Spurs trade ideas

[Bruno]

Looking a little at what Spurs could do this summer:

- A draft day trade with Nets for Cam Johnson is a possibility. Nets have their own picks and 3 late first round picks. Spurs could trade down Spurs or Hawks pick for one of Nets' late first round pick and Cam Johnson. Johnson/Barnes/Branham/Wesley would be used to match salaries.

- 3 potential interesting FA PF are Naz Reid, Santi Aldama and Guerschon Yabusele. They might re-sign with their current teams but there are some CBA hurdles regarding them. Aldama might be the most interesting: Grizzlies might renounce to him to raise and extend JJJ.

- There are a bunch of potential backup C: Clint Capela, Larry Nance, Chris Boucher, Brook Lopez, Precious Achiuwa, Kevon Looney, Mason Plumlee, Andre Drummond, Day'Ron Sharpe, Steven Adams...

[Knoxxx]

The Spurs have tons of options to upgrade their front court via the draft and free agency and I know they will. Good list Bruno!

[james evans]

Trade Castle and a 2nd round for Dalton Knect. That's what yall wanted to do at the beginning of the season right?

[spurraider21]

Looking a little at what Spurs could do this summer:

- A draft day trade with Nets for Cam Johnson is a possibility. Nets have their own picks and 3 late first round picks. Spurs could trade down Spurs or Hawks pick for one of Nets' late first round pick and Cam Johnson. Johnson/Barnes/Branham/Wesley would be used to match salaries.

- 3 potential interesting FA PF are Naz Reid, Santi Aldama and Guerschon Yabusele. They might re-sign with their current teams but there are some CBA hurdles regarding them. Aldama might be the most interesting: Grizzlies might renounce to him to raise and extend JJJ.

- There are a bunch of potential backup C: Clint Capela, Larry Nance, Chris Boucher, Brook Lopez, Precious Achiuwa, Kevon Looney, Mason Plumlee, Andre Drummond, Day'Ron Sharpe, Steven Adams...
if all it costs is moving down in the first round, as opposed to giving up 2 FRP as has been the reported price, then sure, Cam is fine for that price. im just skeptical brooklyn agrees to that

naz would be an awesome pairing up front with victor. i just think we're priced out unless we offload the salary of barnes/keldon. right now all we can offer is MLE and he's much better than that. i think Aldama might be gettable, wouldnt break the bank. philly will prioritize keeping yabusele

for centers, i think if they wanted drummond they would have gotten him. i know sharpe has his fans here.

[scott]

Looking a little at what Spurs could do this summer:

- A draft day trade with Nets for Cam Johnson is a possibility. Nets have their own picks and 3 late first round picks. Spurs could trade down Spurs or Hawks pick for one of Nets' late first round pick and Cam Johnson. Johnson/Barnes/Branham/Wesley would be used to match salaries.

- 3 potential interesting FA PF are Naz Reid, Santi Aldama and Guerschon Yabusele. They might re-sign with their current teams but there are some CBA hurdles regarding them. Aldama might be the most interesting: Grizzlies might renounce to him to raise and extend JJJ.

- There are a bunch of potential backup C: Clint Capela, Larry Nance, Chris Boucher, Brook Lopez, Precious Achiuwa, Kevon Looney, Mason Plumlee, Andre Drummond, Day'Ron Sharpe, Steven Adams...

Listening to Vecenie today, sounds like being able to off-load Smart is going to nicely free up MEM to keep Santi, which is a bummer because I really wanted him to be a target for us. In any event, it's looking more and more like JJJ is on his way to All-NBA in which case MEM won't need to raise and extend, then can just give him whatever extension they want.

[Spursfanfromafar]

Looking a little at what Spurs could do this summer:

- A draft day trade with Nets for Cam Johnson is a possibility. Nets have their own picks and 3 late first round picks. Spurs could trade down Spurs or Hawks pick for one of Nets' late first round pick and Cam Johnson. Johnson/Barnes/Branham/Wesley would be used to match salaries.

- 3 potential interesting FA PF are Naz Reid, Santi Aldama and Guerschon Yabusele. They might re-sign with their current teams but there are some CBA hurdles regarding them. Aldama might be the most interesting: Grizzlies might renounce to him to raise and extend JJJ.

- There are a bunch of potential backup C: Clint Capela, Larry Nance, Chris Boucher, Brook Lopez, Precious Achiuwa, Kevon Looney, Mason Plumlee, Andre Drummond, Day'Ron Sharpe, Steven Adams...

Hollinger reported that signing Aldama was going to be a priority for the Grizzlies. He is well connected with that org and that must be definitely true. I doubt if Aldama will be available if the Grizzlies make it a priority to keep him.

Cam Johnson, on the other hand, should be a priority for the Spurs.

[scott]

if all it costs is moving down in the first round, as opposed to giving up 2 FRP as has been the reported price, then sure, Cam is fine for that price. im just skeptical brooklyn agrees to that

naz would be an awesome pairing up front with victor. i just think we're priced out unless we offload the salary of barnes/keldon. right now all we can offer is MLE and he's much better than that. i think Aldama might be gettable, wouldnt break the bank. philly will prioritize keeping yabusele

for centers, i think if they wanted drummond they would have gotten him. i know sharpe has his fans here.

I like Sharpe. He's a little undersized but a good rebounder, good rim protector, about on par with Bassey in those areas, but better at all the other parts of the game that Bassey is not. Bassey grades out slightly better in CraftedDPM, but Sharpe is significantly better in Crafted OPM.

[Bruno]

Listening to Vecenie today, sounds like being able to off-load Smart is going to nicely free up MEM to keep Santi, which is a bummer because I really wanted him to be a target for us. In any event, it's looking more and more like JJJ is on his way to All-NBA in which case MEM won't need to raise and extend, then can just give him whatever extension they want.

That's a good point about JJJ making an all-nba team.

Right now, Grizzlies can't both extend JJJ and re-sign Aldama. If they keep aldama, JJJ will be an UFA in 2026.

To do both, they'll need that either JJJ make an all-nba team or to salary dump Brandon Clarke.

[Bruno]

if all it costs is moving down in the first round, as opposed to giving up 2 FRP as has been the reported price, then sure, Cam is fine for that price. im just skeptical brooklyn agrees to that


A 10th or 11th pick has so much more value than a pick in the 20-30 range. OKC traded 3 first round picks to get the 11th pick in 2022.

I'm labeling that only as a possibility because there are a lot of scenarios where this trade wouldn't work.
If Spurs really like 2 players in the Spurs/Hawks pick range, they might like more drafting these 2 players instead of getting Cam Johnson.
If Nets don't really like a single player in that range, they might view trading up as a poor return for Cam Johnson (as you said).

[Mal]

Spurs could trade down Spurs or Hawks pick for one of Nets' late first round pick and Cam Johnson. Johnson/Barnes/Branham/Wesley would be used to match salaries..

It has to be Barnes or Keldon, since Nets would need to create couple roster spots for those draft picks coming in, and they do want combo of Branham/Wesley taking them

[Dejounte]

If Durant can be for Wemby what Paul is for Castle— fuck it, throw everything at him. Something needs to improve Wemby’s shot tendencies. He aint gonna unlearn all that bullshit by himself.

[scott]

That's a good point about JJJ making an all-nba team.

Right now, Grizzlies can't both extend JJJ and re-sign Aldama. If they keep aldama, JJJ will be an UFA in 2026.

To do both, they'll need that either JJJ make an all-nba team or to salary dump Brandon Clarke.

By my math, if they renounce all of their capholds other than Santi, they'll have $5.9MM of cap space they can use to renegotiate and extend JJJ, which would allow him to get a new deal at a starting salary of $42.4MM, and then they can resign Aldama. Did I miss something? That might not be enough for what JJJ wants, but it's not bad.

Having 5 rotation players making under $2.5MM is pretty huge for them.

[CGD]

I like the idea of a draft trade, but in the other direction than what Bruno suggests. I’m no talent evaluator, but if they love say an Ace Bailey, I’d send Devin with one or both picks to grab him. Theoretically, if a team with multiple picks like the Nets is the trade partner, spurs can probably grab up a pick in the late 20s as part of that deal.

So basically turn Dev, 8, 9 into a blue chipper and 22.

[Bruno]

By my math, if they renounce all of their capholds other than Santi, they'll have $5.9MM of cap space they can use to renegotiate and extend JJJ, which would allow him to get a new deal at a starting salary of $42.4MM, and then they can resign Aldama. Did I miss something? That might not be enough for what JJJ wants, but it's not bad.

Having 5 rotation players making under $2.5MM is pretty huge for them.

I don't think you missed something.

I'm just assuming that JJJ will get a max extension that will start at 30% of the cap, that is to say $51M in 2026-2027. Grizzlies will need $13M in cap space to raise his salary.

[TD 21]

Given the unique situation the Spurs find themselves in and the seeming lack of sensible options in their projected draft range, they should consider targeting a young veteran that's cost controlled and not really available, but might be unexpectedly be gettable for a late lottery pick.

An example would be Camara (if they buy his 3 this season).

[cutewizard]

I want this playerrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr.......!

---------------------------------------------


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MOqG0zPVlwI

[cutewizard]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f74ob45lmBM

[cutewizard]

Gentlemen, is there any way to get Camara??

[exstatic]

Gentlemen, is there any way to get Camara??

No. He’s a really good 3&D PF who’s on a better contract than Champagnie. They’re a rebuilding team with tons of cap room. There’s no way to leverage them with an offer sheet.

[cutewizard]

....he would have been perfect for us

[Pauleta14]

He's probably unobtainable but Trey Murphy has everything we need, not only in terms of skills and size but he's also smart and ambitious.

Interesting convo with KOC


https://youtu.be/hP55OXU4rRY?si=XHtnKNjN7QD2Hka3

[exstatic]

He's probably unobtainable but Trey Murphy has everything we need, not only in terms of skills and size but he's also smart and ambitious.

Interesting convo with KOC


https://youtu.be/hP55OXU4rRY?si=XHtnKNjN7QD2Hka3

Trey isn’t making $2M a year, and is probably equally unobtainable.

[Kevin]

With the emergence of Castle and along with the addition of Fox I am done star hunting in trades. So no Durant/Zion or anyone else who needs 12+ shots a game.

Trading for Cam Johnson and drafting a backup C makes the most sense.

I like the idea of exploring a draft move up involving Dev. Might have to take back a bad contract with one or two years left in order to get it done.

[Gandalf]

If Durant can be for Wemby what Paul is for Castle— fuck it, throw everything at him. Something needs to improve Wemby’s shot tendencies. He aint gonna unlearn all that bullshit by himself.

That’s a big if. Paul has something of a history of improving his teammates in that manner; I’m not aware of Durant ever doing that. To be fair, I just don’t like Durant either, even though he’s very talented.

[rascal]

With the emergence of Castle and along with the addition of Fox I am done star hunting in trades. So no Durant/Zion or anyone else who needs 12+ shots a game.

Trading for Cam Johnson and drafting a backup C makes the most sense.

I like the idea of exploring a draft move up involving Dev. Might have to take back a bad contract with one or two years left in order to get it done.

This core still isn't good enough. Spurs still need to add one more current star/future star and a couple of solid rotation players and push Sochan/Vassell out of being starters if you rerally want to be a serious contender.

[Dejounte]

What team has four stars right now? With Wemby, Fox, and potentially Castle you have three.

[Leetonidas]

What team has four stars right now? With Wemby, Fox, and potentially Castle you have three.

Celtics are the only one imo. Tatum/Brown/Holiday/Porzingis

[Kevin]

This core still isn't good enough. Spurs still need to add one more current star/future star and a couple of solid rotation players and push Sochan/Vassell out of being starters if you rerally want to be a serious contender.

Spurs have a developing big three. That's always been the formula that or a supernova big two like Shaq/Kobe KD/Russ. No more star hunting. Its time for two way elite role player hunting like Naz Reid or Herb Jones.

[$pursDynasty]

Spurs have a developing big three. That's always been the formula that or a supernova big two like Shaq/Kobe KD/Russ. No more star hunting. Its time for two way elite role player hunting like Naz Reid or Herb Jones.
The Spurs need to make a move on Herb Jones before next season begins, he is a star in his own right.

[Kevin]

The Spurs need to make a move on Herb Jones before next season begins, he is a star in his own right.

Yeah guys like Naz Reid, Herb Jones, and Draymond are role player stars. Sochan could be one if he can make 3's at volume at 33%. He should work with Castle's shot doc over the summer.

[scott]

What team has four stars right now? With Wemby, Fox, and potentially Castle you have three.

Yep... as some others have mentioned, the star hunting era has ended. We acquired one (Fox) and had a potential one emerge ahead of schedule (Castle). Time to pivot and devout all our attention to building around that core. I've been Trey Murphy's biggest cheerleader on this forum, and he would still fit because he has a great contract, but he's not really attainable and I'd eventually worry there isn't enough ball to go around. Markkanen is the kind of player who's offensive game fits very well, but we need more defense out of that player and it would be foolish to be paying a max to your 4th option.

We need to pivot to the Camaras, Herb Joneses, Santi Aldamas, Jake LaRavias, Naz Reids, Tobias Harrises of the world. In a lot of ways, this is actually a lot more fun from an SpursTalkdotcom Forums scouting POV (at least it is for me) because there are more uncut gems to be discovered (either in the existing pro ranks or in college) than just naming off obvious stars who you probably can't get or don't want to pay the price for.

I don't think Camara is gettable at this juncture. He's got that Keon Ellis/Julian Champagnie level contract that makes him worth a lot more to a team than his on-the-court play dictates. Two more years left at $2.2 and $2.4MM. Absolute STEAL. I'd like to see the Spurs put some energy into the kind of deals we signed Champ and Bassey to. Long term, cheap deals, that aren't guaranteed. You buy yourself so much flexibility if you hit on these things. MEM has 5 rotation guys on deals like this right now (Williams, Huff, GG, Pippen, Wells), and as a result they're going to be able to have 3 max contracts on their books and still be able to resign Santi to a nice deal and not really break a sweat. These kinds of deals are absolutely key to maintaining a talent loaded roster.

While we have an open roster spot, I'd like for Brian and the team to find someone like that to take a swing on. I also think we should offer C-Bass the deal he had before we waived him to make the Barnes trade. Get him locked up for the net 4 years at $2MM/yr non-guaranteed. It actually shocks me that players sign these deals, because they are so team friendly and don't really do anything for the player versus just signing a 1-year deal... but so long as dudes will sign them, we should offer them.

[Kevin]

If a team offered me 8M guaranteed instead of 2M I'd take that deal even if it means I might leave some money on the table over the next three years or so. 8M is life changing if you're not a dumbass.

I follow baseball in addition to basketball and in the baseball world players sign early extensions all the time and on average early extensions favor the players not the teams. On average players should lock in financial security over the biggest payday possible.

[scott]

If a team offered me 8M guaranteed instead of 2M I'd take that deal even if it means I might leave some money on the table over the next three years or so. 8M is life changing if you're not a dumbass.

I follow baseball in addition to basketball and in the baseball world players sign early extensions all the time and on average early extensions favor the players not the teams. On average players should lock in financial security over the biggest payday possible.

Amigo, you misread. I'm talking about the NON-GUARANTEED deals.

Champ's deal is a great example. It was a flat 4/12 with on the first year guaranteed and then basically it's a club option every summer after that. If you're the player - why do you sign this? You basically cut off any upside if you outperform the contract unless you trust the team to decline the option and resign you for higher (which... why would the club do that?). The only rational would be the team said "we're willing to give you a $2MM one year deal, or this 4/$12 deal that is non-guaranteed" - so basically the team is "buying" the club options with extra salary each year. My guess is that is probably the explanation.

But my guess is that if Champ were a FA this summer, he might be able to get more than $3MM. Not a ton more, but more than that.

[Kevin]

Amigo, you misread. I'm talking about the NON-GUARANTEED deals.

Champ's deal is a great example. It was a flat 4/12 with on the first year guaranteed and then basically it's a club option every summer after that. If you're the player - why do you sign this? You basically cut off any upside if you outperform the contract unless you trust the team to decline the option and resign you for higher (which... why would the club do that?). The only rational would be the team said "we're willing to give you a $2MM one year deal, or this 4/$12 deal that is non-guaranteed" - so basically the team is "buying" the club options with extra salary each year. My guess is that is probably the explanation.

But my guess is that if Champ were a FA this summer, he might be able to get more than $3MM. Not a ton more, but more than that.

A long term deal with club options still feels more secure than a stand alone one year deal. I still get why players sign these deals on a psychological and emotional level. Young players without a first round rookie contract who have never gotten a big pay day are unsurprisingly exploitable.

[exstatic]

Yeah guys like Naz Reid, Herb Jones, and Draymond are role player stars. Sochan could be one if he can make 3's at volume at 33%. He should work with Castle's shot doc over the summer.
He’s shooting 34% right now. He just needs to up his volume and confidence.

[Kevin]

He’s shooting 34% right now. He just needs to up his volume and confidence.

Cheering for Sochan over the summer to fix his shot. Star role player if he can do it. If not I kind want some other team to pay him big money. One way role players like Dev/KJ and Sochan for now aren't worth 20M per season. Two way role players are worth it tho.

[Mugen]

He’s shooting 34% right now. He just needs to up his volume and confidence.

If he goes 1/2 from 3 this next game, do you think we can say he's turned a corner?

[mo7888]

Yep... as some others have mentioned, the star hunting era has ended. We acquired one (Fox) and had a potential one emerge ahead of schedule (Castle). Time to pivot and devout all our attention to building around that core. I've been Trey Murphy's biggest cheerleader on this forum, and he would still fit because he has a great contract, but he's not really attainable and I'd eventually worry there isn't enough ball to go around. Markkanen is the kind of player who's offensive game fits very well, but we need more defense out of that player and it would be foolish to be paying a max to your 4th option.

We need to pivot to the Camaras, Herb Joneses, Santi Aldamas, Jake LaRavias, Naz Reids, Tobias Harrises of the world. In a lot of ways, this is actually a lot more fun from an SpursTalkdotcom Forums scouting POV (at least it is for me) because there are more uncut gems to be discovered (either in the existing pro ranks or in college) than just naming off obvious stars who you probably can't get or don't want to pay the price for.

I don't think Camara is gettable at this juncture. He's got that Keon Ellis/Julian Champagnie level contract that makes him worth a lot more to a team than his on-the-court play dictates. Two more years left at $2.2 and $2.4MM. Absolute STEAL. I'd like to see the Spurs put some energy into the kind of deals we signed Champ and Bassey to. Long term, cheap deals, that aren't guaranteed. You buy yourself so much flexibility if you hit on these things. MEM has 5 rotation guys on deals like this right now (Williams, Huff, GG, Pippen, Wells), and as a result they're going to be able to have 3 max contracts on their books and still be able to resign Santi to a nice deal and not really break a sweat. These kinds of deals are absolutely key to maintaining a talent loaded roster.

While we have an open roster spot, I'd like for Brian and the team to find someone like that to take a swing on. I also think we should offer C-Bass the deal he had before we waived him to make the Barnes trade. Get him locked up for the net 4 years at $2MM/yr non-guaranteed. It actually shocks me that players sign these deals, because they are so team friendly and don't really do anything for the player versus just signing a 1-year deal... but so long as dudes will sign them, we should offer them.

Would you trade Devin and a couple 2nds for Atlyton + Camara? That's about the only kind of deal that I could see netting him.

I think I'm more in the Cam Johnson boat right now though. He's kinda Lauri-lite without the price tag.

[scott]

He’s shooting 34% right now. He just needs to up his volume and confidence.

Looking at Sochan's 34% this season and thinking he's close as a shooter is dumb dumb level analysis, kind of like thinking Devin Vassell has turned a corner based on a 4 game sample.

His 34% is not scalable on volume because it's all coming on wide open, catch and shoot shots. If he could actually hit 34% on higher volume, he wouldn't be left wide open all of the time. As it stands, he's on pace to shoot 117 3PA over 82 games. Even if he hit 45% of those 3s instead of 34%, we're talking about an impact of a whopping 0.48 pts/gm... other teams frankly do not care and would happily leave a guy wide open if the punishment were only half a point a game. They make that up by gains wrought by using 5 guys to guard 4 the rest of the time.

I know you are super impressed that Jeremy has hit 4 of his last 6 threes... but teams don't care, and Jeremy's volume is actually regressing on improved shooting, not increasing. Homie has taken a total of 7 3PA in his last 10 games! He could hit 100% of them, and opposing teams still wouldn't care.

[scott]

Would you trade Devin and a couple 2nds for Atlyton + Camara? That's about the only kind of deal that I could see netting him.

I think I'm more in the Cam Johnson boat right now though. He's kinda Lauri-lite without the price tag.

That is tempting. Only one more year of Ayton's deal, so maybe you can reroute him as an expiring for someone useful if other teams want to get off long term money? Would love to have Camara for the last two years of his deal. I think that's fair, but I'd definitely want to reroute Ayton or even just buy him out. I'd be really afraid of his influence on the team as a backup C. On the court, I think he'd be a fine backup C... but I get bad lazy vibes from him carrying over from past stories. IDK if those are still accurate or not.

Interesting idea there!

I'm not even a big Cam Johnson fan, but I think he'd fit well as a 4th option offensively. His defense isn't great (32nd percentile CraftedDPM), and that gives me some pause, but his rebounding is solid enough and his ancillary defensive metrics (raDTOV, Rim Defense, Rim Frequency, defensive versatility, even his BLK% isn't bad) give me hope that he could improve that with some focus. I like the Lauri-lite descriptor offensively. Important to remember we're only looking for that 4th option guy who does things similar to what we see Barnes doing. Cam is a solid movement shooter.

[mo7888]

That is tempting. Only one more year of Ayton's deal, so maybe you can reroute him as an expiring for someone useful if other teams want to get off long term money? Would love to have Camara for the last two years of his deal. I think that's fair, but I'd definitely want to reroute Ayton or even just buy him out. I'd be really afraid of his influence on the team as a backup C. On the court, I think he'd be a fine backup C... but I get bad lazy vibes from him carrying over from past stories. IDK if those are still accurate or not.

Interesting idea there!

I'm not even a big Cam Johnson fan, but I think he'd fit well as a 4th option offensively. His defense isn't great (32nd percentile CraftedDPM), and that gives me some pause, but his rebounding is solid enough and his ancillary defensive metrics (raDTOV, Rim Defense, Rim Frequency, defensive versatility, even his BLK% isn't bad) give me hope that he could improve that with some focus. I like the Lauri-lite descriptor offensively. Important to remember we're only looking for that 4th option guy who does things similar to what we see Barnes doing. Cam is a solid movement shooter.

On Auton, if couldn't reroute him, I'd try and keep him. I know he's got a rep for being lazy, but with it being a contract year I might gamble on him wanting to perform to a level that gets him another payday somewhere.

On Cam, I think he makes Sochan more playable. If Castle's shooting continues to improve I think this lineup looks fairly interesting:

Fox, (De Larrea or Jase Richardson)
Castle, Julian
Sochan, McNeely
Cam, Barnes, Camara
Wemby, Ayton

[Ignazzz]

I like the idea of a draft trade, but in the other direction than what Bruno suggests. I’m no talent evaluator, but if they love say an Ace Bailey, I’d send Devin with one or both picks to grab him. Theoretically, if a team with multiple picks like the Nets is the trade partner, spurs can probably grab up a pick in the late 20s as part of that deal.

So basically turn Dev, 8, 9 into a blue chipper and 22.

nets - NO
why give up such a talent?

[RC_Drunkford]

add John Collins to the list. He's actually one of those high level role players who once was a 2nd option for a team that made the conference finals.

Also Highsmith has elite defensive metrics.

[scott]

add John Collins to the list. He's actually one of those high level role players who once was a 2nd option for a team that made the conference finals.

Also Highsmith has elite defensive metrics.

Jollins for Vassell (plus maybe a little extra draft compensation coming our way) would be a pretty nice swap. We shave off 3 years of Devin's deal, get someone who can slot into that 4th option, and is significantly better defensively (though Jollins D numbers are worse than I thought they'd be).

CraftedNBA has a really nice tool to sort 3&D players that shows you their SQ Index and DPM on the summary table. Good way to quickly identify trade prospects. https://craftednba.com/player-traits/three-n-dee

[SpursBig3s]

Jollins for Vassell (plus maybe a little extra draft compensation coming our way) would be a pretty nice swap. We shave off 3 years of Devin's deal, get someone who can slot into that 4th option, and is significantly better defensively (though Jollins D numbers are worse than I thought they'd be).

CraftedNBA has a really nice tool to sort 3&D players that shows you their SQ Index and DPM on the summary table. Good way to quickly identify trade prospects. https://craftednba.com/player-traits/three-n-dee

I've been a big Cam Johnson fan all year now that we have a team that is ready for his skillset to maximize what we got. I also like John Collins as a tertiary 3rd/4th option who can moonlight as a solid #3 guy on Castle's predictable 2nd year dud type of nights.

What do yall think about PJ Washington? he's gonna be on an expiring next year. I love his physicality on defense and on the glass. Respectable 3pt shooter (little streaky) but would be a great PF next to Wemby

[scott]

I've been a big Cam Johnson fan all year now that we have a team that is ready for his skillset to maximize what we got. I also like John Collins as a tertiary 3rd/4th option who can moonlight as a solid #3 guy on Castle's predictable 2nd year dud type of nights.

What do yall think about PJ Washington? he's gonna be on an expiring next year. I love his physicality on defense and on the glass. Respectable 3pt shooter (little streaky) but would be a great PF next to Wemby

I like PJ. I wish he had some more height, but it hasn't hindered him. Really solid defender, really solid on the glass like you said. It all comes down to the 3 ball, but even if he dips to a 34 to 35% shooter, I think it's okay. Obviously it's ideal to have someone hitting 42% like Barnes, but its a sacrifice you can make when you're getting the uplift in D and REB, IMO. If you pair someone (even just Barnes) who is a more consistent and higher end threat, I think it works really well. You're basically getting what Sochan brings to the table (maybe without the ceiling on perimeter 1:1 defense) with some shooting.

And since I brought up Sochan, who is shooting 34% this year, there is a massive gulf of a different between Sochan's 34% and someone like PJ Washington shooting 34% and I think that is important for people to realize. Sochan shoots 34% because teams do not respect his shot AT ALL. They literally do not care if he makes 100%, because he's only shooting 1.4 3PA/gm. There is no reason for opposing teams to be concerned (and if Sochan shot more, his % would go down). I know that you already know this, but I wanted to write it down for everyone to see :lol. People get caught up the %s but fail to realize that you can't just look at the %s. Sochan at 34% is far less threatening than Fox at 32% or even Castle at 29% at this point.

[SpursBills]

I like PJ. I wish he had some more height, but it hasn't hindered him. Really solid defender, really solid on the glass like you said. It all comes down to the 3 ball, but even if he dips to a 34 to 35% shooter, I think it's okay. Obviously it's ideal to have someone hitting 42% like Barnes, but its a sacrifice you can make when you're getting the uplift in D and REB, IMO. If you pair someone (even just Barnes) who is a more consistent and higher end threat, I think it works really well. You're basically getting what Sochan brings to the table (maybe without the ceiling on perimeter 1:1 defense) with some shooting.

And since I brought up Sochan, who is shooting 34% this year, there is a massive gulf of a different between Sochan's 34% and someone like PJ Washington shooting 34% and I think that is important for people to realize. Sochan shoots 34% because teams do not respect his shot AT ALL. They literally do not care if he makes 100%, because he's only shooting 1.4 3PA/gm. There is no reason for opposing teams to be concerned (and if Sochan shot more, his % would go down). I know that you already know this, but I wanted to write it down for everyone to see :lol. People get caught up the %s but fail to realize that you can't just look at the %s. Sochan at 34% is far less threatening than Fox at 32% or even Castle at 29% at this point.

This is why I actually use 3P made/100 possessions now to measure shooting quality - low percentage shooters still have gravity when they jack up high volume 3s and need to be guarded (Trae Young, early career Luka are good examples of this)

For the record, PJ Washington is at 2.4 this season, down from a high of 3. Castle is at 2.1. Sochan is at 0.9, down from a high of 1.5 last season. I'd say in order to be a threat as a shooter, you have to get that number above 2 and ideally above 2.5.

[scott]

This is why I actually use 3P made/100 possessions now to measure shooting quality - low percentage shooters still have gravity when they jack up high volume 3s and need to be guarded (Trae Young, early career Luka are good examples of this)

For the record, PJ Washington is at 2.4 this season, down from a high of 3. Castle is at 2.1. Sochan is at 0.9, down from a high of 1.5 last season. I'd say in order to be a threat as a shooter, you have to get that number above 2 and ideally above 2.5.

Nice, I'm going to start using that as well. Makes perfect sense. Fox is at 2.6 this season (down from 3.9 last year), which passes the eye test for me on how he's still a threat teams need to account for despite his poor % this season.

[exstatic]

Nice, I'm going to start using that as well. Makes perfect sense. Fox is at 2.6 this season (down from 3.9 last year), which passes the eye test for me on how he's still a threat teams need to account for despite his poor % this season.

Might want to ignore that stat. Vassell is at 3.6.

[SpursBills]

Might want to ignore that stat. Vassell is at 3.6.

Vassell is at 3.6 and Sochan is at 0.9. Meanwhile, Vassell's shooting 35% from 3 while Sochan's shooting 34%. You can think what you want, but I'm going to say that 3P/100 is probably a more accurate marker of how often a guy is left open on the perimeter than 3 point percentage alone.

[scott]

Might want to ignore that stat. Vassell is at 3.6.

Has anyone claimed Vassell is not a 3 point threat? Or is this just another exstatic strawman?

[RC_Drunkford]

Jollins for Vassell (plus maybe a little extra draft compensation coming our way) would be a pretty nice swap. We shave off 3 years of Devin's deal, get someone who can slot into that 4th option, and is significantly better defensively (though Jollins D numbers are worse than I thought they'd be).

CraftedNBA has a really nice tool to sort 3&D players that shows you their SQ Index and DPM on the summary table. Good way to quickly identify trade prospects. https://craftednba.com/player-traits/three-n-dee

well the guy played on the Hawks and the tanking Jazz and was often used as small ball C, which he's not good at. I think he'd probably look a lot better on a team with capable defenders around him. He's not a lockdown defender, but can block shots and grab a lot of boards. Also gives us some more athelticism and shooting.

[exstatic]

Vassell is at 3.6 and Sochan is at 0.9. Meanwhile, Vassell's shooting 35% from 3 while Sochan's shooting 34%. You can think what you want, but I'm going to say that 3P/100 is probably a more accurate marker of how often a guy is left open on the perimeter than 3 point percentage alone.

I’m not arguing against the stat. It seems like an OK way to show some floor spacing ability. I’m chiding Scott for his bias against Vassell. His last 4 seasons were 3.4, 4.1, 3.5, 3.6.

[scott]

I’m not arguing against the stat. It seems like an OK way to show some floor spacing ability. I’m chiding Scott for his bias against Vassell. His last 4 seasons were 3.4, 4.1, 3.5, 3.6.

If you want to stan for Dev, make your case. My "bias" comes backed up with data. Don't sing it, bring it. Show us how he's turned the corner.

[exstatic]

If you want to stan for Dev, make your case. My "bias" comes backed up with data. Don't sing it, bring it. Show us how he's turned the corner.

I just did. You quoted it, and according to you, it’s a valid stat that you’re “going to start using”.


Nice, I'm going to start using that as well. Makes perfect sense. Fox is at 2.6 this season (down from 3.9 last year), which passes the eye test for me on how he's still a threat teams need to account for despite his poor % this season.

[scott]

I just did. You quoted it, and according to you, it’s a valid stat that you’re “going to start using”.

Got it. So your entire defense of Devin Vassell is that he makes 3 pointers?

Solid work, really thorough. Thanks man. Going forward I will make sure to footnote every discussion on Devin Vassell with "Please note, Devin makes 3.6 threes per 100 possessions" - will come in real handy when talking about his defense.

[exstatic]

Got it. So your entire defense of Devin Vassell is that he makes 3 pointers?

Solid work, really thorough. Thanks man. Going forward I will make sure to footnote every discussion on Devin Vassell with "Please note, Devin makes 3.6 threes per 100 possessions" - will come in real handy when talking about his defense.

The discussion was about 3 pointers, and a stat based on them. You looked up Fox and posted his numbers, but I knew you wouldn’t look up Vassell or post his numbers, so I did it for you.

[scott]

The discussion was about 3 pointers, and a stat based on them. You looked up Fox and posted his numbers, but I knew you wouldn’t look up Vassell or post his numbers, so I did it for you.

Has there ever been a discussion on this forum about Devin not being a 3 point threat?

[spurraider21]

Has there ever been a discussion on this forum about Devin not being a 3 point threat?
if anything people have begrudgingly said we need vassell on the floor because of his shooting :lol

[Pauleta14]

Not sure it's been talk about before, anyone else interested by Santi Aldana?

I like him a lot, he could become available and his inside/out game will be perfect to pair with Wemby imo

[LeBowen]

Not sure it's been talk about before, anyone else interested by Santi Aldana?

I like him a lot, he could become available and his inside/out game will be perfect to pair with Wemby imo

We mentioned him plenty.




[Fischer] Naz Reid is expected to opt-out of his contract this summer and enter free agency in search of a larger deal

[RC_Drunkford]

Told y‘all. But now that we got Fox we don’t have cap space, so we would need to make a sign and trade.

[BG_Spurs_Fan]

Told y‘all. But now that we got Fox we don’t have cap space, so we would need to make a sign and trade.

Not necessarily. Spurs can trade contracts into cap space or exceptions to generate more room if they need it for a FA.

[cutewizard]

Naz Reid guys

can we get him in the offseason??

[cutewizard]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G6KEAOQkWo4

[cutewizard]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3fkd_Byu8I0

[Floyd Pacquiao]

We’d be lucky to get 2nd rounders for vASSell and Keldumb

[Floyd Pacquiao]

We’d be lucky to get 2nd rounders for vASSell and Keldumb

[ambchang]

At this point I’d say keldon still has some value, Vassell we’d have to throw in capital so might as well keep him. That said, we got rid of Zollins without giving up anything (and got positive returns) so there’s always hope.

[Guru of Nothing]

How much for AD?

[baseline bum]

How much for AD?

Vassell and a 2031 first sounds about right for Nico, though maybe talk him down to the 2029 instead since we're taking a risk with AD and the 2031 has that Sacramento swap.

[scott]

Wonder what it would take to get the CHI center in a trade this offseason. Put up 20/12 tonight and is averaging 18.2/10.4 with a 67.5% TS% in his last 5 games since entering the starting lineup for the Bulls.

Anyone know anything about this Zach Collins guy? Think we could get him for only 1 or 2 FRP?

[BackHome]

Not sure it's been talk about before, anyone else interested by Santi Aldana?

I like him a lot, he could become available and his inside/out game will be perfect to pair with Wemby imol

Interesting though his game reminds me of a Center I like in this draft Max Raynaud

[ginobilized]

Aldama has been talked about plenty and would be a great addition.

I'm wondering if there's a chance to get in on the Mavs shit-show and grab Lively as a backup center/insurance policy? Based on their recent transactions, maybe Biyombo and Harrison Ingram get it done?

[mystargtr34]

Aldama has been talked about plenty and would be a great addition.

I'm wondering if there's a chance to get in on the Mavs shit-show and grab Lively as a backup center/insurance policy? Based on their recent transactions, maybe Biyombo and Harrison Ingram get it done?

I think Gafford is more gettable.

Also think PJ Washington would be a good fit.

I said in another thread I think the Mavs blow it up this off-season after the Kyrie injury. Including trading AD and Kyrie.

Lively is the only young + prospect they have so don’t see them giving him up cheaply.

[ginobilized]

I think Gafford is more gettable.

Also think PJ Washington would be a good fit.

I said in another thread I think the Mavs blow it up this off-season after the Kyrie injury. Including trading AD and Kyrie.

Lively is the only young + prospect they have so don’t see them giving him up cheaply.

Any of those 3 would be excellent additions. What a mess in Big D.

[baseline bum]

I think Gafford is more gettable.

Also think PJ Washington would be a good fit.

I said in another thread I think the Mavs blow it up this off-season after the Kyrie injury. Including trading AD and Kyrie.

Lively is the only young + prospect they have so don’t see them giving him up cheaply.

They can't, they don't have control of their drafts for four years. And it's not like the Phoenix situation where Houston controls three of their primo picks and they can just trade their star for their future back, as their picks / swaps have been given away to four teams: Charlotte (2027 top 2 protected pick), OKC (2028 unprotected swap), Houston (2029 unprotected swap), and the Spurs (2030 unprotected swap).

[mo7888]

They can't, they don't have control of their drafts for four years. And it's not like the Phoenix situation where Houston controls three of their primo picks and they can just trade their star for their future back, as their picks / swaps have been given away to four teams: Charlotte (2027 top 2 protected pick), OKC (2028 unprotected swap), Houston (2029 unprotected swap), and the Spurs (2030 unprotected swap).

It's a beautiful thing lol

[baseline bum]

It's a beautiful thing lol

Can you imagine going from the Finals to more fucked than the Suns in a span of nine months? :rollin

[mo7888]

Can you imagine going from the Finals to more fucked than the Suns in a span of nine months? :rollin

It couldn't happen to a more deserving organization lol

[ginobilized]

This off season is going to be nuts with the 3-superstar team model dying an ignoble death.

I'm not seeing much to build around in the 6-15 range of the draft, especially if we end up with 2 picks in that range. I'm not seeing us adding 2 (or more) rookies from this draft. Derik Queen is an odd player, but I could him see being a Sengun-lite type which might pair well with Wemby. Everyone out of the top 4 looks like a project with a lot of bust potential. Maybe I've haven't looked hard enough. March Madness could bring some clarity and some new names to the list.

I'm hoping that we can trade a pick/player for a young vet in a position of need (Vassell for Gafford AND PJ Washington works in the trade machine) and grab an available free agent ala Aldama, LaRavia, Naz Reid, or Yabusele.

Double happy about Vassell's huge game vs the Nets. Hopefully, someone bites based on that.

[baseline bum]

This off season is going to be nuts with the 3-superstar team model dying an ignoble death.

I'm not seeing much to build around in the 6-15 range of the draft, especially if we end up with 2 picks in that range. I'm not seeing us adding 2 (or more) rookies from this draft. Derik Queen is an odd player, but I could him see being a Sengun-lite type which might pair well with Wemby. Everyone out of the top 4 looks like a project with a lot of bust potential. Maybe I've haven't looked hard enough. March Madness could bring some clarity and some new names to the list.

I'm hoping that we can trade a pick/player for a young vet in a position of need (Vassell for Gafford AND PJ Washington works in the trade machine) and grab an available free agent ala Aldama, LaRavia, Naz Reid, or Yabusele.

Double happy about Vassell's huge game vs the Nets. Hopefully, someone bites based on that.

Phoenix is a 0-superstar team though and Beal was never that good lol

[Seventyniner]

Phoenix is a 0-superstar team though and Beal was never that good lol

Less "three superstars" and more "three max contracts".

Paying max money to someone who doesn't deserve it is the easiest way to fuck your cap. That's why I want the Spurs to move off Vassell's contract: it isn't a max but it's bad value. I would have liked to see them trade Vassell to the Wizards for Middleton straight up at the deadline, though the Wizards probably say no.

[Pauleta14]

l

Interesting though his game reminds me of a Center I like in this draft Max Raynaud

Who also happens to be Wemby's close friend and a guaranteed smart dude, which we don't have too many in the current roster...

Not sure about his mobility tho, projected 2nd round for now

[baseline bum]

Less "three superstars" and more "three max contracts".

Paying max money to someone who doesn't deserve it is the easiest way to fuck your cap. That's why I want the Spurs to move off Vassell's contract: it isn't a max but it's bad value. I would have liked to see them trade Vassell to the Wizards for Middleton straight up at the deadline, though the Wizards probably say no.

At least the 10% compounded bumps to the cap yearly for the foreseeable future make max contracts way less dangerous than they were when Beal signed his a few years ago due to player raises being non-compounded and capped at 8% of base year salary. So for the next 7-8 years or so any max contract is effectively a decreasing contract when viewed as a percentage of the cap. Still don't want to fuck up and throw a 30% max, much less a 35% max, at a scrub like Beal though. Definitely feel De'Aaron is worth paying 30% max to though so hope his extension he works out this summer is the full 4 years instead of a 2 year and then sign at 35% max after that where you might start to question that kind of money on the wrong side of 30.

[scott]

I think Gafford is more gettable.

Also think PJ Washington would be a good fit.

I said in another thread I think the Mavs blow it up this off-season after the Kyrie injury. Including trading AD and Kyrie.

Lively is the only young + prospect they have so don’t see them giving him up cheaply.

The Mavs being forced to blow it up to tank and rebuild might end up one of the greatest self-owns in NBA history.

I'd love to see it :lol

[scott]

At least the 10% compounded bumps to the cap yearly for the foreseeable future make max contracts way less dangerous than they were when Beal signed his a few years ago due to player raises being non-compounded and capped at 8% of base year salary. So for the next 7-8 years or so any max contract is effectively a decreasing contract when viewed as a percentage of the cap. Still don't want to fuck up and throw a 30% max, much less a 35% max, at a scrub like Beal though. Definitely feel De'Aaron is worth paying 30% max to though so hope his extension he works out this summer is the full 4 years instead of a 2 year and then sign at 35% max after that where you might start to question that kind of money on the wrong side of 30.

I know you don't think it will happen, but I still think there is a small chance Fox comes in at 27-28%.

With that said, I'm hoping at a minimum he and Rich Paul understand that going the 2+1 route to try to score a 35% isn't the best bet, and they take the 4/30%.

[baseline bum]

I know you don't think it will happen, but I still think there is a small chance Fox comes in at 27-28%.

With that said, I'm hoping at a minimum he and Rich Paul understand that going the 2+1 route to try to score a 35% isn't the best bet, and they take the 4/30%.

I think the Spurs have a better chance at landing Flagg and Harper with their picks than they do of De'Aaron taking a paycut (which he shouldn't). He was gonna stay in Sac if he could have secured a supermax.

[KobesAchilles]

I have never been more thankful to a person in recent sports years than Mark Cuban for selling the team to a buncha dumbasses. The owner being too cheap to pay Luka is amazing. Set the franchise back literally the rest of the decade. They have zero way to improve. AD will be gone and even if he stays he will be injured all the time. Kyrie is going to be out all of next year too and probably will demand a trade after he gets his max contract. In two years time this franchise will have zero all stars and crappy late FRPs to try to improve the team.

In 2030, the Mavs will win the number one pick for us. Just beyond thankful to Nico for trading Luka. Just imagine. It’s 2030 and we have prime Wemby and are contenders and then there’s this amazing guy in the draft that everybody wants and lo and behold the Mavs get us that guy. And we have our Duncan and Robinson for the the next decade

[spurraider21]

I have never been more thankful to a person in recent sports years than Mark Cuban for selling the team to a buncha dumbasses. The owner being too cheap to pay Luka is amazing. Set the franchise back literally the rest of the decade. They have zero way to improve. AD will be gone and even if he stays he will be injured all the time. Kyrie is going to be out all of next year too and probably will demand a trade after he gets his max contract. In two years time this franchise will have zero all stars and crappy late FRPs to try to improve the team.

In 2030, the Mavs will win the number one pick for us. Just beyond thankful to Nico for trading Luka. Just imagine. It’s 2030 and we have prime Wemby and are contenders and then there’s this amazing guy in the draft that everybody wants and lo and behold the Mavs get us that guy. And we have our Duncan and Robinson for the the next decade
ive never lived in texas so i never really cared much for the state rivalry

id much rather dallas have a star like Luka than the Lakers

[LeBowen]

I have never been more thankful to a person in recent sports years than Mark Cuban for selling the team to a buncha dumbasses. The owner being too cheap to pay Luka is amazing. Set the franchise back literally the rest of the decade. They have zero way to improve. AD will be gone and even if he stays he will be injured all the time. Kyrie is going to be out all of next year too and probably will demand a trade after he gets his max contract. In two years time this franchise will have zero all stars and crappy late FRPs to try to improve the team.

In 2030, the Mavs will win the number one pick for us. Just beyond thankful to Nico for trading Luka. Just imagine. It’s 2030 and we have prime Wemby and are contenders and then there’s this amazing guy in the draft that everybody wants and lo and behold the Mavs get us that guy. And we have our Duncan and Robinson for the the next decade

The only issue is that Luka went to the Lakers of all teams.
Ever since the trade happened, it's like the rest of the league doesn't exist for mainstream media. It's beyond annoying and it won't stop as long as Luka is there.

[spurraider21]

The only issue is that Luka went to the Lakers of all teams.
Ever since the trade happened, it's like the rest of the league doesn't exist for mainstream media. It's beyond annoying and it won't stop as long as Luka is there.
lakers are 8-2 since the trade and have surged to 2nd in the west

the attention is warranted tbh

[scott]

Kyrie is going to be out all of next year too and probably will demand a trade after he gets his max contract.

Who's giving 34-year old Kyrie Irving coming off an ACL a max contract? He'll certainly opt into his $44MM next season, and then what? The Mavs might come to their senses by then and realize they just need to let him walk. They are truly fucked. They need to tank harder than anyone has ever tanked before to close out this season, and then trade AD and hard tank next season... but after that it's lights out.

[Ice009]

If Luka went to any other team other than the Lakers, I would have been happy with Dallas losing him. As it stands, would have much rather he stay with Dallas than have gone to the Lakers. It's given the Lakers a lifeline yet again that they didn't have to work for.

[KobesAchilles]

Who's giving 34-year old Kyrie Irving coming off an ACL a max contract? He'll certainly opt into his $44MM next season, and then what? The Mavs might come to their senses by then and realize they just need to let him walk. They are truly fucked. They need to tank harder than anyone has ever tanked before to close out this season, and then trade AD and hard tank next season... but after that it's lights out.
Love it :lmao

Also I hate the Lakers as much as the next person but they are so badly run that Luka won’t win a championship with them so I’m not sweating it.

[Mal]

Assuming Spurs did not win lottery and will be drafting for depth, would you trade Vassell + Barnes + fillers for Durant with 2 years extension around 50-55m /2 ? You can fit his 54 cap hit for 25/26 and then you he would only overlap with Wemby`s supermax for 1 season ?

[spurraider21]

Assuming Spurs did not win lottery and will be drafting for depth, would you trade Vassell + Barnes + fillers for Durant with 2 years extension around 50-55m /2 ? You can fit his 54 cap hit for 25/26 and then you he would only overlap with Wemby`s supermax for 1 season ?
in a heartbeat. but phoenix would insist on picks being included

also not sure why suns would want vassell anyway. he's just a worse booker and they already have Beal for that role

[Mal]

in a heartbeat. but phoenix would insist on picks being included

also not sure why suns would want vassell anyway. he's just a worse booker and they already have Beal for that role

Spurs have to send salary back, a lot of it. Vassell and Barnes are biggest expandable cap hits. About adding pick - well I dont know if any picks that Spurs have would make a difference for them. They are stuck with Beal no matter what. Their picks are heavily involved in some swaps, that I cant even understand by reading about them. Durant is gone, gone from there, I dont who may want to trade for him, and Vassell is still good player.

I can see 40 yrs Kevin Durant spreading the floor with Fox, Wemby, Castle and even Sochan as starting lineup.

[mo7888]

Maybe a little early, but based on the start of this post season it looks like alot of bigger names could ask out. Young, Giannis, Lillard etc. Who would we want to add? What would it cost? How would we make the fit work?

[exstatic]

Maybe a little early, but based on the start of this post season it looks like alot of bigger names could ask out. Young, Giannis, Lillard etc. Who would we want to add? What would it cost? How would we make the fit work?

Can’t get a third huge deal. We’ll be paying Wemby and Fox already. No more big threes.

[mo7888]

Can’t get a third huge deal. We’ll be paying Wemby and Fox already. No more big threes.

I think we can. We'd just have to plan to move on from one of them in a couple years.

[scott]

Can’t get a third huge deal. We’ll be paying Wemby and Fox already. No more big threes.

Yes, Wemby is notoriously on that secret rookie max contract.

Whether the Spurs should is one question, but they could easily fit another max contract if they wanted to.

[mo7888]

I gotta wonder if the Joker might want out if they lose this series?

[exstatic]

I think we can. We'd just have to plan to move on from one of them in a couple years.

The players you named will have draft pick price tags that will preclude moving on from them in a few years.

[exstatic]

Yes, Wemby is notoriously on that secret rookie max contract.

Whether the Spurs should is one question, but they could easily fit another max contract if they wanted to.

For two years. Then you’re looking at $70M for Wemby. Fox’s extension will kick in in 2026.

Teams are running from those third contracts. GS with Klay and the LAC with PG are two recent examples.

[scott]

For two years. Then you’re looking at $70M for Wemby. Fox’s extension will kick in in 2026.

Teams are running from those third contracts. GS with Klay and the LAC with PG are two recent examples.

So, they can fit it.

Thanks for confirming.

[exstatic]

So, they can fit it.

Thanks for confirming.

The players he was talking about aren’t two year rentals, and if teams know we have to come off them at that point, we’ll be Phoenix to their KD

[mo7888]

The players you named will have draft pick price tags that will preclude moving on from them in a few years.

Possibly, but that would be mitigated somewhat if the player specifically want to go to SA. In addition, I didn't name those players as an exhaustive list, they were just examples to start a conversation.

[Mal]

Best trade for Spurs would be getting a player like Naz Reid on 120/4 deal max. It should go well with Wemby, Fox new deals

[Arguendo]

This off season is going to be nuts with the 3-superstar team model dying an ignoble death.

I'm not seeing much to build around in the 6-15 range of the draft, especially if we end up with 2 picks in that range. I'm not seeing us adding 2 (or more) rookies from this draft. Derik Queen is an odd player, but I could him see being a Sengun-lite type which might pair well with Wemby. Everyone out of the top 4 looks like a project with a lot of bust potential. Maybe I've haven't looked hard enough. March Madness could bring some clarity and some new names to the list.

I'm hoping that we can trade a pick/player for a young vet in a position of need (Vassell for Gafford AND PJ Washington works in the trade machine) and grab an available free agent ala Aldama, LaRavia, Naz Reid, or Yabusele.

Double happy about Vassell's huge game vs the Nets. Hopefully, someone bites based on that.

DV for Gafford and PJ would be incredible, but no way the Mavs are interested when they already have Klay, Christie, Naji, and Caleb Martin as 6'5'- 6'6" SG/SF, and no PG until Kyrie comes back, Naji started at point for the play-in games. They're also $3M under the apron with 3 roster spots to fill, going into the apron means they can't aggregate players out or use exceptions.

Also, Davis and Lively arent' exactly durable (AD misses 30 games a yr, Lively's played 91 in 2 yrs), this trades give them 5 6'5" wings with AD and Lively as the only rotation bigs, no PG and only an extra 1M saved.

Sochan and Wesley works for either Gafford or PJ. Gives them another maybe PG, a rotation big, and saves them a little more money, about $2M and only 2 roster spots to fill.

Feels like Gafford or PJ will be available, just looking at their roster and cap situation. Personally I'd much rather have PJ, but AD and Lively are likely to miss 25-40 games each. They are in a horrible position. Good thing they have a great GM.

Max Christie is probably their best trade asset. PJ and Gaff are expirings, Klay is 36, Naji is 27 and shot 29% from 3, 30% career. They can't trade AD, bc they don't own their picks for 5 yrs and he's 32 and has avg'd 54gp the past 7 yrs. They can't trade Kyrie unless its a pure salary dump bc he's 33, on a torn ACL, and is expiring, but they need Kyrie in '27 because they don't own their pick until 2031. Truly breathtaking mismanagement. Or the best way to get them to LV.

[Arguendo]

At least the 10% compounded bumps to the cap yearly for the foreseeable future make max contracts way less dangerous than they were when Beal signed his a few years ago due to player raises being non-compounded and capped at 8% of base year salary. So for the next 7-8 years or so any max contract is effectively a decreasing contract when viewed as a percentage of the cap. Still don't want to fuck up and throw a 30% max, much less a 35% max, at a scrub like Beal though. Definitely feel De'Aaron is worth paying 30% max to though so hope his extension he works out this summer is the full 4 years instead of a 2 year and then sign at 35% max after that where you might start to question that kind of money on the wrong side of 30.

Great point on the timing for Beal's deal vs Fox expecting, worse case it can't be as bad.
Beal wasn't actually untradeable, PHX had a deal in place at the deadline to move Beal for Butler. Everyone agreed except Beal, full no-trade clause.

Beal was the same age as Fox but was coming off 3x AS in 5 yrs averaged and the face of the franchise. Wash pretty much had to give him a max pre-apron. And Wash was able to move him for a truckload. We have no pressure to fully max Fox, he's not our franchise guy and we're not pot committed to him.

Fox for 4 will be nearly as risky. He is reliant on speed, not a high assist or rebound guy. He gets points and steals from speed, when that goes so does his career. Hopefully that's after his extension, 4 years is very risky because he will be on the wrong side of 30 for 2.5 of those years.

We need him to be a legit Playoff team next yr, hopefully a contender in 2 yrs, then if he's showing any signs of slowing down or injury I'd like to move on. Wash moved Beal 1 yr after his extension at the same age. Maybe a lesson there. We didn't pay much, I'm fine not getting much if Castle can PG or if Fox is declining. If that means he walks for free a few months after turning 30, as an 11 yr vet with lots of miles, I'm cool with that.

Beal has the advantage of being a much, much better shooter, .386 or better on volume every yr he wasn't the featured player, 40+% shooter on 4.5-5 three per as a role player, (Wash w/Wall and Phx), 37.6% overall career on almost 6/per after 6 yrs of straight chucking 3s as the guy. Shooters are more movable than speed reliant scoring PGs who don't assist or bound much who have lost their speed. All this to say, the 2 year extension is ideal because that FA class and our cap.

'28 UFA class currently headlined by Giannis, Joker, D-Mitch & Garland, Ja, Zion, Siakam, KAT, Booker, Sabonis, and lots of role players like Herb Jones and JHart plus olds ready to ring chase. Some of these guys will be locked up but even a 33 y/o Giannis & especially a 32 y/o Joker would be incredible running mates, and Mil, Den, Sac, Mem, Cle might just shit the cap/asset bed bad enough for several of those guys to walk. Right now, Vassell is our only contract on the books for '28 and he'll be expiring and prolly dumpable that summer. Wemby will be 1 yr into his deal, Castle will be an RFA. Structuring '28 with Wemby and a max cap slot with that FA class sounds more ideal than betting a going on 31 Fox will still have it.

[CGD]

I’m skeptical that they’ll trade Dev (of KJ) before seeing the entire core together with Fox, but I keep coming back to the KCP/MCJ trade idea with Orlando. I know it’s not perfect but it would hit a lot of needs.

He had a down season (mostly bc Orlando’s offense sucks), but last season’s KCP would slot nicely next to Fox and Castle. And MCJ would be that burly big we need off the bench (or even starting).

Then you draft one of Johnson, Nip, or the Lithuanian guard for the offensive firepower of the bench at 8, and BPA at 14.

[scott]

^^^I think the articles we saw this week are the Spurs telegraphing their plans.

The articles were:

“Devin ready to accept a more supporting role”… translation: he’ll be the 4th option or the 6th man

“Spurs trusting Sochan for a summer of good vibes”… translation: we expect Jeremy to put in a lot of work this offseason and not expect too much out of an extension because he has a lot to prove

“Will Keldon endure another summer of trade rumors”… translation: there are going to be trade rumors, because we’re listening to offers but aren’t sold on trading him.

These stories were spoon fed to the E-N for a reason.

[mo7888]

I’m skeptical that they’ll trade Dev (of KJ) before seeing the entire core together with Fox, but I keep coming back to the KCP/MCJ trade idea with Orlando. I know it’s not perfect but it would hit a lot of needs.

He had a down season (mostly bc Orlando’s offense sucks), but last season’s KCP would slot nicely next to Fox and Castle. And MCJ would be that burly big we need off the bench (or even starting).

Then you draft one of Johnson, Nip, or the Lithuanian guard for the offensive firepower of the bench at 8, and BPA at 14.

It's not a bad strategy...

[baseline bum]

Can’t get a third huge deal. We’ll be paying Wemby and Fox already. No more big threes.

You're comparing apples to oranges with this adversity to three max deals. The Suns paid three supermaxes in an era with a stagnant cap that made the yearly raises on their deals hurt a lot. The Spurs will eventually have to pay three regular max to have any chance at a title but will be doing it in an era where the salary cap goes up 10% every year compounded, making every deal they sign effectively a decreasing deal even with max raies. That 10% yearly bump is huge. While the Suns are way over the second apron this year that 10% bump only means they have to clear about $3 million in salary next year to get under the second apron. What the Spurs can't afford is tying up $50 million in useless players like they're doing right now with Vassell and Keldon Johnson.

[KobesAchilles]

^^^I think the articles we saw this week are the Spurs telegraphing their plans.

The articles were:

“Devin ready to accept a more supporting role”… translation: he’ll be the 4th option or the 6th man

“Spurs trusting Sochan for a summer of good vibes”… translation: we expect Jeremy to put in a lot of work this offseason and not expect too much out of an extension because he has a lot to prove

“Will Keldon endure another summer of trade rumors”… translation: there are going to be trade rumors, because we’re listening to offers but aren’t sold on trading him.

These stories were spoon fed to the E-N for a reason.
The Spurs are not going to go anywhere next year if that’s the case. Vassell doesn’t have the game for a role player. He is too stupid to play defense and on offense all he knows how to do is chuck the ball. Horrible role player tbh.

Sochan putting in work doesn’t mean shit. He’s another moron (though this one is a franchise made moron) who doesn’t know how to play offensive basketball. And he is SCARED to shoot the ball even when he is wide open. You can’t fix that. Dude has made 131 career 3s and is shooting 29% from 3. I don’t want to hear shit about him working on his three point shot. Idgaf about his spin or his release or his fucking elbow angle Spurstalk was investigating for half the summer. Start at the front of the rim. 200 makes. Go to 6 feet. 200 makes. Etc etc etc. ffs him working on his 3 point shot is meaningless when he isn’t comfortable with his shit shot. Start from the fucking basics. Every single day.

And KJ is fine tbh. I see no reason to trade him. Draft Vassells replacement, draft Wolf with the Hawks pick. Sign Naz Reid and call it a day

[baseline bum]

'28 UFA class currently headlined by Giannis, Joker, D-Mitch & Garland, Ja, Zion, Siakam, KAT, Booker, Sabonis, and lots of role players like Herb Jones and JHart plus olds ready to ring chase. Some of these guys will be locked up but even a 33 y/o Giannis & especially a 32 y/o Joker would be incredible running mates, and Mil, Den, Sac, Mem, Cle might just shit the cap/asset bed bad enough for several of those guys to walk. Right now, Vassell is our only contract on the books for '28 and he'll be expiring and prolly dumpable that summer. Wemby will be 1 yr into his deal, Castle will be an RFA. Structuring '28 with Wemby and a max cap slot with that FA class sounds more ideal than betting a going on 31 Fox will still have it.

Clearing capspace to go after stars is a 2010 model of franchise building which doesn't work today when stars can just force trades. The last really big FA signing was Kawhi in 2019 unless you want to count the corpse of Paul George to Philly. You could say Brunson I guess but he was a role player when he signed in NYC. It seems like a sucker bet in 2025 and with a nice core already in place for the next five years in Wemby/Fox/Castle I'd really only treat free agency as a way to pick up role players to round out the roster with the MLE.

[cutewizard]

Durant is too expensive,

I like him, but are we going to win the title next year with him, for example??

[cutewizard]

Imagine all these >>>

We get the second or fourth pick,

We get Naz Reid and/or Yabuselle

We get a shooter,

thats it........

Plus some veteran

[cutewizard]

https://bleacherreport.com/articles/25188166-latest-2025-nba-free-agents-rumors-and-predictions-kyrie-irving-more

[cutewizard]

https://hoopswire.com/2025-nba-free-agents-list/

[R. DeMurre]

Goga Bitadze seems like a more plausible target than Gafford. With a healthy Mo Wagner and Wendell Carter next season, he's expendable to the Magic.

[KingKev]

^^^I think the articles we saw this week are the Spurs telegraphing their plans.

The articles were:

“Devin ready to accept a more supporting role”… translation: he’ll be the 4th option or the 6th man

“Spurs trusting Sochan for a summer of good vibes”… translation: we expect Jeremy to put in a lot of work this offseason and not expect too much out of an extension because he has a lot to prove

“Will Keldon endure another summer of trade rumors”… translation: there are going to be trade rumors, because we’re listening to offers but aren’t sold on trading him.

These stories were spoon fed to the E-N for a reason.

Echoing what we have been vehemently screaming. Nice confirm from PATFO.

DV is the new Keldon. Neither have much trade value but can definitely be useful in facilitating a larger deal.

Sochan missed the gravy boat. Become all NBA defense or become the next SloMo.

[scott]

The Spurs are not going to go anywhere next year if that’s the case. Vassell doesn’t have the game for a role player. He is too stupid to play defense and on offense all he knows how to do is chuck the ball. Horrible role player tbh.

Sochan putting in work doesn’t mean shit. He’s another moron (though this one is a franchise made moron) who doesn’t know how to play offensive basketball. And he is SCARED to shoot the ball even when he is wide open. You can’t fix that. Dude has made 131 career 3s and is shooting 29% from 3. I don’t want to hear shit about him working on his three point shot. Idgaf about his spin or his release or his fucking elbow angle Spurstalk was investigating for half the summer. Start at the front of the rim. 200 makes. Go to 6 feet. 200 makes. Etc etc etc. ffs him working on his 3 point shot is meaningless when he isn’t comfortable with his shit shot. Start from the fucking basics. Every single day.

And KJ is fine tbh. I see no reason to trade him. Draft Vassells replacement, draft Wolf with the Hawks pick. Sign Naz Reid and call it a day

We’re in agreement that hanging on to hope for the Power of Friendship is going to lead to disappointment, but I feel like the Spurs are going to go another year of trying it out before accepting it (unfortunately)

[Ice009]

We’re in agreement that hanging on to hope for the Power of Friendship is going to lead to disappointment, but I feel like the Spurs are going to go another year of trying it out before accepting it (unfortunately)

That's the wrong thing to do unfortunately. I don't see it working out, just wasting more time IMO. I hope I am wrong and the Spurs get a couple of really good/great draft picks to go with it. Plus a good free agent or two.

The SA Express News articles, anyone know if you can read them outside the US?

[exstatic]

Goga Bitadze seems like a more plausible target than Gafford. With a healthy Mo Wagner and Wendell Carter next season, he's expendable to the Magic.

He got into an altercation with a coach in Indy, so, probably not.

[buttsR4rebounding]

He got into an altercation with a coach in Indy, so, probably not.

Yeah, because an altercation with our coach is likely fatal.

[CGD]

^^^I think the articles we saw this week are the Spurs telegraphing their plans.

The articles were:

“Devin ready to accept a more supporting role”… translation: he’ll be the 4th option or the 6th man

“Spurs trusting Sochan for a summer of good vibes”… translation: we expect Jeremy to put in a lot of work this offseason and not expect too much out of an extension because he has a lot to prove

“Will Keldon endure another summer of trade rumors”… translation: there are going to be trade rumors, because we’re listening to offers but aren’t sold on trading him.

These stories were spoon fed to the E-N for a reason.

This is very astute.

I do think there is an appetite to see the group together in its new configuration post-Fox (and emergence of Castle). I don’t think they expected to land Fox when they did (and for the price), and I wonder if that rejiggered their plans some for this offseason.

[exstatic]

Yeah, because an altercation with our coach is likely fatal.

Well,that,plus the whole altercation with a coach mindset. It’s why I laugh when people propose signing Bobby Portis. You can try to spin it any way you want, but he punched and hospitalized a teammate. The Spurs are never signing Bobby Portis.

[rankingtear]

We’re in agreement that hanging on to hope for the Power of Friendship is going to lead to disappointment, but I feel like the Spurs are going to go another year of trying it out before accepting it (unfortunately)

It is a completely different team with a lead guard.

[CGD]

Echoing what we have been vehemently screaming. Nice confirm from PATFO.

DV is the new Keldon. Neither have much trade value but can definitely be useful in facilitating a larger deal.

Sochan missed the gravy boat. Become all NBA defense or become the next SloMo.

Dev as the 6th man, bench scoring punch would be great actually. It’s what they probably hoped Malaki could become in his best case outcome.

[exstatic]

It is a completely different team with a lead guard.

Yeah,we’re gonna run it back, just with De’Aaron Fox instead of Tre Jones, Zach Collins, and Sidy Cissoko.

[KingKev]

Dev as the 6th man, bench scoring punch would be great actually. It’s what they probably hoped Malaki could become in his best case outcome.

Dev making 10x though he should stfu and chuck off the bench.

[ginobilized]

The idea of Vassell replacing Branham in the rotation is appealing.

Here's what it's starting to look like to me:

- we draft a role playing minor contributor (at least in year 1) like Kon, Sorber, Fleming, or even Johnson depending on where we pick
- add 2 FA from the Reid, Yabusele, Aldama, LaRavia grab bag, with various other possibilities
- trade the Hawks pick for the future ala Dillingham
- say goodbye to CP3, Bassey, Mamu, McLaughlin, Biyombo & Branham
- Add a wildcard waiver-wire vet, minor trade or bring up someone from the Austin team

[rankingtear]

Dev should stay barring a trade for a better wing player, I don't see a clear upgrade in this draft unless you like the nipple. The realistic target for that last starter should be Naz or Keegan. SAC needs a point and our pick is in range of some lead guards. Any combination of one of our picks, SAC swap and Sochan should work. SAC is heading into a fire sale and they have no use for a 25 year old role player. Keegan gives you the elusive big wing defense + shooting that you can start alongside Castle. Fox-Dev-Castle-Keegan-Wemby is a pretty balance and sustainable lineup. The alternative is Fox-Dev-Castle-Naz-Wemby you have more lineup flexibility between first and second unit but no true wing stopper. If not the last option is Cam Johnson maybe for KJ and swapping 25 picks.

[TD 21]

DV for Gafford and PJ would be incredible

Also, Davis and Lively arent' exactly durable (AD misses 30 games a yr, Lively's played 91 in 2 yrs), this trades give them 5 6'5" wings with AD and Lively as the only rotation bigs, no PG and only an extra 1M saved.

Feels like Gafford or PJ will be available, just looking at their roster and cap situation. Personally I'd much rather have PJ, but AD and Lively are likely to miss 25-40 games each.

Unless they're more interested in Durant (they should be) than the reporting has indicated, expect the superfluous Gafford to be the lone casualty of their front court logjam, as a linchpin of a trade for a starting caliber creator.

Even with Davis' preference to masquerade as a PF, they still need to be able to get to him at C, which makes Washington vital.


- add 2 FA from the Reid, Yabusele, Aldama, LaRavia grab bag, with various other possibilities

Reid more than likely isn't going anywhere. Alexander-Walker (with Clark in waiting as the in-house replacement) and possibly Randle (Durant trade?) are the likely casualties.

Aldama more than likely isn't going anywhere. They attached their 1st to salary dump Smart to free up space to renegotiate with Jackson Jr. and extend him.



Dev should stay barring a trade for a better wing player, I don't see a clear upgrade in this draft unless you like the nipple. The realistic target for that last starter should be Naz or Keegan. SAC needs a point and our pick is in range of some lead guards. Any combination of one of our picks, SAC swap and Sochan should work. SAC is heading into a fire sale and they have no use for a 25 year old role player. Keegan gives you the elusive big wing defense + shooting that you can start alongside Castle. Fox-Dev-Castle-Keegan-Wemby is a pretty balance and sustainable lineup. The alternative is Fox-Dev-Castle-Naz-Wemby you have more lineup flexibility between first and second unit but no true wing stopper. If not the last option is Cam Johnson maybe for KJ and swapping 25 picks.

Good idea. I'd probably do 8 and Sochan for Murray and it's likely more tenable than Johnson, given that the Nets project to pick ahead of the Spurs anyway while having 3 other 1sts.

Johnson is a better shooter than Murray, but the latter is a better defender and four years younger. Neither provides the rebounding or physicality they need in a forward though, but that could be addressed through backup C.

[SpursBills]

14+Keldon for Cam Johnson+mid 20's pick
Vassell + Malaki + 2nds for KCP and WCJ
Draft CMB, Walter Clayton Jr with mid 20's pick

Base lineup:
Fox/KCP/Cam Johnson/CMB/Wembanyama
Castle/Walter Clayton Jr/Champagnie/Barnes/Wendell Carter Jr

Castle doesn't start but plays 30+ minutes a night and closes.

You can pretty much fill in any draft pick of your choice here, I'm personally a fan of CMB because I buy high-feel prospects, his defensive scheme-versatility, and the ability to become another strength-based creator in the future. However if you like Fleming, Queen, Essengue, etc. this also works.

I buy Clayton Jr. as way more than your typical Bryn Forbes-level scrub. He's older, but he's taken and made a higher volume of self-created 3s than any draft prospect in recent memory. Combine that with solid movement shooting, decent ballhandling/passing, and the ability to step his game up during the tournament, and I see him as cross between Malik Beasley and Payton Pritchard (both of whom are 6MOY contenders this year)

Carter is having a down year but he's 1 year removed from shooting >2 3PM/100, suggesting at least league-average shooter. KCP is also having a down year from 3 but is also a year removed from shooting almost 3 3PM/100. Both are good buy low candidates on reasonable contracts who are good low-usage players and contribute on the defensive end.

This gives you a decent number of pieces to mix and match for different lineups. Don't want Wemby setting screens all day long? CMB/WCJ give you enough beef to do that and box out with rebounding.
Need shooters around Castle/Fox + Wemby? You've got 3 big wing shooters in Barnes/Champagnie/Cam Johnson, a 3 and D guy in KCP, and a potential flamethrower in Clayton Jr.
You're not spending a ton of resources developing young rookies, as Clayton is going to be 23 and should be able to step in within the first 2 years. You've got a nice mix of vets, mid-career guys, and younger guys. Your development is focused on Castle, 2025 draft pick, and actually Champagnie who I'm still higher on than most (highest 3PM/100 on the entire team at 4.5, was legitimately good at the beginning of the year before getting his minutes cut inexplicably).

You're sort of vulnerable to big wing creators, but that was actually why I chose CMB vs some of the other guys, as I think his strength + IQ fills in the gap left by decreasing Sochan's role here.

I'm not sure what exactly to do with Sochan here, ideally I'd like to keep him on a 4/50-60 contract to see if his shooting ever comes along and as a guy I can just throw on the opponent's best wing to cool him off but not sure if he'd be happy with that role

[CGD]

The idea of Vassell replacing Branham in the rotation is appealing.

Here's what it's starting to look like to me:

- we draft a role playing minor contributor (at least in year 1) like Kon, Sorber, Fleming, or even Johnson depending on where we pick
- add 2 FA from the Reid, Yabusele, Aldama, LaRavia grab bag, with various other possibilities
- trade the Hawks pick for the future ala Dillingham
- say goodbye to CP3, Bassey, Mamu, McLaughlin, Biyombo & Branham
- Add a wildcard waiver-wire vet, minor trade or bring up someone from the Austin team

I'm liking the idea of Yabusele more and more. They can probably sign him at a deal like the one they gave Tre Jones (19M/2yrs). Maybe even tack on a team option on a third year.

[baseline bum]

The idea of Vassell replacing Branham in the rotation is appealing.

Here's what it's starting to look like to me:

- we draft a role playing minor contributor (at least in year 1) like Kon, Sorber, Fleming, or even Johnson depending on where we pick
- add 2 FA from the Reid, Yabusele, Aldama, LaRavia grab bag, with various other possibilities
- trade the Hawks pick for the future ala Dillingham
- say goodbye to CP3, Bassey, Mamu, McLaughlin, Biyombo & Branham
- Add a wildcard waiver-wire vet, minor trade or bring up someone from the Austin team

You misspelled appalling. $30 million for a deep bench scrub ouch, please just trade this bum.

[mystargtr34]

14+Keldon for Cam Johnson+mid 20's pick
Vassell + Malaki + 2nds for KCP and WCJ
Draft CMB, Walter Clayton Jr with mid 20's pick

Base lineup:
Fox/KCP/Cam Johnson/CMB/Wembanyama
Castle/Walter Clayton Jr/Champagnie/Barnes/Wendell Carter Jr

Castle doesn't start but plays 30+ minutes a night and closes.

You can pretty much fill in any draft pick of your choice here, I'm personally a fan of CMB because I buy high-feel prospects, his defensive scheme-versatility, and the ability to become another strength-based creator in the future. However if you like Fleming, Queen, Essengue, etc. this also works.

I buy Clayton Jr. as way more than your typical Bryn Forbes-level scrub. He's older, but he's taken and made a higher volume of self-created 3s than any draft prospect in recent memory. Combine that with solid movement shooting, decent ballhandling/passing, and the ability to step his game up during the tournament, and I see him as cross between Malik Beasley and Payton Pritchard (both of whom are 6MOY contenders this year)

Carter is having a down year but he's 1 year removed from shooting >2 3PM/100, suggesting at least league-average shooter. KCP is also having a down year from 3 but is also a year removed from shooting almost 3 3PM/100. Both are good buy low candidates on reasonable contracts who are good low-usage players and contribute on the defensive end.

This gives you a decent number of pieces to mix and match for different lineups. Don't want Wemby setting screens all day long? CMB/WCJ give you enough beef to do that and box out with rebounding.
Need shooters around Castle/Fox + Wemby? You've got 3 big wing shooters in Barnes/Champagnie/Cam Johnson, a 3 and D guy in KCP, and a potential flamethrower in Clayton Jr.
You're not spending a ton of resources developing young rookies, as Clayton is going to be 23 and should be able to step in within the first 2 years. You've got a nice mix of vets, mid-career guys, and younger guys. Your development is focused on Castle, 2025 draft pick, and actually Champagnie who I'm still higher on than most (highest 3PM/100 on the entire team at 4.5, was legitimately good at the beginning of the year before getting his minutes cut inexplicably).

You're sort of vulnerable to big wing creators, but that was actually why I chose CMB vs some of the other guys, as I think his strength + IQ fills in the gap left by decreasing Sochan's role here.

I'm not sure what exactly to do with Sochan here, ideally I'd like to keep him on a 4/50-60 contract to see if his shooting ever comes along and as a guy I can just throw on the opponent's best wing to cool him off but not sure if he'd be happy with that role

That’s a very well balanced squad. I would gladly do those trades. They are fair but not sure there is quite enough for the Nets and Magic to accept. I do think Vassell to the Magic is one of his better fits across the league. He could a lot in next to Suggs in the backcourt and they have Black off the bench for more defense and playmaking.

[R. DeMurre]

He got into an altercation with a coach in Indy, so, probably not.

The assistant coach was suspended after that incident, so it was at least as much his fault as Goga’s.
Also, the Spurs kept Primo after multiple incidents where he exposed himself to women in hotels and later also exposed himself multiple times to the mental health professional assigned to help him with his issues… this notion that their moral ground is so astoundingly high that they’d pass on a helpful player with one single incident on his record seems unlikely.

[exstatic]

The assistant coach was suspended after that incident, so it was at least as much his fault as Goga’s.
Also, the Spurs kept Primo after multiple incidents where he exposed himself to women in hotels and later also exposed himself multiple times to the mental health professional assigned to help him with his issues… this notion that their moral ground is so astoundingly high that they’d pass on a helpful player with one single incident on his record seems unlikely.

It doesn’t even have to be about moral high ground. You just don’t want chaos bringers in your locker room.

[R. DeMurre]

It doesn’t even have to be about moral high ground. You just don’t want chaos bringers in your locker room.

Again, one single incident, years ago. The Spurs dealt with Stephen Jackson multiple times, and he far more behavioral issues.

[Ocotillo]

Read a click bait article about sending out Keldon, Barnes, both '25 picks, the '30 swap pick and 2 seconds for Sabonis. Just some guy throwing stuff against the wall but I don't know if Sabonis fits with Wemby.

[mo7888]

Read a click bait article about sending out Keldon, Barnes, both '25 picks, the '30 swap pick and 2 seconds for Sabonis. Just some guy throwing stuff against the wall but I don't know if Sabonis fits with Wemby.

There's no way I let Sacto even finish the call before I hang up on them..

[Guru of Nothing]

I've been ruminating over a couple of haymakers. Well, one haymaker and one FA signing. Basically send Vassell and KJ to Denver for MPJ. Salaries don't match out of the gate, but they're close enough that it becomes more of an accounting problem than a basketball problem to complete a deal here.

It gives Denver some much needed depth, and with luck Jamael Murray and Vassell would offset each other's cold streaks. Furthermore, I might try to push the 2025 ATL pick to Denver as well in exchange for similar draft capital three or four years down the road. Assuming that 2025 ATL pick could develop into a rotational piece by next year for Denver (and that's how this deal is sold to Denver), that's three rotational pieces in exchange for MPJ as Jokic's championship window remains red hot. ... and maybe Denver gains flexibility around the 1st apron too (damfino!). And we can feel good as fans for having sent out the Friendship core to a great situation.

And then... Sign FA Brook Lopez (make it a top-heavy deal and friendly towards Wemby's extension).
and then ... resign CP3 ... recognizes Spurs are his only path to ring(s) and signs for minimum (with opportunity to recoup $$$ as future gead coach)
and then ... extend Wesley (something modest)
and then... NO AND THEN!! ...the missing discussion point here is Sochan's extension. I'm a Sochan fan, but I don't see a meaty role for him on a roster with Lopez and MPJ added to the mix, especially if there's more development to reap from Champ's game on defense.

Starting lineup: Wemby, Lopez, MPJ, Castle, & Fox
Rotational: CP3, Barnes, Sochan, Champaignie, 1.08
The Rest: Biyombo, Ingram, G-Leaguers, whatever...

THC supplies are low. brb

[spurraider21]

i like the idea of MPJ more than the player. positional size, elite spacer with his high release, dynamic shooting and off-ball movement. and is a lot more than just a shooter, let alone a corner camper.

but his defense has always oscillated between bad and passably bad, and he's paid 38 and 40 mil the next 2 years, which is too much for a glass cannon that doesnt do a ton of self-creation

[R. DeMurre]

MPJ is more interesting in theory than in practice, and he struggles to be impactful in a perfect situation where Jokic controls the offense, Gordon does the dirty work, and Murray is the #2 option. I think he has become a more complete player in recent years, but the injury history and the salary are just too much to take on. I think the question to ask is if Denver is thinking about trading him in the middle of their title run years with Nikola, where titles are an actual possibility, what would be the benefit of him playing with a team that's trying to build towards that reality?

[spurraider21]

MPJ is more interesting in theory than in practice, and he struggles to be impactful in a perfect situation where Jokic controls the offense, Gordon does the dirty work, and Murray is the #2 option. I think he has become a more complete player in recent years, but the injury history and the salary are just too much to take on. I think the question to ask is if Denver is thinking about trading him in the middle of their title run years with Nikola, what would be the benefit of playing with a team that's trying to build towards that reality?
i do think denver will want to move him if they realize that the current interation of the roster isnt working. they'd keep jamal and then its a question of how else they can maneuver? its trading Gordon or MPJ, and i think the return for MPJ will be gerater. they're vastly overpaying Gordon and i dont think hed be as impactful in many other places

[exstatic]

i do think denver will want to move him if they realize that the current interation of the roster isnt working. they'd keep jamal and then its a question of how else they can maneuver? its trading Gordon or MPJ, and i think the return for MPJ will be gerater. they're vastly overpaying Gordon and i dont think hed be as impactful in many other places

I think if they see it isn’t working, they would rather trade Jamal. His contract is longer and more expensive.

[BG_Spurs_Fan]

I'll have a go at a Durant trade. Some will probably say it's an overpay but I think a lot of teams will be in for him, with Houston and OKC easily able to outbid the Spurs if they really want to.

Durant to Spurs
Vassell, pick 14 to Brooklyn
Keldon, Cam Johnson, pick 8, pick 27 from BKN to Suns ( if you think it's overpay send the pick to the Spurs instead, whatever)

Why for the Spurs - they get an 1A scorer obviously, who's a Wemby favourite
Why for Brooklyn - they move from 27 to 14 by trading roughly equal players, with Cam currently having more value due to the better season he's had
Why for Suns - they get 2 rotation players, a guaranteed high pick instead of the usual late firsts that come in star trades AND they get under the 2nd apron, allowing them much more flexibility

Again, if say Houston lose in the first round and realize they need shooting(duh) they can outbid this offer, so I'd hope the Spurs strike first and that Durant would be happy playing with Wemby.

In this scenario I'd also split the MLE between Brook Lopez and Chris Paul, use the BAE on Kennard or someone similar and maybe work some more on the fringes of the roster. It would be a good blend of vets and young guys, some fresh legs to soak up minutes and preserve the older players. Rebounding and general physicality will be a problem but you can't have everything. They'll have more moves in them too.

[tbdog]

I think if Rockets lose 1st round, they are less likely to go for Durant. Durant is going to a team that is close to being a champion.

[mo7888]

I'll have a go at a Durant trade. Some will probably say it's an overpay but I think a lot of teams will be in for him, with Houston and OKC easily able to outbid the Spurs if they really want to.

Durant to Spurs
Vassell, pick 14 to Brooklyn
Keldon, Cam Johnson, pick 8, pick 27 from BKN to Suns ( if you think it's overpay send the pick to the Spurs instead, whatever)

Why for the Spurs - they get an 1A scorer obviously, who's a Wemby favourite
Why for Brooklyn - they move from 27 to 14 by trading roughly equal players, with Cam currently having more value due to the better season he's had
Why for Suns - they get 2 rotation players, a guaranteed high pick instead of the usual late firsts that come in star trades AND they get under the 2nd apron, allowing them much more flexibility

Again, if say Houston lose in the first round and realize they need shooting(duh) they can outbid this offer, so I'd hope the Spurs strike first and that Durant would be happy playing with Wemby.

In this scenario I'd also split the MLE between Brook Lopez and Chris Paul, use the BAE on Kennard or someone similar and maybe work some more on the fringes of the roster. It would be a good blend of vets and young guys, some fresh legs to soak up minutes and preserve the older players. Rebounding and general physicality will be a problem but you can't have everything. They'll have more moves in them too.

I don't think that's an overpay at all. I think it's a reasonable trade. I'm still a little torn on doing it, as I might prefer to get Cam ourselves and use the remaining capital elsewhere, but if we go the Durant path then I think that's about what we'd give up on our end.

[BG_Spurs_Fan]

I don't think that's an overpay at all. I think it's a reasonable trade. I'm still a little torn on doing it, as I might prefer to get Cam ourselves and use the remaining capital elsewhere, but if we go the Durant path then I think that's about what we'd give up on our end.

Yeah it depends on how you value this draft’s picks. I don’t, like at all. I’m very low on this draft and I didn’t want to include any future picks in the Durant trade because the Spurs would need maximum flexibility for other moves and/or for re-tooling past Durant as it would likely be a 2-3 year window with him.

[dbestpro]

Williamson may be an easier get with the greatest risk/reward.

[mo7888]

Yeah it depends on how you value this draft’s picks. I don’t, like at all. I’m very low on this draft and I didn’t want to include any future picks in the Durant trade because the Spurs would need maximum flexibility for other moves and/or for re-tooling past Durant as it would likely be a 2-3 year window with him.

I'm not low on this draft. I don't think it's an exceptional draft or anything, I just think it's average after pick #1. I wouldn't include future picks for Durant either and there are still other options on in the trade market I might prefer depending on what materializes.

[BacktoBasics]

Williamson may be an easier get with the greatest risk/reward.

I’m not even convinced diet and weight loss solves how injury prone he is. I think he is what he is. He’ll play 35-45 games a season if you’re lucky.

[R. DeMurre]

I think Lebron might be changing the way we look at older players a little bit too much. What he's been able to do is historically great, but for the vast majority of other players, the decline post age 35 is still a legit issue. Looking at a few impact stats, Durant is showing a pretty steady decline in BPM the last 4 seasons (7.2, 7.1, 4.0, 3.2), in WS/48 (.198, .194, .142, .111), and in on/off +/- (+11.9, +9.1, +6.7, +4.2). His shooting is still sweet, but I don't think he'll do in his late 30s what Lebron was able to do.

[Dverde]

Do not want Durant or Williamson. I think Vassell will be better if they lessen his role as a creator and he plays more off Fox, Wemby, and Castle.

[TD 21]

I'll have a go at a Durant trade. Some will probably say it's an overpay but I think a lot of teams will be in for him, with Houston and OKC easily able to outbid the Spurs if they really want to.

Durant to Spurs
Vassell, pick 14 to Brooklyn
Keldon, Cam Johnson, pick 8, pick 27 from BKN to Suns ( if you think it's overpay send the pick to the Spurs instead, whatever)

Stein claims word around the league is that the Timberwolves and Knicks were/are pushing the hardest for Durant, with the Heat and Spurs also in the mix.

I suspect the Rockets are waiting out Antetokounmpo (with Booker as a fallback) and the Thunder would only pursue a star trade if they don't win either of the next two championships for non health reasons.

It seems realistic value wise, but I can't see the Spurs trading out of the '25 1st round entirely.

They've also supposedly expressed interest in Cam Johnson, but my guess is 8, Keldon Johnson and Champagnie would be the offer.

[CGD]

Stein claims word around the league is that the Timberwolves and Knicks were/are pushing the hardest for Durant, with the Heat and Spurs also in the mix.

I suspect the Rockets are waiting out Antetokounmpo (with Booker as a fallback) and the Thunder would only pursue a star trade if they don't win either of the next two championships for non health reasons.

It seems realistic value wise, but I can't see the Spurs trading out of the '25 1st round entirely.

They've also supposedly expressed interest in Cam Johnson, but my guess is 8, Keldon Johnson and Champagnie would be the offer.

I don’t get how Minni thinks they can land KD without also gutting important parts of their team. Julio Randle isn’t getting it done, especially when there draft pick situation sucks (most are outbound).

[Rubberducky]

I spent some time on the Magic forum and they’ve been brainstorming trades to bring a guard in for more depth. Vassell’s name popped up multiple times. It’s got me thinking if that could be a third team in a Naz Reid sign and trade.

[baseline bum]

I'll have a go at a Durant trade. Some will probably say it's an overpay but I think a lot of teams will be in for him, with Houston and OKC easily able to outbid the Spurs if they really want to.

Durant to Spurs
Vassell, pick 14 to Brooklyn
Keldon, Cam Johnson, pick 8, pick 27 from BKN to Suns ( if you think it's overpay send the pick to the Spurs instead, whatever)

Why for the Spurs - they get an 1A scorer obviously, who's a Wemby favourite
Why for Brooklyn - they move from 27 to 14 by trading roughly equal players, with Cam currently having more value due to the better season he's had
Why for Suns - they get 2 rotation players, a guaranteed high pick instead of the usual late firsts that come in star trades AND they get under the 2nd apron, allowing them much more flexibility

Again, if say Houston lose in the first round and realize they need shooting(duh) they can outbid this offer, so I'd hope the Spurs strike first and that Durant would be happy playing with Wemby.

In this scenario I'd also split the MLE between Brook Lopez and Chris Paul, use the BAE on Kennard or someone similar and maybe work some more on the fringes of the roster. It would be a good blend of vets and young guys, some fresh legs to soak up minutes and preserve the older players. Rebounding and general physicality will be a problem but you can't have everything. They'll have more moves in them too.


I don't think that's an overpay at all. I think it's a reasonable trade. I'm still a little torn on doing it, as I might prefer to get Cam ourselves and use the remaining capital elsewhere, but if we go the Durant path then I think that's about what we'd give up on our end.

For me the biggest question is what kind of extension is KD going to want? If it's two years supermax in addition to the year left at $54M I probably pass, as it means having to salary dump someone when Victor's 30% supermax goes into effect. If he's willing to sign for say 2 years, $60 million then give him $50 million the first year, $10 million the second and there are no concerns about hitting aprons with Victor's supermax in 27-28.

[BG_Spurs_Fan]

For me the biggest question is what kind of extension is KD going to want? If it's two years supermax in addition to the year left at $54M I probably pass, as it means having to salary dump someone when Victor's 30% supermax goes into effect. If he's willing to sign for say 2 years, $60 million then give him $50 million the first year, $10 million the second and there are no concerns about hitting aprons with Victor's supermax in 27-28.

Durant's extension is 2 years $122 million and he's going to demand it, there's no way around that, he's not playing for RJ Barrett money even at 36. $50 mil in year one and $10 mil in year two isn't possible as an extension (although technically it could be done, but this is fantasy land).

Spurs can easily cope with it cap-wise for the next two seasons, the '27-'28 is going to be a problem with Wemby and Fox both on 30% extensions but it's possible to work it out as Castle's wouldn't kick in until the following season.

[baseline bum]

Durant's extension is 2 years $122 million and he's going to demand it, there's no way around that, he's not playing for RJ Barrett money even at 36. $50 mil in year one and $10 mil in year two isn't possible as an extension (although technically it could be done, but this is fantasy land).

Spurs can easily cope with it cap-wise for the next two seasons, the '27-'28 is going to be a problem with Wemby and Fox both on 30% extensions but it's possible to work it out as Castle's wouldn't kick in until the following season.

I'm passing then as there is no way he's worth the 35% supermax in his age 39 season. I'm good with paying the $54 million remaining next season and maybe going up to 2 years $70 million on the extension. And of course heavily frontload it since they'll have Bird Rights so should be able to do a huge first year, small second.

[baseline bum]

But if KD wants that 35% supermax extension his trade value probably drops to a first and matching salary.

[Manu&Duncan fan]

I spent some time on the Magic forum and they’ve been brainstorming trades to bring a guard in for more depth. Vassell’s name popped up multiple times. It’s got me thinking if that could be a third team in a Naz Reid sign and trade.

That will be a dram off season!

[LeBowen]

Naz isn't going anywhere, TWolves cleared their cap space so they can keep him.
NAW is the only obtainable Twolves free agent this summer. Maybe Randle, but we don't want him.

As for Magic, they don't really have anyone we'd want long term.

https://i.imgur.com/gtS2ZO7.png

Franz and Banchero are their core pieces. We got a better version of Suggs in Castle.
KCP is washed with two years left on his contract.
Isaac's contract isn't big, but that's way too many years for a player who can't stay healthy or play heavy minutes.
Cole Anthony isn't good.
I guess Bitadze or WCJ would be solid options for a backup big, but I doubt Spurs would take a player who punched his coach and WCJ's contract is kind of too much for a backup big who can't really play as a PF.

[mo7888]

I think Giannis gets moved this summer. I would love him beside Wemby, but I seriously doubt we go in that direction. Where do you think he goes and do you see any potential in being a 3rd team in the deal to get some type of value out of it?

If you do think we go after Giannis directly, what do you think the package would look like?

[Seventyniner]

I think Giannis gets moved this summer. I would love him beside Wemby, but I seriously doubt we go in that direction. Where do you think he goes and do you see any potential in being a 3rd team in the deal to get some type of value out of it?

If you do think we go after Giannis directly, what do you think the package would look like?

Cue the Giannis to MIN/Naz to SA/Vassell to MIL hopium, though that's a tough one since MIN has very little draft capital available and MIL is going to want a ton of it.

[LeBowen]

Not many teams have the assets for Giannis without it being a lateral move because they'd have nothing left after trading for him.

Thunder, Spurs, Rockets are the obvious candidates.
Nets have a clean payroll with al of picks, they could construct a brand new team around Giannis right away, but I doubt Marks goes down that road yet again after KD/Kyrie fiasco.

We're talking about probably 4 unprotected FRP and a couple of young players, Giannis is a top3 player in the league.

[pad300]

...
As for Magic, they don't really have anyone we'd want long term.
...


You may be right about what our FO is willing to take on in a player (although we did take SJax back), but I would be extremely happy to trade Vassel for Isaac and Bitadze...

[exstatic]

You may be right about what our FO is willing to take on in a player (although we did take SJax back), but I would be extremely happy to trade Vassel for Isaac and Bitadze...

That was to get off an extra year of Richard Jefferson’s salary, definitely a marriage of convenience. In Pop’s call to Jack, according to sources, the first words out of his mouth were “We’re not talking about an extension. We’re not,”

[pad300]

That was to get off an extra year of Richard Jefferson’s salary, definitely a marriage of convenience. In Pop’s call to Jack, according to sources, the first words out of his mouth were “We’re not talking about an extension. We’re not,”

Yeah, but we still took him... Isaac + Bitadze gets us off Vassel's contract and fills a couple of holes in the roster... And if neccessary, both or either of them could be further traded on.

[exstatic]

Yeah, but we still took him... Isaac + Bitadze gets us off Vassel's contract and fills a couple of holes in the roster... And if neccessary, both or either of them could be further traded on.

You’re building in an assumption that PATFO feel the same way about Vassell’s deal as they did about Jack’s.

[pad300]

You’re building in an assumption that PATFO feel the same way about Vassell’s deal as they did about Jack’s.

And you're building in an assumption that the FO finds either of Isaac or Bitadze's assorted sins as objectionable as Jax's behaviour...

[baseline bum]

I think Giannis gets moved this summer. I would love him beside Wemby, but I seriously doubt we go in that direction. Where do you think he goes and do you see any potential in being a 3rd team in the deal to get some type of value out of it?

If you do think we go after Giannis directly, what do you think the package would look like?

A trade for Giannis would be crazy expensive. I'd be thinking something like Castle, Vassell, Sochan, 2025 Spurs pick (assuming it's the #8), 2026 Spurs pick with unprotected ATL swap, and 2030 Spurs pick with unprotected Dallas swap and top 1 protected Minnesota swap.

[exstatic]

And you're building in an assumption that the FO finds either of Isaac or Bitadze's assorted sins as objectionable as Jax's behaviour...

Jack never attacked a coach, so I’d say my assumption is probably valid. JI’s contract runs as long asVassell’s, so that’s half the money in his contract that you’re not getting off of.

[mo7888]

A trade for Giannis would be crazy expensive. I'd be thinking something like Castle, Vassell, Sochan, 2025 Spurs pick (assuming it's the #8), 2026 Spurs pick with unprotected ATL swap, and 2030 Spurs pick with unprotected Dallas swap and top 1 protected Minnesota swap.

That would be crazy expensive. If we don't get involved directly I do wonder if we can acquire an asset from one of the other teams that will pursue him.

[LeBowen]

Not a Spurs trade target, but the other day I forgot to mention Grizzlies are in a bad spot all of a sudden.
Ja can't stay healthy or keep his mouth shut, they should trade him before his value tanks, tbh.

But the actual issue is JJJ's extension.
He just hada 16/5/1.5 on 38/27/85 series against OKC.

To me he seems to be good only against bad teams, kind of how he usually dominates the Spurs.
But in every matchup against physical teams with size, he just gets builled. He's got no post game, his handles are not good enough for consistent face up attacks and he's a streaky shooter.
His rebounding is just awful.

Don't get me wrong, he's still a good player, but we're talking about a max extension here. There's no way I'd give him one. He's worth 20% of the cap at the most. 30 to 35 million a year, not a cent more.
If Grizzlies give him a 200+ million extension, it's going to be a similar situation to Murray in Denver, but unlike the Nuggets, Grizzlies don't have their Jokic.

[scott]

MEM would actually be in a pretty good position to blow it up. They could likely get very nice returns for Ja, JJJ and Bane. They could also probably get decent returns for their young, cost controlled role players because they are all on such bargain contracts that competing teams would die to get them in to help with apron considerations.

MEM should totally blow it up, join the 2026 Tankathon, and then probably just move to Nashville.

[LeBowen]

MEM would actually be in a pretty good position to blow it up. They could likely get very nice returns for Ja, JJJ and Bane. They could also probably get decent returns for their young, cost controlled role players because they are all on such bargain contracts that competing teams would die to get them in to help with apron considerations.

Blowing it up when your top3 players are 25/26 isn't a good thing, tbh.


MEM should totally blow it up, join the 2026 Tankathon, and then probably just move to Nashville.

Last week I saw that there were playoff tickets available for less than $10, ridiculous stuff.
Iirc, someone on this forum always mentions Memphis as the worst NBA city. :lol

[baseline bum]

That would be crazy expensive. If we don't get involved directly I do wonder if we can acquire an asset from one of the other teams that will pursue him.

When you look at Bridges going for 5 picks and a swap I honestly think that's probably what Giannis' market value would be though: a high end prospect (Castle), a low end prospect (Sochan), three really good picks, and salary filler (Vassell). Personally I'd pass since (1) it would be for Giannis starting in his Age 31 season (2) since Wemby isn't a good enough player yet to be competing for titles and (3) because I think it would be a mistake to develop Victor as a second option instead of a first with the ceiling he has. But Giannis would pretty clearly be the first option as a top 3 MVP candidate in his prime.

[LeBowen]

since Wemby isn't a good enough player yet to be competing for titles

Wemby was a top5 player over those couple of months before his health issues started. That's with a horrible roster around him and a coach who isn't even an actual head coach.
If he can be back at that level, he's definitely ready.

20 game stretch: 29.6/10.6/4.4 on 51/40/86 with 4 blocks and 0.8 steals.

[baseline bum]

Wemby was a top5 player over those couple of months before his health issues started. That's with a horrible roster around him and a coach who isn't even an actual head coach.
If he can be back at that level, he's definitely ready.

20 game stretch: 29.6/10.6/4.4 on 51/40/86 with 4 blocks and 0.8 steals.

That's cherry picking a couple of months though. Health professionals here say the DVT can't be blamed for his sneezy month so maybe he was exhausted carrying that load those two months. But carrying that kind of load all season is what it means to be a top 5 player.

[scott]

Blowing it up when your top3 players are 25/26 isn't a good thing, tbh.



Last week I saw that there were playoff tickets available for less than $10, ridiculous stuff.
Iirc, someone on this forum always mentions Memphis as the worst NBA city. :lol

Neither is their current situation, tbh

[LeBowen]

That's cherry picking a couple of months though. Health professionals here say the DVT can't be blamed for his sneezy month so maybe he was exhausted carrying that load those two months. But carrying that kind of load all season is what it means to be a top 5 player.

Fair point, but with a functional team (both him and Fox healthy, with a couple more solid role players), I think we can easily get 50 wins...if we get an actual coach to take over.
Not even Giannis or Jokic were required to carry as much as Wemby. Obviously they're a tier above him right now, but Wemby was asked to be the best player on both ends, every single possession if Spurs were to win any games.

As for his healthy, I'll just assume he's going to be healthy, because if he's not, there's nothing to talk about, we might aswell disband the franchise.


Neither is their current situation, tbh

Obviously, but they're an irrelevant franchise, what are the odds of getting another solid playoff core? Some owners are content with just being competitive enough to make the playoffs.
Trae for Ja would be an interesting trade, tbh.

[scott]

Obviously, but they're an irrelevant franchise, what are the odds of getting another solid playoff core? Some owners are content with just being competitive enough to make the playoffs.
Trae for Ja would be an interesting trade, tbh.

Well, they apparently can’t even get people interested in playoff games. So I wonder how content they really are in Memphis.

Also… I wonder if our owners are going to end up content with just being competitive enough to make the playoffs. I hope not.

[TD 21]

Fischer now claims "word around the league that the Spurs could be a potential landing spot for Durant".


I don’t get how Minni thinks they can land KD without also gutting important parts of their team. Julio Randle isn’t getting it done, especially when there draft pick situation sucks (most are outbound).

Since the Suns and Booker remain committed to one another (for now), I don't think they'll be pursuing a future based package. Sure, it'll be a factor, but probably secondary.

Something like Randle, DiVinzenzo, Dillingham and Miller or Minott could be appealing to the Suns and leave the Timberwolves with enough remaining depth (they could probably sign Minnesota native Tyus Jones on the cheap to be stopgap PG) to contend.

[baseline bum]

Fair point, but with a functional team (both him and Fox healthy, with a couple more solid role players), I think we can easily get 50 wins...if we get an actual coach to take over.
Not even Giannis or Jokic were required to carry as much as Wemby. Obviously they're a tier above him right now, but Wemby was asked to be the best player on both ends, every single possession if Spurs were to win any games.

As for his healthy, I'll just assume he's going to be healthy, because if he's not, there's nothing to talk about, we might aswell disband the franchise.



Obviously, but they're an irrelevant franchise, what are the odds of getting another solid playoff core? Some owners are content with just being competitive enough to make the playoffs.
Trae for Ja would be an interesting trade, tbh.

Just saying I expect Wemby might still be a little young to be the guy carrying the team on his shoulders and it might take another year or two before he can really be that horse you can play 38-40 minutes a night in the playoffs, which is what he's going to need to be doing to have a real shot at competing. DeAron Fox isn't going to be the guy to lead this team to a title and neither is Castle. That will be Victor's load.

[baseline bum]

Well, they apparently can’t even get people interested in playoff games. So I wonder how content they really are in Memphis.

Also… I wonder if our owners are going to end up content with just being competitive enough to make the playoffs. I hope not.

They were willing to go out and pay what will almost certainly be a 30% max contract for a second star in De'Aaron, which is way more than I can say for Red McCombs who refused to pay for a team around David Robinson in the early 90s. They're never going to spend like the Steph/Klay/KD Warriors but Victor might be enough to raise 2-3 banners anyways. No way I see the Spurs matching the 5 they got with Timmy when they have that ridiculous Thunder team to have to try to go through every year though.

[Manu&Duncan fan]

They were willing to go out and pay what will almost certainly be a 30% max contract for a second star in De'Aaron, which is way more than I can say for Red McCombs who refused to pay for a team around David Robinson in the early 90s. They're never going to spend like the Steph/Klay/KD Warriors but Victor might be enough to raise 2-3 banners anyways. No way I see the Spurs matching the 5 they got with Timmy when they have that ridiculous Thunder team to have to try to go through every year though.

One Spurs demolish that Thunders once, we will demolish them again and again. They are good. But we have an alien.

[pad300]

Jack never attacked a coach, so I’d say my assumption is probably valid. JI’s contract runs as long as Vassell’s, so that’s half the money in his contract that you’re not getting off of.

Jack was brawling with fans in the stands as part of the Malice at the Palace... ("Jackson was suspended for 30 games without pay, thereby losing $1.7 million in salary. He was also put on probation for a year, fined $250, and ordered to undergo anger management classes and perform 60 hours of community service. After he failed to complete the terms of the sentence he received, his probation was extended one year.")
Jack fired multiple shots from a handgun in a strip club parking lot... ("Jackson was charged October 11, 2006, with a felony count of criminal recklessness, and misdemeanor counts of battery and disorderly conduct. He pled guilty to a felony count of criminal recklessness, received one year of probation, and was ordered to pay a $5,000 fine and perform 100 hours of community service.")

Also, you need to check your sources. Bitadze did not attack a coach; mouthed off yes, but it was coach Foster that had to be held back (by the other players) from attacking Bitadze:

https://ftw.usatoday.com/story/sports/nba/2021/05/06/indiana-pacers-goga-bitadze-greg-foster-argument/81480081007/

Bitadze got fined for that, but Coach Foster got suspended...

[cutewizard]

Ben Simmons anyone??

[tbdog]

Greek freak, fox, Wemby would be nasty. But boy you would need shooting around that. Sochan, Castle probably couldn't stick around. It's possible you'll keep one.

Johnson, Barnes and Sochan actually works financially. Then you'll obviously need some shooters for cheap out on the bench. Obviously picks would be depleted to make the trade relevant. Then that team becomes stupid expensive.

Not a fan of three max contracts anymore. Just so much can horribly wrong. Like Bucks Middleton just became irrelevant. Now Lillard. Suns have the same issue with Beal. The second apron just restricts so much.

[baseline bum]

One Spurs demolish that Thunders once, we will demolish them again and again. They are good. But we have an alien.

Thunder aren't the soft ass no defense Sons man, that's a team built to win titles. A first rate #1 guy in SGA, high end #2 and #3 options in JDub and Holmgren, and three guys who can play DPOY level defense in Dort, Holmgren, and Caruso. Cason Wallace ain't bad either. They're going to be a problem for a LOOONG time.

[cutewizard]

Better strive to get Reid and Yabusele to solidify the power forward spots

Them acquire wings and shooters

Competitive

[exstatic]

Thunder aren't the soft ass no defense Sons man, that's a team built to win titles. A first rate #1 guy in SGA, high end #2 and #3 options in JDub and Holmgren, and three guys who can play DPOY level defense in Dort, Holmgren, and Caruso. Cason Wallace ain't bad either. They're going to be a problem for a LOOONG time.

Thunder remind me of the current Celtics. Everyone was sure they were a team built to win titles. They’ve won one, and are on the verge of dissolution because of second apron issues.

[baseline bum]

Thunder remind me of the current Celtics. Everyone was sure they were a team built to win titles. They’ve won one, and are on the verge of dissolution because of second apron issues.

I don't see that at all. Jaylen Brown and Jason Tatum are both on 35% supermaxes while JDub and Holmgren will only be eligible for 25% or 30% max free agent contracts in the summer of 2026. SGA is on a contract he is hugely outperforming until summer 2027 and they don't have any big contracts for aging players like the Celtics with Jrue Holiday. OKC has a team option on Hartenstein for summer 2026 if he isn't living up to his contract by then and the only contract they have I could see becoming questionable is Caruso's, but it maxes out at $22 million in 2028-29 when the salary cap will be nearly $206 million, so less than the equivalent of what the Spurs are paying Barnes right now.

[Chillen]

One thing about Spurs chances at Giannis is Milwaukee would definitely want to trade him West. They would definitely not want him in the East.

[Ice009]

One thing about Spurs chances at Giannis is Milwaukee would definitely want to trade him West. They would definitely not want him in the East.

If it's true that they turned down a trade for Doncic, who on the Spurs would they want (no-one apart from Steph is my guess)? Maybe they want more draft picks, but I'd rather give up players rather than all the picks. Maybe Dallas didn't offer any picks (not sure what picks Dallas had to offer, anyway)?

[baseline bum]

If it's true that they turned down a trade for Doncic, who on the Spurs would they want (no-one apart from Steph is my guess)? Maybe they want more draft picks, but I'd rather give up players rather than all the picks. Maybe Dallas didn't offer any picks (not sure what picks Dallas had to offer, anyway)?

Dallas doesn't control any of their firsts from 2027-30; Nico really burned that franchise to the ground.

[Mal]

One thing about Spurs chances at Giannis is Milwaukee would definitely want to trade him West. They would definitely not want him in the East.

Houston will get Giannis when he becomes available

[BG_Spurs_Fan]

A Giannis trade is going to be very difficult because Milwaukee don't own their picks. NO own '26 and '27, then Portland own '28, '29, '30. So unless they're trading for their picks back they'll want the centerpiece of the trade to be a good young player on a contract they control, not just contracts + picks. This in turn makes it difficult for the team trading for Giannis because they'll need to have enough left to contend.

Milwaukee would be interested in Giannis for Zion + their picks back but there's no way Giannis agrees to go there, nor would they become instant contenders. So we have to look at teams that would appear to be contenders or on the right path post trade. Some examples:

Boston if the trade is Giannis for Brown + stuff. Don't know how exciting this is for Milwaukee.
Atlanta for Jalen Johnson and stuff. Don't want that.
Memphis in a Giannis for Ja + stuff trade. Again, seems unlikely he'd go there.
Cleveland in a Giannis for Garland and Allen trade. Not bad. Cavs can offer a pick and a couple of swaps as well but they're far down the line.
NY, this one is possible, I guess, around OG but doesn't seem to be great for Milwaukee.
Houston - Giannis for Sengun, Eason, Sheppard + the Phoenix picks. This one looks great.
OKC - Giannis for JDub, Hart + picks. Even better. Especially if they flame out this season.

Denver, both LA teams and Minnesota don't have the assets. Orlando could be interesting but the fit is iffy and the trade even more so.

Phoenix will want to do it but it would have to be a convoluted 3+ teams trade and they'll still not have enough, so no need to even try.

The Spurs best offer would be around Castle and picks but it falls way short of some of the above offers, specifically for what Milwaukee would look for. My hope is Milwaukee keep him and don't drop down the standings below Atlanta, or some trade to Brooklyn/Toronto/Chicago but it seems super unlikely at this point.

[spurraider21]

Dallas doesn't control any of their firsts from 2027-30; Nico really burned that franchise to the ground.
he spent one for grant williams, then months later packaged another one to flip grant williams into pj washington

[exstatic]

he spent one for grant williams, then months later packaged another one to flip grant williams into pj washington

It was dumb to get GW before testing the waters for Thuybulle. They should have done that first to see if Portland would match.

[R. DeMurre]

Also, you need to check your sources. Bitadze did not attack a coach; mouthed off yes, but it was coach Foster that had to be held back (by the other players) from attacking Bitadze:

https://ftw.usatoday.com/story/sports/nba/2021/05/06/indiana-pacers-goga-bitadze-greg-foster-argument/81480081007/

Bitadze got fined for that, but Coach Foster got suspended...


I've seen Ex reference this multiple times now, and his memory of it is clearly incorrect. Bitadze didn't attack anybody, and like you said, the team actually suspended the assistant coach for his overreaction.

[scott]

I've seen Ex reference this multiple times now, and his memory of it is clearly incorrect. Bitadze didn't attack anybody, and like you said, the team actually suspended the assistant coach for his overreaction.

When Ex says anything with authority, you can be sure there is about a 60% chance it’s wrong

[LeBowen]

When Ex says anything with authority, you can be sure there is about a 60% chance it’s wrong

He says everything with authority. :lol

[exstatic]

When Ex says anything with authority, you can be sure there is about a 60% chance it’s wrong

Wow. Only 60% wrong? Movin’ on up like George and Weezie.

[Guru of Nothing]

Do y'all have something against hallucinators? I should probably know this upfront.

[exstatic]

He says everything with authority. :lol

Like saying we could trade the Minny pick to Milwaukee for Giannis when it was in the Fox trade? And then when that was pointed out, saying you meant the unprotected swap. And when it was pointed out that it wasn’t in fact unprotected, pivoting to some weak sauce about it being unprotected if they got it back? That kind of authority?

[scott]

Don’t think he’ll be coming here… but feel pretty confident Giannis will be on the move especially after tonight.

[spurraider21]

makes sense for both MIL and Giannis to part ways tbh. sucks for milwaukee but dame is a cinderblock anchor right now and they have no picks to fix their situation

[cutewizard]

With the Bucks getting eliminated from the playoffs Giannis is more than likely to request a trade in the offseason (even if they deny it). The Spurs have an opportunity to pair Wemby up with a top 3 player in the NBA with relatively cost considering how good Giannis is.


If the Spurs decide to shake things up and go all in it seems fair that Devin, Keldon and Sochan are the ones dealt out since they still offer youth and potential that the Bucks can use while rebuilding, inadvertently ending the Pre-Wemby era.


This trade also makes room for Castle to thrive in the starting lineup with the departure of Devin and Sochan while also leaving minutes on the table for the Spurs lottery pick this offseason and free agents.


Line up after the trade:
PG - De’Arron Fox
SG - Stephon Castle
SF - Harrison Barnes
PF - Giannis Antetokounmpo
C - Victor Wembanyama


Bench
Julian Champagnie
Malaki Branham
Blake Wesley
*Spurs 2025 lottery pick
*free agents

[cutewizard]

Trade the friendship group for Giannis.....

Do it Spurs FO!

[Robz4000]

Wouldn't shock me if Portland ends up landing Giannis tbh. Spurs could help facilitate the trade and land Lopez.

[itzsoweezee]

A Giannis trade is going to be very difficult because Milwaukee don't own their picks. NO own '26 and '27, then Portland own '28, '29, '30. So unless they're trading for their picks back they'll want the centerpiece of the trade to be a good young player on a contract they control, not just contracts + picks. This in turn makes it difficult for the team trading for Giannis because they'll need to have enough left to contend.

Milwaukee would be interested in Giannis for Zion + their picks back but there's no way Giannis agrees to go there, nor would they become instant contenders. So we have to look at teams that would appear to be contenders or on the right path post trade. Some examples:

Boston if the trade is Giannis for Brown + stuff. Don't know how exciting this is for Milwaukee.
Atlanta for Jalen Johnson and stuff. Don't want that.
Memphis in a Giannis for Ja + stuff trade. Again, seems unlikely he'd go there.
Cleveland in a Giannis for Garland and Allen trade. Not bad. Cavs can offer a pick and a couple of swaps as well but they're far down the line.
NY, this one is possible, I guess, around OG but doesn't seem to be great for Milwaukee.
Houston - Giannis for Sengun, Eason, Sheppard + the Phoenix picks. This one looks great.
OKC - Giannis for JDub, Hart + picks. Even better. Especially if they flame out this season.

Denver, both LA teams and Minnesota don't have the assets. Orlando could be interesting but the fit is iffy and the trade even more so.

Phoenix will want to do it but it would have to be a convoluted 3+ teams trade and they'll still not have enough, so no need to even try.

The Spurs best offer would be around Castle and picks but it falls way short of some of the above offers, specifically for what Milwaukee would look for. My hope is Milwaukee keep him and don't drop down the standings below Atlanta, or some trade to Brooklyn/Toronto/Chicago but it seems super unlikely at this point.


OKC has better overall assets, but I can’t see them giving up Chet. And none of these other players have got to be very enticing to the Bucks, so it has to be a pick-centric trade. From that perspective, the spurs have as good a shot as any other team. I think the Spurs’ potential pick package is the best of the bunch — Dallas, Atlanta, Sacramento. Those first round picks/swaps owed to the spurs from three incompetent franchises with terrible owners are going to be highly coveted

[baseline bum]

If the Spurs decide to shake things up and go all in it seems fair that Devin, Keldon and Sochan are the ones dealt out since they still offer youth and potential that the Bucks can use while rebuilding, inadvertently ending the Pre-Wemby era.

Yes let's trade three nickels and our student loan for a dollar, brilliant!

[Robz4000]

Assuming the Spurs land #2-4:

Four-team trade idea-

Guests get:
Giannis
Zion

Pels get:
#2-4
Grant
Guests 2030 1st pick unprotected

Spurs get:
TMIII
Guests 2028 1st unprotected
Lopez

Bucks get:
Their picks back
Ayton
Vassell

[Ice009]

Assuming the Spurs land #2-4:

Four-team trade idea-

Guests get:
Giannis
Zion

Pels get:
#2-4
Grant
Guests 2030 1st pick unprotected

Spurs get:
TMIII
Guests 2028 1st unprotected
Lopez

Bucks get:
Their picks back
Ayton
Vassell

The Bucks are going to need someone better than Ayton back. A lot better.

[Robz4000]

The Bucks are going to need someone better than Ayton back. A lot better.

Their own picks have more value than anyone else's tbh. They get their ticket back for the 2026 draft that has three potential franchise players at the top. That said, Portland could send Scoot their way if they want him.

[Ice009]

Their own picks have more value than anyone else's tbh. They get their ticket back for the 2026 draft that has three potential franchise players at the top. That said, Portland could send Scoot their way if they want him.

I'm not saying they need a similar player back to Giannis, but I think your trade proposal is OK if they get a promising young player back.

Anyway, I don't think Giannis will want to go to Portland so I think the trade doesn't happen.

[Robz4000]

I'm not saying they need a similar player back to Giannis, but I think your trade proposal is OK if they get a promising young player back.

Anyway, I don't think Giannis will want to go to Portland so I think the trade doesn't happen.

True, would come down to whether he'd be fine with going to Portland, but they have nice young pieces and would still have draft capital to improve the team. Would also come down to Zion imo; not sure what value is to all parties.

[timtonymanu]

Wouldn't shock me if Portland ends up landing Giannis tbh. Spurs could help facilitate the trade and land Lopez.

Gotta say Portland getting Giannis after Lillard was traded from there would be pretty savage. Poor Dame.

[LeBowen]

Like saying we could trade the Minny pick to Milwaukee for Giannis when it was in the Fox trade? And then when that was pointed out, saying you meant the unprotected swap. And when it was pointed out that it wasn’t in fact unprotected, pivoting to some weak sauce about it being unprotected if they got it back? That kind of authority?

When I mentioned that pick/swap, I was referring to the potential trade with the Wolves.
I said that we could potentially get someone from the Wolves by giving them their assets back as soon as we made the Dillingham trade.
I never mentioned anything about a Giannis trade.

So yeah, if we actually make a trade with the Wolves, they'd be getting a FRP even though it's a swap for us.
As for the protecection, you being anal about a top1 protected pick is exactly what you do.
You're the textbook example of someone who reminded the teacher she forgot about homework when you were a kid.

[exstatic]

Wouldn't shock me if Portland ends up landing Giannis tbh. Spurs could help facilitate the trade and land Lopez.

Nah,man. I’d have been on that train two years ago, but Indy had zero problems getting to the rim at will. He old.

[ambchang]

If the Spurs somehow landed Giannis, I would imagine it is something around the realm of 2 2025 FRPs, 2 2027 FRPs to start (or switch out one of the 2027 picks for either a 2029 FRP, 2028 with swap rights with Boston or 2030 with DAL and SAC swap rights (I want to hang on to this one). Players like Vassell, Sochan and Johnson are there to make salaries work, and have nominal value comparatively. With Giannis in place, there is no room for Sochan at all, Vassell I wanted gone either way, and Johnson is likely the only one who may have some promise for the Bucks.

That is a package that could be competitive against the Rockets, OKCs motherload of picks, or the Portland deal to some degree.

However, with Wemby, Giannis and Fox in place, we would have to manage the cap very closely, and at some point will have to either swap Giannis for some picks back (less picks than we gave up), or Fox.

Assumptions and notes:
- Fox and Wemby will get the 30% max, while Giannis will get the 35% max. Fox's kicks in 26-27, Giannis 28-29 and Wemby 27-28.
- None of them will take a discount
- Starting 28-29, Castle will be eligible for a $30M or so contract, likely up to $40M given the 25% max that year is 51,609,525. If Castle were to make the 25% max, we would be dead, like having $80M to fill in 11 roster spots just to stay under the 2nd apron. To use a worst case/ scenario, I am assuming Castle knocks it out of the park and gets a 25% max extension.
- I used room for 2nd apron as I keep that as the actual hard cap.
- I am new to this, so I likely misinterpreted some cap rules. Please correct me and i will update the sheet.




25-26
26-27
27-28
28-29
29-30
30-31


Cap
$154,647,000
$170,112000
$187,123,000
$205,835,000
$226,419,000
$249,061,000


Lux Tax
$187,895,000
$206,686,000
$227,354,000
$250,090,000
$275,099,000
$302,609,000


1st Apron
$195,945,000
$215,505,000
$237,055,000
$260,762,000
$286,838,000
$315,522,000


2nd Apron
$207,824,000
$228,572,000
$251,429,000
$276,572,000
$304,229,000
$334,652,000


Wemby
$13,376,880
$16,868,246
$56,136,788
$61,750,467
$67,925,513
$74,718,065


Giannis
$54,126,380
$58,456,490
$62,786,601
$72,042,211
$79,246,432
$87,171,076


Fox
$37,096,620
$51,033,444
$56,136,788
$61,750,467
$67,925,513
$74,718,065


3 Together
$104,599,880
$126,358,180
$175,060,177
$195,543,145
$215,097,458
$236,607,206


3 Together % of Cap
67.64%
74.08%
93.55%
95%
95%
95%


Room from 2nd Apron After the 3
$103,224,120
$102,213,820
$76,368,823
$81,028,855
$89,131,542
$98,044,794


Other Committed Contracts
$92,845,112
$54,515,920
$37,322,313
$78,609,525
$56,604,594
$62,264,054


Room from 2nd Apron for empty roster spots
$10,379,008
$47,697,900
$39,046,510
$2,419,330
$32,526,948
$35,789,740


Open Spots
4
9
10
10
11
11



As you can see, the situation is very manageable with Wemby still under the rookie deal (no surprises there) where there is still over $10M to fill the roster before we hit the 2nd apron. Assuming we keep all the players on contract, which is obviously wrong as we would have to trade out some players to get Giannis, but I am assuming we sign similar players with similar contracts, we would have $10M remaining to sign 4 end of bench guys, which is not an ideal situation as we are talking about the 2nd apron here and this team is a competitive team, but not a title contender yet, but it is manageable.

Then the situation gets dicey, where we are looking at filling 10 spots using $39M in 27-28, and then 10 spots using $2M in 28-29. Things get a bit of a relief starting 29-30 once Vassell comes off the books.

So, getting rid of Vassell is a must if we were to take on Giannis. The roster also cannot support four of Wemby, Fox, Giannis and Castle, as it is impossible to field a competitive team using $32M on 11 spots. With Giannis on board, we pretty much have to:
1) Start turning Fox to picks starting 26-27, or get rid of Vassell and Johnson to free up $44.5M in space.
2) Turn Giannis into picks before 28-29 and free up $72M for 10 roster spots, if we were to keep Fox

My mind is set on having Wemby and Castle be the long term pieces, Giannis would be a rental to get 3 years of contention window, and if we can manage the Vassell and Johnson contracts (as in get rid of them and take no long term money back), we can keep Fox, but if we can't, Fox is out the door and turn into picks.

I am not high on having Fox being a 30% max, to be honest. i think he is a 25% max guy. Let's see if the Spurs FO can spin their magic and get him to sign a team friendly deal. Even something of a declining deal starting at $51M, keep it flat or slight decilne would help teh team a LOT.

[pookenstein]

Spurs get: Lively + Powell
Mavs get: Sochan and the 2030 pick swap back

Not likely, but I think not a terrible trade for both teams. Obviously very good for the Spurs, but the Mavs would also regain control of their pick in 2030 and would have the freedom to rebuild after AD leaves in the 28/29 season.

[rankingtear]

The cleanest trade is probably a three teamer with Trae - KD - Vassell. Devin fits into a more a scoring role complementing DD like in the DJ era. PHX gets to go back to a PNR offense with Trae. And SAS get their true wing 4 man.

[rankingtear]

Giannis is a bidding war there is no leverage unless your holding some MIL picks. He has also 3 years left on that deal his preferred destinations means nothing.

[mo7888]

Spurs get: Lively + Powell
Mavs get: Sochan and the 2030 pick swap back

Not likely, but I think not a terrible trade for both teams. Obviously very good for the Spurs, but the Mavs would also regain control of their pick in 2030 and would have the freedom to rebuild after AD leaves in the 28/29 season.

Id normally say there's no chance...then I remember Nico is still there.... we should have a chat with him...

[CGD]

Giannis is a bidding war there is no leverage unless your holding some MIL picks. He has also 3 years left on that deal his preferred destinations means nothing.

It's gotta be Houston.

The player could also insist on a location, but looks like Gannis still has 3 years on his deal so leverage is lessened. He also doesnt strike me as the type to hold out.

[mo7888]

It's gotta be Houston.

The player could also insist on a location, but looks like Gannis still has 3 years on his deal so leverage is lessened. He also doesnt strike me as the type to hold out.

I think Giannis is going to go wherever he wants to go... he may have 3 years, but nobody is giving the farm for a guy who doesn't want to be there....that's his leverage...that said, I have no remote idea where he wants to be

[BG_Spurs_Fan]

It's gotta be Houston.

The player could also insist on a location, but looks like Gannis still has 3 years on his deal so leverage is lessened. He also doesnt strike me as the type to hold out.

He only has 2 years left, the third is a player option. And he's extension eligible next summer, so he absolutely will dictate where he wants to go. If he doesn't indicate he'll extend no team would pay the hefty trade price to get him.

[Ocotillo]

I wonder if him being a coach killer will have any impact on teams wanting him? I know his talent but isn't he the guy that got Bud and Griffith fired. He has a little bit of that wannabe GM in him doesn't he?

[rankingtear]

He only has 2 years left, the third is a player option. And he's extension eligible next summer, so he absolutely will dictate where he wants to go. If he doesn't indicate he'll extend no team would pay the hefty trade price to get him.

He can't dictate 1 destination with 2 years left and MIL in so much debt with the Dame trade. If multiple teams are involved there would be a bidding war.

[BG_Spurs_Fan]

He can't dictate 1 destination with 2 years left and MIL in so much debt with the Dame trade. If multiple teams are involved there would be a bidding war.

Yes, and if he says he'd extend with one team and wouldn't extend with another, then the bidding war will end quickly.

I don't think he'll say he only has one destination and tank his value to hurt the Bucks after all they've done for him. He's not a snake like a certain someone. But he'll absolutely hand them a list of teams and reject other teams outright.

That said, I hope he ends up staying.

[montgod]

Id normally say there's no chance...then I remember Nico is still there.... we should have a chat with him...

So he's the new Isaiah Thomas then and definitely should act fast on deals w/him while he has a job :lol

[cutewizard]

Naz Reid

Yabusele

Realistic

[cutewizard]

https://youtu.be/M7EOs9P3HTk?si=GWk5ucIFCI79CjE7

[ginobilized]

I can definitely see Memphis tearing it down and starting over.....yet, again.

Ja and JJJ would be dealt in these scenarios. JJJ is great as an idea. Defensively great, proven scorer, but weak rebounder. He might fit in Minnesota if they part ways with Randle/Reid. That could make for some 3-team possibilities like Vassell to MEM/Reid to SA/JJJ to MIN. Picks and facilitating players TBD. Aldama might be another possibility as a FA.

We could continue fleecing SAC and CHI, too. There will be a bunch of movement with the draft, FA and trades. Whatever happens, the Spurs should have a much improved roster next season, especially at the forward positions.

[RC_Drunkford]

I'd love to have Jackson Jr. but Memphis would be dumb as fuck to tear down a team with their top 3 players being 25, 25 and 26. Nobody is doing that.

[exstatic]

I'd love to have Jackson Jr. but Memphis would be dumb as fuck to tear down a team with their top 3 players being 25, 25 and 26. Nobody is doing that.

When you draft players at 19, that’s not that young. That core has had 6 years together, and their best effort was a second round out. They also got bounced in the first as a 2 seed.

If you wait until it’s painfully obvious to everyone, you get 50 cents on the dollar, maybe. Cashing out now drops them into the Dybantsa/Boozer sweepstakes with a bag full of picks. Their rebuild could go pretty quick with a break or two.

[RC_Drunkford]

When you draft players at 19, that’s not that young. That core has had 6 years together, and their best effort was a second round out. They also got bounced in the first as a 2 seed.

If you wait until it’s painfully obvious to everyone, you get 50 cents on the dollar, maybe. Cashing out now drops them into the Dybantsa/Boozer sweepstakes with a bag full of picks. Their rebuild could go pretty quick with a break or two.

Memphis is not a franchise that is make or break on winning titles

[RC_Drunkford]

word is the Celtics might want to move Jaylen Brown to cut the luxury tax bill...

[exstatic]

Memphis is not a franchise that is make or break on winning titles

If the status quo's OK, why did they fire Jenkins? Ja was apparently shocked by it, meaning he wasn’t behind it. They could have put it on cruise control for one more contract for the players.

[RC_Drunkford]

If the status quo's OK, why did they fire Jenkins? Ja was apparently shocked by it, meaning he wasn’t behind it. They could have put it on cruise control for one more contract for the players.

because apparently they wanted to run Isola's offense and Jenkins went back to more pick & rolls among other things

[exstatic]

because apparently they wanted to run Isola's offense and Jenkins went back to more pick & rolls among other things
If you don’t care about titles, what fucking difference does the offense make? Ja allegedly hated that offense BTW. Took control of the ball out of his hands.

[RC_Drunkford]

If you don’t care about titles, what fucking difference does the offense make? Ja allegedly hated that offense BTW. Took control of the ball out of his hands.

which is exactly why Jenkins started to run more pick & rolls. You have a long history of bad NBA front office takes, so I'm not surprised seeing you make up another one