Welcome to SA, CP3

[noles1983]

Dat nigga goin ta cleavlund

To be behind Irving?

[FkLA]

to ask a question to the main topic of this title 'Welcome to SA, CP3' " At what stage of his career do you feel CP3 is in? " Is he considered to be in the early stages, middle (meaning entering his prime), or is he on the downward slope of his career. If you able to answer the question which points to the 1st 2 stages then you welcome the guy, but if he is passed his prime and entering the backend of his prime maybe you don't try so hard.... I am just thinking out loud here.

It's not rocket science, brah. He's like 32 or 33 so he's at the tail end of his prime. Still worth it though, especially if it can be done without getting rid of LMA and Green.

[eDizzle20]

Hopefully the Spurs can get CP3 signed. I don't understand all the references by the so called experts in regards to Paul fitting in with the Spurs and being a ball dominant point guard. Pop asked Kawhi to be a scorer and that is exactly what he is. He excels at iso. Perimeter players typically don't command double teams either and Parker is not a pass first point guard. Not to mention the Spurs rely too heavily on Kawhi in today's NBA. Even though Paul is ball dominant the role players would have a better idea where their shots would come from and when they would get the ball. People need to move from on the beautiful game Spurs of 2013-2014. The make of this team is quite different.

[lebomb]

Dat nigga goin ta cleavlund

At this stage of the game, Kyrie has more upside. Kyrie has more offense than CP3. He may not be overall better, but Kyrie is what? Like 25 and CP3 is 32.

[cd98]

I actually think LeBron is leaving Cavs to try and form a super team to beat the Warriors. He has no choice if he wants to win more titles in the GSW age. I could see him going to Clips. Wonder if he'd go to Spurs.

[tmtcsc]

I actually think LeBron is leaving Cavs to try and form a super team to beat the Warriors. He has no choice if he wants to win more titles in the GSW age. I could see him going to Clips. Wonder if he'd go to Spurs.

The Clips? I've actually wondered the same thing about him leaving but the Spurs might be up there too - because of Pop and the Spurs' organization.

[spursistan]

. The CP3-to-Spurs talk is interesting. One front-office executive I’ve chatted with thinks the talk is real. An agent views it as little more than a contingency plan and a negotiating tactic for Paul to demand a no-trade clause. I’m not sure what to believe.

872805133721116672

If not, then it's "Welcome to SA, Lebron" season :lol..

[Chillen]

The Clips? I've actually wondered the same thing about him leaving but the Spurs might be up there too - because of Pop and the Spurs' organization.

If LeBron ever leaves Cleveland again it's probably to the Spurs. The Clippers have no winning history, no championships.

[Ron Swanson]

Watch LeBron go to the Dubs.

[sasaint]

If LeBron ever leaves Cleveland again it's probably to the Spurs. The Clippers have no winning history, no championships.

Maybe Lebron would prefer to establish the precedent with the Clips than to blend in the dynasty that is the Spurs.

[coachmac87]

872805133721116672

If not, then it's "Welcome to SA, Lebron" season :lol..

The whole "leverage for 5yr max" for the reason behind the CP3-Spurs rumor is lazy reporting..When was there any doubt that the Clippers wouldn't offer that?? It's just lazy by saying he could make 50M more etc. just not all the way true..

Whats the reason for the CP3-Spurs leak?? How about sending a message to the Spurs......??

They're the ones who need to make moves or "tough decisions" for this to work and if Paul's camp leaks this it tells the Spurs they should consider proceeding with the moves and make a run at him..this idea also goes along with the report that the Clippers are threatened by CP3-Spurs interest...

[sasaint]

Watch LeBron go to the Dubs.

I hope he does, and all the other Dubs players remain. Then the league would be forced to adopt a genuine salary cap without all the loopholes.

[Mnky]

If CP3 goes to the spurs, LeBron joins him in 2018. Book it.

[tmtcsc]

If LeBron ever leaves Cleveland again it's probably to the Spurs. The Clippers have no winning history, no championships.

Lebron could join Kawhi, Aldridge, CP3, & Melo (If Melo gets bought out) in 2018. He would need to take a significant pay cut but its not totally far-fetched.

In 2018, Core Salaries would look like this:

Aldridge: 22.3 Mill
Leonard: 20.1 Mill
Paul: 25 Mill ? (Depends on if he would take a cut to play here)
Melo: Vet min (Bulk of salary paid by Knicks)
Lebron: ? (Has said he would take a pay cut to play with his friends)

Projected 103 Million cap

I could see Lebron saying he wants to play with his friends, have a chance at a Championship and with the greatest coach of his era. Will it all happen? Probably not but not entirely impossible. Not sure how I feel about having a super team here. Aldridge disgusted me in the playoffs I've never been a CP3 or Lebron fan and Melo has a history of issues.

[TimDunkem]

LeBron would go to the Spurs before he'd ever go to the Shitppers. :lol

Which means he's going to the Lakers.

[TD 21]

The whole "leverage for 5yr max" for the reason behind the CP3-Spurs rumor is lazy reporting..When was there any doubt that the Clippers wouldn't offer that?? It's just lazy by saying he could make 50M more etc. just not all the way true..

Whats the reason for the CP3-Spurs leak?? How about sending a message to the Spurs......??

They're the ones who need to make moves or "tough decisions" for this to work and if Paul's camp leaks this it tells the Spurs they should consider proceeding with the moves and make a run at him..this idea also goes along with the report that the Clippers are threatened by CP3-Spurs interest...

Exactly. There was a report a few months ago that the two sides had a verbal agreement on a 5 year max.

His representative(s) wouldn't need to send a message to the Spurs publicly; things of this magnitude get done through the back channels. When James went back to the Cavaliers, his representative(s) encouraged them to make certain cap clearing moves.

[spursistan]

Exactly. There was a report a few months ago that the two sides had a verbal agreement on a 5 year max.

His representative(s) wouldn't need to send a message to the Spurs publicly; things of this magnitude get done through the back channels. When James went back to the Cavaliers, his representative(s) encouraged them to make certain cap clearing moves.

872920408567296000

Meanwile, I don't think James will sit back and be happy taking few more Finals Ls to this Warriors team..That he mentions "Spurs" (along with CLE/GSW) and "sacrifice" :stirpot:..

It is "Spuerteams" or bust until further notice..

[cd98]

LeBron would only go to a team that was an immediate contender to beat GSW. Lakers are out, but the Clippers are possible. No doubt that Clipper team with LeBron at the three would be on par with GSW line up, though I'd still have GSW favored.

The only way LeBron gets on a team that is favored to win is if it includes Kawhi. I don't see Hardin or Westbrook as working well with LeBron to form a team. It isn't just that GSW are talented, it's that they play unselfish, team oriented game. A bunch of "me firsts" won't beat them. Spurs have the style, but not the all star talent to beat GSW in 7

[TD 21]

872920408567296000

Meanwile, I don't think James will sit back and be happy taking few more Finals Ls to this Warriors team..That he mentions "Spurs" (along with CLE/GSW) and "sacrifice" :stirpot:..

It is "Spuerteams" or bust until further notice..

Included them out of respect, which Paul and him seem to have most genuine amount of out of superstars and stars of this generation.

He won't be happy, but I don't see his move nor theirs.

[BatManu20]

The Clippers make the most sense imo, esp since I think CP3 re-signs there. Trade Blake Griffin, then add Lebron and Paul George next summer and suddenly you have a team to contend with the warriors.

[BatManu20]

872663619753975809

[bic50]

Does Cp3 have a deadline to make his decision?

[tonight...you]

The Clippers make the most sense imo, esp since I think CP3 re-signs there. Trade Blake Griffin, then add Lebron and Paul George next summer and suddenly you have a team to contend with the warriors.
Would be SO hilarious to see them get eliminated by the Spurs then...

Really would put a lot of smiles on faces, for sure.

[cjw]

If I'm Minnesota, Milwaukee, New Orleans or Philly, I'm at least trying to get a meeting with CP3.

Minnesota has the two young guys plus would have cap room beyond CP3 once the Pekovic deal gets removed (medical retirement) and ship out Rubio. Would be CP3 plus others they'd have room for.

Milwaukee has the most likely guy to be first team NBA in the league who hasn't been already with other nice pieces (Middleton) but would have to do a bunch of cleanup. But if choice is Giannis or Griffin, is it even close?

New Orleans could pull on the CP3 heartstrings to push for a return. Davis > Blake going forward and no reason Boogie can't improve around CP3 but perhaps too much personality. They're also a cap disaster paying Asik, Moore and Hill $20 million combined.

We know how much cap space Philly ($50 million) has and their biggest position of need. I personally think Lowry is the most likely guy (hometown, played college there) but similar to Minnesota, this is CP3 plus another guy. They'll only have cap space for so long and while the riskiest play, could be the highest upside of these four.


That said, a Spurs team that only has to lose Gasol, Simmons, and Mills would be the best win-now for him if he's willing to take slightly less. Shedding Green or stretching Parker could be needed to create the max space, and starts to gut the depth unless they feel Green can be replaced.

[webshad]

Would be SO hilarious to see them get eliminated by the Spurs then...

Really would put a lot of smiles on faces, for sure.

Not if Zaza Cheapshotulia comes out to "play".

[.G.]

James and Paul in silver n black? That's a lil too much to process. Damn.

Pop built something unique n special here in SA. W/o pop shit wouldn't be this way.

[8FOR!3]

Would love to see LeBron in silver and black before he retires. It'd be even better if it's before he's washed up. This is CP3's legacy closing quickly. He can take more money and never win a title or take less and have a legit chance.

[spurs10]

Watch LeBron go to the Dubs. That's what he should do and see if they could have a 98-0 season. Maybe a little wrestling before the games.

[Uriel]

871771691210244096

anyone got insider access?
Pls

[rastaspur]

Chris paul is getting fat tbh. Im still on the fence about this guy. Why? Hes getting old and doesnt really look like he has taken care of himself. Has had nagging injuries.

I am very reluctant to bless the signing of this guy at this stage in his career. He needs to get in shape or take some roids imo.

[ace3g]

Pls

Would San Antonio Spurs adding Chris Paul close gap with Golden State Warriors? - NBA



Would adding All-Star point guard Chris Paul (http://www.espn.com/nba/player/_/id/2779/chris-paul) make the San Antonio Spurs (http://www.espn.com/nba/team/_/name/sa/san-antonio-spurs) a true threat to the Golden State Warriors (http://www.espn.com/nba/team/_/name/gs/golden-state-warriors)?
If Paul decides to leave the LA Clippers (http://www.espn.com/nba/team/_/name/lac/la-clippers), who can offer him an extra year and an estimated $53 million more than any other suitor, he intends to seriously consider joining the Spurs, according to ESPN's Marc Stein (http://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/19521062/chris-paul-give-strong-consideration-san-antonio-spurs-free-agency-sources).

One of the factors Paul must consider is how much a move would improve his chances of beating the Warriors, who are likely to bring back a similar core because of Kevin Durant (http://www.espn.com/nba/player/_/id/3202/kevin-durant)'s willingness to take less money this summer (http://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/19509826/kevin-durant-willing-take-less-max-keep-golden-state-warriors-core-intact).

How much would adding Paul close the gap with Golden State? Let's take a look at some early statistical projections for San Antonio with Paul at the point.



Scenario A: Spurs move Parker

If Paul picks San Antonio, and the Spurs pay him the max, clearing enough room under the salary cap to fit his $35.3 million salary will be tricky. Even if center Pau Gasol (http://www.espn.com/nba/player/_/id/996/pau-gasol) declines his $16.2 million player option for 2017-18 and the Spurs renounce all their other free agents -- a group including key reserves Manu Ginobili (http://www.espn.com/nba/player/_/id/272/manu-ginobili), Patty Mills (http://www.espn.com/nba/player/_/id/4004/patty-mills) and Jonathon Simmons (http://www.espn.com/nba/player/_/id/2579466/jonathon-simmons) -- they'd still have less than $23 million in projected cap space based on the NBA's current $101 million salary-cap projection.

The most painless way for San Antonio to clear the necessary space in basketball terms would also be the most painful from a human perspective: moving veteran point guard Tony Parker (http://www.espn.com/nba/player/_/id/1015/tony-parker), who has played his entire career for the Spurs, winning four championships. Since Paul would effectively replace Parker, who told French newspaper L'Equipe he doesn't expect to return from a ruptured quadriceps until next January (http://www.espn.com/blog/nba/rumors/post/_/id/42964/rumor-central-tony-parker-expects-to-return-better-than-ever-in-2018), the on-court transition would be relatively seamless.

San Antonio could waive Parker and stretch his $15.4 million 2017-18 salary over the next three seasons to get to $33.2 million in cap space. Giving Paul his max would also require trading young reserves Kyle Anderson (http://www.espn.com/nba/player/_/id/2993874/kyle-anderson), Davis Bertans (http://www.espn.com/nba/player/_/id/6426/davis-bertans) and Dejounte Murray (http://www.espn.com/nba/player/_/id/3907497/dejounte-murray) as well as this year's first-round pick (drafting a player who intends to remain overseas would also work), which would leave the Spurs with just three players under contract before signing Paul.

Alternatively, San Antonio could try to use draft picks to entice a team under the cap to take on Parker's entire $15.5 million salary, which under current projections would allow the Spurs to avoid trading any young players and to retain the rights to free agents Simmons and David Lee (http://www.espn.com/nba/player/_/id/2772/david-lee) while still creating the necessary cap space.

Let's imagine the Spurs are able to trade Parker while re-signing Simmons, Lee and center Dewayne Dedmon using their room midlevel exception. That would yield the following rotation, as projected for 2017-18 by ESPN's real plus-minus (RPM):



Player
MPG
OffRPM
DefRPM


Chris Paul
32
3.9
2.1


Danny Green
27
0.2
1.9


Kawhi Leonard
34
4.5
2.1


LaMarcus Aldridge
32
-0.3
1.1


DeWayne Dedmon
20
-1.7
2.4


Dejounte Murray
18
-0.7
-0.3


Jonathon Simmons
25
-1.1
0.4


Kyle Anderson
18
-0.6
2.2


Davis Bertans
14
0.3
-0.1


David Lee
20
-1.4
0.3


Bryn Forbes
5
-1.7
-1.3


Replacement
9
-1.7
-0.4


Total

2.6
6.1



RPM sees this group as slightly better at both ends than this year's Spurs, who were 2.4 points per 100 possessions better than league average on offense and 5.0 points per 100 possessions better on defense. The offensive upgrade from Parker to Paul is somewhat offset by the loss of Gasol and increased minutes for Murray, who projects as a below-average offensive player despite the fact that point guards typically rate much better than average on offense (and worse on defense).

All told, RPM would project 62 wins for this version of San Antonio, only one more than this past season. However, it's worth noting that RPM projections are by nature conservative, and last year's summer projections (http://www.espn.com/nba/insider/story/_/id/17375776/projected-records-win-totals-standings-every-nba-team-2016-17-season) for the Spurs called for just 54.5 wins.


Scenario B: Spurs move Aldridge

Because of his importance to the organization, letting Parker go might not be an option for San Antonio. In that case, the Spurs would probably need to trade LaMarcus Aldridge (http://www.espn.com/nba/player/_/id/2983/lamarcus-aldridge) to clear the necessary cap space. (Trading the lower-priced Danny Green (http://www.espn.com/nba/player/_/id/3988/danny-green) would create the same additional complications as stretching Parker's salary.)

Dealing Aldridge's salary ($21.5 million in 2017-18) to a team with the necessary cap space would make the cap math much easier for San Antonio. The Spurs could then retain the rights to Simmons and Lee and have about $7 million in cap space to use after signing Paul, based on current projections.

Let's imagine that San Antonio uses the money to sign Nenê as a replacement for Aldridge and Gasol in the frontcourt, which would produce this rotation:



Player
MPG
OffRPM
DefRPM


Chris Paul
32
3.9
2.1


Danny Green
27
0.2
1.9


Kawhi Leonard
34
4.5
2.1


David Lee
25
-1.4
0.3


Nenê
20
-1.9
2.8


Tony Parker
18
-1.2
-1.1


Dejounte Murray
12
-0.7
-0.3


Jonathon Simmons
24
-1.1
0.4


Kyle Anderson
18
-0.6
2.2


Davis Bertans
20
0.3
-0.1


DeWayne Dedmon
20
-1.7
2.4


Bryn Forbes
5
-1.7
-1.3


Replacement
9
-1.7
-0.4


Total

1.9
6.3



While this group is weaker offensively because it replaces Aldridge with Nenê (and gives more minutes for Bertans and Lee), this group is slightly better defensively. RPM would forecast about 61 wins for this version of the Spurs.

Either way, San Antonio is unlikely to entirely close the gap on the Warriors, who were nearly as good on defense this season as the Spurs project with Paul, but were much better offensively. San Antonio has to sacrifice too much depth to create max cap space.

Still, joining the Spurs would surely give Paul a more realistic chance of reaching the conference finals for the first time in his star-crossed playoff career and give him hope of beating Golden State -- something the Clippers may no longer offer.

[Uriel]

Would San Antonio Spurs adding Chris Paul close gap with Golden State Warriors? - NBA




Scenario A: Spurs move Parker

If Paul picks San Antonio, and the Spurs pay him the max, clearing enough room under the salary cap to fit his $35.3 million salary will be tricky. Even if center Pau Gasol (http://www.espn.com/nba/player/_/id/996/pau-gasol) declines his $16.2 million player option for 2017-18 and the Spurs renounce all their other free agents -- a group including key reserves Manu Ginobili (http://www.espn.com/nba/player/_/id/272/manu-ginobili), Patty Mills (http://www.espn.com/nba/player/_/id/4004/patty-mills) and Jonathon Simmons (http://www.espn.com/nba/player/_/id/2579466/jonathon-simmons) -- they'd still have less than $23 million in projected cap space based on the NBA's current $101 million salary-cap projection.

The most painless way for San Antonio to clear the necessary space in basketball terms would also be the most painful from a human perspective: moving veteran point guard Tony Parker (http://www.espn.com/nba/player/_/id/1015/tony-parker), who has played his entire career for the Spurs, winning four championships. Since Paul would effectively replace Parker, who told French newspaper L'Equipe he doesn't expect to return from a ruptured quadriceps until next January (http://www.espn.com/blog/nba/rumors/post/_/id/42964/rumor-central-tony-parker-expects-to-return-better-than-ever-in-2018), the on-court transition would be relatively seamless.

San Antonio could waive Parker and stretch his $15.4 million 2017-18 salary over the next three seasons to get to $33.2 million in cap space. Giving Paul his max would also require trading young reserves Kyle Anderson (http://www.espn.com/nba/player/_/id/2993874/kyle-anderson), Davis Bertans (http://www.espn.com/nba/player/_/id/6426/davis-bertans) and Dejounte Murray (http://www.espn.com/nba/player/_/id/3907497/dejounte-murray) as well as this year's first-round pick (drafting a player who intends to remain overseas would also work), which would leave the Spurs with just three players under contract before signing Paul.

Alternatively, San Antonio could try to use draft picks to entice a team under the cap to take on Parker's entire $15.5 million salary, which under current projections would allow the Spurs to avoid trading any young players and to retain the rights to free agents Simmons and David Lee (http://www.espn.com/nba/player/_/id/2772/david-lee) while still creating the necessary cap space.

Let's imagine the Spurs are able to trade Parker while re-signing Simmons, Lee and center Dewayne Dedmon using their room midlevel exception. That would yield the following rotation, as projected for 2017-18 by ESPN's real plus-minus (RPM):



Player
MPG
OffRPM
DefRPM


Chris Paul
32
3.9
2.1


Danny Green
27
0.2
1.9


Kawhi Leonard
34
4.5
2.1


LaMarcus Aldridge
32
-0.3
1.1


DeWayne Dedmon
20
-1.7
2.4


Dejounte Murray
18
-0.7
-0.3


Jonathon Simmons
25
-1.1
0.4


Kyle Anderson
18
-0.6
2.2


Davis Bertans
14
0.3
-0.1


David Lee
20
-1.4
0.3


Bryn Forbes
5
-1.7
-1.3


Replacement
9
-1.7
-0.4


Total

2.6
6.1



RPM sees this group as slightly better at both ends than this year's Spurs, who were 2.4 points per 100 possessions better than league average on offense and 5.0 points per 100 possessions better on defense. The offensive upgrade from Parker to Paul is somewhat offset by the loss of Gasol and increased minutes for Murray, who projects as a below-average offensive player despite the fact that point guards typically rate much better than average on offense (and worse on defense).

All told, RPM would project 62 wins for this version of San Antonio, only one more than this past season. However, it's worth noting that RPM projections are by nature conservative, and last year's summer projections (http://www.espn.com/nba/insider/story/_/id/17375776/projected-records-win-totals-standings-every-nba-team-2016-17-season) for the Spurs called for just 54.5 wins.


Scenario B: Spurs move Aldridge

Because of his importance to the organization, letting Parker go might not be an option for San Antonio. In that case, the Spurs would probably need to trade LaMarcus Aldridge (http://www.espn.com/nba/player/_/id/2983/lamarcus-aldridge) to clear the necessary cap space. (Trading the lower-priced Danny Green (http://www.espn.com/nba/player/_/id/3988/danny-green) would create the same additional complications as stretching Parker's salary.)

Dealing Aldridge's salary ($21.5 million in 2017-18) to a team with the necessary cap space would make the cap math much easier for San Antonio. The Spurs could then retain the rights to Simmons and Lee and have about $7 million in cap space to use after signing Paul, based on current projections.

Let's imagine that San Antonio uses the money to sign Nenê as a replacement for Aldridge and Gasol in the frontcourt, which would produce this rotation:



Player
MPG
OffRPM
DefRPM


Chris Paul
32
3.9
2.1


Danny Green
27
0.2
1.9


Kawhi Leonard
34
4.5
2.1


David Lee
25
-1.4
0.3


Nenê
20
-1.9
2.8


Tony Parker
18
-1.2
-1.1


Dejounte Murray
12
-0.7
-0.3


Jonathon Simmons
24
-1.1
0.4


Kyle Anderson
18
-0.6
2.2


Davis Bertans
20
0.3
-0.1


DeWayne Dedmon
20
-1.7
2.4


Bryn Forbes
5
-1.7
-1.3


Replacement
9
-1.7
-0.4


Total

1.9
6.3



While this group is weaker offensively because it replaces Aldridge with Nenê (and gives more minutes for Bertans and Lee), this group is slightly better defensively. RPM would forecast about 61 wins for this version of the Spurs.

Either way, San Antonio is unlikely to entirely close the gap on the Warriors, who were nearly as good on defense this season as the Spurs project with Paul, but were much better offensively. San Antonio has to sacrifice too much depth to create max cap space.

Still, joining the Spurs would surely give Paul a more realistic chance of reaching the conference finals for the first time in his star-crossed playoff career and give him hope of beating Golden State -- something the Clippers may no longer offer.
Thank you so much!

Pretty awesome that in the first scenario, we would effectively be getting Paul and losing only Parker, Mills, Gasol, and Ginobili. And even then, we could re-sign Ginobili to the veteran minimum after signing Paul if he were amenable to it.

That's a tradeoff I'm sure most Spurs fans would be willing to make.

[BillMc]

Would San Antonio Spurs adding Chris Paul close gap with Golden State Warriors? - NBA




Scenario A: Spurs move Parker

If Paul picks San Antonio, and the Spurs pay him the max, clearing enough room under the salary cap to fit his $35.3 million salary will be tricky. Even if center Pau Gasol (http://www.espn.com/nba/player/_/id/996/pau-gasol) declines his $16.2 million player option for 2017-18 and the Spurs renounce all their other free agents -- a group including key reserves Manu Ginobili (http://www.espn.com/nba/player/_/id/272/manu-ginobili), Patty Mills (http://www.espn.com/nba/player/_/id/4004/patty-mills) and Jonathon Simmons (http://www.espn.com/nba/player/_/id/2579466/jonathon-simmons) -- they'd still have less than $23 million in projected cap space based on the NBA's current $101 million salary-cap projection.

The most painless way for San Antonio to clear the necessary space in basketball terms would also be the most painful from a human perspective: moving veteran point guard Tony Parker (http://www.espn.com/nba/player/_/id/1015/tony-parker), who has played his entire career for the Spurs, winning four championships. Since Paul would effectively replace Parker, who told French newspaper L'Equipe he doesn't expect to return from a ruptured quadriceps until next January (http://www.espn.com/blog/nba/rumors/post/_/id/42964/rumor-central-tony-parker-expects-to-return-better-than-ever-in-2018), the on-court transition would be relatively seamless.

San Antonio could waive Parker and stretch his $15.4 million 2017-18 salary over the next three seasons to get to $33.2 million in cap space. Giving Paul his max would also require trading young reserves Kyle Anderson (http://www.espn.com/nba/player/_/id/2993874/kyle-anderson), Davis Bertans (http://www.espn.com/nba/player/_/id/6426/davis-bertans) and Dejounte Murray (http://www.espn.com/nba/player/_/id/3907497/dejounte-murray) as well as this year's first-round pick (drafting a player who intends to remain overseas would also work), which would leave the Spurs with just three players under contract before signing Paul.

Alternatively, San Antonio could try to use draft picks to entice a team under the cap to take on Parker's entire $15.5 million salary, which under current projections would allow the Spurs to avoid trading any young players and to retain the rights to free agents Simmons and David Lee (http://www.espn.com/nba/player/_/id/2772/david-lee) while still creating the necessary cap space.

Let's imagine the Spurs are able to trade Parker while re-signing Simmons, Lee and center Dewayne Dedmon using their room midlevel exception. That would yield the following rotation, as projected for 2017-18 by ESPN's real plus-minus (RPM):



Player
MPG
OffRPM
DefRPM


Chris Paul
32
3.9
2.1


Danny Green
27
0.2
1.9


Kawhi Leonard
34
4.5
2.1


LaMarcus Aldridge
32
-0.3
1.1


DeWayne Dedmon
20
-1.7
2.4


Dejounte Murray
18
-0.7
-0.3


Jonathon Simmons
25
-1.1
0.4


Kyle Anderson
18
-0.6
2.2


Davis Bertans
14
0.3
-0.1


David Lee
20
-1.4
0.3


Bryn Forbes
5
-1.7
-1.3


Replacement
9
-1.7
-0.4


Total

2.6
6.1



RPM sees this group as slightly better at both ends than this year's Spurs, who were 2.4 points per 100 possessions better than league average on offense and 5.0 points per 100 possessions better on defense. The offensive upgrade from Parker to Paul is somewhat offset by the loss of Gasol and increased minutes for Murray, who projects as a below-average offensive player despite the fact that point guards typically rate much better than average on offense (and worse on defense).

All told, RPM would project 62 wins for this version of San Antonio, only one more than this past season. However, it's worth noting that RPM projections are by nature conservative, and last year's summer projections (http://www.espn.com/nba/insider/story/_/id/17375776/projected-records-win-totals-standings-every-nba-team-2016-17-season) for the Spurs called for just 54.5 wins.


Scenario B: Spurs move Aldridge

Because of his importance to the organization, letting Parker go might not be an option for San Antonio. In that case, the Spurs would probably need to trade LaMarcus Aldridge (http://www.espn.com/nba/player/_/id/2983/lamarcus-aldridge) to clear the necessary cap space. (Trading the lower-priced Danny Green (http://www.espn.com/nba/player/_/id/3988/danny-green) would create the same additional complications as stretching Parker's salary.)

Dealing Aldridge's salary ($21.5 million in 2017-18) to a team with the necessary cap space would make the cap math much easier for San Antonio. The Spurs could then retain the rights to Simmons and Lee and have about $7 million in cap space to use after signing Paul, based on current projections.

Let's imagine that San Antonio uses the money to sign Nenê as a replacement for Aldridge and Gasol in the frontcourt, which would produce this rotation:



Player
MPG
OffRPM
DefRPM


Chris Paul
32
3.9
2.1


Danny Green
27
0.2
1.9


Kawhi Leonard
34
4.5
2.1


David Lee
25
-1.4
0.3


Nenê
20
-1.9
2.8


Tony Parker
18
-1.2
-1.1


Dejounte Murray
12
-0.7
-0.3


Jonathon Simmons
24
-1.1
0.4


Kyle Anderson
18
-0.6
2.2


Davis Bertans
20
0.3
-0.1


DeWayne Dedmon
20
-1.7
2.4


Bryn Forbes
5
-1.7
-1.3


Replacement
9
-1.7
-0.4


Total

1.9
6.3



While this group is weaker offensively because it replaces Aldridge with Nenê (and gives more minutes for Bertans and Lee), this group is slightly better defensively. RPM would forecast about 61 wins for this version of the Spurs.

Either way, San Antonio is unlikely to entirely close the gap on the Warriors, who were nearly as good on defense this season as the Spurs project with Paul, but were much better offensively. San Antonio has to sacrifice too much depth to create max cap space.

Still, joining the Spurs would surely give Paul a more realistic chance of reaching the conference finals for the first time in his star-crossed playoff career and give him hope of beating Golden State -- something the Clippers may no longer offer.
:toast

[tholdren]

Would San Antonio Spurs adding Chris Paul close gap with Golden State Warriors? - NBA




Scenario A: Spurs move Parker

If Paul picks San Antonio, and the Spurs pay him the max, clearing enough room under the salary cap to fit his $35.3 million salary will be tricky. Even if center Pau Gasol (http://www.espn.com/nba/player/_/id/996/pau-gasol) declines his $16.2 million player option for 2017-18 and the Spurs renounce all their other free agents -- a group including key reserves Manu Ginobili (http://www.espn.com/nba/player/_/id/272/manu-ginobili), Patty Mills (http://www.espn.com/nba/player/_/id/4004/patty-mills) and Jonathon Simmons (http://www.espn.com/nba/player/_/id/2579466/jonathon-simmons) -- they'd still have less than $23 million in projected cap space based on the NBA's current $101 million salary-cap projection.

The most painless way for San Antonio to clear the necessary space in basketball terms would also be the most painful from a human perspective: moving veteran point guard Tony Parker (http://www.espn.com/nba/player/_/id/1015/tony-parker), who has played his entire career for the Spurs, winning four championships. Since Paul would effectively replace Parker, who told French newspaper L'Equipe he doesn't expect to return from a ruptured quadriceps until next January (http://www.espn.com/blog/nba/rumors/post/_/id/42964/rumor-central-tony-parker-expects-to-return-better-than-ever-in-2018), the on-court transition would be relatively seamless.

San Antonio could waive Parker and stretch his $15.4 million 2017-18 salary over the next three seasons to get to $33.2 million in cap space. Giving Paul his max would also require trading young reserves Kyle Anderson (http://www.espn.com/nba/player/_/id/2993874/kyle-anderson), Davis Bertans (http://www.espn.com/nba/player/_/id/6426/davis-bertans) and Dejounte Murray (http://www.espn.com/nba/player/_/id/3907497/dejounte-murray) as well as this year's first-round pick (drafting a player who intends to remain overseas would also work), which would leave the Spurs with just three players under contract before signing Paul.

Alternatively, San Antonio could try to use draft picks to entice a team under the cap to take on Parker's entire $15.5 million salary, which under current projections would allow the Spurs to avoid trading any young players and to retain the rights to free agents Simmons and David Lee (http://www.espn.com/nba/player/_/id/2772/david-lee) while still creating the necessary cap space.

Let's imagine the Spurs are able to trade Parker while re-signing Simmons, Lee and center Dewayne Dedmon using their room midlevel exception. That would yield the following rotation, as projected for 2017-18 by ESPN's real plus-minus (RPM):



Player
MPG
OffRPM
DefRPM


Chris Paul
32
3.9
2.1


Danny Green
27
0.2
1.9


Kawhi Leonard
34
4.5
2.1


LaMarcus Aldridge
32
-0.3
1.1


DeWayne Dedmon
20
-1.7
2.4


Dejounte Murray
18
-0.7
-0.3


Jonathon Simmons
25
-1.1
0.4


Kyle Anderson
18
-0.6
2.2


Davis Bertans
14
0.3
-0.1


David Lee
20
-1.4
0.3


Bryn Forbes
5
-1.7
-1.3


Replacement
9
-1.7
-0.4


Total

2.6
6.1



RPM sees this group as slightly better at both ends than this year's Spurs, who were 2.4 points per 100 possessions better than league average on offense and 5.0 points per 100 possessions better on defense. The offensive upgrade from Parker to Paul is somewhat offset by the loss of Gasol and increased minutes for Murray, who projects as a below-average offensive player despite the fact that point guards typically rate much better than average on offense (and worse on defense).

All told, RPM would project 62 wins for this version of San Antonio, only one more than this past season. However, it's worth noting that RPM projections are by nature conservative, and last year's summer projections (http://www.espn.com/nba/insider/story/_/id/17375776/projected-records-win-totals-standings-every-nba-team-2016-17-season) for the Spurs called for just 54.5 wins.


Scenario B: Spurs move Aldridge

Because of his importance to the organization, letting Parker go might not be an option for San Antonio. In that case, the Spurs would probably need to trade LaMarcus Aldridge (http://www.espn.com/nba/player/_/id/2983/lamarcus-aldridge) to clear the necessary cap space. (Trading the lower-priced Danny Green (http://www.espn.com/nba/player/_/id/3988/danny-green) would create the same additional complications as stretching Parker's salary.)

Dealing Aldridge's salary ($21.5 million in 2017-18) to a team with the necessary cap space would make the cap math much easier for San Antonio. The Spurs could then retain the rights to Simmons and Lee and have about $7 million in cap space to use after signing Paul, based on current projections.

Let's imagine that San Antonio uses the money to sign Nenê as a replacement for Aldridge and Gasol in the frontcourt, which would produce this rotation:



Player
MPG
OffRPM
DefRPM


Chris Paul
32
3.9
2.1


Danny Green
27
0.2
1.9


Kawhi Leonard
34
4.5
2.1


David Lee
25
-1.4
0.3


Nenê
20
-1.9
2.8


Tony Parker
18
-1.2
-1.1


Dejounte Murray
12
-0.7
-0.3


Jonathon Simmons
24
-1.1
0.4


Kyle Anderson
18
-0.6
2.2


Davis Bertans
20
0.3
-0.1


DeWayne Dedmon
20
-1.7
2.4


Bryn Forbes
5
-1.7
-1.3


Replacement
9
-1.7
-0.4


Total

1.9
6.3



While this group is weaker offensively because it replaces Aldridge with Nenê (and gives more minutes for Bertans and Lee), this group is slightly better defensively. RPM would forecast about 61 wins for this version of the Spurs.

Either way, San Antonio is unlikely to entirely close the gap on the Warriors, who were nearly as good on defense this season as the Spurs project with Paul, but were much better offensively. San Antonio has to sacrifice too much depth to create max cap space.

Still, joining the Spurs would surely give Paul a more realistic chance of reaching the conference finals for the first time in his star-crossed playoff career and give him hope of beating Golden State -- something the Clippers may no longer offer.

Great stuff. If i had to choose an option, i would go with b. I could give a shit about fake news like rpm, but realistically spurs arent trying to out defend anyone with pau, mills, or lamarsha. Dedmon and lee are the centers. Anderson and bertans are the 4s. Forbes is better than mills. Paul is better than lma. A bag of shit is better than pau, and you get 7 mil? Take b if its given. Healthy b would kick gsw ass

[Robz4000]

Option B might not make it out of the second round tbh, or just be swept in the WCF again. Say what you will about LMA, but dumping him instead of Parker who won't be able to play til post-ASB and even then can't share the floor with CP0 would be a lateral move at best. The only realistic option for even somewhat challenging the Dubs is A.

[pad300]

I note that Pelton hasn't projected what I would consider the most likely scenario - Move Aldridge for space + Pick(s) and waive and stretch Parker - Which would look something like this (note that Dedmon has opted out and theoretically been replaced with Nene)



Player
MPG
OffRPM
DefRPM


Chris Paul
32
3.9
2.1


Danny Green
27
0.2
1.9


Kawhi Leonard
34
4.5
2.1


Pau Gasol
25
.8
1.5


Nene replacing Dedmon
20
-1.9
2.8


Dejounte Murray
18
-0.7
-0.3


Jonathon Simmons
25
-1.1
0.4


Kyle Anderson
18
-0.6
2.2


Davis Bertans
14
0.3
-0.1


David Lee
20
-1.4
0.3


Bryn Forbes
5
-1.7
-1.3


Replacement
9
-1.7
-0.4


Total

0.6
11.2



Although I am unsure of the Nene signing, not to mention retaining Simmons (I think the FO will not pay his market value...), the results (according to this projection method) are monstrous - that D!

[sasaint]

Thank you so much!

Pretty awesome that in the first scenario, we would effectively be getting Paul and losing only Parker, Mills, Gasol, and Ginobili. And even then, we could re-sign Ginobili to the veteran minimum after signing Paul if he were amenable to it.

That's a tradeoff I'm sure most Spurs fans would be willing to make.

"I am not 'most Spurs fans.'" :pop:

[objective]

Pelton's numbers seem a little flawed in reasoning. Using basketball Insiders numbers and explanations, keeping Bertans and Murray while stretching Parker plus cap holds and previous stretches gets them to offering about 35.077 or so.

So yes, less than 35.3 to keep Bertans and Murray.

But if Paul is interested in joining the Spurs, it's because he's decided to prioritize a chance at winning over money. And if he's doing that, he's not going to force the Spurs to give up Bertans or Murray in a salary dump to make an extra $1 million over 4 years, because that would defeat the whole purpose of joining the Spurs.

Furthermore that can be reasonably extrapolated to other players.

A 2017 first rounder on the roster over a minimum roster charge costs Paul about what, 2.5 million over 4 years?

Simmons about 3.7 million over 4 years.

If Paul NEEDS his money, he's not coming anyway.

Especially with Durant already saying in public that he was willing to take less than his max.

I could understand demanding a raise over what he was due (25 million) to justify the move to his family and such, but if he needs the absolute max, he's not leaving LAC

[Ditty]

I also agree on notion that CP3 cares more about winning than money now, and wants to have a shot against the Warriors in May with his rumored interest in the Spurs.

Nothing else would make sense.

You also have to roll with Kawhi, Aldridge, and Paul as your big three for at least one season.

Parker isn't going anywhere.

Gasol will be the first casualty followed by Green.

Spurs will have a really good chance of signing CP3 if they want him imo.

[rasuo214]

The whole "leverage for 5yr max" for the reason behind the CP3-Spurs rumor is lazy reporting..When was there any doubt that the Clippers wouldn't offer that?? It's just lazy by saying he could make 50M more etc. just not all the way true..

Whats the reason for the CP3-Spurs leak?? How about sending a message to the Spurs......??

They're the ones who need to make moves or "tough decisions" for this to work and if Paul's camp leaks this it tells the Spurs they should consider proceeding with the moves and make a run at him..this idea also goes along with the report that the Clippers are threatened by CP3-Spurs interest...

It could be a way to force the Clippers to make certain moves. Say for example if CP3 wants Deandre out then this would be a good way to get some leverage to force a move or make some roster changes. I agree though all the talk about this is just him trying to ensure a full max deal is BS because that's already a given.

[objective]

If they kept Bertans, Murray, 2017 first, Simmons QO, Kyle Anderson, Milutinov and Forbes with LMA, Kawhi, and Green,

They could start Paul at 31.15 approximately. Which is close to 4/134.

[Ditty]

If they kept Bertans, Murray, 2017 first, Simmons QO, Kyle Anderson, Milutinov and Forbes with LMA, Kawhi, and Green,

They could start Paul at 31.15 approximately. Which is close to 4/134.

That would include stretching Parker though, right?

[cutewizard]

CP3 may come to Spursland, but we need more.....

Much, much more.....

If CP3 comes to the Spurs, and by any miracle, we get another star, then youre talking!!!!

[cutewizard]

And we need a solid bench, too.....

[objective]

That would include stretching Parker though, right?

Yes, also assuming Lee opts out and Gasol is dumped

[Emperor]

I say trade Aldridge for Bradley, then sign Zach Randolph for a 2 year 10-12 mil per year contract (if he accepts it) then call it an offseason. We upgrade at the sg and pf positions for next season then still have the major capspace to use next summer.

[Mal]

Fuck this shit if Paul is getting here for max money, which means that there will be no team whatsoever. Can't Spurs sign him like GSW did with Durant ? 1+1 and then resign him with 2018 cap space ? I`d say 21 + 21 PO, and then in 2018 sign him for 4 years at 30 annual ? That gives him 141 mil compared to 207 mil from LAC, but 2017-18 Spurs will still be good, and in summer 2018 Spurs will have close to 45 mil available for Paul/UFA with LMA/Green having PO with bird rights that could be even more cap space.

[buttsR4rebounding]

Fuck this shit if Paul is getting here for max money, which means that there will be no team whatsoever. Can't Spurs sign him like GSW did with Durant ? 1+1 and then resign him with 2018 cap space ? I`d say 21 + 21 PO, and then in 2018 sign him for 4 years at 30 annual ? That gives him 141 mil compared to 207 mil from LAC, but 2017-18 Spurs will still be good, and in summer 2018 Spurs will have close to 45 mil available for Paul/UFA with LMA/Green having PO with bird rights that could be even more cap space.
This is what I have been saying. If you sign him to a max deal next year and account for the extra13 million He pays in California taxes the 5 year difference is less than15 million.

[Mal]

If I'm Minnesota, Milwaukee, New Orleans or Philly, I'm at least trying to get a meeting with CP3.


None of this team is being championship contender in next 2-3 years. Paul won't join them. It`s Spurs - legit championship contender or Clippers money + imaginary championship contender.

[SAGirl]

I like scenario A.

[mudyez]

We won't get him and I don't want him.

If it was scenario B, it would be somewhat okay as LMA doesn't get US anywhere. Kicking TP and therefore the Spurs identity is too much of a price with a team like GS still beeing better. Also not sure if CP3 fits that well. He needs the ball and we are best when the ball is moving.

Pop can get the best of this team, if there is as few of a change as there has to be. Keeping Mills and Simmons is the way to go.

[cd98]

Why is Gasol going to walk away from his option to get paid less to play on another team? I can't see him doing the Spurs any favors that don't give him a benefit.

[Mal]

Why is Gasol going to walk away from his option to get paid less to play on another team? I can't see him doing the Spurs any favors that don't give him a benefit.

He can sign, let`s call it, Duncan`s deal. 2 yrs + 1 with half money guaranteed. He`s got 16 mil PO. By doing 8 + 8 + 4 (or whatever around it) guaranteed he can do Spurs a favour. Assuming he`ll retire after 2nd year, he`ll earn like 6 mil less (he won't get more than 10 mil next year), but he will be part of 2018 Spurs superteam (if this thing is going to happen) at age 39. I don`t think this 6 mil is too much money to leave for guy like Gasol.

[buttsR4rebounding]

We won't get him and I don't want him.

If it was scenario B, it would be somewhat okay as LMA doesn't get US anywhere. Kicking TP and therefore the Spurs identity is too much of a price with a team like GS still beeing better. Also not sure if CP3 fits that well. He needs the ball and we are best when the ball is moving.

Pop can get the best of this team, if there is as few of a change as there has to be. Keeping Mills and Simmons is the way to go.

Wow. So wrong on so many levels. You would rather pay Simmons and Mills potentially a combined $25 million a year instead of paying Chris Paul? What does Patty Mills do better than Chris Paul? NOTHING! And in your scenario he is likely the starting point guard. If we could guarantee Playoff Simmons I would love to keep him. He could be part of the puzzle to get by GS, but you need another bona fide super star. And as far as moving the ball--wake up. The team of the beautiful game is no more. Our offense is heavily dependent on Kawhi isolations. Having a second option that can get his own shot AND has some of the best court vision in the NBA makes us significantly better.

[tmtcsc]

I'd like CP3 here but not at 30 something million per season. He's not worth that much too the Spurs. If he wants to come here, he needs to consider taking about 25 Mill per.

[tbdog]

Lebron wants to play with CP. Get CP then Lebron joins us the following season.

CP
DM
KL
LJ
LMA

Confirmed.

[Mal]

Wow. So wrong on so many levels. You would rather pay Simmons and Mills potentially a combined $25 million a year instead of paying Chris Paul? What does Patty Mills do better than Chris Paul? NOTHING! And in your scenario he is likely the starting point guard. If we could guarantee Playoff Simmons I would love to keep him. He could be part of the puzzle to get by GS, but you need another bona fide super star. And as far as moving the ball--wake up. The team of the beautiful game is no more. Our offense is heavily dependent on Kawhi isolations. Having a second option that can get his own shot AND has some of the best court vision in the NBA makes us significantly better.

And LMA will be better is he is "hidden" behind two good ball handlers. We all saw what happend, when GSW double teamed him. With Paul and Kawhi, it wouldn`t be required of him to create his own shots constantly.

[Ice009]

Wow. So wrong on so many levels. You would rather pay Simmons and Mills potentially a combined $25 million a year instead of paying Chris Paul? What does Patty Mills do better than Chris Paul? NOTHING! And in your scenario he is likely the starting point guard. If we could guarantee Playoff Simmons I would love to keep him. He could be part of the puzzle to get by GS, but you need another bona fide super star. And as far as moving the ball--wake up. The team of the beautiful game is no more. Our offense is heavily dependent on Kawhi isolations. Having a second option that can get his own shot AND has some of the best court vision in the NBA makes us significantly better.

Yeah, there is no way in hell I'd rather pay Mills and Simmons a combined 25 million and tell Chris Paul to fuck off instead. I still want Simmons back, and I'd pay him 8 million in the first year no problem, but if the choice is both Mills and Simmons for 25 or Chris Paul for 25, I'd take Paul. No way am I paying Patty 17 million per, I don't even want to pay him 7 million per season.


Lebron wants to play with CP. Get CP then Lebron joins us the following season.

CP
DM
KL
LJ
LMA

Confirmed.

I've actually been thinking about the sequence to get Lebron here after the Cavs lost game 3. It is sign Chris Paul, then if Carmelo Anthony is bought out, or if the Spurs can swing a trade, try and get him here too - that way if you have both Paul and Anthony here (Lebron's two best friends in the NBA), I think you can then make a serious run at him.

[sasaint]

Yeah, there is no way in hell I'd rather pay Mills and Simmons a combined 25 million and tell Chris Paul to fuck off instead. I still want Simmons back, and I'd pay him 8 million in the first year no problem, but if the choice is both Mills and Simmons for 25 or Chris Paul for 25, I'd take Paul. No way am I paying Patty 17 million per, I don't even want to pay him 7 million per season.

I've actually been thinking about the sequence to get Lebron here after the Cavs lost game 3. It is sign Chris Paul, then if Carmelo Anthony is bought out, or if the Spurs can swing a trade, try and get him here too - that way if you have both Paul and Anthony here (Lebron's two best friends in the NBA), I think you can then make a serious run at him.

I agree about Patty. Our discussions on ST are moot. He is gone, and some team will overpay to get him. Simmons, I think is probably gone, but for +/- 8MM I would like to have him back. I would gamble that he is about to blossom into the player we saw during the WCF.

I am pretty ambivalent about CP3 tbh. But I have sometimes wondered if LeBron's great (apparently genuine) admiration for Pop and the Spurs organization might inspire him to don the silver and black before Pop retires. That could possibly work very well - especially if he were teamed with Kawhi. In the final analysis, however, I think Lebron is more motivated to place his personal stamp on an organization than he could accomplish under a coach such as Pop or with a dynastic franchise such as the Spurs.

I cannot imagine that Melo and the Spurs would ever have mutual interest - even if Melo's buddies were inclined to spend a few years in less-than-dazzling San Antonio. Moreover, the idea is mind-boggling that the Spurs would renounce their time-honored modus operandi and maneuver to acquire THREE very high profile FAs.

[peacemaker885]

Paul won't get you over the hump vs GS. Save money, build talent from the ground up. Sorry KL, you just have to wait. GS got the rings for next 2-3 years. Lets keep it real people.

[bic50]

Paul won't get you over the hump vs GS. Save money, build talent from the ground up. Sorry KL, you just have to wait. GS got the rings for next 2-3 years. Lets keep it real people.
Wait for what? In 2-3 years kl will be close to 30. That's why Lebron and kd did what they did. Waiting isn't much of an option

[TheGreatYacht]

Wait for what? In 2-3 years kl will be close to 30. That's why Lebron and kd did what they did. Waiting isn't much of an option
Agreed. We're in win-now mode. Kawhi turns 26 this month. This is his prime and we can't tank full seasons, especially to save up for 2018's weak FA Class. Pay CP3 his money and hope he brings Lebron over after he gets swept next year as well.

These little role players (Green, Gasol, Mills, Anderson, Dedmon) that the Spurs hopefully won't invest $$$ long-term on won't win you championships while Golden State is around. Kawhi needs stars

[Ditty]

The only way the Spurs get past the Warriors anytime soon is if Lebron comes (Which I doubt is happening), or Durant or Curry get injured.

Might as well take a risk on CP3 & as mentioned Durant or Curry get hurt, or Spurs just get really hot at the right time which is more of a realistic possibility.

I don't think his game is going to decline as much as people are saying it will decline. Jason Kidd was a pretty damn good player until he was 38, and CP3 seems like a modern day Jason Kidd but a better scorer & more athletic. Only thing that worries me that HH mentioned Paul doesn't seem like a very likable teammate, and may be a little too ball dominant.

[Seventyniner]

Paul won't get you over the hump vs GS. Save money, build talent from the ground up. Sorry KL, you just have to wait. GS got the rings for next 2-3 years. Lets keep it real people.

Never. I'm not conceding any of the next several years to GS. The Heat looked unstoppable in 2012, then one year later they get pushed to the brink and the next year they get crushed and the team breaks up.

Granted, these Warriors are better. But anything can happen.

[Joseph Kony]

CP3 coming in 2017. LeBron coming in 2018. book it

[objective]

Have to worry about Knicks doing a Melodies trade to LAC on draft night for their crap contracts that Phil is dumb enough to take. That banana boat temptation to stay will kill any hope for the Spurs.

I also wonder if the recent story about sources believing LeBron would consider the Clippers next summer is actually just some counter intel being ran in order to convince Paul to stay and wait for a chance at LeBron, regardless of validity.

I've come around on Paul more and more.

With Pop's minutes restrictions and rest protocols, I could see Paul being what he was this year, all star caliber, for 2 more seasons, pretty good-okay for year 3, and only a Porker in year 4.

It's a lot better than Mills and the other alternatives.

[TimDunkem]

I've come around on Paul more and more.

With Pop's minutes restrictions and rest protocols, I could see Paul being what he was this year, all star caliber, for 2 more seasons, pretty good-okay for year 3, and only a Porker in year 4.

It's a lot better than Mills and the other alternatives. Bingo. Spurs need a playmaker in the worst way.

[Joseph Kony]

lol if any NBA player really thinks Melo is the answer to beating GS..... :lmao :lmao

[objective]

Melo isn't the answer to Golden State, but having a fellow banana man friend might be enough to convince Paul to just take the money and relax in a banana hammock in LA for 5 years and cross his fingers

[TheGreatYacht]

CP3 coming in 2017. LeBron coming in 2018. book it
this

[TD 21]

Pelton's numbers seem a little flawed in reasoning. Using basketball Insiders numbers and explanations, keeping Bertans and Murray while stretching Parker plus cap holds and previous stretches gets them to offering about 35.077 or so.

So yes, less than 35.3 to keep Bertans and Murray.

But if Paul is interested in joining the Spurs, it's because he's decided to prioritize a chance at winning over money. And if he's doing that, he's not going to force the Spurs to give up Bertans or Murray in a salary dump to make an extra $1 million over 4 years, because that would defeat the whole purpose of joining the Spurs.

Furthermore that can be reasonably extrapolated to other players.

A 2017 first rounder on the roster over a minimum roster charge costs Paul about what, 2.5 million over 4 years?

Simmons about 3.7 million over 4 years.

If Paul NEEDS his money, he's not coming anyway.

Especially with Durant already saying in public that he was willing to take less than his max.

I could understand demanding a raise over what he was due (25 million) to justify the move to his family and such, but if he needs the absolute max, he's not leaving LAC

They're not moving Parker in any way, shape or form and moving Green somewhat defeats the purpose for both sides.

This probably only gets done, if Paul is willing to take about $25M on a 1+1 deal, opt out after year 1 and sign a 4 year max.



Melo isn't the answer to Golden State, but having a fellow banana man friend might be enough to convince Paul to just take the money and relax in a banana hammock in LA for 5 years and cross his fingers

:tu

[Hoops Czar]

CP3 coming in 2017. LeBron coming in 2018. book it

As well as Giannis Antetokounmpo and Anthony Davis in 2021.

[CGD]

Why is Gasol going to walk away from his option to get paid less to play on another team? I can't see him doing the Spurs any favors that don't give him a benefit.

They probably tell him that if he opts in they look to trade him to create the room for Paul. He might want to have control over where he plays.

[tmtcsc]

CP3 coming in 2017. LeBron coming in 2018. book it

Duly noted and booking....https://media.giphy.com/media/PGJWrL9BkHsDm/giphy.gif

Not that far-fetched imo.

[CGD]

Thank you so much!

Pretty awesome that in the first scenario, we would effectively be getting Paul and losing only Parker, Mills, Gasol, and Ginobili. And even then, we could re-sign Ginobili to the veteran minimum after signing Paul if he were amenable to it.

That's a tradeoff I'm sure most Spurs fans would be willing to make.

Yeah that would be a great trade off but for the damn Parker factor. The mind says one thing, the heart another, haha.

Hell, I even think Clips would do a sign and trade with us if it were Pau, Tony, and a few picks that were coming back.

[Ron Swanson]

As well as Giannis Antetokounmpo and Anthony Davis in 2021.

http://www.reactiongifs.com/r/2013/12/aVOSkIC.gif

[NameLess Scrub]

Paul will just stay and collect money. That's my prediction

[tholdren]

Paul will just stay and collect money. That's my prediction

Probably. The sad thing about these players is they cant do it where they get drafted, so the run to an easier place, and when they win, they think the are really that good... dumb as rocks. But smarter than the idiots who pay to watch it.

[pookenstein]

Paul will just stay and collect money. That's my prediction

Hopefully not before this thead has surpassed the Gasol-thread. I want at least 150 pages.

[NameLess Scrub]

Probably. The sad thing about these players is they cant do it where they get drafted, so the run to an easier place, and when they win, they think the are really that good... dumb as rocks. But smarter than the idiots who pay to watch it.

:lol :lol




Hopefully not before this thead has surpassed the Gasol-thread. I want at least 150 pages.

We should discuss Paul vs Tony vs Jimmer then.

[look_at_g_shred]

Hopefully not before this thead has surpassed the Gasol-thread. I want at least 150 pages.
The LMA thread was 350+ iirc

[spursistan]

874490698413854720

Take it with a grain of salt: Alex Kennedy has been mostly a hack for the past few years..

[Mal]

As well as Giannis Antetokounmpo and Anthony Davis in 2021.

That is way different. You can see Paul wanting to get a ring, while he means something. If he can leave a lot of money on the table and chase this ring, Spurs are his best option. Then we have 2018 summer, LeBron most likely will be at 2 lost in Finals run. He delivered ring to city of Cleveland. Then he can choose in which team he will have better chance of winning over GSW - Cavs or Spurs with Paul. NBA is business and players don't leave money on the table in order to win a ring. But both Paul and James are rich as fuck, and they need ring for "legacy reasons".

2021 is the year that GSW current core will start to decline, a lot can happen by this year.

[Uriel]

874490698413854720

Take it with a grain of salt: Alex Kennedy has been mostly a hack for the past few years..
:stirpot:

[spursistan]

874496893170196480

It has to sting , no?

In next few few weeks, Paul's decision will reveal how much burn he has inside when it comes to competing for Championship as an in-his-prime Superstar..No player legacy would be altered more by winning a ring-- one that is not of Heat Gary Payton variety-- than that of CP3.

He has to come to terms with the fact that he can no longer be--that is if he were suited to begin with-- the best player on a title team..Kawhi and the Spurs present the best opportunity for him to nudge closer to legit contention for the ultimate prize..

[TD 21]

If there's a silver lining to this whole thing, it's that it couldn't have worked out any better from a Paul to Spurs perspective. I don't even think this would have been in play a few months ago, but myriad things might have changed it (and if they didn't, nothing was going to) . . .

- Clippers' season once again derailed because of injuries
- 2 years ago, Leonard and Griffin, were both back half top 10 players . . . 2 years later, the former has ascended to top 3 status, while the latter has plateaued, as others have risen
- He's also over 2 years older, breaking down physically and playing a position that I'm no longer sure can be the go-to player on a championship team; which is the role the Clippers need him to play
- Leonard and Parker less Spurs, edging Rockets in game 5 and destroying them in game 6 closeout on road, breathed some life back into Spurs mystique
- Cavaliers (predictably) not even being competitive with Warriors
- Durant intending to take less to keep Iguodala and Livingston
- Watching former teammates West and Barnes get one and the former giving up a lot of money the previous 2 years to do so

[SAGirl]

Plus the fact that Tony is injured and Manu may retire or in any case, at 40 ... the Spurs have a huge need for playmaking at the guard spots.... He's assured also that this is a team that needs his help and that he can contribute to. That's important to players of his stature (Durant admits he wouldn't have joined GSW if they had won last season.... he needs to feel like he was helping them get over th hump, etc.)

[coachmac87]

If there's a silver lining to this whole thing, it's that it couldn't have worked out any better from a Paul to Spurs perspective. I don't even think this would have been in play a few months ago, but myriad things might have changed it (and if they didn't, nothing was going to) . . .

- Clippers' season once again derailed because of injuries
- 2 years ago, Leonard and Griffin, were both back half top 10 players . . . 2 years later, the former has ascended to top 3 status, while the latter has plateaued, as others have risen
- He's also over 2 years older, breaking down physically and playing a position that I'm no longer sure can be the go-to player on a championship team; which is the role the Clippers need him to play
- Leonard and Parker less Spurs, edging Rockets in game 5 and destroying them in game 6 closeout on road, breathed some life back into Spurs mystique
- Cavaliers (predictably) not even being competitive with Warriors
- Durant intending to take less to keep Iguodala and Livingston
- Watching former teammates West and Barnes get one and the former giving up a lot of money the previous 2 years to do so


Oh it's been in play before the 16-17' season started...Woj alluded to it himself..

But I agree..since then everything has changed in the Spurs favor

[buttsR4rebounding]

If there's a silver lining to this whole thing, it's that it couldn't have worked out any better from a Paul to Spurs perspective. I don't even think this would have been in play a few months ago, but myriad things might have changed it (and if they didn't, nothing was going to) . . .

- Clippers' season once again derailed because of injuries
- 2 years ago, Leonard and Griffin, were both back half top 10 players . . . 2 years later, the former has ascended to top 3 status, while the latter has plateaued, as others have risen
- He's also over 2 years older, breaking down physically and playing a position that I'm no longer sure can be the go-to player on a championship team; which is the role the Clippers need him to play
- Leonard and Parker less Spurs, edging Rockets in game 5 and destroying them in game 6 closeout on road, breathed some life back into Spurs mystique
- Cavaliers (predictably) not even being competitive with Warriors
- Durant intending to take less to keep Iguodala and Livingston
- Watching former teammates West and Barnes get one and the former giving up a lot of money the previous 2 years to do so

Right on the money. Also, the fact that Spurs really aren't that far away from the Warriors. Every game that Kawhi played the Spurs had a 20 point lead on the Warriors this season would give anyone like Paul the mindset that with him they could take a 7 game series from the Dubs.

[hater]

Wait peja won a ship? With who? :lol

[Amuseddaysleeper]

Wait peja won a ship? With who? :lol

Dallas

[hater]

Dallas

Damn I forgot he was on it

I also remember Matrix was on it but got injured before the finals or was that TuffJuice? That year is a blur

[look_at_g_shred]

Damn I forgot he was on it

I also remember Matrix was on it but got injured before the finals or was that TuffJuice? That year is a blur
Caron Butler too also a teammate of CP

[hater]

Caron Butler too also a teammate of CP

Yeah tuff juice

[Amuseddaysleeper]

Damn I forgot he was on it

I also remember Matrix was on it but got injured before the finals or was that TuffJuice? That year is a blur

Matrix played in the finals and did a great job on LeBron

[hater]

Matrix played in the finals and did a great job on LeBron

Yeah got it

Got confused with tuff juice

He was injured and I actually thought mavs were done then

[hater]

Kidd
Jordan Barea
Dirk
Jet
Peja
Stevenson
Pavlovic
Marion
Haywood
Chandler
Butler
Brewer

Thats a bad ass fucking roster if I may

[SpursBig3s]

Per Woj podcast, Celtics are top threat to sign Blake Griffin.

Seems like that that would help sway CP to come here

[spursistan]

Per Woj podcast, Celtics are top threat to sign Blake Griffin.

Seems like that that would help sway CP to come here

Looks like the Clippers will have to make some panic moves before free agency to keep the band together.They will try to swing trade for Melo in the next couple of weeks, IMO..

[BatManu20]

Clippers pulling out all the stops to keep CP3 in LA.


875111998521982976

[coachmac87]

Looks like the Clippers will have to make some panic moves before free agency to keep the band together.They will try to swing trade for Melo in the next couple of weeks, IMO..

I have thought that myself..but would they have to give up Blake??

[DMC]

Looks like the Clippers will have to make some panic moves before free agency to keep the band together.They will try to swing trade for Melo in the next couple of weeks, IMO..

Melo won't do shit for them but suck up cap space and shot attempts. I don't think the Clippers are serious about winning a ring. They are serious about putting on a show.

[BatManu20]

875121572939476992

[spursistan]

Melo won't do shit for them but suck up cap space and shot attempts. I don't think the Clippers are serious about winning a ring. They are serious about putting on a show.

I agree that it is all about the optics and not actual future results...The Clippers are tormented more by the prospect of them reverting to being a perennial league doormat if they lose CP/Blake rather than by a failure to winning a title in the next few years despite committing to gargunatuan payroll...

[Chillen]

CP3 going to Spurs and Griffin to Celtics would be good for the NBA.

[Ginobili2Duncan]

CP3 going to Spurs and Griffin to Celtics would be good for the NBA.

If the CP3 decides not to come to SA. What are chances that Jimmy Butler can be had for the right price?

[noles1983]

875121572939476992

LeBron is such a self absorbed bitch, going to a shitty Lakers team would accomplish what exactly?

[TD 21]

Plus the fact that Tony is injured and Manu may retire or in any case, at 40 ... the Spurs have a huge need for playmaking at the guard spots.... He's assured also that this is a team that needs his help and that he can contribute to. That's important to players of his stature (Durant admits he wouldn't have joined GSW if they had won last season.... he needs to feel like he was helping them get over th hump, etc.)



Right on the money. Also, the fact that Spurs really aren't that far away from the Warriors. Every game that Kawhi played the Spurs had a 20 point lead on the Warriors this season would give anyone like Paul the mindset that with him they could take a 7 game series from the Dubs.

:tu

Spurs are a lot further away than the following numbers indicate, but if/when they get a meeting, part of the presentation should be that they had 4 20+ point leads on them last season compared to the rest of the NBA's 3 and they're also the only team with a winning record against them the past 3 seasons, having led for 55.6% of the time, 8.9% ahead of the next closest team.

https://fivethirtyeight.com/features/theres-a-team-that-can-beat-the-warriors-it-just-doesnt-exist-yet/

Another positive, is Redick is not expected to be re-signed and they don't have the means to replace him. Declining or not, he's still their fourth best player, so that's not insignificant.

[bic50]

LeBron is such a self absorbed bitch, going to a shitty Lakers team would accomplish what exactly?
Lebron wants to become a billionaire

[TheDoctor]

Lebron wants to become a billionaire

He already is. He signed last season a lifetime billion(+) dollar Nike deal.

[bic50]

He already is. He signed last season a lifetime billion(+) dollar Nike deal.
Wow

[TheDoctor]

Wow


...Technically.

866694542396882944

[ace3g]

:tu

Spurs are a lot further away than the following numbers indicate, but if/when they get a meeting, part of the presentation should be that they had 4 20+ point leads on them last season compared to the rest of the NBA's 3 and they're also the only team with a winning record against them the past 3 seasons, having led for 55.6% of the time, 8.9% ahead of the next closest team.

https://fivethirtyeight.com/features/theres-a-team-that-can-beat-the-warriors-it-just-doesnt-exist-yet/

Another positive, is Redick is not expected to be re-signed and they don't have the means to replace him. Declining or not, he's still their fourth best player, so that's not insignificant.

Numbers never lie, unfortunately Zaza knows numbers...

[TheDoctor]

Numbers never lie, unfortunately Zaza knows numbers...
Ace throwing hard cold facts per par

[noles1983]

Besides, LeBron would never come to the Western Conference, he would have to work to get to the Finals.

[TheGreatYacht]

Lebron taking his talents to LA, or playing infront of empty seats at the AT&T Center. Easy choice tbh...

Wouldnt be surprised if they bring Kawhi over as well after he's tired of playing with the Kyle Andersons, Danny Greens, and Dewayne Dedmons of the NBA.

[TheDoctor]

Besides, LeBron would never come to the Western Conference, he would have to work to get to the Finals.
W/ the Spurs (along Kawhi and possibly CP3) he wouldn't have to work shit. Worriers and Spurs should dismantle the League and the WCF would be the real Finals. Same scenario as if he stays in the East.

[DPG21920]

I really hope all FA wanting to go to LA doesn't become a thing again. They are a disaster of a franchise and dont deserve built in advantage.

I mean, every star has gotten rich beyond their wildest dreams outside of LA the past 10 years. Why is this a damn thing again?

[TheGreatYacht]

W/ the Spurs (along Kawhi and possibly CP3) he wouldn't have to work shit. Worriers and Spurs should dismantle the League and the WCF would be the real Finals. Same scenario as if he stays in the East.
This. The west is fucking overrated, at the end of the day you have to get past Golden State regardless. Joining the Spurs would make it even more of a cakewalk to get to the WCF...

[Down Under]

It's just not worth it. He's never had to play off the ball which he would have to do if they wanted to go all the way. He'd also be massively overpaid the last couple of years of his contract as he'd be in decline by then.

[DPG21920]

It's just not worth it. He's never had to play off the ball which he would have to do if they wanted to go all the way. He'd also be massively overpaid the last couple of years of his contract as he'd be in decline by then.

What other options are there though? I mean, I voiced your concerns as well, but if you want to go at GS, what more can you do?

Assuming you dump Pau & TP (plus Mills/Dedmon) to get CP, a lineup of:

CP/Danny/Kawhi/LMA/Kyle Anderson is a beast defensive unit and still damn good offensively (better than this years offense at least).

Then you have a solid bench of: Murray/Hanga/Simmons/Bertans/Lee/Forbes/Draft Pick/FA Big. I mean, it's not perfect, but what can you do that "guarantees" you have more talent than GS? Nothing. But you still have to try and do something soon IMO.

I'm not worried about year 3/4 tbh..You'll know by year 1/2 if that is good enough and if it's not, everyone can be traded. Especially guys with name value like CP3.

[ace3g]

What's CP3's opinion of Jerry West?


875198348915081217

[Down Under]

What other options are there though? I mean, I voiced your concerns as well, but if you want to go at GS, what more can you do?

Assuming you dump Pau & TP (plus Mills/Dedmon) to get CP, a lineup of:

CP/Danny/Kawhi/LMA/Kyle Anderson is a beast defensive unit and still damn good offensively (better than this years offense at least).

Then you have a solid bench of: Murray/Hanga/Simmons/Bertans/Lee/Forbes/Draft Pick/FA Big. I mean, it's not perfect, but what can you do that "guarantees" you have more talent than GS? Nothing. But you still have to try and do something soon IMO.

I'm not worried about year 3/4 tbh..You'll know by year 1/2 if that is good enough and if it's not, everyone can be traded. Especially guys with name value like CP3.
The scenario you gave is the only one I could live with. A lot of it boils down to whether Anderson can be a good 3 point shooter. I really think that changes a lot. Opponents would have to close out hard on him & he would be able to attack the closeout which would utilize his passing and then he becomes an extremely effective role player in a system with plenty of ball movement. The other option is, you let Murray develop and barring injury, GSW 3-peat IMO. After that, Klay will be off contract and Iguodala will no longer be an elite role player (though they may find others). Kawhi would still have 5 years of his prime left after this. It's a tough call, but you've got to trade him early if you can see it's not going to work. I suppose another thing you have to consider, is apart from LMA, no big names have ever signed with SA. So if there is a chance to add a Top 10 player, still in their prime, you've almost got to.

[Down Under]

What other options are there though? I mean, I voiced your concerns as well, but if you want to go at GS, what more can you do?

Assuming you dump Pau & TP (plus Mills/Dedmon) to get CP, a lineup of:

CP/Danny/Kawhi/LMA/Kyle Anderson is a beast defensive unit and still damn good offensively (better than this years offense at least).

Then you have a solid bench of: Murray/Hanga/Simmons/Bertans/Lee/Forbes/Draft Pick/FA Big. I mean, it's not perfect, but what can you do that "guarantees" you have more talent than GS? Nothing. But you still have to try and do something soon IMO.

I'm not worried about year 3/4 tbh..You'll know by year 1/2 if that is good enough and if it's not, everyone can be traded. Especially guys with name value like CP3.
Also, how do you think CP3 would go without the ball? There's probably never been a smarter player in NBA history, so surely he could figure out cuts and things pretty easily? He's also a decent 3 point shooter. Wouldn't you need a dive man as well if he signs?

[Hoops Czar]

What's CP3's opinion of Jerry West?


875198348915081217

I wonder if he's aware that CP3 is considering the Spurs.

[Vic Petro]

I really hope all FA wanting to go to LA doesn't become a thing again. They are a disaster of a franchise and dont deserve built in advantage.

I mean, every star has gotten rich beyond their wildest dreams outside of LA the past 10 years. Why is this a damn thing again?

You ever live in LA? Not many better cities for obscenely rich liberals.

[BatManu20]

CP3 staying Put. Lebron to the Clippers confirmed.

875202870517288960

875210172351860736

[buttsR4rebounding]

Jerry West will be their starting PG when Paul signs with the spurs. Even Doc is terrified of starting Austin.

[TimDunkem]

Why would CP3 stay for Jerry freaking West? The Clippers can only win now without having any draft picks which is obviously unlikely because they wouldn't be good enough even without GS being a factor. Bringing Logo in seems like a move they would make with or without CP3.

Sure, West can swing for a deal but they'd have to get rid of a lot of pieces or swindle another team to stay relevant and/or rebuild on the fly.

The best Paul can hope for in LA are perennial first round/second round exits and a fat contract. If that's enough for him, he'll stay. If he wants to win, it's a no-brainer that LA ISN'T the place for that. Jerry West won't be the deciding factor, regardless.

[jermaine]

The only reason I think the Spurs would go after cp3, is to mentor Murray. Other than that, I could see Pop wanting G. Hill back. I'm sure he'd come for waaaaay cheaper, that way they can keep Simmons, Mills, an go after another big. Maybe Baynes an Tiago!! If the team you had was up by 23 on GS, why not come back with that team!?!

[buttsR4rebounding]

The only reason I think the Spurs would go after cp3, is to mentor Murray. Other than that, I could see Pop wanting G. Hill back. I'm sure he'd come for waaaaay cheaper, that way they can keep Simmons, Mills, an go after another big. Maybe Baynes an Tiago!! If the team you had was up by 23 on GS, why not come back with that team!?!

Although I like Hill I think he was the only starting PG to average fewer assists than Parker last year...a real lack of court vision. That can't be a good fit with Aldridge.

[tmtcsc]

The only reason I think the Spurs would go after cp3, is to mentor Murray. Other than that, I could see Pop wanting G. Hill back. I'm sure he'd come for waaaaay cheaper, that way they can keep Simmons, Mills, an go after another big. Maybe Baynes an Tiago!! If the team you had was up by 23 on GS, why not come back with that team!?!

https://media1.giphy.com/media/i1JSXl0MfeRd6/giphy.gif

[tmtcsc]

Also, how do you think CP3 would go without the ball? There's probably never been a smarter player in NBA history, so surely he could figure out cuts and things pretty easily? He's also a decent 3 point shooter. Wouldn't you need a dive man as well if he signs?

2016 ALL NBA Defensive team too. He's the real deal.

[tmtcsc]

CP3 would be the best thing that ever happened to Aldridge on offense. Wet dream for L tbh.

[tmtcsc]

Jerry West might advise Ballmer to let CP3 go. If Paul says he's unsure or wants to take time to think about his decision, West will probably advise the franchise to go to Plan B. --> He will quickly see that Doc needs to go. No one on that team respects him anymore. He's finished like Tony Parker is in San Antonio.

[jermaine]

https://media1.giphy.com/media/i1JSXl0MfeRd6/giphy.gif

Lmmfao... To which part? All of it!?!

[coachmac87]

Clippers/Lakers are about to battle it out for the potential of "Banana Boat" Squad IMO..

That's the best/only selling point they have basketball wise..now I dunno how they can pull it off but we will see..

Spurs can maybe do the same but unlike the Clippers they won't have to wait until 18' to compete with GSW..

[tmtcsc]

Lmmfao... To which part? All of it!?!

1. You don't pay CP3 to mentor anyone. He's an elite PG & player. "Mentoring" by players is overblown, there are plenty of coaches to help train the younger guys. Tim was a leader and led by his actions.

2. George Hill would come cheaper but if the Spurs bring in new players, Mills is gone. He plays solid defense but he's not the answer in San Antonio. As we all sadly got to see first hand, Aldridge needs someone to feed him the ball in the spots where he's comfortable. Otherwise he sucks.

3. Tiago Splitter and Baynes? Splitter was washed up & injury prone when he was here. Nothing has changed. He was last seen in Philly trying to shoot 3 pointers. Baynes knows the system but there are better options available for cheaper.

4. If the Spurs can't bring in an impact player this year, they will keep their flexibility for 2018 Free Agency and try to retool in 2017 with 1 year contracts for cheap.

[buttsR4rebounding]

What other options are there though? I mean, I voiced your concerns as well, but if you want to go at GS, what more can you do?

Assuming you dump Pau & TP (plus Mills/Dedmon) to get CP, a lineup of:

CP/Danny/Kawhi/LMA/Kyle Anderson is a beast defensive unit and still damn good offensively (better than this years offense at least).

Then you have a solid bench of: Murray/Hanga/Simmons/Bertans/Lee/Forbes/Draft Pick/FA Big. I mean, it's not perfect, but what can you do that "guarantees" you have more talent than GS? Nothing. But you still have to try and do something soon IMO.

I'm not worried about year 3/4 tbh..You'll know by year 1/2 if that is good enough and if it's not, everyone can be traded. Especially guys with name value like CP3.

I believe KA would thrive in this set up. For those who think the Spurs whiffed with this pick, KA has the best defensive rating and best net rating of anyone drafted in 2014. He also seems to play his best ball at the PF position.

[BatManu20]

Lol why...

875448410895200256

[TD 21]

Numbers never lie, unfortunately Zaza knows numbers...

No, but they can be misleading when given without context. In reality, we know that in many of those games, Warriors were on the 2nd night of a back to back and had a key player(s) injured.

Considering it's over a 3 year span, there's a big enough sample size to credibly suggest Spurs are closer to them than anyone, but they're not as close as those numbers suggest.


It's just not worth it. He's never had to play off the ball which he would have to do if they wanted to go all the way. He'd also be massively overpaid the last couple of years of his contract as he'd be in decline by then.

:lmao You don't pass up a top 6-8 player in the world, especially when he'd fill your biggest positional need . . . and why do some of you act like he's not a good shooter?

By this logic, the Cavaliers should have traded Irving when James returned and the Warriors shouldn't have signed Durant. Context is everything. When you're surrounded by other elite talent, you adjust your game accordingly. He's definitely a domineering type, but he's also aging and has never played with another perimeter star, let alone superstar, to ease the creative burden.

Paul hasn't shown any serious signs of slippage yet and Stockton never really did throughout his career, so I wouldn't assume he'll be "massively overpaid" in the back half of the contract. Could be, but if that's the cost of having a chance to win another championship, so be it.

You people act like Spurs will have their choice of any top 10 player, so they can afford to bypass him and just wait for one of the others. :lmao


The only reason I think the Spurs would go after cp3, is to mentor Murray. Other than that, I could see Pop wanting G. Hill back. I'm sure he'd come for waaaaay cheaper, that way they can keep Simmons, Mills, an go after another big. Maybe Baynes an Tiago!! If the team you had was up by 23 on GS, why not come back with that team!?!

It was one game and Spurs were coming off of impressive finish to previous series, while Warriors were coming off of long layoff and hadn't been challenged in a long time. I wouldn't read too much into it.

[TheGreatYacht]

Lol why...

875448410895200256
Faggots left off the Spurs (and the Clippers)

Bleacher Report is bias as hell. They posted an article yesterday written by that doofus Mike Monroe basically throwing out the CP3-to-Spurs idea.

[Hoops Czar]

Lol why...

875448410895200256

Because CP3 is taking courtesy meetings before he signs his mega deal with the Clippers. Did you think the Spurs had a special place in Paul's heart or something? :lol Good grief already!

[buttsR4rebounding]

TD 21 with the goods.

[BatManu20]

Because CP3 is taking courtesy meetings before he signs his mega deal with the Clippers. Did you think the Spurs had a special place in Paul's heart or something? :lol Good grief already!

Of course. Been saying he's stays in LA since Day 1. Superstars like to have their ego stroked. They like to be pursued. They like to have leverage. This is just due-diligence. But IF CP3 were to leave, it would make no sense to go anywhere other than the Spurs. That's a fact.

[Chillen]

Of course. Been saying he's stays in LA since Day 1. Superstars like to have their ego stroked. They like to be pursued. They like to have leverage. This is just due-diligence. But IF CP3 were to leave, it would make no sense to go anywhere other than the Spurs. That's a fact.

Well I am expecting CP3 to stay with Clippers and take that money. So Spurs will have to look into a Rubio trade, Drose and maybe Paul George.

[coachmac87]

Lol why...

875448410895200256


Maybe the Clippers aren't willing to offer the 5th year..until Spurs create the space they're not realistic option

[coachmac87]

Spurs will draft and stash Euro and Danny Green will be causality...

Just got a txt

[DPG21920]

Also, how do you think CP3 would go without the ball? There's probably never been a smarter player in NBA history, so surely he could figure out cuts and things pretty easily? He's also a decent 3 point shooter. Wouldn't you need a dive man as well if he signs?

Sorry - just saw this. Great questions. I think CP3 off the ball spotting up would be fine - he's an elite shooter. However, that's not what really playing off the ball is (at least not good basketball). Off the ball is cutting/moving and generally being comfortable being an assisted player.

CP has never ever done that and I don't think he would be particularly good at it. It's a skill and one that is developed and as great as he is, he's not an off the ball player. Like Lebron. Lebron is a top 3 player ever IMO but he's not an off the ball player. CP3 value lies in his ability to create offense at an elite level using his decision making.

A dive man would be ideal in any offense but finding a good one with good hands is the key (at what SA can afford assuming all of this goes down). Tiago, as mentioned by others, might actually be a great fit.

[TheDoctor]

Faggots left off the Spurs (and the Clippers)

Bleacher Report is bias as hell. They posted an article yesterday written by that doofus Mike Monroe basically throwing out the CP3-to-Spurs idea.

The sad part is that I read the whole tragicomedy. Nothing different from what has been discussed on here.

[Down Under]

Sorry - just saw this. Great questions. I think CP3 off the ball spotting up would be fine - he's an elite shooter. However, that's not what really playing off the ball is (at least not good basketball). Off the ball is cutting/moving and generally being comfortable being an assisted player.

CP has never ever done that and I don't think he would be particularly good at it. It's a skill and one that is developed and as great as he is, he's not an off the ball player. Like Lebron. Lebron is a top 3 player ever IMO but he's not an off the ball player. CP3 value lies in his ability to create offense at an elite level using his decision making.

A dive man would be ideal in any offense but finding a good one with good hands is the key (at what SA can afford assuming all of this goes down). Tiago, as mentioned by others, might actually be a great fit.
Yeah i've said numerous times they should go after Splitter as he'll be available from probably the minimum. Apparently, the injuries to his calf and hamstring have been a result of a surgery he had on his hip when he was traded earlier on so that would be the concern. But still he's only 32 and injury prone or not you may as well go after him. He's a very effective player on the court, especially in our system.

[Down Under]

No, but they can be misleading when given without context. In reality, we know that in many of those games, Warriors were on the 2nd night of a back to back and had a key player(s) injured.

Considering it's over a 3 year span, there's a big enough sample size to credibly suggest Spurs are closer to them than anyone, but they're not as close as those numbers suggest.



:lmao You don't pass up a top 6-8 player in the world, especially when he'd fill your biggest positional need . . . and why do some of you act like he's not a good shooter?

By this logic, the Cavaliers should have traded Irving when James returned and the Warriors shouldn't have signed Durant. Context is everything. When you're surrounded by other elite talent, you adjust your game accordingly. He's definitely a domineering type, but he's also aging and has never played with another perimeter star, let alone superstar, to ease the creative burden.

Paul hasn't shown any serious signs of slippage yet and Stockton never really did throughout his career, so I wouldn't assume he'll be "massively overpaid" in the back half of the contract. Could be, but if that's the cost of having a chance to win another championship, so be it.

You people act like Spurs will have their choice of any top 10 player, so they can afford to bypass him and just wait for one of the others. :lmao



It was one game and Spurs were coming off of impressive finish to previous series, while Warriors were coming off of long layoff and hadn't been challenged in a long time. I wouldn't read too much into it.
Stockton started slipping at 34, like virtually every other elite PG had at that age. He's a decent shooter, but someone who's never played off the ball in his life (cutting/moving) as smart as he is, would have to learn that pretty quickly or it wouldn't work. The other option, as I said, is let the most stacked team in NBA history 3-peat (which they should barring injury) and hope that Murray develops into a star. He's nothing yet, but he's got the tools and seems to have the desire like Kawhi to make it happen. Plus you need a dive man for CP3 to be most effective. I'm not against it happening, especially considering apart from LMA, no big name free agent ever comes to SA, but it's going to be pretty hard to maximise his effectiveness.

[Down Under]

2016 ALL NBA Defensive team too. He's the real deal.
No doubt. He's a top 10 player and has been for almost a decade. It's just age, fit and the difficulty of a 6 foot guard to dominate deep into the playoffs that are the biggest concern.

[spursistan]

These Nuggets/Rox meetings are absurd :lol..

Look, it is still in the realm of "long shot"..If Paul makes the move, it is only for basketball reasons and only for San Antonio. Everything else, and he is better off staying in LA. If he allows his camp and family-- all of whom have settled in Los Angeles and are liking it according to reports--- to have a say in his decision, then there is no way he is leaving..

The Clippers are clearly sweating a bit (West move, Inglewood arena news), but they are still in the driver's seat to retain him..

[coachmac87]

Stockton started slipping at 34, like virtually every other elite PG had at that age. He's a decent shooter, but someone who's never played off the ball in his life (cutting/moving) as smart as he is, would have to learn that pretty quickly or it wouldn't work. The other option, as I said, is let the most stacked team in NBA history 3-peat (which they should barring injury) and hope that Murray develops into a star. He's nothing yet, but he's got the tools and seems to have the desire like Kawhi to make it happen. Plus you need a dive man for CP3 to be most effective. I'm not against it happening, especially considering apart from LMA, no big name free agent ever comes to SA, but it's going to be pretty hard to maximise his effectiveness.


Ok yeahhh let's just "wait"...

Terrible idea and that's how you potentially lose Kawhi who's contract expires in 2 years

[TD 21]

Stockton started slipping at 34, like virtually every other elite PG had at that age. He's a decent shooter, but someone who's never played off the ball in his life (cutting/moving) as smart as he is, would have to learn that pretty quickly or it wouldn't work. The other option, as I said, is let the most stacked team in NBA history 3-peat (which they should barring injury) and hope that Murray develops into a star. He's nothing yet, but he's got the tools and seems to have the desire like Kawhi to make it happen. Plus you need a dive man for CP3 to be most effective. I'm not against it happening, especially considering apart from LMA, no big name free agent ever comes to SA, but it's going to be pretty hard to maximise his effectiveness.

Sure, but he didn't really show any serious signs of slippage and was basically still an All-Star caliber player until nearly 40.

Paul has a genius level basketball IQ. Of course, it would take some getting used to because it would be new, but he'd obviously know going in he'd have to adjust and might be at the point where he realizes he'd be better off having someone to share that burden with. History shows that even when fit isn't seamless, talent has a way of making it work. James and Wade were probably best example.

What's a better alternative, hoping Murray can become 2/3 or 3/4 as good as him in 3-5 years (when Aldridge and Green will be clearly past prime)?

[coachmac87]

Sure, but he didn't really show any serious signs of slippage and was basically still an All-Star caliber player until nearly 40.

Paul has a genius level basketball IQ. Of course, it would take some getting used to because it would be new, but he'd obviously know going in he'd have to adjust and might be at the point where he realizes he'd be better off having someone to share that burden with. History shows that even when fit isn't seamless, talent has a way of making it work. James and Wade were probably best example.

What's a better alternative, hoping Murray can become 2/3 or 3/4 as good as him in 3-5 years (when Aldridge and Green will be clearly past prime)?


I just got a text saying Green is gonna be a casualty

[TheDoctor]

I just got a text saying Green is gonna be a casualty

Which mean? Stop the pretty little liars shitty game Coach.

[coachmac87]

Which mean? Stop the pretty little liars shitty game Coach.

Spurs will stash their pick..

Green/Pau will be causality...

Parker will come back to be back up while Murray holds down the fort...

I don't agree with the possible move..I'd rather lose Parker but just going off what my source told me..

Obviously will know more come draft night..you can call me a liar if the Spurs don't trade/or stash pick in the deepest draft in a decade

[TheDoctor]

Spurs will stash their pick..

Green/Pau will be causality...

Parker will come back to be back up while Murray holds down the fort...

I don't agree with the possible move..I'd rather lose Parker but just going off what my source told me..

Obviously will know more come draft night

HoTS to be back-up to whom? To Murray?

[coachmac87]

HoTS to be back-up to whom? To Murray?

CP3

[Down Under]

Ok yeahhh let's just "wait"...

Terrible idea and that's how you potentially lose Kawhi who's contract expires in 2 years
With Kawhi & the other role players we're still a 55 win team. The chances of Kawhi walking are extremely remote already, but if Murray is working hard to become a better player and develops (which may take a year or 2) we would be looking extremely good for 5 years after that.

[Down Under]

Sure, but he didn't really show any serious signs of slippage and was basically still an All-Star caliber player until nearly 40.

Paul has a genius level basketball IQ. Of course, it would take some getting used to because it would be new, but he'd obviously know going in he'd have to adjust and might be at the point where he realizes he'd be better off having someone to share that burden with. History shows that even when fit isn't seamless, talent has a way of making it work. James and Wade were probably best example.

What's a better alternative, hoping Murray can become 2/3 or 3/4 as good as him in 3-5 years (when Aldridge and Green will be clearly past prime)?
I guess it all depends on how fast Murray develops. If he wants it as bad as Kawhi (he's working out with him this offseason) then it may be faster. I think Paul would be willing to accept playing without the ball & there has never been a smarter player in NBA history, but learning to play that way when you've had the ball in your hands your entire life, may take time and we're not going to see the same CP3 in 2 years that is playing now, even if he is still good.

[TheDoctor]

I guess it all depends on how fast Murray develops. If he wants it as bad as Kawhi (he's working out with him this offseason) then it may be faster. I think Paul would be willing to accept playing without the ball & there has never been a smarter player in NBA history, but learning to play that way when you've had the ball in your hands your entire life, may take time and we're not going to see the same CP3 in 2 years that is playing now, even if he is still good.

That won't happen. CP3's magic is creating for others. Kawhi OTOH can play flawlessly w/o the ball in his hands.

[Down Under]

That won't happen. CP3's magic is creating for others. Kawhi OTOH can play flawlessly w/o the ball in his hands.
Well unfortunately it won't work. A 6 foot player can't dominate the game deep into the playoffs, because of their physical limitations as Steve Kerr said the other day. Kawhi has to be the main guy.

[tonight...you]

Well unfortunately it won't work. A 6 foot player can't dominate the game deep into the playoffs, because of their physical limitations as Steve Kerr said the other day. Kawhi has to be the main guy.
Agreed. One of The Main reasons why CP3 hasn't advanced to any conference finals yet.

Do Not Want. FU TGY.

[UZER]

Lol why...

875448410895200256

Rooney rule.

[noles1983]

W/ the Spurs (along Kawhi and possibly CP3) he wouldn't have to work shit. Worriers and Spurs should dismantle the League and the WCF would be the real Finals. Same scenario as if he stays in the East.

Right, the WCF would be harder competition than anything he has ever faced in the East. Not a guaranteed Finals ticket. That was my point.

[Uriel]

FWIW, both SA Express-News beat writers Mike Monroe and Jeff McDonald believe the Chris Paul-to-the-Spurs discussion is smokescreen and nothing more.

[TheGreatYacht]

FWIW, both SA Express-News beat writers Mike Monroe and Jeff McDonald believe the Chris Paul-to-the-Spurs discussion is smokescreen and nothing more.
The only beat writers with absolutely no sources from the team they cover

[TimDunkem]

:lmao Mike Monroe and Jeff McDonald

[spursistan]

The only beat writers with absolutely no sources from the team they cover


:lmao Mike Monroe and Jeff McDonald
:lmao

[TheDoctor]

Right, the WCF would be harder competition than anything he has ever faced in the East. Not a guaranteed Finals ticket. That was my point.

If he can't beat this version of the Worriers playing w/ the Spurs he aint beating them with whatever team he playing in the East. We are not talking about Finals here. We are talking about beating those Oakland pansies.

If he only cares about being in the Finals, he should stay put in CLE then. But he ain't beating this version of the Spurs either.

[tmtcsc]

Spurs will stash their pick..
Green/Pau will be causality...
Parker will come back to be back up while Murray holds down the fort...


Keeping Tony Parker is a fucking waste. Did your source tell you why they would keep him over Pau? Not that Pau was a difference maker mind you. I heard from my source that Pau's contract had some stipulations that would make it unlikely he would be moved. However, Green's name came up as a likely piece to get moved.

[cutewizard]

CP3 is the point god of basketball......................!

[coachmac87]

Keeping Tony Parker is a fucking waste. Did your source tell you why they would keep him over Pau? Not that Pau was a difference maker mind you. I heard from my source that Pau's contract had some stipulations that would make it unlikely he would be moved. However, Green's name came up as a likely piece to get moved.


Tbh they said stash pick and Green will be a casualty...I just assumed Pau is getting moved and that Parker would be staying.

[tmtcsc]

Tbh they said stash pick and Green will be a casualty...I just assumed Pau is getting moved and that Parker would be staying.

Sweet! There's still hope then. I heard the Spurs are working out Free Agents over the next few days. That came as a surprise because I didn't think teams could talk to FA's. Well, while that is true in terms of negotiations or recruiting, teams are able to have them work-out for them.

[SAGirl]

I can see them stashing, though I know it may break Manu4tres heart. I haven't been into the draft prospects this offseason much bc I am skeptical about Spurs drafting someone they will play next season myself. The pick is at risk to be stashed (or even traded, gasp! in a salary dump). They could use a center, however Milutinov has progressed and they owe him a deal.

I can see Danny getting traded, specially if the want to pay JSimms. The rumors about Hanga picked up steam too.

They would still need to trade someone else. Maybe LMA?

[SAGirl]

Sweet! There's still hope then. I heard the Spurs are working out Free Agents over the next few days. That came as a surprise because I didn't think teams could talk to FA's. Well, while that is true in terms of negotiations or recruiting, teams are able to have them work-out for them.
That's how they discovered JSimms. They work out dleague, undrafted, nobody under contract. Helps to fill out the summer league roster too.

[TimDunkem]

Why exactly do the Spurs owe Milutinov a contract?

[tmtcsc]

That's how they discovered JSimms. They work out dleague, undrafted, nobody under contract. Helps to fill out the summer league roster too.

Its not just those type of folks, I heard Ne Ne is in town too, as well as some other NBA'ers that just finished their contracts.

[Ron Swanson]

FWIW, both SA Express-News beat writers Mike Monroe and Jeff McDonald believe the Chris Paul-to-the-Spurs discussion is smokescreen and nothing more.

I'm waiting for the Tspence/Don Harris cage match.

[SAGirl]

Milutinov is a first round pick. Similar to the Livio situation... I have no desire to go in depth about it bcut was a super long discussion last summer. Though he's still under contract in Europe and likely to join the team in 2018...

[SAGirl]

Its not just those type of folks, I heard Ne Ne is in town too, as well as some other NBA'ers that just finished their contracts.
Interesting. I suppose as long as the player is a FA is up to their ego if the want to work out for a team in the summer.

[SpursBig3s]

Spurs will stash their pick..

Green/Pau will be causality...

Parker will come back to be back up while Murray holds down the fort...

I don't agree with the possible move..I'd rather lose Parker but just going off what my source told me..

Obviously will know more come draft night..you can call me a liar if the Spurs don't trade/or stash pick in the deepest draft in a decade


In this scenario, who would be the starter at the 2? Would we keep Simmons? Bc if we do actually let Danny go, Simmons becomes a HUGE priority to keep.

Also, who slides in at the 4 if LMA plays the 5? Do we sign a cheap big or do we slide in Kyle?

Do we bbring over Militinov to play the 5 with LMA at the 4? Lots of other decisions/moves would need to happen if we move Danny, but finding a serviceable 3&D guard would be a huge priority unless they think that guy can be Simmons

[.G.]

A state income tax in Texas would signal death for dem Spurs.

[GSH]

This article takes a pretty good look at the reality of what would have to happen for the Spurs to sign Paul this year. I know it's BleacherReport, and I'm sure people will bash the author. But some of the facts are just facts. And you have to admit - it wouldn't be the first time a player has used the Spurs as leverage for a contract:

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2714653-dont-listen-to-the-chris-paulsan-antonio-spurs-free-agency-noise

I did get a kick out of the picture in the article. It's funny to me how many highlight films and pictures show the player doing something blatantly illegal, but still seem to be praising them for it. This was a nice arm-bar by Paul, trying to defend Kawhi.

https://img.bleacherreport.net/img/images/photos/003/678/523/hi-res-12b3c874167dfe52402982c4bb48940e_crop_north.jpg?h= 533&w=800&q=70&crop_x=center&crop_y=top

[tmtcsc]

Interesting. I suppose as long as the player is a FA is up to their ego if the want to work out for a team in the summer.

You were right - mostly D-Leaguers. NeNe wasn't there after all.

[SAGirl]

This article takes a pretty good look at the reality of what would have to happen for the Spurs to sign Paul this year. I know it's BleacherReport, and I'm sure people will bash the author. But some of the facts are just facts. And you have to admit - it wouldn't be the first time a player has used the Spurs as leverage for a contract:

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2714653-dont-listen-to-the-chris-paulsan-antonio-spurs-free-agency-noise

I did get a kick out of the picture in the article. It's funny to me how many highlight films and pictures show the player doing something blatantly illegal, but still seem to be praising them for it. This was a nice arm-bar by Paul, trying to defend Kawhi.

https://img.bleacherreport.net/img/images/photos/003/678/523/hi-res-12b3c874167dfe52402982c4bb48940e_crop_north.jpg?h= 533&w=800&q=70&crop_x=center&crop_y=top
Yes. It makes perfect sense this is all about leverage.

From the Spurs I agree they don't do draconian but a team that was close this season may be worse bc Manu is 40. At this age every year hits differently. I think much as I like him it's time for Manu. His efficiency is the least of his career etc. Anyways, there's a lot that can be said about it but that is not this thread. Tony 's injury is bound to take a toll as well. And as the article noted Gasol's production declined in the playoffs and he's also old. Danny has stalled in his development at best and he can't compensate for others declining.


Some of the team's FA may still find themselves elsewhere or Spurs massively overpaying for roleplayers in the long run. I think the team's upside lies in their young players and they would be in the team with this overhaul or without it so I really don't care which way it goes but it's uphill and unlikely.

[GSH]

Some of the team's FA may still find themselves elsewhere or Spurs massively overpaying for roleplayers in the long run.


Two 3 1/2 foot tall guys don't add up to one 7-footer. And three 8 point a night guys don't add up to one 24 ppg player. Overpaying for role players is the freeway to disaster. You have to surround the core with the right role players, but it's the core that wins in the playoffs. I'm sure the Spurs' FO knows that. I hope they remember it.

[Ice009]

Yep. I'd rather forget about Mills, Simmons and all those guys if they're going to cost 12-17 million. I'd rather spend a bit more and get a better player. If not CP3, Hayward or someone like that would be OK too.

Don't overpay for role players, don't even pay them market value. It'll screw the team for years and Kawhi will leave. He should have a Championship level team around him. He helped get Tim his 5th, and he's worked his ass off to become a great player (could possibly still improve even more), so I think the Spurs really owe it to him to get the best team around him to legitimately compete for a Championship. And when I say compete, I don't mean we have to have a super team that is the favourites in a series against the Warriors, but a team that has a 30-40% chance if things go well is good enough for me.

[John B]

Top FA considers joining the Spurs not only because of Kawhi but specially because of Pops. How long is he still staying? He is not getting any younger. I think every chance to get a Superteam the Spurs should pursue. It doesn't happen to the Spurs everyday. Not until LMA signing was the Spurs a destination of FA at their prime. I want to think that the Spurs are quietly working on it. We get CP3, LeBron playing with Kawhi and Aldridge plus development of Murray, that's a Dynasty. Maybe will finally get a back-to-back or three-peat that long eluded the Spurs.

[NickiRasgo]

Hope Duncan joins the Spurs meeting with CP3. Wake Forest connection.

[szkorhetz]

Wouldn't the main advantage of bringing in CP3 is to get LMA better involved? I simply can't see us trade LMA to bring in the guy he would benefit the most off. Trading Parker won't happen, so it's Green and Gasol. Which could actually happen. 76ers could actually use Green and I see they would even give some value back, just like Washington. Gasol on the other hand is a more difficult story, IMHO.

[BatManu20]

If/when this happens, CP3 re-signs with the Clips immediately tbh.

876835908787589121

[szkorhetz]

Won't happen. What can the Clipps offer? A bag of chips and some mid 20 draftpicks? Won't cut it.

[look_at_g_shred]

Won't happen. What can the Clipps offer? A bag of chips and some mid 20 draftpicks? Won't cut it.same as us smh

[goliath]

The sign and trade would be with a clipper not Paul George. Sign and trade cp3, Blake or Reddick and then trade him for pg13

[objective]

Won't happen. What can the Clipps offer? A bag of chips and some mid 20 draftpicks? Won't cut it.

Clippers can't even trade a future first until 2021.

They have no second rounders either in 2017 or 2018.

They have no one stashed.

Only young players like Brice Johnson had injuries. No young players stashed overseas.

They have a bunch of trash contracts like Crawford and Rivers.

They have nothing to offer really.

[goliath]

Clippers can't even trade a future first until 2021.

They have no second rounders either in 2017 or 2018.

They have no one stashed.

Only young players like Brice Johnson had injuries. No young players stashed overseas.

They have a bunch of trash contracts like Crawford and Rivers.

They have nothing to offer really.

The idea is that they would sign and trade Blake or reddick for George

[objective]

The idea is that they would sign and trade Blake or reddick for George

Why would Blake ever agree to go to Indiana and be an 8 seed as his prime fades?

I guess I could understand Redick if he's just chasing money, but why would Indiana want to pay 20+ for a 33 year old fading role player who needs a star to play off of?

[noles1983]

A state income tax in Texas would signal death for dem Spurs.

A state income tax would be bullshit with how high the property taxes are here.

[goliath]

I agree. Probably just throwing the rumor out there so they can tell cp3 "look we are trying to improve"

[GSH]

A state income tax would be bullshit with how high the property taxes are here.


Oh, please don't let this turn into another political thread.

[Spurs9]

876948635627380736
:king

[gambit1990]

:hungry:

would MUCH rather have
cp3/murray
green

than
cp3/murray/tony

[Mal]

If only Spurs were ready to dump Parker`s corpse

[BatManu20]

What happens to Kyrie then? Having 2 ball-dominant PG's makes no sense. Don't buy it.

877264874979508224

[Brazil]

If only Spurs were ready to dump Parker`s corpse

:lol because you think that would be the difference maker on landing Paul ?

[Mal]

:lol because you think that would be the difference maker on landing Paul ?

Yeah, that 15 mil free in cap space would help

[Brazil]

Clips can resign CP3 to a 5 years deal at +200 M, another could offer at best 4 years +150 M

At the end of a potential contract with Spurs he will be 36 heading to 37, at this age baring any injury he could negotiate, if still performing) a 2/3 years at around 15/20 M I guess so that's 30 M left on the table with a potential of being up to 50 M

At this point all those rumors are merely CP3 doing some leverage and using some ego wax imho

[Brazil]

Yeah, that 15 mil free in cap space would help

sure thing bro

even 1 M would help tbh

:lol

[Joseph Kony]

Clips can resign CP3 to a 5 years deal at +200 M, another could offer at best 4 years +150 M

At the end of a potential contract with Spurs he will be 36 heading to 37, at this age baring any injury he could negotiate, if still performing) a 2/3 years at around 15/20 M I guess so that's 30 M left on the table with a potential of being up to 50 M

At this point all those rumors are merely CP3 doing some leverage and using some ego wax imho
at what point if any in his contract is he able to sign an extension? i assume spurs would assure him they will take care of him and offer that 5th year+ if they're serious about pursuing him

[cjw]

Clips can resign CP3 to a 5 years deal at +200 M, another could offer at best 4 years +150 M

At the end of a potential contract with Spurs he will be 36 heading to 37, at this age baring any injury he could negotiate, if still performing) a 2/3 years at around 15/20 M I guess so that's 30 M left on the table with a potential of being up to 50 M

At this point all those rumors are merely CP3 doing some leverage and using some ego wax imho

at what point if any in his contract is he able to sign an extension? i assume spurs would assure him they will take care of him and offer that 5th year+ if they're serious about pursuing him

Brazil - The $50 million difference is not meaningful for a guy who will get another contract after this one. Over the first four years of the deal, it's more like $10 million. Shorter deal also lets him hit FA again sooner.

CP3 is 32 and a 2+1 offer from Spurs would let him sign another 2+1 with Spurs afterwards. A 3+1 would put him at the over 38 rule on contract #2. So he may actually be okay taking just 2+1.

Kony - Spurs can't offer a fifth year. Not allowed.

[Joseph Kony]

Brazil - The $50 million difference is not meaningful for a guy who will get another contract after this one. Over the first four years of the deal, it's more like $10 million. Shorter deal also lets him hit FA again sooner.

CP3 is 32 and a 2+1 offer from Spurs would let him sign another 2+1 with Spurs afterwards. A 3+1 would put him at the over 38 rule on contract #2. So he may actually be okay taking just 2+1.

Kony - Spurs can't offer a fifth year. Not allowed.

I know, i meant at what point if any during the assumed 4 year deal could/would he be able to sign an extension to give him 5+ years total?

[LakerHater]

Jerry West ain't lettin Paul leave!!

[Dverde]

Clips will trade Deandre Jordan for a Paul George rental before they let CP3 walk.

[cjw]

I know, i meant at what point if any during the assumed 4 year deal could/would he be able to sign an extension to give him 5+ years total?

Three years after the contract is signed.

[Hoops Czar]

Three years after the contract is signed.
What if he signed a one year max deal like Durant and James, then signed a 4 year max deal? That's kind of like signing a 5 year deal.

[DPG21920]

What if he signed a one year max deal like Durant and James, then signed a 4 year max deal? That's kind of like signing a 5 year deal.

They all signed 1+1 deals, but yes, that is allowed. But SA would need cap space in that scenario to sign him.

[Hoops Czar]

They all signed 1+1 deals, but yes, that is allowed. But SA would need cap space in that scenario to sign him.
How much would he lose money wise compared to signing a 5 year deal with the Clippers?

[cjw]

How much would he lose money wise compared to signing a 5 year deal with the Clippers?

8% raises vs. 5%. Assuming $36mm in year one (35% of $103mm), it's actually just $6.5 million over the first four years. The raises don't compound.

[DPG21920]

How much would he lose money wise compared to signing a 5 year deal with the Clippers?

It's hard to tell, but honestly don't think it's a ton when you include state income taxes (but hey a few million to us might not be a ton, but it could be to CP3)

[buttsR4rebounding]

He pays 13.6 million in taxes more with the Clippers.

[Kindergarten Cop]

Jerry West ain't lettin Paul leave!!

You might be correct, but then again ...

876948635627380736

[CGD]

You might be correct, but then again ...

876948635627380736

Best thing that can happen for Spurs CP3 pursuits before July 1:

- LAC deal DJ to PHX for #4
- BOS uses its asset stockpile to get Griffin
- LAL and IND do trade for PG

CP3 all but forced out by pivot to rebuild.

[Uriel]

If Paul picks San Antonio, and the Spurs pay him the max, clearing enough room under the salary cap to fit his $35.3 million salary will be tricky. Even if center Pau Gasol (http://www.espn.com/nba/player/_/id/996/pau-gasol) declines his $16.2 million player option for 2017-18 and the Spurs renounce all their other free agents -- a group including key reserves Manu Ginobili (http://www.espn.com/nba/player/_/id/272/manu-ginobili), Patty Mills (http://www.espn.com/nba/player/_/id/4004/patty-mills) and Jonathon Simmons (http://www.espn.com/nba/player/_/id/2579466/jonathon-simmons) -- they'd still have less than $23 million in projected cap space based on the NBA's current $101 million salary-cap projection.

The most painless way for San Antonio to clear the necessary space in basketball terms would also be the most painful from a human perspective: moving veteran point guard Tony Parker (http://www.espn.com/nba/player/_/id/1015/tony-parker), who has played his entire career for the Spurs, winning four championships. Since Paul would effectively replace Parker, who told French newspaper L'Equipe he doesn't expect to return from a ruptured quadriceps until next January (http://www.espn.com/blog/nba/rumors/post/_/id/42964/rumor-central-tony-parker-expects-to-return-better-than-ever-in-2018), the on-court transition would be relatively seamless.

San Antonio could waive Parker and stretch his $15.4 million 2017-18 salary over the next three seasons to get to $33.2 million in cap space. Giving Paul his max would also require trading young reserves Kyle Anderson (http://www.espn.com/nba/player/_/id/2993874/kyle-anderson), Davis Bertans (http://www.espn.com/nba/player/_/id/6426/davis-bertans) and Dejounte Murray (http://www.espn.com/nba/player/_/id/3907497/dejounte-murray) as well as this year's first-round pick (drafting a player who intends to remain overseas would also work), which would leave the Spurs with just three players under contract before signing Paul.

Alternatively, San Antonio could try to use draft picks to entice a team under the cap to take on Parker's entire $15.5 million salary, which under current projections would allow the Spurs to avoid trading any young players and to retain the rights to free agents Simmons and David Lee (http://www.espn.com/nba/player/_/id/2772/david-lee) while still creating the necessary cap space.
Bumping this now that Gasol has opted out.

[Hoops Czar]

Best thing that can happen for Spurs CP3 pursuits before July 1:

- LAC deal DJ to PHX for #4
- BOS uses its asset stockpile to get Griffin
- LAL and IND do trade for PG



CP3 all but forced out by pivot to rebuild.

In that scenario, Paul would be part of the rebuild.

[Kindergarten Cop]

In that scenario, Paul would be part of the rebuild.

Do you honestly feel that CP3 would want to be part of a rebuild at this point in his career (especially considering his reputation for his lack of success in the playoffs)?

[cjw]

Best thing that can happen for Spurs CP3 pursuits before July 1:

- LAC deal DJ to PHX for #4
- BOS uses its asset stockpile to get Griffin
- LAL and IND do trade for PG

CP3 all but forced out by pivot to rebuild.

Griffin will opt out and is a FA. No need to shed assets but may need to cut a little salary around the edges depending on other things.

If they're offering for 4 for DJ, you make the trade ASAP if you're the Clippers. Heck, throw in a few seconds for good measure.

[DPG21920]

PHX hung up on LA when they asked for #4 tbh..

[Hoops Czar]

Do you honestly feel that CP3 would want to be part of a rebuild at this point in his career (especially considering his reputation for his lack of success in the playoffs)?

Do you really think the Clippers would hire Jerry West so they can tank? They're freeing up cap space to sign max free agents this year, next year or both.

[coachmac87]

Do you really think the Clippers would hire Jerry West so they can tank? They're freeing up cap space to sign max free agents this year, next year or both.

Yeahhhhh they're about to nuke the entire thing and probably including Doc...

[Kindergarten Cop]

Do you really think the Clippers would hire Jerry West so they can tank? They're freeing up cap space to sign max free agents this year, next year or both.

I think they brought in West because of his history of building (or at a minimum, helping build) successful organizations - and he is quoted as saying that "changes are necessary". His last 2 stops could be labeled as "tanking" in their infancy - but he was able to build something that's not only successful, but extremely stable. I'm not saying that CP3 is not part of West's plans for the future, but I also would not be totally surprised if he completely cleaned house and started anew.

[Mal]

sure thing bro

even 1 M would help tbh

:lol

You can laugh all you want, but having Parker`s corpse eat 15,5 mil of salary space is just waste.

[spursistan]

877171985528365056

Let's just say it unequivocally: CP has wasted most of his career with "Black Coaches" *..:lol

* http://www.spurstalk.com/forums/showthread.php?t=210610

[cutewizard]

:bobo

[Brazil]

Brazil - The $50 million difference is not meaningful for a guy who will get another contract after this one. Over the first four years of the deal, it's more like $10 million. Shorter deal also lets him hit FA again sooner.

CP3 is 32 and a 2+1 offer from Spurs would let him sign another 2+1 with Spurs afterwards. A 3+1 would put him at the over 38 rule on contract #2. So he may actually be okay taking just 2+1.

Kony - Spurs can't offer a fifth year. Not allowed.



I know, i meant at what point if any during the assumed 4 year deal could/would he be able to sign an extension to give him 5+ years total?

In all cases 50 M is meaningful because in Clips case it is guaranteed which won't be the case if he signs with another team. Hitting FA sooner is good only if you are still good at playing bb and if you are healthy enough, that's two big IFs for a 32 y/o player. So I disagree about the noting this gap is not meaningful, look at Dwight move, I'm pretty sure at the end he will lose a bunch of money.

Now there is a way to limit risk for CP3 it is signing a max contract for one year and then negotiate a max deal but players usually hate those one year deals, if they suffer a career ending injury in the meantime they are fucked up. Besides you need to have cap space for that and twice, for the one year deal and the extension.

At the end all depends on Paul financial profile: risk taker or safe guy

[Mal]

At the end all depends on Paul financial profile: risk taker or safe guy

He can still do same thing as Durant. 1+1, and then sign 4 years deal. Spurs will have cap space in 2018, with Danny Green and LMA opting out while having full bird rights. Maxing out Paul is bad idea, but if he'll sign on discount, again like Durant, he can go here.

I don't buy in career ending injury factor. One guy who suffered that is Chris Bosh. And this is heart issues, not playing injury. With Spurs, Paul will be guaranteed not to play injured, not to play too much minutes. Of course it's better to have 5 years deal, in case a truck hits you on pavement, but you cannot realy factor it.

[BG_Spurs_Fan]

He can still do same thing as Durant. 1+1, and then sign 4 years deal. Spurs will have cap space in 2018, with Danny Green and LMA opting out while having full bird rights. Maxing out Paul is bad idea, but if he'll sign on discount, again like Durant, he can go here.


In this scenario Spurs wouldn't have cap space due to Green's and LMA's cap holds. They'd have to renounce them in order to be able to have max space for re-signing Paul.

[Brazil]

You can laugh all you want

yup

:lmao

[Brazil]

He can still do same thing as Durant. 1+1, and then sign 4 years deal. Spurs will have cap space in 2018, with Danny Green and LMA opting out while having full bird rights. Maxing out Paul is bad idea, but if he'll sign on discount, again like Durant, he can go here.

I don't buy in career ending injury factor. One guy who suffered that is Chris Bosh. And this is heart issues, not playing injury. With Spurs, Paul will be guaranteed not to play injured, not to play too much minutes. Of course it's better to have 5 years deal, in case a truck hits you on pavement, but you cannot realy factor it.


it is not just about in case of a truck, it is better financially to have a 5 years with Clips in all scenarios. If you think just about money and finance clips deal is no brainer better return with no risk.

I mentioned career ending risk in the case of a one year deal (unlikely but can happen), again players don't like those kind of deals. Now when you are 32 and you have a 4 years deal ahead of you, example of PG declining around this age are numerous, the risk of lingering injury or simply decline (even tho Paul will age better than a Parker for instance) is quite high.

The financial aspect is 100% in favor of Clips, I'm not in Paul mind and maybe for him playing for Pop with Kawhi and his friend Parker is more important but I don't think so. If argument is about winning I'm not sure Spurs are in better condition than clips... Clips are also attractive for the big FAs in 2018, if they can give a perspective of Griffin, Paul and a big FA lets say Lebron/George/Davis they have also solid argument to retain Paul.

[coachmac87]

it is not just about in case of a truck, it is better financially to have a 5 years with Clips in all scenarios. If you think just about money and finance clips deal is no brainer better return with no risk.

I mentioned career ending risk in the case of a one year deal (unlikely but can happen), again players don't like those kind of deals. Now when you are 32 and you have a 4 years deal ahead of you, example of PG declining around this age are numerous, the risk of lingering injury or simply decline (even tho Paul will age better than a Parker for instance) is quite high.

The financial aspect is 100% in favor of Clips, I'm not in Paul mind and maybe for him playing for Pop with Kawhi and his friend Parker is more important but I don't think so. If argument is about winning I'm not sure Spurs are in better condition than clips... Clips are also attractive for the big FAs in 2018, if they can give a perspective of Griffin, Paul and a big FA lets say Lebron/George/Davis they have also solid argument to retain Paul.



The Clippers have been dominated by the Warriors for 3 years..they have no assets or young prospects...they could easily lose Griffin/Reddick in FA...they are in "desperate" mode by hiring Jerry West...and desperate mode is never a good look...they're literally pitching a fantasy to try and keep Paul...

The only advantage they have over Spurs is $$ and that's been broken down numerous times...everything else is absolutely in Spurs favor..the fact you say the Clippers are potentially in better shape going forward is ridiculous...

[Mal]

In this scenario Spurs wouldn't have cap space due to Green's and LMA's cap holds. They'd have to renounce them in order to be able to have max space for re-signing Paul.

They could work around it, sign Paul with cap space, sign them both with bird rights. Even with them Spurs have project 55 mil in salaries. There will be Gasol`s deal, potentially Lee's, Simmons's, 29th pick etc, but still plenty of room for Paul and even another FA.

[Brazil]

The Clippers have been dominated by the Warriors for 3 years..they have no assets or young prospects...they could easily lose Griffin/Reddick in FA...they are in "desperate" mode by hiring Jerry West...and desperate mode is never a good look...they're literally pitching a fantasy to try and keep Paul...

The only advantage they have over Spurs is $$ and that's been broken down numerous times...everything else is absolutely in Spurs favor..the fact you say the Clippers are potentially in better shape going forward is ridiculous...

smh..

name everything else in Spurs favor ? As of today I don't see clips situation being worst than Spurs, in what regard ? Spurs yes have the better coach and have Kawhi... name the rest of Spurs attractive stuff, Gasol ? LMA on a remaining 2 years 45 M deal ? Parker ? Manu ? Murray, Fathead ? :lol tbh... what assets or young prospects Spurs have that make us more attractive ?

your take is homerism shit

Spurs have arguments, stuff to offer but clips are not desperate and have some arguments starting with big money.

[coachmac87]

smh..

name everything else in Spurs favor ? As of today I don't see clips situation being worst than Spurs, in what regard ? Spurs yes have the better coach and have Kawhi... name the rest of Spurs attractive stuff, Gasol ? LMA on a remaining 2 years 45 M deal ? Parker ? Manu ? Murray, Fathead ? :lol tbh... what assets or young prospects Spurs have that make us more attractive ?

your take is homerism shit

Spurs have arguments, stuff to offer but clips are not desperate and have some arguments starting with big money.

Ok let's start with being one of the most successful franchises in SPORTS for the past 20 years and how about RESPECT across the league with players/coaches. I've never heard anybody praise the Clippers for a damn thing. They've choked away their window and are now trying to bring in stability in the FO (West) because Rivers has been a dumpster fire...

They're now openly shopping Jordan...Griffin and Paul have been speculated to go elsewhere..and let's not forget the chemistry/locker room issues spoken about during the season. This franchise is a disaster and they're relying on Jerry West to come save the day and pitch Paul about getting LeBron...that's fucking desperate.

Every analyst or basketball mind has said if we're talking strictly basketball SA > LAC abd you're the only one who's stating otherwise..

You even conceded the Spurs have the better coach and best player but are thinking the Clippers have better role players or prospects??! You're an idiot and don't know shit about what's going on...

Spurs are going after Paul whether you like it or not...and the process starts tomorrow when they trade or stash this pick..so get your popcorn ready.

[gambit1990]

Ok let's start with being one of the most successful franchises in SPORTS for the past 20 years and how about RESPECT across the league with players/coaches. I've never heard anybody praise the Clippers for a damn thing. They've choked away their window and are now trying to bring in stability in the FO (West) because Rivers has been a dumpster fire...

They're now openly shopping Jordan...Griffin and Paul have been speculated to go elsewhere..and let's not forget the chemistry/locker room issues spoken about during the season. This franchise is a disaster and they're relying on Jerry West to come save the day and pitch Paul about getting LeBron...that's fucking desperate.

Every analyst or basketball mind has said if we're talking strictly basketball SA > LAC abd you're the only one who's stating otherwise..

You even conceded the Spurs have the better coach and best player but are thinking the Clippers have better role players or prospects??! You're an idiot and don't know shit about what's going on...

Spurs are going after Paul whether you like it or not...and the process starts tomorrow when they trade or stash this pick..so get your popcorn ready.
:tu

[Brazil]

Ok let's start with being one of the most successful franchises in SPORTS for the past 20 years and how about RESPECT across the league with players/coaches. I've never heard anybody praise the Clippers for a damn thing. They've choked away their window and are now trying to bring in stability in the FO (West) because Rivers has been a dumpster fire...

what argument is that ? same I guess Lakers are using to evaluate their chance to land Lebron James in 2018... duh


They're now openly shopping Jordan...Griffin and Paul have been speculated to go elsewhere..and let's not forget the chemistry/locker room issues spoken about during the season. This franchise is a disaster and they're relying on Jerry West to come save the day and pitch Paul about getting LeBron...that's fucking desperate.

The fact they are shopping Jordan is actually a good sign a most likely a positive argument to retain Griffin and CP3.. so try again. In what btw pitching Paul about getting Lebron is desperate ? :lol if you have a franchise and don't do your diligence to see if you can land Lebron you are an idiot especially knowing that CP3 is part of the Lebron krew.


Every analyst or basketball mind has said if we're talking strictly basketball SA > LAC abd you're the only one who's stating otherwise..

You can't have it both ways brah, sure strictly bb as of right now SA>LAC, strictly financial LAC>SA, potential moves to get better in the future by landing a free agent I don't see Spurs having that of an advantage.


You even conceded the Spurs have the better coach and best player but are thinking the Clippers have better role players or prospects??! You're an idiot and don't know shit about what's going on...

:lol the name calling won't help you bro, regarding pure BB as of right now yes Spurs have the better coach/orga and best player then I don't see in what our role players or prospects are so much better than Clips ones. You're an idiot tho if you don't understand money and safety are heavy arguments in this kind of conversation. you have no idea if CP3 is willing or not to sacrifice that much financially and CP3 signing with Spurs is not as safe as Durant signing with Dubs regarding odds to win it all


Spurs are going after Paul whether you like it or not...and the process starts tomorrow when they trade or stash this pick..so get your popcorn ready.

of course Spurs are going after Paul as they will go after Lebron in 2018 who would not ? I backed up my opinion with numbers and facts you are backing up your stance on :cry but but respect :cry

you think that Spurs will land CP3 or better have a better chance than Clippers I don't. The fact you are :madrun about it don't make your arguments more valid than mine bro.

Rockets landed Dwight with same kind of odds and financials than Spurs have so it's totally possible this does not make in CP3 case a scenario more likely than him resigning a max extension with Clippers

[coachmac87]

what argument is that ? same I guess Lakers are using to evaluate their chance to land Lebron James in 2018... duh



The fact they are shopping Jordan is actually a good sign a most likely a positive argument to retain Griffin and CP3.. so try again. In what btw pitching Paul about getting Lebron is desperate ? :lol if you have a franchise and don't do your diligence to see if you can land Lebron you are an idiot especially knowing that CP3 is part of the Lebron krew.



You can't have it both ways brah, sure strictly bb as of right now SA>LAC, strictly financial LAC>SA, potential moves to get better in the future by landing a free agent I don't see Spurs having that of an advantage.



:lol the name calling won't help you bro, regarding pure BB as of right now yes Spurs have the better coach/orga and best player then I don't see in what our role players or prospects are so much better than Clips ones. You're an idiot tho if you don't understand money and safety are heavy arguments in this kind of conversation. you have no idea if CP3 is willing or not to sacrifice that much financially and CP3 signing with Spurs is not as safe as Durant signing with Dubs regarding odds to win it all



of course Spurs are going after Paul as they will go after Lebron in 2018 who would not ? I backed up my opinion with numbers and facts you are backing up your stance on :cry but but respect :cry

you think that Spurs will land CP3 or better have a better chance than Clippers I don't. The fact you are :madrun about it don't make your arguments more valid than mine bro.

Rockets landed Dwight with same kind of odds and financials than Spurs have so it's totally possible this does not make in CP3 case a scenario more likely than him resigning a max extension with Clippers

Quit your bullshit...

You said Clippers are in better shape going forward..I gave you reasons why that isn't the case..yes the Clippers can offer more $$ but that doesn't mean he's guaranteed to resign...

But go ahead and try to explain yourself on how the Clippers are better going forward..

[Brazil]

Quit your bullshit...

You said Clippers are in better shape going forward..I gave you reasons why that isn't the case..yes the Clippers can offer more $$ but that doesn't mean he's guaranteed to resign...

But go ahead and try to explain yourself on how the Clippers are better going forward..

This is what I said

" If argument is about winning I'm not sure Spurs are in better condition than clips... Clips are also attractive for the big FAs in 2018, if they can give a perspective of Griffin, Paul and a big FA lets say Lebron/George/Davis they have also solid argument to retain Paul."

but go ahead and try to explain you are paying attention

meanwhile Clips can offer more money and Spurs what ? more respect ? :lol a better chance at winning it all in 2018 ? probably but this odd increase will be enough to erase 50 M on a guaranteed fifth year ? I for one don't think so. Even after a CP3 signing with Spurs, Dubs continue to be favorite to win it all in 2018, after 2018 ? who knows with all those free agents to be signed

The only one with the bullshit is you