without succes to get Howard.
- Spurs might need to salary dump De Colo to offer Kirilenko a $1M higher salary. Spurs might struggles to find a landing spot for Nando.
- To offer Kirilenko an extra $0.6M per year, Spurs might try to do an "empty" S&T. In that case, Minny might want to turn it into a 3 teams trade with them getting Martin through a S&T. It will allow them to keep their MLE and LLE. Delusional Presti might be delusional and makes this 3 teams trade complicate to do.

I have no clue if Spurs are after Kirlenko but if they are, it's way more complicate than just signing a free agent like Splitter, Ginobili or Belinelli.

[Mel_13]

You seem certain that amnesty is not even an option, why?

I'm not certain. The Spurs keep things close to the vest, so anything is possible. It just seems very unlikely to me. It's been my opinion re: the various cap space scenarios since February.

Nearly all doubt I had left was removed when the deadline to waive Bonner passed on June 30th (and I know that the two sides could have a deal to extend that deadline). The Spurs could have created 3M in cap space at a cost of 1M. They passed (assuming a deadline extending deal is not in place). I don't see them now spending 4M (minus any possible amnesty bid) to create 4M in cap space.

[racm]

I think the crux here is that Pop usually wants the core guys to be here for the title runs. Big name FAs, while great, usually don't have the corporate knowledge yet.

Bringing in Belinelli as a de facto Neal replacement probably reflects the fact that Neal's stock went up due to a generally good Finals performance, and investing big money on a one-way player hasn't served the franchise well.

[pad300]

Regarding the wholes minutes thing, assuming we got Kirilenko. Look at the roster for the 3/4/5
C -Duncan, Splitter, Baynes
PF - Diaw, Blair (Gone), Bonner (Gone - amnesty)
SF - Kawhi
Add Kirilenko.
There are 144 minutes between 3 spots. Duncan will play 30 or so, Splitter will play 30 or so, Kirilenko will play 30 or so, and Kawhi 32-36...

C (48) - Duncan (30) Splitter (18)
PF (48) - Splitter (12) Kirilenko (16) Diaw (20)
SF (48) - Kawhi (34) Kirilenko (14)
Baynes is 5th big and gets minutes in blow outs, and more if he earns them, resting TD.

[Baam]

Splitter Diaw at the 4 and 5 is a bad combination imo because both are weak rebounders... I'd rather have Baynes backup Tim this season.

[kobexxx]

its getting older now.. how can you compete with GSW, Houston, etc

[spurs10]

I'm not certain. The Spurs keep things close to the vest, so anything is possible. It just seems very unlikely to me. It's been my opinion re: the various cap space scenarios since February.

Nearly all doubt I had left was removed when the deadline to waive Bonner passed on June 30th (and I know that the two sides could have a deal to extend that deadline). The Spurs could have created 3M in cap space at a cost of 1M. They passed (assuming a deadline extending deal is not in place). I don't see them now spending 4M (minus any possible amnesty bid) to create 4M in cap space. Thanks to you, as well as Bruno and Chinook, for making this situation more clear. It's a shame the chance at getting AK is looking doubtful, for said reasons. If I'm following correctly we have about 2 million in cap space or about the same leftover in our MLE to acquire another player. A possible s&t is our only hope to get someone for more $, correct? Well, we aren't done yet, unless Kawhi is going to play for 48 minutes a game....

[Mel_13]

Thanks to you, as well as Bruno and Chinook, for making this situation more clear. It's a shame the chance at getting AK is looking doubtful, for said reasons. If I'm following correctly we have about 2 million in cap space or about the same leftover in our MLE to acquire another player. A possible s&t is our only hope to get someone for more $, correct? Well, we aren't done yet, unless Kawhi is going to play for 48 minutes a game....

It's really hard to know exactly where they stand (see Bruno's most recent post above), but there's a good chance that the biggest chunk of money that the Spurs have left to offer a FA is roughly half of the MLE.

[racm]

its getting older now.. how can you compete with GSW, Houston, etc

By the time those teams hit their stride the Spurs will only have Tiago on the books.

[Drom John]

"Leland (texas)
I know they don't have much room, but anything else from the spurs this off season? I heard Kirilenko, but after latest signing probably not going to happen.

Kevin Pelton
(3:15 PM)
I wouldn't rule that out, depending on how the Kirilenko market shakes out. One potential for AK47: A big one-year contract from Cleveland."

If so, that's one reason not to have signed Belinelli.

[spursfan4ever]

Any news if the Spurs are still interested in acquiring AK47 in a S/T deal or if he has signed anywhere else?

[cd98]

Timberwolves gave him a very nice contract last year. Were they contenders?

Minn. thought they were contenders when they signed him. Up until Kevin Loce was lost for most of the season. Go back to the preseason last year and read about the Twolves. Lots of experts picked them to make the playoffs.

[007nites]

What if he takes a pay cut?

[angelbelow]

Surprised to see Milsap get 19 million for 2 years.. AK might be out of our reach.

[spurraider21]

Surprised to see Milsap get 19 million for 2 years.. AK might be out of our reach.

blessing in disguise. atlanta is one of the losers of the dwight sweepstakes. they were desperate to throw money somewhere
Dallas might now make a play for Kirilenko, especially after Jefferson committed to the B:lolbcats

Dallas might throw some money at him, but i doubt it, considering where they are as a franchise. besides, AK said he wants to play for a contender, and Dallas doesn't qualify. considering he just threw 10 mil away, i doubt he signs with the mavs anyway just because they throw $ at him.

[spurraider21]

"Leland (texas)
I know they don't have much room, but anything else from the spurs this off season? I heard Kirilenko, but after latest signing probably not going to happen.

Kevin Pelton
(3:15 PM)
I wouldn't rule that out, depending on how the Kirilenko market shakes out. One potential for AK47: A big one-year contract from Cleveland."

If so, that's one reason not to have signed Belinelli.
so this guy is saying kirilenko left a big one-year contract on the table from minnesota with the hopes that he lands a big one-year contract from cleveland? unlikely

[Bruno]

When I see how easily Houston salary dumped Royce White, Spurs shouldn't have a lot of issues salary dumping De Colo and/or Mills. By doing so, they would be able to offer Kirilenko a very respectable contract.

[slick'81]

When I see how easily Houston salary dumped Royce White, Spurs shouldn't have a lot of issues salary dumping De Colo and/or Mills. By doing so, they would be able to offer Kirilenko a very respectable contract.

Damn I'm actually getting excited

[objective]

When I see how easily Houston salary dumped Royce White, Spurs shouldn't have a lot of issues salary dumping De Colo and/or Mills. By doing so, they would be able to offer Kirilenko a very respectable contract.

I don't know. That's just a case of Morey's croney helping him out. Former Spurs officials don't help the Spurs like Morey's little helper.

[spurraider21]

the only reason i still have hope of this going down is the lack of suitors stepping up for AK's services

[kobyz]

i'm all for AK47, he's better than nothing, will improve our second unite defense!

[MannyIsGod]

I have no doubts the Spurs can move Nando. Mills is probably easy to move too. I still don't think that AK is likely to take that kind of a pay cut to come here. Then again, I don't think he's likely to accept a one year deal from anyone unless its more than 10 million. I think the Spurs have done some excellent planning and moving to get to a point with these options but I don't think its quite enough.

[cd98]

I have no doubts the Spurs can move Nando. Mills is probably easy to move too. I still don't think that AK is likely to take that kind of a pay cut to come here. Then again, I don't think he's likely to accept a one year deal from anyone unless its more than 10 million. I think the Spurs have done some excellent planning and moving to get to a point with these options but I don't think its quite enough.

It may be he has no choice as no teams will offer him more. I guess he could go back to Russia.

[Baam]

It may be he has no choice as no teams will offer him more. I guess he could go back to Russia.

The mavs gave Caleron 7M*4y, pretty sure he's gonna get some decent offers.

[xmas1997]

If th e reports are right an d the Spurs are in hot pursuit of Kenyon Martin, does that mean they have given up on AK 47?

[PlayNando]

When I see how easily Houston salary dumped Royce White, Spurs shouldn't have a lot of issues salary dumping De Colo and/or Mills. By doing so, they would be able to offer Kirilenko a very respectable contract.
Nando = X-Factor 2013-2014.

Don't salary dump Nando. Drop Patty....

Play Nando.....................

[ohmwrecker]

Splitter Diaw at the 4 and 5 is a bad combination imo because both are weak rebounders... I'd rather have Baynes backup Tim this season.

I guess you're expecting him to have an amazing off-season?

[MeloHype]

Dump Bonner god damn it.

[Texas_Ranger]

Bonner is staying, we should just face that. One of the backup point guards should be traded.

[Jumi]

If we trade a backup pg, I say it's Mills. I don't understand the hate for CoJo. Asking a second year player who left school too early to run one of the hardest offenses in the NBA like a seasoned vet is too much. The rumors about Collison doesn't make sense and I don't believe for one second we're getting another guard after the Belinelli signing.

[Chinook]

One of the backup point guards should be traded.

Yes. No matter what else happens this off-season, this is true.

[StoneBuddha]

Is the Pandergraph signing officially the end of the AK pursuit/possibility?

[Robz4000]

Might actually be a prelude to it. Bonner on the way out?

[benefactor]

He should be signed for the minimum. It's a depth move.

[Bruno]

Is the Pandergraph signing officially the end of the AK pursuit/possibility?

It depends on what kind of contract they have agreed to.
Min salary = Kirilenko is still in play.
More than a min salary = Spurs are officially out of the running for Kirilenko.

[Chinook]

Is the Pandergraph signing officially the end of the AK pursuit/possibility?

Not really. If it's for the minimum, it wouldn't affect the team's ability to use cap space if they really want to.

[therealtruth]

so this guy is saying kirilenko left a big one-year contract on the table from minnesota with the hopes that he lands a big one-year contract from cleveland? unlikely

It's more likely he wants a longer contract.

[Poolboy5623]

I was excited about the possibility of ak joing the spurs...it still would be nice but I like the two pickups so far. I just don't see the pt in keeping Bonner(I like Bonner), with this group. That money could be spent so much more efficiently, it's not even funny.

[TheGreatYacht]

I was excited about the possibility of ak joing the spurs...it still would be nice but I like the two pickups so far. I just don't see the pt in keeping Manu (I like Manu), with this group. That money could be spent so much more efficiently, it's not even funny.

[CGD]

Well if it is for part of the MLE and AK is out, then I expect the Spurs to make one more underrated signing to sure up the back-up SF slot.
Possibly keep TMac for the Vet Min? Not sure who else is out there.

[DesignatedT]

Probably grab somebody from Summer League ranks and let a few wings compete for the last roster spot in training camp.

[spurraider21]

It depends on what kind of contract they have agreed to.
Min salary = Kirilenko is still in play.
More than a min salary = Spurs are officially out of the running for Kirilenko.
This assuming belinelli signed for the room exception

[slick'81]

No way pendegraph gets more then the minimum

[Kindergarten Cop]

@mr_jasonjones: Andrei Kirilenko is still not an option at SF for the Kings at this time, I am told.

[Mel_13]

No way pendegraph gets more then the minimum

He got more than the minimum in his last contract, and that was coming off missing a year due to knee surgery.

[apalisoc_9]

@mr_jasonjones: Andrei Kirilenko is still not an option at SF for the Kings at this time, I am told.


great news

[tesseractive]

If we trade a backup pg, I say it's Mills. I don't understand the hate for CoJo. Asking a second year player who left school too early to run one of the hardest offenses in the NBA like a seasoned vet is too much. The rumors about Collison doesn't make sense and I don't believe for one second we're getting another guard after the Belinelli signing.
Mills doesn't have any trade value. CoJo probably does. Nando might or might not.

[milkyway21]

Is the Pandergraph signing officially the end of the AK pursuit/possibility?

Pendergraph is @ minimum. There's still room for one, AK47 or not. I think.

[spurraider21]

Pendergraph is @ minimum. There's still room for one, AK47 or not. I think.

how do you know it's at minimum. haven't seen an official statement yet

[Aggie Hoopsfan]

This should be viewed as a Blair replacement (for less money, hopefully), and nothing more.

If they blew anything else on this guy, Pop and RC screwed up.

[spursince#99]

This should be viewed as a Blair replacement (for less money, hopefully), and nothing more.

If they blew anything else on this guy, Pop and RC screwed up.

Indeed.

[Poolboy5623]

Threw me off a second there...but yeah between Manu and Bonner..that's 10-11 mill. Yikes.

[Mel_13]

Threw me off a second there...but yeah between Manu and Bonner..that's 10-11 mill. Yikes.

That's the glass half empty view.

The glass half full: the Spurs payroll for 14 players is less than the Lakers will pay for Kobe, Pau, MWP, and Nash. And that's before luxury tax.

[tesseractive]

This should be viewed as a Blair replacement (for less money, hopefully), and nothing more.
Why? He's got a shot (unlike Blair), and he can defend (unlike Blair).

[DesignatedT]

Soooo after all the signing today, what are the most likely destinations for AK47?

[Hoops Czar]

That's the glass half empty view.

The glass half full: the Spurs payroll for 14 players is less than the Lakers will pay for Kobe, Pau, MWP, and Nash. And that's before luxury tax.

The Spurs are at 14 players? Unless you're talking draft picks which the Spurs will undoubtedly stash, the Spurs have only one remaining spot? I guess the organization has already aborted the idea of bringing back Diaw eventhough he has a player option to return. Nothing says cheap more than replacing a pretty good all around shooting guard with a player that not even the offensively challenged Bulls wanted back and a big who's entrance into games will indicate garbage time. I wish I could crack open Buford's skull just to see what wavelength he's functioning at.

[timvp]

With the Dwomino falling, I expect AK47 to be signed somewhere within the next few days.

[N0 LyF3 ScRuB]

With the Dwomino falling, I expect AK47 to be signed somewhere within the next few days.
A Chinese poster here reported AK47 plans to sign with the Spurs on the first official date: the 10th. Interesting.

[timvp]

A Chinese poster here reported AK47 plans to sign with the Spurs on the first official date: the 10th. Interesting.

He trolling.

[Mel_13]

The Spurs are at 14 players? Unless you're talking draft picks which the Spurs will undoubtedly stash, the Spurs have only one remaining spot? I guess the organization has already aborted the idea of bringing back Diaw eventhough he has a player option to return. Nothing says cheap more than replacing a pretty good all around shooting guard with a player that not even the offensively challenged Bulls wanted back and a big who's entrance into games will indicate garbage time. I wish I could crack open Buford's skull just to see what wavelength he's functioning at.

The 14 includes Diaw. He exercised his player option last week. So did Mills.

[N0 LyF3 ScRuB]

He trolling.
Prolly. But I still think is very possible. I think we could get him a couple years for maybe under $20 m

[Hoops Czar]

The 14 includes Diaw. He exercised his player option last week. So did Mills.
For me, that's the first bit of good news this offseason. Ive been googling but couldn't find any info. Now, if the Spurs could just find a team to take De Colo.

[some_user86]

Everybody has their hopes pinned on AK47, but I really don't think it's happening. He probably has larger offers to play in Europe. Clearly he thought he could get more than $10 million per year. That is just not happening in the States, and he's just following where the money is.

I think it maybe time for us to move on.

[Baam]

Everybody has their hopes pinned on AK47, but I really don't think it's happening. He probably has larger offers to play in Europe. Clearly he thought he could get more than $10 million per year. That is just not happening in the States, and he's just following where the money is.

I think it maybe time for us to move on.

There's just as much concern about his role, I don't see him conceding about both pay AND role...

[tesseractive]

Everybody has their hopes pinned on AK47, but I really don't think it's happening. He probably has larger offers to play in Europe. Clearly he thought he could get more than $10 million per year. That is just not happening in the States, and he's just following where the money is.

I think it maybe time for us to move on.
I read an article in the Mpls Star Tribune that said that mainly he was looking for more years, and Minny wouldn't give them to him. I wouldn't be surprised if he'd happily sign a 3/27 deal. How much lower he'd go, I don't know.

Could he seriously be fielding 8-figure deals in Europe? If so, why did he come back in the first place?

[CitizenDwayne]

There's just as much concern about his role, I don't see him conceding about both pay AND role...

Exactly.

As great as this would be, I don't really see any reason why he would want to come here. Still, let's hope it happens anyway.

[spurraider21]

Exactly.

As great as this would be, I don't really see any reason why he would want to come here. Still, let's hope it happens anyway.
he's never made an nba finals. the furthest he ever went was the WCF with utah in 09, and even then they weren't considered serious contenders. if he wants to know what the big stage is like, his shot is in Sanantone

[Seventyniner]

I read an article in the Mpls Star Tribune that said that mainly he was looking for more years, and Minny wouldn't give them to him. I wouldn't be surprised if he'd happily sign a 3/27 deal. How much lower he'd go, I don't know.

Could he seriously be fielding 8-figure deals in Europe? If so, why did he come back in the first place?

One guess I have is that AK wants a 4th year and the Spurs are balking at it. A partially guaranteed 4th year might be the best compromise, because he won't perform nearly up to his salary level 4 years from now.

[tesseractive]

One guess I have is that AK wants a 4th year and the Spurs are balking at it. A partially guaranteed 4th year might be the best compromise, because he won't perform nearly up to his salary level 4 years from now.
Certainly possible. Also, realistically, the Spurs need a second team to make a deal happen. It can't be Minny, because they have had to renounce AK already. So it would have to be some other team, either with a sign and trade or with a straight salary-dump trade (like the Golden State-Utah trade) to free up cap space. The good news, at least, is that the obvious salaries to dump (Bonner, DeColo) are only 1-year deals, so for a team with cap space looking to tank, this could help them reach their minimum salary for a year and still leave them free to do whatever next season.

[Ocotillo]

I think El Nono hit it on the head in an earlier post, if AK-47 wants more years, I don't think he is coming here. The Spurs are clearly giving out two year deals at this time to make cap room for when for 2015. That gives them the flexibility to fully blow it up post-Big 3 or to decide if they can do something with Kawai and whoever else is on the roster post 2015.

[Baam]

I think El Nono hit it on the head in an earlier post, if AK-47 wants more years, I don't think he is coming here. The Spurs are clearly giving out two year deals at this time to make cap room for when for 2015. That gives them the flexibility to fully blow it up post-Big 3 or to decide if they can do something with Kawai and whoever else is on the roster post 2015.

Except for the almighty Tiago Splitter who got 4 years...

[ElNono]

Except for the almighty Tiago Splitter who got 4 years...

Tiago is young, and potentially a piece they want to build around, like Kawhi, who will get an extension next summer...

[spurraider21]

we gettin kirilenko 2 years vets minimum obviously...

Pop's got some CIA soviet info on AK

[Baam]

Tiago is young, and potentially a piece they want to build around, like Kawhi, who will get an extension next summer...

He's 29 and he's certainly no centerpiece to build around , he's the definition of a role player... But they didn't have a choice given the market...

[DesignatedT]

Ehh if we can get Kirilenko at 3 years for a cheaper rate than Tiago, I don't see what the problem is there. Would be just as good (or bad) of a contract Tiago just received.

[spurraider21]

He's 29 and he's certainly no centerpiece to build around , he's the definition of a role player... But they didn't have a choice given the market...

he's 28. his contract will expire when he's 32. sounds pretty good to me

[ElNono]

He's 29 and he's certainly no centerpiece to build around , he's the definition of a role player... But they didn't have a choice given the market...

Spurs operate with continuity as a core concept, which really escapes a lot of people, and thus the disappointment every offseason.

Unless there's a dramatic performance drop or a major ceiling they can't break, I expect Green, Kawhi and Tiago likely to be what the Spurs will look like after 2015.

[Budkin]

Really hope we land the Russian, come on RC.

[Mikeanaro]

Tiago is young, and potentially a piece they want to build around, like Kawhi, who will get an extension next summer...

Is not that young like Kawhi, and not the type of piece a champinshiop caliber team would build around, but he could be a star or a piece (you name it) in Sacramento, Atlanta, Phily.

[exstatic]

I think they're tracking him. It's weird that there hasn't been a f'ing word in days. No rumors of him anywhere else. That just doesn't happen.

[spursince#99]

I have no clue what's going on here, but I think this ship sailed a long time ago.

[Kindergarten Cop]

I think they're tracking him. It's weird that there hasn't been a f'ing word in days. No rumors of him anywhere else. That just doesn't happen.

FWIW, only rumor lately isone Sacramento "insider" stating that he was NOT an option for the Kings.

[IknowU]

He would have been already signed if teams were interested considering the amount of scrubs hitting the headlines over the last two days.

I would think he already has a team (spurs??) but they might be waiting for potential teams to do ST or salary dump.

[manufan10]

We probably won't see anything more until after the 10th. By then the other deals will be done, and then we can see what's remaining. Until then, I doubt we see anything.

[Sean Cagney]

For me, that's the first bit of good news this offseason. Ive been googling but couldn't find any info. Now, if the Spurs could just find a team to take De Colo.
DO NOT get me excited there man :lol:lol

BTW Congrats on Jack as a backup PG, dude is a scorer and I am glad he is off GS.

[manufan10]

I think the fact that he hasn't been linked to any teams bodes well for the Spurs chances. But again, we probably won't see/hear anything until after the 10th (if he ends up landing with the Spurs).

[Libri]

We probably won't see anything more until after the 10th. By then the other deals will be done, and then we can see what's remaining. Until then, I doubt we see anything.

Which means that 10 more pages of speculation will be added to this ridiculously long thread. :lol

[Sean Cagney]

I have no clue what's going on here, but I think this ship sailed a long time ago.

I would bet it probably did, infact nobody is rushing to get him.

[spurs10]

The Serbian Connection...CIA Pop getting it done..... From Russia With Love.....:music