Spurs trade ideas

[Mal]

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

It has to happen, but if they win this year, they run same guys next year. If they loose, and loose badly, they will try to reshape the roster.

And I would love to get Derrick White back to Spurs, but his deal is just too good to let him go.

[RC_Drunkford]

nah they just got new ownership. They won't pay repeater tax. It just depends on who they'll let go. I guess trading Holiday makes the most sense, given his age.

[BG_Spurs_Fan]

It will be very interesting to see how Boston navigate the horrendous cap situation in the summer. I imagine a lot of teams will be looking for a possible blueprint.

They have close to a $240 mln tax bill for next season as is, and not with a full roster even. Salaries and tax project to be more than their total revenue. This is completely unsustainable and no owner would pay it.

So they're forced to make painful moves even if they ring. One problem is that so few teams actually have cap space, which is why their moves will be so intriguing. They have to shed at least 15-20 mln to get under the 2nd apron. One good thing in the new CBA is that MLE and BAE can be used to absorb contracts, not just for the free agents.

[exstatic]

It will be very interesting to see how Boston navigate the horrendous cap situation in the summer. I imagine a lot of teams will be looking for a possible blueprint.

They have close to a $240 mln tax bill for next season as is, and not with a full roster even. Salaries and tax project to be more than their total revenue. This is completely unsustainable and no owner would pay it.

So they're forced to make painful moves even if they ring. One problem is that so few teams actually have cap space, which is why their moves will be so intriguing. They have to shed at least 15-20 mln to get under the 2nd apron. One good thing in the new CBA is that MLE and BAE can be used to absorb contracts, not just for the free agents.

Zion Williamson represents about $40M in instant tax relief should they wish to go that route. Messing around with trade machines, it appears that Zion plus Olynik for Brown works. Waive Zion before he even reports.

[BG_Spurs_Fan]

Zion Williamson represents about $40M in instant tax relief should they wish to go that route. Messing around with trade machines, it appears that Zion plus Olynik for Brown works. Waive Zion before he even reports.

No, it's not possible, because the new CBA closed the loophole with trading for unguaranteed contracts. If Zion is traded then the value required for the trade to go through would have to be guaranteed.

Super weird contract though, this is what spotrac says:

2025-26: non-guaranteed, fully guaranteed 7/15/25
20% of 2025-26 salary becomes guaranteed if passes all six of his weigh-in checkpoints during the 2024-25 season
40% of 2025-26 salary becomes guaranteed if plays >= 41 games during 2024-25 season, additional 20% if plays >= 51 games, remaining 20% if plays >= 61 games

For all we know 20% of his contract may already be guaranteed. He only played 30 games, so no other triggers.

[mo7888]

No, it's not possible, because the new CBA closed the loophole with trading for unguaranteed contracts. If Zion is traded then the value required for the trade to go through would have to be guaranteed.

Super weird contract though, this is what spotrac says:

2025-26: non-guaranteed, fully guaranteed 7/15/25
20% of 2025-26 salary becomes guaranteed if passes all six of his weigh-in checkpoints during the 2024-25 season
40% of 2025-26 salary becomes guaranteed if plays >= 41 games during 2024-25 season, additional 20% if plays >= 51 games, remaining 20% if plays >= 61 games

For all we know 20% of his contract may already be guaranteed. He only played 30 games, so no other triggers.

Is there still a waive and stretch provision in place? Is that in play for Boston if they can't find a team with cap space?

[exstatic]

No, it's not possible, because the new CBA closed the loophole with trading for unguaranteed contracts. If Zion is traded then the value required for the trade to go through would have to be guaranteed.

Super weird contract though, this is what spotrac says:

2025-26: non-guaranteed, fully guaranteed 7/15/25
20% of 2025-26 salary becomes guaranteed if passes all six of his weigh-in checkpoints during the 2024-25 season
40% of 2025-26 salary becomes guaranteed if plays >= 41 games during 2024-25 season, additional 20% if plays >= 51 games, remaining 20% if plays >= 61 games

For all we know 20% of his contract may already be guaranteed. He only played 30 games, so no other triggers.

Dammit, I keep forgetting about that loophole being closed.

[BG_Spurs_Fan]

Is there still a waive and stretch provision in place? Is that in play for Boston if they can't find a team with cap space?

Nope, they’re fucked. Although they’ll surely find some creative ways to improve things and that’s going to be so interesting for us armchair GMs.

Edit: there is a waive and stretch provision but there isn’t an amnesty provision.

[mo7888]

Nope, they’re fucked. Although they’ll surely find some creative ways to improve things and that’s going to be so interesting for us armchair GMs.

Edit: there is a waive and stretch provision but there isn’t an amnesty provision.

I just spent half an hours running simulations on Boston, Phoenix, Cleveland, and Minnesota on an AI looking for ways to get under the 2nd apron(although it's doable). It's difficult for all 4 to a degree, but my goodness Phoenix and Boston are totally screwed. Surely, no owner will pay that and be that limited going forward with trades/picks? I guess I didn't understand the magnitude of all of this.

While the talk of late has been hypotheticals around trading for Giannis, there's going to significantly more players available that might come cheaper (asset wise) because their team is under so much pressure. It's crazy...

[Ice009]

I don't know much about the salary cap, but from what you guys are saying, this is going to be really interesting seeing what happens with teams going forward. It's making things a little more exciting, possibly giving other teams a chance to get good players and make themselves into contenders that otherwise wouldn't have been. I really do like having more parity in the league. I think if I team wants to stay a contender, players are going to have to take pay cuts for it to happen. This is where having a friendship crew could be a good thing (The Spurs also have a friendship crew going, but unfortunately, it doesn't have the talent of OKC's one :().

I'm thinking if OKC is able to win the Championship, they may be a team that has players that would be willing to do it (take slightly less than the max) to keep their core together. I don't know, when you're making over 200M per season, do you really need that supermax or that extra 50M? If it were me, I'd only do it if I liked my teammates and they were hard workers and unselfish, I'd do it. Sort of like TP, he said he could have left to get a little more money, but it wasn't worth it to him as he obviously liked playing with TD and Manu and they were both very unselfish players.

[exstatic]

I don't know much about the salary cap, but from what you guys are saying, this is going to be really interesting seeing what happens with teams going forward. It's making things a little more exciting, possibly giving other teams a chance to get good players and make themselves into contenders that otherwise wouldn't have been. I really do like having more parity in the league. I think if I team wants to stay a contender, players are going to have to take pay cuts for it to happen. This is where having a friendship crew could be a good thing (The Spurs also have a friendship crew going, but unfortunately, it doesn't have the talent of OKC's one :().

I'm thinking if OKC is able to win the Championship, they may be a team that has players that would be willing to do it (take slightly less than the max) to keep their core together. I don't know, when you're making over 200M per season, do you really need that supermax or that extra 50M? If it were me, I'd only do it if I liked my teammates and they were hard workers and unselfish, I'd do it. Sort of like TP, he said he could have left to get a little more money, but it wasn't worth it to him as he obviously liked playing with TD and Manu and they were both very unselfish players.

This is where the rubber meets the road. I think there will be less desirable franchises that will be able to MAX guys out who won’t be able to get that from their overextended drafting team. Brooklyn could make a killing if they offload their last few veteran contracts.

There’s a reason that the NBA did this. They see the parity up and down model of the NFL just killing it with ratings and fan interest.

[Ice009]

This is where the rubber meets the road. I think there will be less desirable franchises that will be able to MAX guys out who won’t be able to get that from their overextended drafting team. Brooklyn could make a killing if they offload their last few veteran contracts.

There’s a reason that the NBA did this. They see the parity up and down model of the NFL just killing it with ratings and fan interest.

I wasn't sure about the NFL's rating as I kind of stopped watching it years ago. I thought it might be high with different teams able to win it every other year or two (apart from KC). I used to be a St. Louis Rams fan, but I was never going to follow them when they moved back to LA. I became a fan the year they moved to St. Louis as I was an Isaac Bruce fan, Marshall Faulk (I liked him with the Colts to as I used to follow them because of his play), and then Kurt Warner fan the year he started when Trent Green went out with his injury (I became a fan of his the year before they won it). I never liked Tom Brady as his first Superbowl win came at the expense of the Rams, and I don't feel he did anything that run to give him MVP. If anything, their kicker Adam Vinatieri made all the clutch kicks in their 3 miracle wins that playoff run.

I then became a Seahawks fan, but that went down the shitter after whoever's call it was to throw the football in the SB at the 1 yard line (Pete Carroll or Russell Wilson being selfish?). I loved Seattle's defense and I liked Russell Wilson his rookie year and second year, but then that same season they lost the Superbowl on that terrible play calling, he started losing me in the game/s before the Superbowl where he was getting a bit delusional IMO. If it wasn't for Marshawn Lynch going beast mode in the game before saving Russell Wilson's ass, they wouldn't have even made the Superbowl, but Wilson was going on about being tested. Anyway, that one darn play in the SB killed it for me and I slowly stopped watching NFL after that.

[twodeep]

I just spent half an hours running simulations on Boston, Phoenix, Cleveland, and Minnesota on an AI looking for ways to get under the 2nd apron(although it's doable). It's difficult for all 4 to a degree, but my goodness Phoenix and Boston are totally screwed. Surely, no owner will pay that and be that limited going forward with trades/picks? I guess I didn't understand the magnitude of all of this.

While the talk of late has been hypotheticals around trading for Giannis, there's going to significantly more players available that might come cheaper (asset wise) because their team is under so much pressure. It's crazy...

That is why Minny unload Kat it made pure sense from the 2nd apron issues Randle contract is shorter and expires 2026 I know a lot of people freaked out on that trade but it made sense to me because the financial side and long term it was going to hinder building around Anthony Edwards by keeping Kat. yes they had the playoff success last year but long term it made more sense to unload the boat anchor and build around Edwards long term

[mo7888]

That is why Minny unload Kat it made pure sense from the 2nd apron issues Randle contract is shorter and expires 2026 I know a lot of people freaked out on that trade but it made sense to me because the financial side and long term it was going to hinder building around Anthony Edwards by keeping Kat. yes they had the playoff success last year but long term it made more sense to unload the boat anchor and build around Edwards long term

They'll be much more of that this summer..

[CGD]

That is why Minny unload Kat it made pure sense from the 2nd apron issues Randle contract is shorter and expires 2026 I know a lot of people freaked out on that trade but it made sense to me because the financial side and long term it was going to hinder building around Anthony Edwards by keeping Kat. yes they had the playoff success last year but long term it made more sense to unload the boat anchor and build around Edwards long term

Meanwhile they’re STILL having playoff success this year. Good chance at another Western Conference finals berth.

[exstatic]

They'll be much more of that this summer..

There’ll be much more of that going forward until teams stop handing out 30% of cap contracts like candy.

[scott]

This offseason has the potential for a lot of fun. Hopefully Brian Wright can pick up some nice additions on the fringes like he has in the past, since I highly doubt he’ll be looking to participate in any big acquisitions.

[mo7888]

This offseason has the potential for a lot of fun. Hopefully Brian Wright can pick up some nice additions on the fringes like he has in the past, since I highly doubt he’ll be looking to participate in any big acquisitions.

I'm start to lean toward us making a big acquisition with teams trying to get under the 2nd apron.

[Seventyniner]

I'm start to lean toward us making a big acquisition with teams trying to get under the 2nd apron.

The Fox trade proved that the Spurs are willing to make a significant move if the price is right. Though it hurt their ability to make another big move because now the Spurs only have one excess first going forward, ATL25. They can go down to -4 without violating the Stepien rule by trading SA25/ATL25/ATL27/SA29/SA31 but I think going that far, even for an MVP candidate like Giannis, would be severe asset mismanagement.

[exstatic]

The Fox trade proved that the Spurs are willing to make a significant move if the price is right. Though it hurt their ability to make another big move because now the Spurs only have one excess first going forward, ATL25. They can go down to -4 without violating the Stepien rule by trading SA25/ATL25/ATL27/SA29/SA31 but I think going that far, even for an MVP candidate like Giannis, would be severe asset mismanagement.

None of the rumored big pieces on the move is a long term solution. If you did a huge deal, Wemby would be faced with the same mid/late career funk plaguing Jokic and Freak.

[exstatic]

I'm start to lean toward us making a big acquisition with teams trying to get under the 2nd apron.

I’m pulling for GS to punk HOU so they go into a panic buying spree. Maybe we could snag Smith Jr. as a 3rd team.

[scott]

I'm start to lean toward us making a big acquisition with teams trying to get under the 2nd apron.

I think there is an outside shot that we make a "big" acquisition by Spurs standards (Naz Reid, Santi Aldama, whatever player we could even get with the #14 pick would all fit this description), but I think there is close to zero chance we make a big acquisition by League standards (Giannis, KD, Brown, Lauri, etc).

I just don't think the team that went with Mitch (in part) for continuity is going to make a big time splash. My guess is that the Fox acquisition already made them a little squirmy with operating outside of their comfort zone and they likely aren't confident in making more big gambles. It's kind of like the dude who normally plays at the $10 blackjack table and makes a one time $100 bet and wins, but immediately goes back to stakes he is more comfortable with.

I think we have some more Harrison Barnes level transactions ahead of us, and to be completely transparent I'm not opposed to this at all. Wemby/Fox is already a really good big 2. I'm hopeful Castle will make a big leap over the summer, because he seems to have that killer mentality to want to continue to grow. If we can simply replace the Power of Friendship with solid, capable vets (like HB), I think we'll see a big jump and I think this will also considerably help Mitch. Having a more professional, veteran team could be a huge benefit to him rather than having to manage immature personalities (the Power of Friendship plus two rookies)

[mo7888]

I’m pulling for GS to punk HOU so they go into a panic buying spree. Maybe we could snag Smith Jr. as a 3rd team.

I'm thinking we explore getting in on a Houston deal too...with Smith being our target.

[mo7888]

I’m pulling for GS to punk HOU so they go into a panic buying spree. Maybe we could snag Smith Jr. as a 3rd team.

I'm thinking we explore getting in on a Houston deal too...with Smith being our target.

[mo7888]

I think there is an outside shot that we make a "big" acquisition by Spurs standards (Naz Reid, Santi Aldama, whatever player we could even get with the #14 pick would all fit this description), but I think there is close to zero chance we make a big acquisition by League standards (Giannis, KD, Brown, Lauri, etc).

I just don't think the team that went with Mitch (in part) for continuity is going to make a big time splash. My guess is that the Fox acquisition already made them a little squirmy with operating outside of their comfort zone and they likely aren't confident in making more big gambles. It's kind of like the dude who normally plays at the $10 blackjack table and makes a one time $100 bet and wins, but immediately goes back to stakes he is more comfortable with.

I think we have some more Harrison Barnes level transactions ahead of us, and to be completely transparent I'm not opposed to this at all. Wemby/Fox is already a really good big 2. I'm hopeful Castle will make a big leap over the summer, because he seems to have that killer mentality to want to continue to grow. If we can simply replace the Power of Friendship with solid, capable vets (like HB), I think we'll see a big jump and I think this will also considerably help Mitch. Having a more professional, veteran team could be a huge benefit to him rather than having to manage immature personalities (the Power of Friendship plus two rookies)

You're probably right re: Naz type deal or even working to get an asset from a 3 team deal where another team is acquiring a Star. That said, having multiple Stars on the market (Giannis, Brown, KD, and maybe even Booker) should bring the price down on 1 or two of them and it could bring it down to the point that we can't pass it up. I'm not exactly predicting it, but I do think we'll be in the mix.

[twodeep]

I think there is an outside shot that we make a "big" acquisition by Spurs standards (Naz Reid, Santi Aldama, whatever player we could even get with the #14 pick would all fit this description), but I think there is close to zero chance we make a big acquisition by League standards (Giannis, KD, Brown, Lauri, etc).

I just don't think the team that went with Mitch (in part) for continuity is going to make a big time splash. My guess is that the Fox acquisition already made them a little squirmy with operating outside of their comfort zone and they likely aren't confident in making more big gambles. It's kind of like the dude who normally plays at the $10 blackjack table and makes a one time $100 bet and wins, but immediately goes back to stakes he is more comfortable with.

I think we have some more Harrison Barnes level transactions ahead of us, and to be completely transparent I'm not opposed to this at all. Wemby/Fox is already a really good big 2. I'm hopeful Castle will make a big leap over the summer, because he seems to have that killer mentality to want to continue to grow. If we can simply replace the Power of Friendship with solid, capable vets (like HB), I think we'll see a big jump and I think this will also considerably help Mitch. Having a more professional, veteran team could be a huge benefit to him rather than having to manage immature personalities (the Power of Friendship plus two rookies)

I am in the camp of they should be trying to get players like Cameron Johnson not super stars to fill in around Fox/Wemby upgrade over Keldon or Vassell. Basically those type of solid productive players that fit around Fox/Wemby

[LeBowen]

I am in the camp of they should be trying to get players like Cameron Johnson not super stars to fill in around Fox/Wemby upgrade over Keldon or Vassell. Basically those type of solid productive players that fit around Fox/Wemby

We got 70% of Cam Johnson in Champagnie.
He's just another forward who doesn't rebound.

We need an actual power forward, John Collins would be ideal and seems to be the most realistic target.
If he declines his option, I'd offer him 80/4 or so.

[baseline bum]

I'm start to lean toward us making a big acquisition with teams trying to get under the 2nd apron.


This offseason has the potential for a lot of fun. Hopefully Brian Wright can pick up some nice additions on the fringes like he has in the past, since I highly doubt he’ll be looking to participate in any big acquisitions.

Let's say the Spurs get the #2 pick in the lottery. Are you willing to move that to land Giannis? And if so what would be your trade proposition to Milwaukee? Let's say the trade is made at the draft but not official until July 1st so Harper's $12.4 million could be counted towards matching salaries.

[mo7888]

Let's say the Spurs get the #2 pick in the lottery. Are you willing to move that to land Giannis? And if so what would be your trade proposition to Milwaukee? Let's say the trade is made at the draft but not official until July 1st so Harper's $12.4 million could be counted towards matching salaries.

First let me say, I'm not the biggest Giannis proponent here, but it's intriguing. If we landed #2 I still doubt we'd get a deal done unless Giannis specifically applies pressure to get here. If that happened though, I'd give #2 + #14 + our 2027 + matching salary from some combination of Devin/Keldon/ Barnes/ Sochan/ Malachi/ Blake.

[exstatic]

First let me say, I'm not the biggest Giannis proponent here, but it's intriguing. If we landed #2 I still doubt we'd get a deal done unless Giannis specifically applies pressure to get here. If that happened though, I'd give #2 + #14 + our 2027 + matching salary from some combination of Devin/Keldon/ Barnes/ Sochan/ Malachi/ Blake.

Our 2027 already belongs to SAC.

[baseline bum]

First let me say, I'm not the biggest Giannis proponent here, but it's intriguing. If we landed #2 I still doubt we'd get a deal done unless Giannis specifically applies pressure to get here. If that happened though, I'd give #2 + #14 + our 2027 + matching salary from some combination of Devin/Keldon/ Barnes/ Sochan/ Malachi/ Blake.

Would have to be Atlanta's 2027, though I don't think they could make this trade without giving up the 2030 with the Dallas + Minnesota swap. Barnes is the one guy I'd really want to keep too, and he'd have minimal appeal for Milwaukee anyways.

[CGD]

First let me say, I'm not the biggest Giannis proponent here, but it's intriguing. If we landed #2 I still doubt we'd get a deal done unless Giannis specifically applies pressure to get here. If that happened though, I'd give #2 + #14 + our 2027 + matching salary from some combination of Devin/Keldon/ Barnes/ Sochan/ Malachi/ Blake.

Sign me up. I also think we can eat Kuz’ deal for them in exchange for Barnes’ expiring if that means keeping an asset. Just not sure how that all aligns with the numbers long term. Maybe easier to send the pick and be done.

[twodeep]

We got 70% of Cam Johnson in Champagnie.
He's just another forward who doesn't rebound.

We need an actual power forward, John Collins would be ideal and seems to be the most realistic target.
If he declines his option, I'd offer him 80/4 or so.

I have no qualms with a guy like him either like I said solid good players to build around the fox/wemby

[mo7888]

Our 2027 already belongs to SAC.

Touche

[baseline bum]

Sign me up. I also think we can eat Kuz’ deal for them in exchange for Barnes’ expiring if that means keeping an asset. Just not sure how that all aligns with the numbers long term. Maybe easier to send the pick and be done.

Ouch, Kuzma would be tough to swallow. Always hated his game.

[scott]

Let's say the Spurs get the #2 pick in the lottery. Are you willing to move that to land Giannis? And if so what would be your trade proposition to Milwaukee? Let's say the trade is made at the draft but not official until July 1st so Harper's $12.4 million could be counted towards matching salaries.

I don't think the Spurs will look to acquire any stars, so the question is moot for me.

[ixiXSolidXixi]

Cam Johnson play small forward and yes I like John Collins but we have Sochan. I don’t think worth it. We need Naz Reid or Myles Turner the other option draft a guy like Derik Queen.

Another option I like is Keegan Murray.

[mo7888]

Here's an idea that might bring some hate:

Trade Sochan + Malaki to phoenix for Grayson.

Sign Jcollins for $80/4 years
Sign NAW for $40/3 years

[LeBowen]

Here's an idea that might bring some hate:

Trade Sochan + Malaki to phoenix for Grayson.

Sign Jcollins for $80/4 years
Sign NAW for $40/3 years

I'd do those two free agency signings, but I think Grayson Allen is overrated.
And if we get those two, we wouldn't need any more wings, especially if we use both picks.

As things stand right now:
Fox/?
Castle/Devin
Barnes/Keldon/Champ
?/Jeremy
Wemby/?

Get BPA in the draft, the only high end player we must get is a legit PF, I expect Wright to not go for any other big moves.

[mo7888]

I'd do those two free agency signings, but I think Grayson Allen is overrated.
And if we get those two, we wouldn't need any more wings, especially if we use both picks.

As things stand right now:
Fox/?
Castle/Devin
Barnes/Keldon/Champ
?/Jeremy
Wemby/?

Get BPA in the draft, the only high end player we must get is a legit PF, I expect Wright to not go for any other big moves.

I still don't think we have enough shooting and Grayson provides that (40% career and over 43% this season from 3), he also provides a little playmaking, and he's got punchable face and can get in people's heads in the playoffs vibe. I just think that's more valuable than Sochan if we get JC. Another way to look at it though is sending Keldon out instead of Sochan.

[RC_Drunkford]

I'm just looking for 3 things this offseason:

1. starting PF (most likely aquired via trade)

any of John Collins, Naz Reid, Jabari Smith Jr., Santi Aldama is good enough for that role.

2. Rotation wing (most likely drafted)

any of Jakucionas, Knueppel, Carter Bryant or Fleming. If it's 2 out of those 4 even better.

3. Back up Center (FA signing or draft pick)

singing someone like Steven Adams or drafting a big like Sorber for example

If we take care of these 3 positions I'm fine. That would also mean that at least one of Vassell, Keldon, Champagnie, Barnes or Sochan has to go.

[scott]

Here's an idea that might bring some hate:

Trade Sochan + Malaki to phoenix for Grayson.

Sign Jcollins for $80/4 years
Sign NAW for $40/3 years

Wouldn't hate this at all, but would need to find another home for Vassell in this scenario. Spurs would likely try to force him into the starting SF role if we had NAW as our backup 2, though. Ugh.

[cutewizard]

I'm just looking for 3 things this offseason:

1. starting PF (most likely aquired via trade)

any of John Collins, Naz Reid, Jabari Smith Jr., Santi Aldama is good enough for that role.

2. Rotation wing (most likely drafted)

any of Jakucionas, Knueppel, Carter Bryant or Fleming. If it's 2 out of those 4 even better.

3. Back up Center (FA signing or draft pick)

singing someone like Steven Adams or drafting a big like Sorber for example

If we take care of these 3 positions I'm fine. That would also mean that at least one of Vassell, Keldon, Champagnie, Barnes or Sochan has to go.


..........,...........

Naz Reid
Kon
Adams would be incredible

[CGD]

I'm liking this offseason:

Draft: Bryant at #8
Trade: #14/Keldon/filler for Cam Johnson/#27
MLE: Brook Lopez

Fox - Dev - Cam - Barnes - Wemby
Key Reserves: Castle; Sochan; Bryant; Lopez

* I might instead start Sochan over Barnes for defense.

[scott]

My new, idealized scenario for the offseason that goes one step short of rigging the lotto and getting Flagg:

Spurs get involved in a multi-team trade involving MEM that sees Devin and Sochan sent off to... somewhere... fucking Siberia for all I care...

In return Spurs land Santi Aldama

Spurs sign Steven Adams

Spurs re-sign Charles Bassey

Spurs sign Jake LaRavia

Spurs draft Jaku @ #8

Spurs draft Fleming @ #14

Spurs draft Drake Powell @ #38

Your 2025-26 Spurs:

Fox/Jaku/Wesley
Castle/Branhim/Powell
Barnes/Keldon/LaRavia/Champ
Aldama/Fleming
Wemby/Adams/Bassey

You run a 3-man guard rotation with Fox/Castle/Jaku so you aren't relying on Blake/Bran/Powell for any real minutes. Champ fills in at the 2 where needed.

That Forward group gives you a lot of flexibility to run a lot of various combinations. All of them, save for Champ (who is more of a 2/3) is capable of playing the 3 or 4.

If you need to run small ball, Aldama and Fleming can be your small ball C (but I'm hoping we don't do this too much).

I haven't put a TON of thought into this yet... so please poke holes in it.

[TD 21]

I'm liking this offseason:

Draft: Bryant at #8
Trade: #14/Keldon/filler for Cam Johnson/#27
MLE: Brook Lopez

Fox - Dev - Cam - Barnes - Wemby
Key Reserves: Castle; Sochan; Bryant; Lopez

* I might instead start Sochan over Barnes for defense.

I suspect Bryant will (and should be) an option at 8/9, but with the possible exception of Knueppel, I'd put the pick in play for a young veteran.

With the Nets having four 1sts, probably the only path to a Cam Johnson trade is through 8/9.

Lopez, they'd probably have to guarantee him a starting job, roughly 25ish mpg and a path to at least part-time closing.

[Leetonidas]

Trade Castle/Vassell/Johnson plus picks for Giannis. Sign cheap shooters like Kennard and Merill. Resign CP3 with the understanding that he is running the second unit. Resign Mamu. Draft a big with the #14 (assuming the higher pick is traded for Giannis). Resign Biyombo as emergency third big

Wemby/#14 pick/Biyombo
Giannis/Sochan/Mamu
Barnes/Champagnie
Kennard/Merill/Branham
Fox/Paul/Wesley

Defense at two is gonna be a problem but Wemby and Giannis are good enough to mask defensive weaknesses.

[LeBowen]

Trade Castle/Vassell/Johnson plus picks for Giannis. Sign cheap shooters like Kennard and Merill. Resign CP3 with the understanding that he is running the second unit. Resign Mamu. Draft a big with the #14 (assuming the higher pick is traded for Giannis). Resign Biyombo as emergency third big

Wemby/#14 pick/Biyombo
Giannis/Sochan/Mamu
Barnes/Champagnie
Kennard/Merill/Branham
Fox/Paul/Wesley

Defense at two is gonna be a problem but Wemby and Giannis are good enough to mask defensive weaknesses.

I don't think there's a chance of Giannis even being considered after all the project continuity talk from Mitch and Wright the other day.
I don't think even KD is a serious possibility and I honestly don't want him on the team if there's no vocal leader to put him back in his place when he starts bitching which he inevitably always does.

[exstatic]

Spurstalk: OKC is the bomb!
Also Spurstalk: we should trade all of our picks for thirty-something players, in spite of the fact that OKC has never done that.

[Leetonidas]

I don't think there's a chance of Giannis even being considered after all the project continuity talk from Mitch and Wright the other day.
I don't think even KD is a serious possibility and I honestly don't want him on the team if there's no vocal leader to put him back in his place when he starts bitching which he inevitably always does.

Oh I know there is almost zero chance of the Spurs making a trade for Giannis or even KD this summer :lol just putting my stupid fantasy offseason out there

[scott]

Spurstalk: OKC is the bomb!
Also Spurstalk: we should trade all of our picks for thirty-something players, in spite of the fact that OKC has never done that.

It's almost like Spurstalk isn't a single person, but rather a bunch of different people with varying opinions! Crazy!

[CGD]

I suspect Bryant will (and should be) an option at 8/9, but with the possible exception of Knueppel, I'd put the pick in play for a young veteran.

With the Nets having four 1sts, probably the only path to a Cam Johnson trade is through 8/9.

Lopez, they'd probably have to guarantee him a starting job, roughly 25ish mpg and a path to at least part-time closing.

What I like about Lopez is that he and Wemby could possibly start together since Lopez provides the spacing. Fox, Dev, Cam, Wemby, Lopez.

Trading 8 for Cam seems steep to me. I’d rather just have the player. Maybe if they sent back 19 and 27, along with Keldon.

[Leetonidas]

Spurstalk: OKC is the bomb!
Also Spurstalk: we should trade all of our picks for thirty-something players, in spite of the fact that OKC has never done that.

Showing your age ex :lol no one says "the bomb" anymore tbh

[TD 21]

What I like about Lopez is that he and Wemby could possibly start together since Lopez provides the spacing. Fox, Dev, Cam, Wemby, Lopez.

Trading 8 for Cam seems steep to me. I’d rather just have the player. Maybe if they sent back 19 and 27, along with Keldon.

Who'd defend the POA in that starting lineup?

I meant 8/9 as the centerpiece to get the Nets (theoretically) interested. In that scenario, I'd imagine the Spurs would get back one of the Nets later 1sts, probably 19.

[Ice009]

I suspect Bryant will (and should be) an option at 8/9, but with the possible exception of Knueppel, I'd put the pick in play for a young veteran.

With the Nets having four 1sts, probably the only path to a Cam Johnson trade is through 8/9.

Lopez, they'd probably have to guarantee him a starting job, roughly 25ish mpg and a path to at least part-time closing.

I've been thinking of Lopez myself the past couple of days. If I am remembering right, didn't the Spurs try to get him two off-seasons ago?

With Lopez, I know he's a shit rebounder, but when he was younger, he was more of an inside player (I don't remember what kind of post moves he had). Has anyone watched much of the Bucks lately? Can he still play inside? If so, IMO, he might be a nice option as he can both shoot the ball and play inside. Might be a good fit offensively with Victor as he can go inside when Victor is on the floor, and go outside when Victor is resting (can switch either way).

Edit : Just looked at his career stats, and darn, Exstatic's vomiting emoji about his rebounding might be right when I bought up the possibility of signing him the other day. I thought maybe his rebounding sucked the past few years (I guessed Giannis was grabbing all those rebounds thus lowering Brook's numbers), but he's always been a horrendous rebounder. How is that possible that he's such a poor rebounder his whole career? Best year was his first two years where he averaged 8.1 and 8.6 rebounds per game. I still think he might be a good fit on offense, though. I don't know how bad his defense is either.

[HankChinaski]

Brook Lopez is too old. I would look elsewhere for a big

[Ice009]

Brook Lopez is too old. I would look elsewhere for a big

Depends on what he'd cost, but yeah, I'd rather someone younger like Steven Adams. Brook would be great as a bench big and/or being able to change in as a starter if he's willing to take less money, but I'm guessing he's going to want MLE type money. I don't think I'd want to waste the MLE on him.
I'm curious if the Spurs still rate him as highly as they did when they tried to get him before he re-signed with Milwaukee.

[RC_Drunkford]

I don't know why people want to trade picks for Cam Johnson. Yes he's a great shooter, but he's 29, can only guard 4s and is not a good rebounder.

[Ice009]

I don't know why people want to trade picks for Cam Johnson. Yes he's a great shooter, but he's 29, can only guard 4s and is not a good rebounder.

Yeah, I've never once mentioned Cam Johnson as I have no interest in even trading one first round pick for him. If the Spurs were just missing a piece or two contending for a Championship, I'd consider it then, but since they're not currently, I don't know why you'd want to waste picks on him. He's not going to put us over the top or anything. He's limited and he's not young enough for the timeline. No way do I want to waste draft picks on him. Screw that. Save those picks for better players.

[cutewizard]

My new, idealized scenario for the offseason that goes one step short of rigging the lotto and getting Flagg:

Spurs get involved in a multi-team trade involving MEM that sees Devin and Sochan sent off to... somewhere... fucking Siberia for all I care...

In return Spurs land Santi Aldama

Spurs sign Steven Adams

Spurs re-sign Charles Bassey

Spurs sign Jake LaRavia

Spurs draft Jaku @ #8

Spurs draft Fleming @ #14

Spurs draft Drake Powell @ #38

Your 2025-26 Spurs:

Fox/Jaku/Wesley
Castle/Branhim/Powell
Barnes/Keldon/LaRavia/Champ
Aldama/Fleming
Wemby/Adams/Bassey

You run a 3-man guard rotation with Fox/Castle/Jaku so you aren't relying on Blake/Bran/Powell for any real minutes. Champ fills in at the 2 where needed.

That Forward group gives you a lot of flexibility to run a lot of various combinations. All of them, save for Champ (who is more of a 2/3) is capable of playing the 3 or 4.

If you need to run small ball, Aldama and Fleming can be your small ball C (but I'm hoping we don't do this too much).

I haven't put a TON of thought into this yet... so please poke holes in it.

.......................

Interesting ideas here, thanks Sir

[freetiago]

How would you feel about a Devin Vassel for Jalen Green swap. Its basically a lateral move. Both are basically the same player. Green has more potential and a lower contract in terms of years. Spurs would also try to get one of the other young Rocket players who are glued to the bench like Sheppard, Jabari Smith, Whitmore, or Eason. Trade would be something like Vessel+salary filler+useless second round picks for Jalen Green+other player. If Houston is disgusted enough with Green after the playoffs they might try to dump him somewhere at all costs. If you could get one of the other young guys in the deal then it would be worth to me. He also comes off the books faster than Vessel

[cutewizard]

https://youtu.be/_5aDWWSbssQ?si=-3_q1H8pZ8BmY2Lf

[cutewizard]

Santi Aldama could be a perfect complement to Wemby


Strengths: A stretch four, Aldama can hit from well beyond the 3 point arc … Is comfortable and confident shooting off the dribble from beyond the arc…Loves to create his own look, and has the handle, size and strength to get inside with ease…Has a polished post game, and can shoot over either shoulder…Can attack well in transition…Scored over 20 points per game for Loyola in his second season, and the Spainard also averaged ten boards and two assists per game…Was dominant throughout the season, and was able to get to his spots consistently…An offensive engine…Is a versatile piece, as he can hit shots from all over the court, can work in the low post, and has passing to play within the offense…Has great size at 6’11, 215-pounds, but often shoots and plays like a much smaller player…An ideal fit for the modern NBA, Aldama has shooting touch, defensive instincts, rebounds well, and is a fluid athlete…Shot over 50% from the floor and 37% from deep despite being the focus of defenses…Simply looked too good to be playing with Loyola, and was magnificent throughout the year…An efficient and talented scorer, Aldama can do it all…Can also be useful defensively, as his size and quickness helped him block 1.7 shots and grab one steal per game…Can guard centers through small forwards with his active hands, quickness and smarts defensively.


Source: Santi Aldama - NBADraft.net (https://www.nbadraft.net/players/santi-aldama/)

[TD 21]

I've been thinking of Lopez myself the past couple of days. If I am remembering right, didn't the Spurs try to get him two off-seasons ago?

With Lopez, I know he's a shit rebounder, but when he was younger, he was more of an inside player (I don't remember what kind of post moves he had). Has anyone watched much of the Bucks lately? Can he still play inside? If so, IMO, he might be a nice option as he can both shoot the ball and play inside. Might be a good fit offensively with Victor as he can go inside when Victor is on the floor, and go outside when Victor is resting (can switch either way).

Edit : Just looked at his career stats, and darn, Exstatic's vomiting emoji about his rebounding might be right when I bought up the possibility of signing him the other day. I thought maybe his rebounding sucked the past few years (I guessed Giannis was grabbing all those rebounds thus lowering Brook's numbers), but he's always been a horrendous rebounder. How is that possible that he's such a poor rebounder his whole career? Best year was his first two years where he averaged 8.1 and 8.6 rebounds per game. I still think he might be a good fit on offense, though. I don't know how bad his defense is either.

Lopez' low rebound rate is misleading because he's elite at boxing out, which is why his teams have historically rebounded significantly better with him on the court.

Another longshot name in the same vein to keep an eye on, is Horford. He'll probably re-sign, but if the Celtics bow out early, given their financial crunch (Holiday is the likely casualty), he might be amendable if the Spurs overpay.

[Dverde]

I still dream of those earth shattering screens from Poeltl. I think he would be a great fit. Be so strange for him to be traded back to us again tho.

[spurraider21]

I still dream of those earth shattering screens from Poeltl. I think he would be a great fit. Be so strange for him to be traded back to us again tho.
i remember timvp had written an article or two about how when the spurs brass was scouting wemby, they thought Jacob Poodle would actually be such a great fit with him that it gave them some pause before trading him to the raptors

[baseline bum]

How would you feel about a Devin Vassel for Jalen Green swap.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dRhR8sXrqcI

[LeBowen]

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.

Look at this fucking shit. You're going to talk about my "vanilla" takes while suggesting Hawks pair Devin Vassell and Dyson Daniels.
Why is this board full of fucking retards?

Yeah, I'd also like to trade garbage for an all-time great and have another team accept it, but it's not 2k you dumb fuck.
And you're going to go around topics and call someone dumb?

[rankingtear]

Look at this fucking shit. You're going to talk about my "vanilla" takes while suggesting Hawks pair Devin Vassell and Dyson Daniels.
Why is this board full of fucking retards?

Yeah, I'd also like to trade garbage for an all-time great and have another team accept it, but it's not 2k you dumb fuck.
And you're going to go around topics and call someone dumb?

I didn't know I had to spell it out why we need to engage ATL as a third team. That is why you only have vanilla takes.

[LeBowen]

I didn't know I had to spell it out why we need to engage ATL as a third team. That is why you only have vanilla takes.

Yeah, they'd be absolutely thrilled to trade away their franchise player in order to help Spurs while we still own two of their unprotected picks and a swap.
You somehow managed to create a lose-lose-lose situation in a single trade.

Suns would lose their only legit wing in order to create the defensively worst guard duo in the league.
Spurs would lose every easily moveable contract and the most valuable picks to acquire a 37 year old. (If you think we'd keep those picks you're an even bigger retard.)
Hawks would lose their franchise player to acquire another perimeter player with no playmaking skills, but it would enable them to tank.

I ignore most of the awful takes on this forum, I think that I presented reasonable arguments in that Naz/Collins discussion.
But no, you had to be condescending and insulted me. Then I mentioned how my "vanilla" takes aren't vanilla and that I guessed a lot of stuff most posters in here didn't.
I mentioned both Barnes and Fox last season.
Fine.We disagreed and even though you acted like a retard for no reason that was the end of it.

But then you had to be an even bigger retard and kept talking nonsense in completely unrelated topic about how I'm clueless even though my take that John Collins plays way bigger and more physical than Naz Reid is as obvious as it gets...if you actually watch games.
And now because of it I'm forced to show everyone how clueless you are.

[KingKev]

Showing your age ex :lol no one says "the bomb" anymore tbh

haha I just turned 40 and fear that exstatic and I are closer of a vintage at heart than I want to admit

[intlspurshk]

Draft Queen and separately trade one 2025 FRP and one future FRP plus fillers for Dyson Daniel

[exstatic]

Draft Queen and separately trade one 2025 FRP and one future FRP plus fillers for Dyson Daniel

I feel very safe in saying that ATL will probably never trade with us again.

[intlspurshk]

ATL can get back their 2025 FRP, future (2027?) FRP plus other second round picks held by SPURS and JC + filler for Dyson Daniel isn't too unfair.

[exstatic]

ATL can get back their 2025 FRP, future (2027?) FRP plus other second round picks held by SPURS and JC + filler for Dyson Daniel isn't too unfair.

Yeah, if the Spurs wouldn’t give those picks back for Trae,they’re not doing it for Daniels.

[rankingtear]

i remember timvp had written an article or two about how when the spurs brass was scouting wemby, they thought Jacob Poodle would actually be such a great fit with him that it gave them some pause before trading him to the raptors

they also went after brook but the plan was to slowly acclimate him physically, it is year 3 now and it is all about optimizing roster for wins.

[mo7888]

Assuming we stand pat and pick Harper at #2 I really think we need to package Devin + Keldon somewhere. I could see Brooklyn being interested and I could see Philly wanting to move George, and, of course, Phoenix needs to move KD.

I do like the Cam Johnson fit, but I wouldn't give more than #14 + srp's (yes, I know they have multiple firsts this year).

I also like the idea of adding a vet 3/4 like KD or PG. KD more on strictly court value and PG for on court value + a good vet that won't expect to be an alpha anymore.

Tobias Harris is another in that mold but, I doubt he's available. Middleton is available and a good locker room guy if he stays healthy.

Who do you like in that role?

[RC_Drunkford]

Assuming we stand pat and pick Harper at #2 I really think we need to package Devin + Keldon somewhere. I could see Brooklyn being interested and I could see Philly wanting to move George, and, of course, Phoenix needs to move KD.

I do like the Cam Johnson fit, but I wouldn't give more than #14 + srp's (yes, I know they have multiple firsts this year).

I also like the idea of adding a vet 3/4 like KD or PG. KD more on strictly court value and PG for on court value + a good vet that won't expect to be an alpha anymore.

Tobias Harris is another in that mold but, I doubt he's available. Middleton is available and a good locker room guy if he stays healthy.

Who do you like in that role?

I don't like none of these guys and wouldn't trade any picks for them. We need rebounding and defense. KD doesn't rebound nor defend, Harris is too old, Middleton is washed and nobody wants PG13 on that contract. Cam Johnson is 30 and is too slow footed to guard any other position besides PFs. If you tell me we can sign them as free agents, sure. But I'm not sending out picks, we don't really have any extra picks left after this draft, just swaps.

I'm not trading Spurs picks for players 30+. I'd rather take my chances drafting one of Fleming/Bryant and hoping they develop into solid 3-and-D rotation players.

Targets to sign are the usual suspects as mentioned before by many:

John Collins, Naz Reid, Santi Aldama and Jabari Smith Jr. with Collins being the most realistic option. He got a player option and weather he opts in or out we can get him for Keldon, Branham and 2-3 second round picks. That would be the best fix for the 4 spot.

You get a versatile player who can put up 17/8 and play in and outside who shoots 40% from 3 on 3.7 attempts and can play here for at least 4 years on a good contract. If he opts out it's a sign and trade with market value being 80-90/4 years. You could sign him on a frontloaded deal structured like 23, 21, 19, 17 or something like that, giving you more flexibility down the line as the cap jumps up. That's the move we should make.

[mo7888]

I don't like none of these guys and wouldn't trade any picks for them. We need rebounding and defense. KD doesn't rebound nor defend, Harris is too old, Middleton is washed and nobody wants PG13 on that contract. Cam Johnson is 30 and is too slow footed to guard any other position besides PFs. If you tell me we can sign them as free agents, sure. But I'm not sending out picks, we don't really have any extra picks left after this draft, just swaps.

I'm not trading Spurs picks for players 30+. I'd rather take my chances drafting one of Fleming/Bryant and hoping they develop into solid 3-and-D rotation players.

Targets to sign are the usual suspects as mentioned before by many:

John Collins, Naz Reid, Santi Aldama and Jabari Smith Jr. with Collins being the most realistic option. He got a player option and weather he opts in or out we can get him for Keldon, Branham and 2-3 second round picks. That would be the best fix for the 4 spot.

You get a versatile player who can put up 17/8 and play in and outside who shoots 40% from 3 on 3.7 attempts and can play here for at least 4 years on a good contract. If he opts out it's a sign and trade with market value being 80-90/4 years. You could sign him on a frontloaded deal structured like 23, 21, 19, 17 or something like that, giving you more flexibility down the line as the cap jumps up. That's the move we should make.

I'd rather add a vet presence. PG would be my preference here, but I wouldn't be sending out picks for him. They'd need to come our way in a deal.

I do like Collins though, I doubt we could get him with just 2nd's though, but if there willing then do it.

[RC_Drunkford]

I'd rather add a vet presence. PG would be my preference here, but I wouldn't be sending out picks for him. They'd need to come our way in a deal.

I do like Collins though, I doubt we could get him with just 2nd's though, but if there willing then do it.

you do realize that you would pay washed up Paul George 56 million in 27/28 with Fox on a max deal and Wemby up for a max extension right? Spurs would fuck themselves for no reason if that was the case. Would be a retarded trade.

[mo7888]

you do realize that you would pay washed up Paul George 56 million in 27/28 with Fox on a max deal and Wemby up for a max extension right? Spurs would fuck themselves for no reason if that was the case. Would be a retarded trade.

I don't think he's washed yet (but he is overpaid). Also (and i could be wrong), but Wemby's extension doesn't start until PG comes off. So we wouldn't have over two max contracts at any given time. Maybe my timeliness off on Wemby though.

[CGD]

Assuming we stand pat and pick Harper at #2 I really think we need to package Devin + Keldon somewhere. I could see Brooklyn being interested and I could see Philly wanting to move George, and, of course, Phoenix needs to move KD.

I do like the Cam Johnson fit, but I wouldn't give more than #14 + srp's (yes, I know they have multiple firsts this year).

I also like the idea of adding a vet 3/4 like KD or PG. KD more on strictly court value and PG for on court value + a good vet that won't expect to be an alpha anymore.

Tobias Harris is another in that mold but, I doubt he's available. Middleton is available and a good locker room guy if he stays healthy.

Who do you like in that role?

I'm with you, but I'm struggling to find a good trade. I dont think its wise to just trade them for lateral pieces, and its probably also smart to see how things shape out with teams hitting the second aprons who don't want to take too much of step back (e.g., Boston).

Until he was traded to Cleveland, I thought Keldon + an asset for Hunter would have been a good upgrade at wing. I assume he's locked into Cleveland now though.

[RC_Drunkford]

I don't think he's washed yet (but he is overpaid). Also (and i could be wrong), but Wemby's extension doesn't start until PG comes off. So we wouldn't have over two max contracts at any given time. Maybe my timeliness off on Wemby though.

Wemby's extension kicks in in 2027, Castle 2028. Paul George has a player option in 2028 for 56 million while being 39 years old and guess what: he won't opt out.

[scott]

PG13 is the worst contract in the league right now. PHI is going to have to attach multiple picks to shed themselves of it if they need to.

[Trueblood]

So if they’re going to target Harper and run a three guard set does it make sense to target a trade for Markkanen? He’s on a bloated contract and he has a down year which could mean he could be gotten for a lot cheaper than last year. I think with a lineup of

PG: Fox
SG: Harper
SF: Castle
PF: Markkanen
C: Wemby

would be pretty stout.

The pros are he’s a great three point shooter so between him and Wemby we would have two out there hitting above league average. It would be our bigs stretching the floor which would open the lanes for our guards. We would still have two seven footers out there to rebound and Wemby can make up for some of Markkanen’s defensive deficiencies.

The cons I see are they would still be asking a lot for him, he’s never been a stellar rebounder, and his contract situation could clog things up with extensions down the road.

Overall I still like the idea and think we should explore it.

[RC_Drunkford]

Just get John Collins who put up better stats than Lauri and costs 16 million less

[Degoat]

Boy what a difference a year makes, embarrassment of riches tbh lol brainstorming the team make up we have to trade somebody significant.

One of Dev or KJ has to go right?

[baseline bum]

Markannen is way too expensive after the Spurs got Fox. Ainge had his chance to get a good return for him last summer and blew it.

[Obstructed_View]

Boy what a difference a year makes, embarrassment of riches tbh lol brainstorming the team make up we have to trade somebody significant.

One of Dev or KJ has to go right?

https://imgs.search.brave.com/uicA3yoJNVRBqmhoC1UKCBLEX4ze75vOoFCN1OJ1TO0/rs:fit:500:0:0:0/g:ce/aHR0cHM6Ly9pLmlt/Z2ZsaXAuY29tLzRz/YWNrNS5qcGc

[Chinook]

I'm all on the KD train. Spurs feel like the best place for Durant to write the end of his NBA story, and he's easily the best target for them to go for considering his age, skill-set and relationship with Wemby. If the Suns don't want Vassell, the Spurs can JUST BARELY match Durant's contract with Johnson, Barnes and Sochan. (They could replace Jeremy with two of Branham, Wesley or Champagnie, but I'm hoping Sochan adds value to the trade. Otherwise, the Spurs can keep Sochan and have a much stronger front court rotation.) Trading three forwards for one is bad, especially if 14 is also going out. The Spurs could also try to add in a Branham-for-O'Neale trade into the mix, which would give the Spurs much-needed forward depth.

So Harper at 2, 14 going out as part of the trade package for Durant, 38 gets packaged with a handful of seconds to get the Spurs into the bottom of the second-round where they can take a center before the run on them starts. I'm just going to pencil in Raynaud at 27. Someone mentioned Bobby Portis, a guy I've been high on for years now. I don't know how well he could hold up as the backup center, but theoretically he allows the Spurs to keep Raynaud (/another young center) on the bench for a couple of years to learn while giving the Spurs a jumbo look with he and Wemby playing together. I think he's likely to opt in unless some team informs his agent they'd be willing to give him a long-term deal that would justify leaving the option behind. Maybe three years at the full MLE with the last year being a team option would be enough to sway him? I honestly don't know if the Spurs NEED to bring in someone to take the final rotation spot (backup wing) given they have Fox, Harper, Castle and Vassell as the primary perimeter guys with Champagnie being good enough to get minutes and O'Neal/Durant also likely to grab minutes there. I'm just going to put Burks in there as a vet-min guy who can play both guard positions. Below is the roster with the two-way guys from last year filling in slots the probably wouldn't hold in the real world with the team going into the season as at worst a dark-horse contender.

Fox, Harper, Wesley
Vassell, Burks, Duke
Castle, Champagnie, Minix
Durant, O'Neal, Ingram
Wembayama, Portis, Raynaud

That's a pretty good team. The biggest swing factor to me on the off-season would be how much did it cost to get Durant while keeping the rest of the core? This is a really good roster for this stage of Wemby's development, but it's not so good that the team should be giving up multiple premium selections to make it happen. They're still reliant on Vassell figuring out how to be a productive role-player and for Castle to learn how to shoot and defend. The talent and potential are there, but it's probably too early for the Spurs' draft outlook to be encumbered but a lot of future commitments

[T Park]

Durant fell off a cliff defensively, is 36 and getting slower, injury prone and you'd be paying him over 50 million.

The guy to go after, if they'll accept reality, and would fit perfectly is Bam in Miami.....

[baseline bum]

I'm all on the KD train. Spurs feel like the best place for Durant to write the end of his NBA story, and he's easily the best target for them to go for considering his age, skill-set and relationship with Wemby. If the Suns don't want Vassell, the Spurs can JUST BARELY match Durant's contract with Johnson, Barnes and Sochan. (They could replace Jeremy with two of Branham, Wesley or Champagnie, but I'm hoping Sochan adds value to the trade. Otherwise, the Spurs can keep Sochan and have a much stronger front court rotation.) Trading three forwards for one is bad, especially if 14 is also going out. The Spurs could also try to add in a Branham-for-O'Neale trade into the mix, which would give the Spurs much-needed forward depth.

So Harper at 2, 14 going out as part of the trade package for Durant, 38 gets packaged with a handful of seconds to get the Spurs into the bottom of the second-round where they can take a center before the run on them starts. I'm just going to pencil in Raynaud at 27. Someone mentioned Bobby Portis, a guy I've been high on for years now. I don't know how well he could hold up as the backup center, but theoretically he allows the Spurs to keep Raynaud (/another young center) on the bench for a couple of years to learn while giving the Spurs a jumbo look with he and Wemby playing together. I think he's likely to opt in unless some team informs his agent they'd be willing to give him a long-term deal that would justify leaving the option behind. Maybe three years at the full MLE with the last year being a team option would be enough to sway him? I honestly don't know if the Spurs NEED to bring in someone to take the final rotation spot (backup wing) given they have Fox, Harper, Castle and Vassell as the primary perimeter guys with Champagnie being good enough to get minutes and O'Neal/Durant also likely to grab minutes there. I'm just going to put Burks in there as a vet-min guy who can play both guard positions. Below is the roster with the two-way guys from last year filling in slots the probably wouldn't hold in the real world with the team going into the season as at worst a dark-horse contender.

Fox, Harper, Wesley
Vassell, Burks, Duke
Castle, Champagnie, Minix
Durant, O'Neal, Ingram
Wembayama, Portis, Raynaud

That's a pretty good team. The biggest swing factor to me on the off-season would be how much did it cost to get Durant while keeping the rest of the core? This is a really good roster for this stage of Wemby's development, but it's not so good that the team should be giving up multiple premium selections to make it happen. They're still reliant on Vassell figuring out how to be a productive role-player and for Castle to learn how to shoot and defend. The talent and potential are there, but it's probably too early for the Spurs' draft outlook to be encumbered but a lot of future commitments

Durant is problematic because of the two year extension he'll want. If he wants that at 35% supermax it's a complete no-go since it'll put the Spurs deep into the tax the first year of Victor's supermax. If he's willing to take a two year $60 million extension I'd be on board, especially since the Spurs could use Bird rights to frontload it with a $50 million first year and then a $10 million second year so KD would be making $54M, $50M, $10M over the next three years. Also if I'm sending Sochan and #14 out they have to take Vassell, not Barnes. Vassell, Sochan, Branham, Wesley, and #14 for Durant on draft night works under the cap and cuts significant payroll from the Suns. Vassell has to be the odd man out if drafting Harper.

https://i.ibb.co/MyV5MK7C/trade.jpg

[baseline bum]

Spurs would still be around $22M under the luxury tax with that trade too, so they could use the MLE. I like the Portis idea a lot.

Opening night rotation:

G Fox/Harper
G Castle/Harper/Champ
SF Barnes/Champ/Johnson
PF Durant/Portis/Barnes
C Wemby/Portis

Not sure if I'd start HB for the shooting or Champ for the defense. Keldon's minutes would get slashed while Harper would get a ton of playing time and Champ would only get spot minutes at guard but decent minutes at the SF.

[BG_Spurs_Fan]

Durant is problematic because of the two year extension he'll want. If he wants that at 35% supermax it's a complete no-go since it'll put the Spurs deep into the tax the first year of Victor's supermax. If he's willing to take a two year $60 million extension I'd be on board, especially since the Spurs could use Bird rights to frontload it with a $50 million first year and then a $10 million second year so KD would be making $54M, $50M, $10M over the next three years. Also if I'm sending Sochan and #14 out they have to take Vassell, not Barnes. Vassell, Sochan, Branham, Wesley, and #14 for Durant on draft night works under the cap and cuts significant payroll from the Suns. Vassell has to be the odd man out if drafting Harper.

https://i.ibb.co/MyV5MK7C/trade.jpg

This extension wouldn't be legal because it violates the max 8% raise/decline rule. Technically there could be ways to kinda sorta do it but it's pointless to entertain it as Durant wouldn't accept it.

I'm still on the Durant train, because he'd be so ideal for this team, but getting pick 2 instead of pick 8 or 9 complicates the situation. A deal around pick 2 would be a hefty price, a deal around 14 would be too low and some team will easily outbid. The only chance would be trading some of the good future picks and I'm not sure whether either Spurs or Suns would be happy to do it. Suns aren't going to tank , they'll want good players in return. A three team trade could possibly do it, but it's complicated as good things would have to come from the Spurs to both Suns and the 3rd team.

Unfortunately it appears Durant to Spurs is unlikely at this point.

On the other hand, for the Spurs, building organically around 3 top 4 picks sounds the most conservative and safe route. Give it a year and see where they are.

[baseline bum]

This extension wouldn't be legal because it violates the max 8% raise/decline rule. Technically there could be ways to kinda sorta do it but it's pointless to entertain it as Durant wouldn't accept it.

I'm still on the Durant train, because he'd be so ideal for this team, but getting pick 2 instead of pick 8 or 9 complicates the situation. A deal around pick 2 would be a hefty price, a deal around 14 would be too low and some team will easily outbid. The only chance would be trading some of the good future picks and I'm not sure whether either Spurs or Suns would be happy to do it. Suns aren't going to tank , they'll want good players in return. A three team trade could possibly do it, but it's complicated as good things would have to come from the Spurs to both Suns and the 3rd team.

Unfortunately it appears Durant to Spurs is unlikely at this point.

On the other hand, for the Spurs, building organically around 3 top 4 picks sounds the most conservative and safe route. Give it a year and see where they are.

I think it would still be workable with a more evenly spread 2 years, $60 million, say frontloaded to $31.25M first year, $28.75M second. I think Lowe was hinting Durant will be willing to take less to get to a better situtation so if he's willing to play for $30M a year in his age 38 and 39 seasons it's probably doable. I'm not sure Phoenix is going to get that great of offers for KD. Sochan, 14, Vassell might get it done.

[BG_Spurs_Fan]

I think it would still be workable with a more evenly spread 2 years, $60 million, say frontloaded to $31.25M first year, $28.75M second. I think Lowe was hinting Durant will be willing to take less to get to a better situtation so if he's willing to play for $30M a year in his age 38 and 39 seasons it's probably doable. I'm not sure Phoenix is going to get that great of offers for KD. Sochan, 14, Vassell might get it done.

Yeah if Suns are happy with this offer I’m doing it even if Durant wants his full extension. Spurs can manage it for that one year when Wemby’s max kicks in.

[Ice009]

I wasn't too interested in getting Durant due to what it's likely to cost, but if the Spurs can get something reasonable done, I'd be in on it. I really think he can teach Victor quite a bit and help him increase his game even more. This really is the major thing to me, how much he can help Victor more so than only his on court production, what he could teach Victor could be very beneficial to his game.

[RC_Drunkford]

I'm all on the KD train. Spurs feel like the best place for Durant to write the end of his NBA story, and he's easily the best target for them to go for considering his age, skill-set and relationship with Wemby. If the Suns don't want Vassell, the Spurs can JUST BARELY match Durant's contract with Johnson, Barnes and Sochan. (They could replace Jeremy with two of Branham, Wesley or Champagnie, but I'm hoping Sochan adds value to the trade. Otherwise, the Spurs can keep Sochan and have a much stronger front court rotation.) Trading three forwards for one is bad, especially if 14 is also going out. The Spurs could also try to add in a Branham-for-O'Neale trade into the mix, which would give the Spurs much-needed forward depth.

So Harper at 2, 14 going out as part of the trade package for Durant, 38 gets packaged with a handful of seconds to get the Spurs into the bottom of the second-round where they can take a center before the run on them starts. I'm just going to pencil in Raynaud at 27. Someone mentioned Bobby Portis, a guy I've been high on for years now. I don't know how well he could hold up as the backup center, but theoretically he allows the Spurs to keep Raynaud (/another young center) on the bench for a couple of years to learn while giving the Spurs a jumbo look with he and Wemby playing together. I think he's likely to opt in unless some team informs his agent they'd be willing to give him a long-term deal that would justify leaving the option behind. Maybe three years at the full MLE with the last year being a team option would be enough to sway him? I honestly don't know if the Spurs NEED to bring in someone to take the final rotation spot (backup wing) given they have Fox, Harper, Castle and Vassell as the primary perimeter guys with Champagnie being good enough to get minutes and O'Neal/Durant also likely to grab minutes there. I'm just going to put Burks in there as a vet-min guy who can play both guard positions. Below is the roster with the two-way guys from last year filling in slots the probably wouldn't hold in the real world with the team going into the season as at worst a dark-horse contender.

Fox, Harper, Wesley
Vassell, Burks, Duke
Castle, Champagnie, Minix
Durant, O'Neal, Ingram
Wembayama, Portis, Raynaud

That's a pretty good team. The biggest swing factor to me on the off-season would be how much did it cost to get Durant while keeping the rest of the core? This is a really good roster for this stage of Wemby's development, but it's not so good that the team should be giving up multiple premium selections to make it happen. They're still reliant on Vassell figuring out how to be a productive role-player and for Castle to learn how to shoot and defend. The talent and potential are there, but it's probably too early for the Spurs' draft outlook to be encumbered but a lot of future commitments

this might be the worst offseason scenario that I've seen upto now. You are giving up young players and assets for a bunch of players on the wrong side of 30. I'd much rather sign Kornet in the offseason as a back up C who just had 10/9 with 7 blocks yesterday.

PJ Washington, John Collins and Hachimura all have only 1 year left on their deals and the Spurs have lined up their contracts to have only 44.5 million on the books in 2026 (with Keldon and Vassell). Of course you have to add in Fox' and Sochan's extension as well as the rookie contracts coming in, but we could easily sign one of these guys regardless. Or just trade for them this summer or at the deadline. If we can get PJ while giving Dallas the swap back and rerouting a guard to them in a 3-team deal for Keldon or get John Collins for Keldon + Branham and second round picks we'd have our PF for the next 4 years.

Draft a 3-and-D wing with 14 and a 3rd string big project in the second round.

Fox/Harper/Wesley
Castle/Champagnie
Vassell/Barnes/Bryant
Washington/Sochan
Wemby/Kornet/Kalkbrenner or whoever is there

the 2 open spots should be some 3rd string shooters with at least one of them being a vet. This leaves you with all your assets in tact, a PF that's part of the core and a good rotation with 3rd string players that can take a bench role in the future. You then proceed to add more guys in the 2026 offseason when Barnes comes off the books and can free up more money if you trade Vassell.

[mystargtr34]

this might be the worst offseason scenario that I've seen upto now. You are giving up young players and assets for a bunch of players on the wrong side of 30. I'd much rather sign Kornet in the offseason as a back up C who just had 10/9 with 7 blocks yesterday.

PJ Washington, John Collins and Hachimura all have only 1 year left on their deals and the Spurs have lined up their contracts to have only 44.5 million on the books in 2026 (with Keldon and Vassell). Of course you have to add in Fox' and Sochan's extension as well as the rookie contracts coming in, but we could easily sign one of these guys regardless. Or just trade for them this summer or at the deadline. If we can get PJ while giving Dallas the swap back and rerouting a guard to them in a 3-team deal for Keldon or get John Collins for Keldon + Branham and second round picks we'd have our PF for the next 4 years.

Draft a 3-and-D wing with 14 and a 3rd string big project in the second round.

Fox/Harper/Wesley
Castle/Champagnie
Vassell/Barnes/Bryant
Washington/Sochan
Wemby/Kornet/Kalkbrenner or whoever is there

the 2 open spots should be some 3rd string shooters with at least one of them being a vet. This leaves you with all your assets in tact, a PF that's part of the core and a good rotation with 3rd string players that can take a bench role in the future. You then proceed to add more guys in the 2026 offseason when Barnes comes off the books and can free up more money if you trade Vassell.

This is the path I would go.

I’m all for signing Kornet and drafting a C with pick 38 like Kalkbrenner. That would fill the C pipeline nicely behind Wemby.

Also a fan of drafting Carter and trying to pickup Washington. If Carter is off the board I’m leaning either Fleming or Coward.

[tbdog]

On the edges deals, I would look at the Mavs with Washington and Gafford. Flagg puts a significant clog in their front court. Vassell for those two is a package I would look at.

[mo7888]

This extension wouldn't be legal because it violates the max 8% raise/decline rule. Technically there could be ways to kinda sorta do it but it's pointless to entertain it as Durant wouldn't accept it.

I'm still on the Durant train, because he'd be so ideal for this team, but getting pick 2 instead of pick 8 or 9 complicates the situation. A deal around pick 2 would be a hefty price, a deal around 14 would be too low and some team will easily outbid. The only chance would be trading some of the good future picks and I'm not sure whether either Spurs or Suns would be happy to do it. Suns aren't going to tank , they'll want good players in return. A three team trade could possibly do it, but it's complicated as good things would have to come from the Spurs to both Suns and the 3rd team.

Unfortunately it appears Durant to Spurs is unlikely at this point.

On the other hand, for the Spurs, building organically around 3 top 4 picks sounds the most conservative and safe route. Give it a year and see where they are.

You just jave to hope that their owner sees value in Devin, Keldon, or Sochan.

[Chinook]

this might be the worst offseason scenario that I've seen upto now. You are giving up young players and assets for a bunch of players on the wrong side of 30.

Are you really complaining about giving up Branham, Johnson, and Sochan for Durant and O'Neale? Is this reall life?

The Spurs shouldn't be looking for young players outside the draft. They have those already. What you proposed is a bunch of worse players or no improvement at all under the assumption that younger means better. The Spurs don't need to solve problems for the next four years. They need to have their core and continue to put players around them. I'm not going to go into the idea of trading Keldon for a useful player on an expiring contract for just some second feeling like a hard sell.

I think it's pretty clear that the roster you end up with is just worse except potentially salary flexibility. But the whole point in getting guys "on the wrong side of 30" is to allow for long-term flexibility. No, you don't necessarily create a max slot for 2026, but if the team is going to max out Fox, it's not clear that giving a max contract in 2026 is feasible anyway. What you want to try to avoid is having guys signed in four or five years when Wemby, Fox, Castle and Harper could all be on new contracts. So if you're going to have guys for only a couple of years, you want good guys, not just young guys. Is there a price that'd be too high to pay for Durant? Sure. But is Durant better than Washington, Collins or Kornet? Yes. (Also, Kornet is like five months younger than Portis. It doesn't make sense to have him on the list of guys who are on the "wrong side of 30" but not Kornet given that Luke will be 30 when the season starts). That matters, because next year matters. I'm not at all against rebuilding, but I am against half-measures like you're proposing.

[Baam]

I'm all on the KD train. Spurs feel like the best place for Durant to write the end of his NBA story, and he's easily the best target for them to go for considering his age, skill-set and relationship with Wemby. If the Suns don't want Vassell, the Spurs can JUST BARELY match Durant's contract with Johnson, Barnes and Sochan. (They could replace Jeremy with two of Branham, Wesley or Champagnie, but I'm hoping Sochan adds value to the trade. Otherwise, the Spurs can keep Sochan and have a much stronger front court rotation.) Trading three forwards for one is bad, especially if 14 is also going out. The Spurs could also try to add in a Branham-for-O'Neale trade into the mix, which would give the Spurs much-needed forward depth.

So Harper at 2, 14 going out as part of the trade package for Durant, 38 gets packaged with a handful of seconds to get the Spurs into the bottom of the second-round where they can take a center before the run on them starts. I'm just going to pencil in Raynaud at 27. Someone mentioned Bobby Portis, a guy I've been high on for years now. I don't know how well he could hold up as the backup center, but theoretically he allows the Spurs to keep Raynaud (/another young center) on the bench for a couple of years to learn while giving the Spurs a jumbo look with he and Wemby playing together. I think he's likely to opt in unless some team informs his agent they'd be willing to give him a long-term deal that would justify leaving the option behind. Maybe three years at the full MLE with the last year being a team option would be enough to sway him? I honestly don't know if the Spurs NEED to bring in someone to take the final rotation spot (backup wing) given they have Fox, Harper, Castle and Vassell as the primary perimeter guys with Champagnie being good enough to get minutes and O'Neal/Durant also likely to grab minutes there. I'm just going to put Burks in there as a vet-min guy who can play both guard positions. Below is the roster with the two-way guys from last year filling in slots the probably wouldn't hold in the real world with the team going into the season as at worst a dark-horse contender.

Fox, Harper, Wesley
Vassell, Burks, Duke
Castle, Champagnie, Minix
Durant, O'Neal, Ingram
Wembayama, Portis, Raynaud

That's a pretty good team. The biggest swing factor to me on the off-season would be how much did it cost to get Durant while keeping the rest of the core? This is a really good roster for this stage of Wemby's development, but it's not so good that the team should be giving up multiple premium selections to make it happen. They're still reliant on Vassell figuring out how to be a productive role-player and for Castle to learn how to shoot and defend. The talent and potential are there, but it's probably too early for the Spurs' draft outlook to be encumbered but a lot of future commitments
Yes it's pretty good, but if they're only meant to be good not great I'd much rather have CP3 mentoring Harper than Fox who will rightfully see him as a rival. I see high dysfunction potential.

Pop for all his faults had that ruthless side to him, not sure current Spurs still have that.

[Manu&Duncan fan]

Are you really complaining about giving up Branham, Johnson, and Sochan for Durant and O'Neale? Is this reall life?

The Spurs shouldn't be looking for young players outside the draft. They have those already. What you proposed is a bunch of worse players or no improvement at all under the assumption that younger means better. The Spurs don't need to solve problems for the next four years. They need to have their core and continue to put players around them. I'm not going to go into the idea of trading Keldon for a useful player on an expiring contract for just some second feeling like a hard sell.

I think it's pretty clear that the roster you end up with is just worse except potentially salary flexibility. But the whole point in getting guys "on the wrong side of 30" is to allow for long-term flexibility. No, you don't necessarily create a max slot for 2026, but if the team is going to max out Fox, it's not clear that giving a max contract in 2026 is feasible anyway. What you want to try to avoid is having guys signed in four or five years when Wemby, Fox, Castle and Harper could all be on new contracts. So if you're going to have guys for only a couple of years, you want good guys, not just young guys. Is there a price that'd be too high to pay for Durant? Sure. But is Durant better than Washington, Collins or Kornet? Yes. (Also, Kornet is like five months younger than Portis. It doesn't make sense to have him on the list of guys who are on the "wrong side of 30" but not Kornet given that Luke will be 30 when the season starts). That matters, because next year matters. I'm not at all against rebuilding, but I am against half-measures like you're proposing.

The problem is you propose to give up #2 and #14 for Durant.

This is beyond crazy!

Look at Curry and Butler, you still want a old guy like Durant at such expense?

[LeBowen]

I like Chinnok's post because he explains all of his ideas in detail, but this one is completely off the mark.

KD wants to leave, will be 37 when the season starts, expiring contract and they failed to trade him at the deadline.

[vy65]

Are you really complaining about giving up Branham, Johnson, and Sochan for Durant and O'Neale? Is this reall life?

The Spurs shouldn't be looking for young players outside the draft. They have those already. What you proposed is a bunch of worse players or no improvement at all under the assumption that younger means better. The Spurs don't need to solve problems for the next four years. They need to have their core and continue to put players around them. I'm not going to go into the idea of trading Keldon for a useful player on an expiring contract for just some second feeling like a hard sell.

I think it's pretty clear that the roster you end up with is just worse except potentially salary flexibility. But the whole point in getting guys "on the wrong side of 30" is to allow for long-term flexibility. No, you don't necessarily create a max slot for 2026, but if the team is going to max out Fox, it's not clear that giving a max contract in 2026 is feasible anyway. What you want to try to avoid is having guys signed in four or five years when Wemby, Fox, Castle and Harper could all be on new contracts. So if you're going to have guys for only a couple of years, you want good guys, not just young guys. Is there a price that'd be too high to pay for Durant? Sure. But is Durant better than Washington, Collins or Kornet? Yes. (Also, Kornet is like five months younger than Portis. It doesn't make sense to have him on the list of guys who are on the "wrong side of 30" but not Kornet given that Luke will be 30 when the season starts). That matters, because next year matters. I'm not at all against rebuilding, but I am against half-measures like you're proposing.

Rarely do I agree with you, but you’re spot on with this one.

[BG_Spurs_Fan]

The problem is you propose to give up #2 and #14 for Durant.

This is beyond crazy!

Look at Curry and Butler, you still want a old guy like Durant at such expense?

He didn’t propose this at all.

[Manu&Duncan fan]

I see. I misread. Chinook only proposed to send #14 plus our scrubs for Durant.

This works perfectly for Spurs.

But Suns can get much much better deal than that from other teams.

[mo7888]

I see. I misread. Chinook only proposed to send #14 plus our scrubs for Durant.

This works perfectly for Spurs.

But Suns can get much much better deal than that from other teams.

Can they? Houston maybe,if they don't pursue Giannis. Who else?

[Ocotillo]

I wonder if, Atlanta would use Trae Young to make a run at Giannis?

[Chinook]

I like Chinnok's post because he explains all of his ideas in detail, but this one is completely off the mark.

KD wants to leave, will be 37 when the season starts, expiring contract and they failed to trade him at the deadline.

How much was 37-year-old Duncan worth? He was easily worth a mid first despite his lack of mobility and need for rest. While Durant isn't Tim, he's aging pretty gracefully too.

The Suns didn't trade Durant because both sides still had hope the season was going to be salvaged before the bottom completely fell out.

[LeBowen]

How much was 37-year-old Duncan worth? He was easily worth a mid first despite his lack of mobility and need for rest. While Durant isn't Tim, he's aging pretty gracefully too.

My issue isn't with his basketball ability, but ego and fit.
Our situation changed drastically with the lottery outcome.
We'll have a proven all-star point and two young guards we hope can get there.
Wemby also won't give up on having the ball in some situations, he'll want some face ups, isolations, you get the point.

We need our PF to be an elite off the ball player, which KD obviously is, but would he be content with giving up the ball settling for OKC Carmelo role? We know how that went.
Make no mistake, even though KD is obviously a tier above as a player, he won't come here to be a supporting piece that will accept a rookie coach telling him to not stop the ball.

There's also the rebounding issue. We need a 8 to 10rpg physical presence, an enforcer. We don't need another weak forward on a roster that currently has just one physical player over 6'7.

KD doesn't look like a player who's ready to take the mentor role at the expense of his own usage. Even CP3 didn't want to come off the bench despite being washed.

[Chinook]

I see. I misread. Chinook only proposed to send #14 plus our scrubs for Durant.

This works perfectly for Spurs.

But Suns can get much much better deal than that from other teams.


Can they? Houston maybe,if they don't pursue Giannis. Who else?

There's a price for Durant, as there is for every player. I know the Spurs can afford it while keeping Wemby, Fox, Harper and Castle. I would be fine if it included Vassell, but if the Suns consider him negative value, then the Spurs could still make the trade work and might even benefit from a Devin who gets to learn from KD. Right now, I see Vassell's value near where Wiggins was when traded to GS: negative but not yet hopeless. It behooves the Spurs try to rehab his value if the alternative is to pay a team to take him or to take on an equally cumbersome deal for him.

I don't know that just 14 is enough incentive, especially if Sochan does hold a lot of positive value in the Suns' eyes. I'd be willing to add one of the upcoming picks if it also meant the O'Neale/Branham part happens. But that would be my limit.

Durant get a say in where he goes too. I don't think he wants to go to another circus like Memphis. Houston and Minny might work, but Houston might be big-game hunting, and the Wolves don't have much in the way of picks to offer, if they're even still interested

[exstatic]

I don't think he's washed yet (but he is overpaid). Also (and i could be wrong), but Wemby's extension doesn't start until PG comes off. So we wouldn't have over two max contracts at any given time. Maybe my timeliness off on Wemby though.

Wemby’s extension starts in 27, right after year 4. For future reference, Castle’s starts in 28, and Harper’s in 29.

Assuming he picks up his $56M PO in 27-28 because no one in their right mind would pay him that amount for three years at that point, he would overrun into both Wemby and Fox being on their extensions already.

[exstatic]

On the edges deals, I would look at the Mavs with Washington and Gafford. Flagg puts a significant clog in their front court. Vassell for those two is a package I would look at.

They’re going to need Gafford and Lively both, for depth, and to cover Street Clothes inevitable 30 games missed.

[Chinook]

My issue isn't with his basketball ability, but ego and fit.
Our situation changed drastically with the lottery outcome.
We'll have a proven all-star point and two young guards we hope can get there.
Wemby also won't give up on having the ball in some situations, he'll want some face ups, isolations, you get the point.

We need our PF to be an elite off the ball player, which KD obviously is, but would he be content with giving up the ball settling for OKC Carmelo role? We know how that went.
Make no mistake, even though KD is obviously a tier above as a player, he won't come here to be a supporting piece that will accept a rookie coach telling him to not stop the ball.

There's also the rebounding issue. We need a 8 to 10rpg physical presence, an enforcer. We don't need another weak forward on a roster that currently has just one physical player over 6'7.

KD doesn't look like a player who's ready to take the mentor role at the expense of his own usage. Even CP3 didn't want to come off the bench despite being washed.

They'd have to sell Durant to be sure. He can become the sage guiding the next dynasty to really rehab his image, or he can chase a situation that gives him control one last time. I think his experience on the Suns might actually show him it's time to make a chance. Unlike Giannis, Durant and Wemby actually seem to like each other. That goes a long way toward helping everyone fit on the court.

Everyone is going to have to be more physical on the court. That includes Wemby and the guards. Having another legit scorer should mean folks will have more energy and won't play too many minutes. We saw a dedicated Victor could easily average double-digit boards. Get a good backup center to help and enforce gang-rebounding tactics. A lot of the team's problems are coaching issues. That'll have to get fixed regardless of personnel.

[exstatic]

I wonder if, Atlanta would use Trae Young to make a run at Giannis?

Trae won’t go there, because he’s going to want a BIG ASS extension, which a then rebuilding Bucks won’t want to give.

[exstatic]

Can they? Houston maybe,if they don't pursue Giannis. Who else?

I think Houston is going to blow their wad on Freak.

[mo7888]

There's a price for Durant, as there is for every player. I know the Spurs can afford it while keeping Wemby, Fox, Harper and Castle. I would be fine if it included Vassell, but if the Suns consider him negative value, then the Spurs could still make the trade work and might even benefit from a Devin who gets to learn from KD. Right now, I see Vassell's value near where Wiggins was when traded to GS: negative but not yet hopeless. It behooves the Spurs try to rehab his value if the alternative is to pay a team to take him or to take on an equally cumbersome deal for him.

I don't know that just 14 is enough incentive, especially if Sochan does hold a lot of positive value in the Suns' eyes. I'd be willing to add one of the upcoming picks if it also meant the O'Neale/Branham part happens. But that would be my limit.

Durant get a say in where he goes too. I don't think he wants to go to another circus like Memphis. Houston and Minny might work, but Houston might be big-game hunting, and the Wolves don't have much in the way of picks to offer, if they're even still interested

I'm in favor favor of going after Durant over a guy like Giannis because Giannis would be more expensive asset wise. While there's a price to be paid i don't see too many options for Phoenix. I think some combination of they guys you mentioned + 14 + a few 2nd's will get it done.

[mo7888]

I think Houston is going to blow their wad on Freak.

I think so too. Then they'll have Amen + Giannis with nothing left.

[montgod]

I think Houston is going to blow their wad on Freak.


I think so too. Then they'll have Amen + Giannis with nothing left.

I've read that Giannis wants to stay in the East and singled out Nets and Raptors as possible locations he'd be open to. I can kind of see the Nets since they have a lot of assets to work with and he just bought a house in NY, but Toronto was a surprise. They do have a few good pieces depending on what's left after a trade.

[poopbox]

I'm all on the KD train. Spurs feel like the best place for Durant to write the end of his NBA story, and he's easily the best target for them to go for considering his age, skill-set and relationship with Wemby. If the Suns don't want Vassell, the Spurs can JUST BARELY match Durant's contract with Johnson, Barnes and Sochan. (They could replace Jeremy with two of Branham, Wesley or Champagnie, but I'm hoping Sochan adds value to the trade. Otherwise, the Spurs can keep Sochan and have a much stronger front court rotation.) Trading three forwards for one is bad, especially if 14 is also going out. The Spurs could also try to add in a Branham-for-O'Neale trade into the mix, which would give the Spurs much-needed forward depth.

So Harper at 2, 14 going out as part of the trade package for Durant, 38 gets packaged with a handful of seconds to get the Spurs into the bottom of the second-round where they can take a center before the run on them starts. I'm just going to pencil in Raynaud at 27. Someone mentioned Bobby Portis, a guy I've been high on for years now. I don't know how well he could hold up as the backup center, but theoretically he allows the Spurs to keep Raynaud (/another young center) on the bench for a couple of years to learn while giving the Spurs a jumbo look with he and Wemby playing together. I think he's likely to opt in unless some team informs his agent they'd be willing to give him a long-term deal that would justify leaving the option behind. Maybe three years at the full MLE with the last year being a team option would be enough to sway him? I honestly don't know if the Spurs NEED to bring in someone to take the final rotation spot (backup wing) given they have Fox, Harper, Castle and Vassell as the primary perimeter guys with Champagnie being good enough to get minutes and O'Neal/Durant also likely to grab minutes there. I'm just going to put Burks in there as a vet-min guy who can play both guard positions. Below is the roster with the two-way guys from last year filling in slots the probably wouldn't hold in the real world with the team going into the season as at worst a dark-horse contender.

Fox, Harper, Wesley
Vassell, Burks, Duke
Castle, Champagnie, Minix
Durant, O'Neal, Ingram
Wembayama, Portis, Raynaud

That's a pretty good team. The biggest swing factor to me on the off-season would be how much did it cost to get Durant while keeping the rest of the core? This is a really good roster for this stage of Wemby's development, but it's not so good that the team should be giving up multiple premium selections to make it happen. They're still reliant on Vassell figuring out how to be a productive role-player and for Castle to learn how to shoot and defend. The talent and potential are there, but it's probably too early for the Spurs' draft outlook to be encumbered but a lot of future commitments

I feel like 2 for KD is to high. I'd rather give up Castle and keep 2 to draft harper. I also just don't want Devin on the team. I've seen enough to not want to see anymore.

[Guru of Nothing]

PG13 is the worst contract in the league right now. PHI is going to have to attach multiple picks to shed themselves of it if they need to.

Is he eevn the worst contract on his team?

[montgod]

Is he eevn the worst contract on his team?

It's a fair question. Will Embiid ever be the same? Hmm...

[montgod]

I feel like 2 for KD is to high. I'd rather give up Castle and keep 2 to draft harper. I also just don't want Devin on the team. I've seen enough to not want to see anymore.

I am on board with adding Durant but not for #2 or getting into a bidding war. I'd give #14 for him and some kind of swap with Vassell or KJ to help match salary otherwise pass.

And I've seen multiple reports where the owner said he'll never trade Devin so... there is that. I wouldn't want him either.

[Chinook]

I feel like 2 for KD is to high. I'd rather give up Castle and keep 2 to draft harper. I also just don't want Devin on the team. I've seen enough to not want to see anymore.

2 is used to draft Harper, not traded for Durant.

[CGD]

I see. I misread. Chinook only proposed to send #14 plus our scrubs for Durant.

This works perfectly for Spurs.

But Suns can get much much better deal than that from other teams.

You overstate the market for Durant. And then underrate Durants ability to tank deals to random teams who might have a “better deal.”

[poopbox]

2 is used to draft Harper, not traded for Durant.

Ah ok. I interpreted it as 2, 14 going out for Durant as that was part of the trade, instead of we keep 2 and 14 plus filler goes to Durant.

Suns are dumb enough to bite on this. Ishiba literally just hired his friend to be the GM so he could be the GM himself.

[spurraider21]

i like durant. i dont think theres a team in the league where he's a poor fit. its just going to come down to how much draft capital we'd be expected to part with beyond #14 this year. as much as some of us on ST feel pretty over Vassell/Sochan, i agree with chinook that they should carry some degree of trade value and arent going to be seen or treated purely as salary fodder in the way Keldon and Barnes might. and yeah id insist on shipping branham as part of the trade. it was ridiculous to pick up his option to begin with

i like Portis but not if his expectation is primarily backup 5

[mo7888]

i like durant. i dont think theres a team in the league where he's a poor fit. its just going to come down to how much draft capital we'd be expected to part with beyond #14 this year. as much as some of us on ST feel pretty over Vassell/Sochan, i agree with chinook that they should carry some degree of trade value and arent going to be seen or treated purely as salary fodder in the way Keldon and Barnes might. and yeah id insist on shipping branham as part of the trade. it was ridiculous to pick up his option to begin with

i like Portis but not if his expectation is primarily backup 5

I could be totally wrong on this, but I think picking up Wesley and Branham's option were about giving us smallish salaries to use in packages to make salaries match. I don't think they picked it up for any on court reason. After this summer we'll know if that was a smart strategy or not.

[spurraider21]

I could be totally wrong on this, but I think picking up Wesley and Branham's option were about giving us smallish salaries to use in packages to make salaries match. I don't think they picked it up for any on court reason. After this summer we'll know if that was a smart strategy or not.
maybe. i didnt hate picking up Wesley's option because he actually contributes and has gotten better year to year. branham's was nonsense, but i hope you are right about what their reasoning was.

[spurraider21]

if we hand't lucked into #2, the other aspect of a KD trade would probably be CP3's willingness to stick around as a reserve on a team trying to make a run

[CGD]

I could be totally wrong on this, but I think picking up Wesley and Branham's option were about giving us smallish salaries to use in packages to make salaries match. I don't think they picked it up for any on court reason. After this summer we'll know if that was a smart strategy or not.

Spot on. Combined by my math they can bring back a player in the 10-12M range.

[Chinook]

if we hand't lucked into #2, the other aspect of a KD trade would probably be CP3's willingness to stick around as a reserve on a team trying to make a run

And whether he and KD have animosity that'd prevent them from being teammates again.

[CGD]

Who says no?

SAS: Straus; Okoro; 31FRP
CLE: Vassell

Spurs get shooting help (Straus), and a Keldon replacement (Okoro) for when he's dealt separately. Both deals end in 2 years. The 31FRP is the first CLE can trade if my understanding of their traded picks is right.

[mo7888]

Who says no?

SAS: Straus; Okoro; 31FRP
CLE: Vassell

Spurs get shooting help (Straus), and a Keldon replacement (Okoro) for when he's dealt separately. Both deals end in 2 years. The 31FRP is the first CLE can trade if my understanding of their traded picks is right.

Probably Cleveland, but maybe not... that's a pretty good one value wise.

[exstatic]

You overstate the market for Durant. And then underrate Durants ability to tank deals to random teams who might have a “better deal.”

Houston sending their Phoenix lottery pick back, plus salaries, probably beats our deal.

[BG_Spurs_Fan]

Okoro is unplayable and has 2 more years on his contract. Poison.

[exstatic]

Who says no?

SAS: Straus; Okoro; 31FRP
CLE: Vassell

Spurs get shooting help (Straus), and a Keldon replacement (Okoro) for when he's dealt separately. Both deals end in 2 years. The 31FRP is the first CLE can trade if my understanding of their traded picks is right.

Cleveland sent picks along with Cedi specifically for the ability to sign Strus. They had a good year, but some bad luck. I don’t see them making any major moves.

[CGD]

Okoro is unplayable and has 2 more years on his contract. Poison.

Hes dead weight maybe, but useful in getting off DV's longer term money

[CGD]

Cleveland sent picks along with Cedi specifically for the ability to sign Strus. They had a good year, but some bad luck. I don’t see them making any major moves.

I think its less about what they did in the past, and more about what they need to return to the top in the East. While Dev would be an upgrade in my view, I do think that the Celtics new situation may make them feel comfortable staying pat as you say.

[BG_Spurs_Fan]

Hes dead weight maybe, but useful in getting off DV's longer term money

Why would we want to get rid of Devin's contract, which is declining and have literal dead money on the books in the form of Okoro? Spurs are in a great spot cap-wise and need more volume shooters, not less.

Also, Cleveland are in the 2nd apron and can't execute this trade, it doesn't get them below it.

What they need to do it to find a way to pay a team to absorb Okoro into their MLE and find a creative way to acquire a wing stopper. Their cap situation is bad with Mitchell's and Mobley's extensions kicking in and Mobley's being 30%, instead of 25%.

[mudyez]

Asking for a friend: Not a trade, but is there a world, where we take on Al Hordord for two years?

[Robz4000]

Assuming Harper's camp doesn't want him in SA:

SA: #5, Herb Jones, TMIII, Missi

PHI: Vassell, Zion, 26 swap with best of SA/ATL/PHI

NO: #2, #3, #14, PG13, Branham, Wesley

[venitian navigator]

whattabout Vassell + Braham for De Andre Ayton? we need a big and DAY is on the last year of his contract (so next season at least he's gonna free cap space) and Portland has Clingan on the rise plus minutes to give to R. Williams...

[Robz4000]

whattabout Vassell + Braham for De Andre Ayton? we need a big and DAY is on the last year of his contract (so next season at least he's gonna free cap space) and Portland has Clingan on the rise plus minutes to give to R. Williams...

I'd rather keep Vassell tbh.

[exstatic]

whattabout Vassell + Braham for De Andre Ayton? we need a big and DAY is on the last year of his contract (so next season at least he's gonna free cap space) and Portland has Clingan on the rise plus minutes to give to R. Williams...

Ayton sucks. He’s a very talented lazy ass. There’s a reason that Portland drafted Clingan. He’s going to push Ayton out,and onto the F A market.

[scott]

Assuming Harper's camp doesn't want him in SA:

SA: #5, Herb Jones, TMIII, Missi

PHI: Vassell, Zion, 26 swap with best of SA/ATL/PHI

NO: #2, #3, #14, PG13, Branham, Wesley

NO doesn't have #5, they have #7, which makes a pretty huge difference in this draft, IMO.

The Herb/TMIII idea is the only potential trade-down scenario that even remotely interests me, personally

[Twisted_Dawg]

NO doesn't have #5, they have #7, which makes a pretty huge difference in this draft, IMO.

The Herb/TMIII idea is the only potential trade-down scenario that even remotely interests me, personally

Does this one interest you: Vassell straight up for Cam Johnson? Brooklyn gets some backcourt help, and SA gets a frontcourt player that can hit a three. Brooklyn gets a player four years younger under contract for four years on a descending contract at $27 million, and SA gets a player under contract for two more years averaging $22 million. Spurs can throw in Wesley of Barnham as ballast.
Both players have warts to their game.

[scott]

Does this one interest you: Vassell straight up for Cam Johnson? Brooklyn gets some backcourt help, and SA gets a frontcourt player that can hit a three. Brooklyn gets a player four years younger under contract for four years on a descending contract at $27 million, and SA gets a player under contract for two more years averaging $22 million. Spurs can throw in Wesley of Barnham as ballast.
Both players have warts to their game.

Yes, but not so much because I like Cam Johnson but because he fits the team better and it saves us $5M/yr and two years of Vassell's contract.

I rate Vassell and Cam about equally, but Vassell is a SG in my opinion and if we are getting Harper there is no room for him. Cam is that hybrid 3/4 who isn't exactly what we need but still fits better.

I saw a 3-way trade idea on Reddit that had us giving up Vassell and getting Cam and Goga (I think we'd have to add some SRPs to ORL to make this happen)... I'd be into that (I realize there are concerns about whatever altercation Goga once got into years ago, and honestly am not sure the Spurs would really put too much weight into that so long as the rest of Goga's background checked out).

[Robz4000]

NO doesn't have #5, they have #7, which makes a pretty huge difference in this draft, IMO.

The Herb/TMIII idea is the only potential trade-down scenario that even remotely interests me, personally

Forgot about det tbh.

[spurraider21]

Yes, but not so much because I like Cam Johnson but because he fits the team better and it saves us $5M/yr and two years of Vassell's contract.

I rate Vassell and Cam about equally, but Vassell is a SG in my opinion and if we are getting Harper there is no room for him. Cam is that hybrid 3/4 who isn't exactly what we need but still fits better.

I saw a 3-way trade idea on Reddit that had us giving up Vassell and getting Cam and Goga (I think we'd have to add some SRPs to ORL to make this happen)... I'd be into that (I realize there are concerns about whatever altercation Goga once got into years ago, and honestly am not sure the Spurs would really put too much weight into that so long as the rest of Goga's background checked out).
yeah Cam definitely fits better than Devin both positionally as well as skillset. less on-ball stuff which we dont need from that spot anyway, but significantly better 3pt shooter with legit ability to punish closeouts and score in a variety of ways. defensively its kind of a wash, though vassell seemed like he was... turning the corner a bit and began making quite a few plays on defense down the stretch :lol

[dn0774]

So any recent chatter regarding Zion Williamson? He still expected to be available? Wonder what the asking price is.

I figured this was the year the Pels finally moved on from him but then there he was representing the Pelicans on Draft Lottery night...was that a vote of confidence or a punishment for him? If I was one of the tanking teams who struck out in the draft lottery again I would seriously be considering a trade for Zion if the price was low enough. If it flops, you're still tanking and if he somehow puts it together you have a top 10 player potentially.

[Eaglenole2002]

What’s Jerace Walker’s value these days? I wonder if he might benefit from a change of scenery and be a decent buy-low option.

[scott]

What’s Jerace Walker’s value these days? I wonder if he might benefit from a change of scenery and be a decent buy-low option.

There you go... mo7888 and I would champion this one

[Duncan2177]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0r6Q3FFypBw&pp=0gcJCY0JAYcqIYzv

[CGD]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0r6Q3FFypBw&pp=0gcJCY0JAYcqIYzv

Imagine paying Bam $60M in the last year of his deal...

[Duncan2177]

Imagine paying Bam $60M in the last year of his deal...

True

[mo7888]

There you go... mo7888 and I would champion this one

Damn skippy...

[Dejounte]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0r6Q3FFypBw&pp=0gcJCY0JAYcqIYzv
Even better than a Gianni trade if we’re talking about timeline. I would do it.

[mo7888]

Even better than a Gianni trade if we’re talking about timeline. I would do it.

I mean it's a good fit, but what kind of package are we talking?

[baseline bum]

Imagine paying Bam $60M in the last year of his deal...

It'll be 29% of the cap. Maybe a little bit of an overpay but not that much of one for a defensive ace. Just gotta remember the 10% yearly bumps in cap when looking at these contract numbers. In 28-29 you're talking about a cap that's 46% higher than what we have now (1.1^4 = 1.46).

[tbdog]

So any recent chatter regarding Zion Williamson? He still expected to be available? Wonder what the asking price is.

I figured this was the year the Pels finally moved on from him but then there he was representing the Pelicans on Draft Lottery night...was that a vote of confidence or a punishment for him? If I was one of the tanking teams who struck out in the draft lottery again I would seriously be considering a trade for Zion if the price was low enough. If it flops, you're still tanking and if he somehow puts it together you have a top 10 player potentially.

Pelicans will keep him, because without him, they suck. They have no choice to ride it out. Like who cares if they get some crappy firsts or a crap contract to get rid of him, they are dead in the water. May as well ride his contract out and just hope things work out.

[objective]

I don't mind the Chinook KD proposal, though I'd really like to keep #14 because otherwise draft night will be boring as hell.

Sochan, KJ and Wesley should be enough, maybe some seconds instead. Durant is a bad night from being thoroughly washed, is getting worse on defense, and as a diva is a bad idea for a rookie head coach

Sochan's attention seeking hair coloring is most effective at tricking people into thinking he's better than he is because it makes him memorable. One of the best games of his career was against Phoenix also.

[Gandalf]

Don’t want Durant or Giannis; after looking at it though, Adebayo is only 27, is a great defender, can rebound and shoot the 3. His contract is a bit much, but we may be able to get him cheaper (Vassell and filler, maybe a couple picks a year or so out). At least look into it.

[mo7888]

Moving this over from the Harper thread where it was suggested that Brooklyn would move #8 + 3 firsts + Cam for #2...

Here's the type of deal that would entice me to trade #2, and this assumes Miami would move Bam:

Heat- Keldon + #14 + #26 + #38 + 2027 atl pick + Wesley + Branham

Brooklyn- Devin + #2

Spurs- Bam + Cam + #8 + 2029 NY pick + 2031 NY pick

[Extra Stout]

#2 + Keldon + Devin for #8 + Cam Johnson + Nic Claxton + 2026 FRP

You lose a potential franchise player but clear out The Power of Friendship in exchange for pieces the Spurs (sharpshooting wing, size) need plus you still get a useful contributor at 8 and probably another lottery ticket from BKN in 2026.

Personally I’d keep Harper and plug the roster holes some other way but I think this is what a doable trade would look like.

[mo7888]

#2 + Keldon + Devin for #8 + Cam Johnson + Nic Claxton + 2026 FRP

You lose a potential franchise player but clear out The Power of Friendship in exchange for pieces the Spurs (sharpshooting wing, size) need plus you still get a useful contributor at 8 and probably another lottery ticket from BKN in 2026.

Personally I’d keep Harper and plug the roster holes some other way but I think this is what a doable trade would look like.

I'm out on that. I'm not even sure I'd do the Bam trade, but it would take someone of Bam's caliber to even make me consider it.

[RC_Drunkford]

I wouldn't trade any of Harper/Castle. Spurs should only go all in with their future picks if it's another Fox like fleece.

[RC_Drunkford]

Even better than a Gianni trade if we’re talking about timeline. I would do it.

contract wise he'd give us a little more flexibility than adding Giannis. This would be a really intriguing deal tbh. Would still like to keep Castle & Harper though and just send them a gang of picks and role players. If that would be possible, which I highly doubt, you gotta do that deal.


Imagine paying Bam $60M in the last year of his deal...

not really an issue tbh. At that point the salary cap is 205 million and the luxury tax at 250 million. His deal would be 29% of the cap.

[Dejounte]

contract wise he'd give us a little more flexibility than adding Giannis. This would be a really intriguing deal tbh. Would still like to keep Castle & Harper though and just send them a gang of picks and role players. If that would be possible, which I highly doubt, you gotta do that deal.

I’d give up Harper. Of course Harper could turn out good. It’s a risk I’ll take. I like Bam’s fit a lot— I’ve stated that before. And he and Fox are close. I think perfect synergy is there. We’ve got so many picks going forward. Another Harper might come. Doing this move means we are 100% behind Castle and him leading the way with Wemby. It’s just a less cloudy future, IMO.

It’s very hard to find a player like Bam. I can’t name a player like him in this draft— same as Aaron Gordon. Just a very rare archetype + talent combination.

[RC_Drunkford]

since the GMing part is one of the most interesting things to me (which is why I picked this username), I just put some quick cap sheets for different trade scenarios together. I only have Wemby, Fox, Castle and Harper on it plus either Bam or Giannis. I put Champagnie's salary up as well since he's a bargain contract who could easily be in a playoff rotation of a top heavy contender.

All extensions are 30% of the cap with 8% raises. One would hope that Brian Wright can work some magic with Fox and get him to sign for a little less. I also got Castle signing the 30% max, which ain't set in stone. In the first scenario I'm trading Harper + fillers and picks for Giannis. Leaving us with this:

https://ibb.co/S4zT0ZDk
https://i.ibb.co/q3vG92LH/Spurs-Giannis-Cap.jpg

the first 2 years wouldn't be a problem with Wemby and Castle still on rookie deals. There's plenty of room to keep players like Barnes and Keldon or add players via trade, MLE, etc. Once Wemby's max extension is kicking in it gets significantly tighter. Giannis has a player option for 66 million in the same year. This is more than he would earn if he opts out and resigns, since this is still the Bucks supermax deal. I then added a regular 30% max extension the year after. That's also where Castle's max kicks in as well.

Mind you at this point Giannis is 33 years old and probably wants a 5 year max, which means we're paying 37 year old Giannis 80+ million later down the line.

One could say this is where we have to move Fox, who's then 30. We most likely wouldn't have a lot of picks to include in that one though, unless we go even further into the future and trade our 2033 pick.

This process could be delayed by 1 year if we trade Castle in the deal and keep Harper instead.

The problem here is that by the 2029 (the latest), we'd be left with 34-year old Giannis with 3 more max years, Castle or Harper and Wemby while not having picks to trade until 2035. Having to do a bunch of cap gymnastics to form a good supporting cast while not having a lot of assets in the backpocket, leaves you in 2025 Nuggets, Bucks and Lakers territory and could make Wemby question his longterm future.


Here's the Bam scenario. I'd only do this if we can keep Castle and Harper, which is obviously close to impossible, but let's have some fun with it:

https://i.ibb.co/tPqs22MK/Spurs-Bam-Cap.jpg


While the difference between Bam's and Giannis' contracts is only about 10 million per year after this season, the contract structure and age difference is much more suitable. This season with Bam only at 37 million would actually allow us to have a super deep roster. Again, things get tight once Wemby's extension kicks in.

In 27/28 we'd have about 35 million to fill out the roster and stay under the tax. The great thing is we already have 5 great players under contract who play multiple positions, so all we need is about 2 to 3 3-and-D wings to complete our rotation. Resigning Barnes and Champagnie for example would make sense for this long term scenario.

This would give us a 3-year window with prime Bam. By 28/29 somebody has to go. Bam has a player option for 60 million and will definitely opt in. At this point you probably move Fox (might have to attach a first round pick) and let Harper/Castle take over. The good thing is Bam would only be 31 and might resign for less. Even if you let him walk we're still left with a Wemby/Castle/Harper core.

Harper's extension would be due in 30/31, but we could actually carry these 3 contracts with the cap going up 10% yearly. At that point the luxury threshold is 300 million.

[ginobilized]

Bam is an enticing idea. I like it much better than Giannis or KD.

My gut says the Spurs want to build organically and what's better than a generational talent, a potential All-star and the #2 pick upon which to build? Add Fox to the mix and maybe pick #14 and we are looking at just adding role players and letting the team learn to win together over time. That's the route I bet they take, but, I've been wrong plenty of times. This offseason will be very telling of the Spurs plans and vision.

[Chinook]

I think RCD does a great job in showing why guys like Giannis and Bam make no sense but why Durant makes a lot of sense. 2027-2028 is the real break year -- you aren't keeping three maxes after that year. So there's really no benefit in bringing in a younger guy. You end up paying a premium for a player because you're acquiring the right to have him for several years but only getting a couple of years of value out of them. An older player you're acquiring for a couple of years and paying for a couple of years.

The Spurs aren't going to be a deep-tax team. I doubt they'll ever pay repeater tax. They aren't touching that second apron. While I don't think it's ridiculous to try to line up Fox's salary, Vassell's salary and that of a third star to where they all dip in the year Wemby's extension kicks in, that's so much harder if the third star is a guy in his prime. Asking KD to give up a few million in the last year of his extension is very different than asking Giannis to take a few million off the first year of his extension (which prorogates down the rest of the years), and it's impossible for Bam to take less because that year's already locked in. Eventually, the Spurs are going to have to transition into a two-star team ala Durant and Westbrook. They have a few years to figure out who those two stars will be, but it feels likely it'll be Wemby and his PF.

[Mal]

F no to Bam. He is not worth the money he is being paid and that would clog the cap space for someone who could be replaced cheaper, not event starting with what Pat would want for him

[TD 21]

The problem with a Durant trade is the most logical package was Vassell, Johnson/Barnes, 8/9 and 14. What replaces 8/9 that's neither an over or under pay?

Keep in mind, the Suns (foolishly) don't value the draft and are still trying to "compete", so some far off unprotected 1st or swap rights isn't likely to hold much appeal to them; unless a third team is included to reroute it to so they can add a more immediate asset.


Moving this over from the Harper thread where it was suggested that Brooklyn would move #8 + 3 firsts + Cam for #2...

Here's the type of deal that would entice me to trade #2, and this assumes Miami would move Bam:

Heat- Keldon + #14 + #26 + #38 + 2027 atl pick + Wesley + Branham

Brooklyn- Devin + #2

Spurs- Bam + Cam + #8 + 2029 NY pick + 2031 NY pick

I've thought about something along those lines, but the problem is the Spurs don't need the Nets' late 1sts and I wouldn't think they'd offer light (like top 1) or unprotected of one of their future natural 1sts and even if they did, the Spurs would more than likely just take the bird in the hand (Harper Jr.).

I've seen Claxton included in another iteration, but this team needs girth in the paint and can't afford another non shooter, especially if Sochan isn't in the trade.

Where'd this Adebayo rumor come from? He's a pipe dream. He'd be an excellent fit, but the Heat don't re-build and he's their "culture" carrier, which means more than likely a lifer.

[Chinook]

There are rumblings that the Cavs may find Vassell a desirable replacement for Garland if they move Darius for salary reasons or as part of another trade. That makes me wonder about the possibility of getting Middleton in exchange for Devin. He'd provide more vet leadership, can actually play SF, can shoot, defend and pass, and his contract expires at the end of this upcoming season. He has injury concerns, but if we're seriously talking about running Fox, Harper and Castle anyway, then that's not the biggest concern. They'd need to pick up a bench guard to bolster the roster in case of injury, but that's fine.

[LeBowen]

Middleton literally has no ankles left.

If Garland rumors are true, maybe something like Devin and Martin to CLE, Garland to DAL, Washington and Gafford to SAS.
Both DAL and SAS would have to add a FRP, but it would he a good deal for us.

[scott]

Need to start thinking of scenarios of what this roster looks like if/when we don't make any trades other than sending out #14 for future assets (which would be okay)

I think there is a strong possibility our opening day lineup is

Fox/Harper
Castle/Branham
Vassell/Johnson/Champ
Barnes/Sochan
Wemby/???

So long as they fill in those question marks at backup C, this should still be a solid playoff team. The more I think about it, the more I think the FO will be looking to see what Devin and Jeremy look like with a functional team around them. It will be sink or swim for those two.

[Guru of Nothing]

Need to start thinking of scenarios of what this roster looks like if/when we don't make any trades other than sending out #14 for future assets (which would be okay)

I think there is a strong possibility our opening day lineup is

Fox/Harper
Castle/Branham
Vassell/Johnson/Champ
Barnes/Sochan
Wemby/???

So long as they fill in those question marks at backup C, this should still be a solid playoff team. The more I think about it, the more I think the FO will be looking to see what Devin and Jeremy look like with a functional team around them. It will be sink or swim for those two.

Blake Wesley is sad.

[scott]

Blake Wesley is sad.

He'll be there behind Harper in this depth chart, and will probably plan more than Branhim. I'd assume all the guard minutes soaked up by Fox/Castle/Harper

[Ice009]

Eventually, the Spurs are going to have to transition into a two-star team ala Durant and Westbrook. They have a few years to figure out who those two stars will be, but it feels likely it'll be Wemby and his PF.

What did you mean by "Wemby and his PF"? Not sure if PF stands for power forward or something else.

[Joseph Kony]

blake wesley cleared his instagram...:stirpot:

[Seventyniner]

blake wesley cleared his instagram...:stirpot:

He's still under contract for next season, but there's no way the Spurs offer him an extension. He's also prime trade ballast, and probably has more value than a random G-Leaguer.

[Gandalf]

Any other Spurs players clear their social media? When would we hear about the trade?

Sorry if Wesley is gone, but he’ll probably get more opportunity elsewhere now that we’re getting Harper.

[tbdog]

One trade idea for the cavs for vassell is a three-way with Mavs. Where Mavs get Garland and send our Martin to Cavs. Spurs get PJ and Gafford. Cavs get Vassell.

Mavs: Garland
Spurs: Washington & Gafford
Cavs: Vassall & Martin.

[RC_Drunkford]

Adding PJ and Gafford would be a dream scenario, especially if all you gotta trade for them is Devin and a first. Those 2 turned the Mavs into a contender and are both only 26. Extend them both and we are a serious playoff team for years to come.

Fox/Harper
Castle/Champagnie
Barnes/Keldon
Washington/Sochan
Wemby/Gafford

[Chinook]

Unless that first is 14, their picks are too valuable to trade for role-players. We're talking about four firsts with swaps, a fifth from a mediocre team on the verge of implosion and two more so far out that the team shouldn't feel comfortable dealing them. Even 14 in a decent draft is really high. Even then, I'd want a second back from each to pay part of the raft of seconds I'd want the Spurs to give up to move back into the first round

[RC_Drunkford]

According to the self proclaimed twitter NBA insider Evan Townsend (I don't think he's a reliable source), Keldon is not getting dealt because he's represented by clutch and clutch is helping the Spurs build the roster around Wemby. Do with that info what you want. He's saying they are more likely to move Devin and Barnes.

[scottspurs]

According to the self proclaimed twitter NBA insider Evan Townsend (I don't think he's a reliable source), Keldon is not getting dealt because he's represented by clutch and clutch is helping the Spurs build the roster around Wemby. Do with that info what you want. He's saying they are more likely to move Devin and Barnes.

Yeah not sure if that is a reliable source but I believe Klutch sports also represents Mitch Johnson. Makes sense that they would want the Spurs to succeed. I don’t mind keeping Keldon Johnson as #8-9 guy in rotation that brings energy off the bench. He has already accepted the bench role. Are we sure Vassell and Barnes will do the same? I like Barnes because he is one of the better shooters on the team but his rebounding is not very good for someone playing the 4. I like Vassell too but his defense is suspect and I don’t think his trade value will get any higher than now with a reduced role next season.

[mo7888]

Unless that first is 14, their picks are too valuable to trade for role-players. We're talking about four firsts with swaps, a fifth from a mediocre team on the verge of implosion and two more so far out that the team shouldn't feel comfortable dealing them. Even 14 in a decent draft is really high. Even then, I'd want a second back from each to pay part of the raft of seconds I'd want the Spurs to give up to move back into the first round

Which trade proposal are you referring to?

[LeBowen]

According to the self proclaimed twitter NBA insider Evan Townsend (I don't think he's a reliable source), Keldon is not getting dealt because he's represented by clutch and clutch is helping the Spurs build the roster around Wemby. Do with that info what you want. He's saying they are more likely to move Devin and Barnes.

I'm more inclined to believe the locker room leader and family atmopshere theory.
Anyhow, their client list.

https://hoopshype.com/reps/rich-paul/

The only player that would fit our roster and has a reasonable contract is Miles Bridges, but he's a degenerate abuser.


Yeah not sure if that is a reliable source but I believe Klutch sports also represents Mitch Johnson. Makes sense that they would want the Spurs to succeed. I don’t mind keeping Keldon Johnson as #8-9 guy in rotation that brings energy off the bench. He has already accepted the bench role. Are we sure Vassell and Barnes will do the same? I like Barnes because he is one of the better shooters on the team but his rebounding is not very good for someone playing the 4. I like Vassell too but his defense is suspect and I don’t think his trade value will get any higher than now with a reduced role next season.

We can't afford to lose Barnes, he was out by far the best shooter this season.

[RC_Drunkford]

Barnes is perfect as a vet for this team. But I can see the Spurs moving him because a 19 million expiring contract has its worth and could bring a better player or some assets back.


I'm more inclined to believe the locker room leader and family atmopshere theory.
Anyhow, their client list.

https://hoopshype.com/reps/rich-paul/

The only player that would fit our roster and has a reasonable contract is Miles Bridges, but he's a degenerate abuser.

I just now looked into that as well. It ain't that many players and we really don't need any of them :lol

[Ice009]

I just looked at that list too. How are they going to help us fill out the roster with those guys?

I'm curious how long Mitch has been signed with them. I saw it mentioned he was signed with Klutch, but have completely forgotten about it.

There's only one guy there I'd really want and that's Dereck Lively. We don't need any more guards if the Spurs draft Dylan Harper, so that doesn't leave much. Anthony Davis I'd be very interested in, but not at the amount of years and salary he's at. Gary Trent Jr, I'd also have interest in, but not sure if he strictly plays guard or if he can play SF? If he's a guard only, then that's a no-go there either.

[Manu&Duncan fan]

I'm more inclined to believe the locker room leader and family atmopshere theory.
Anyhow, their client list.

https://hoopshype.com/reps/rich-paul/

The only player that would fit our roster and has a reasonable contract is Miles Bridges, but he's a degenerate abuser.



We can't afford to lose Barnes, he was out by far the best shooter this season.

Second here. cannot trade Barnes.

Vassel is likely the only one get traded this off season if we do any trade at all.

[CGD]

There are rumblings that the Cavs may find Vassell a desirable replacement for Garland if they move Darius for salary reasons or as part of another trade. That makes me wonder about the possibility of getting Middleton in exchange for Devin. He'd provide more vet leadership, can actually play SF, can shoot, defend and pass, and his contract expires at the end of this upcoming season. He has injury concerns, but if we're seriously talking about running Fox, Harper and Castle anyway, then that's not the biggest concern. They'd need to pick up a bench guard to bolster the roster in case of injury, but that's fine.

Funny, Ive been thinking about a Middleton/6 for Vassell/14 swap myself. Kris on paper fits a position of need. DC really struck out landing at 6, so Vassell would definitely be better than what they could expect there.

Poole-Dev-Bilal-Sarr could make them more interesting.

[BacktoBasics]

Middleton is basically done. I think you get 40 games out of him at best.

[CGD]

Middleton is basically done. I think you get 40 games out of him at best.

That’s why you swap 6 and 14, in addition to getting off Dev’s money.

[mo7888]

That’s why you swap 6 and 14, in addition to getting off Dev’s money.

Yea, definitely consider 14 for 6 in that scenario

[mo7888]

All of our trades are based on players, but since a few here think we will flip 14 and/or 38 for future draft capital, what kind of deals do you think are out there?

I'll start:

Denver 14 + 38

SAS 2030 swap + 2031 pick

[dbestpro]

Would you send the 2nd pick in round one for Williamson? Salaries to be figured out.

[exstatic]

All of our trades are based on players, but since a few here think we will flip 14 and/or 38 for future draft capital, what kind of deals do you think are out there?

I'll start:

Denver 14 + 38

SAS 2030 swap + 2031 pick

I see your diabolical plan to eventually own swap rights to EVERY pick in the 2030 draft….

I’d absolutely do that.

[BacktoBasics]

That’s why you swap 6 and 14, in addition to getting off Dev’s money.

My bad I missed that. I think that’s a good trade. I’m not a fan of Queen at 6 but you could probably get Maluach there.

[scott]

Funny, Ive been thinking about a Middleton/6 for Vassell/14 swap myself. Kris on paper fits a position of need. DC really struck out landing at 6, so Vassell would definitely be better than what they could expect there.

Poole-Dev-Bilal-Sarr could make them more interesting.

I'd be in for an expiring vet like Middleton, even if he only gives you 40 games... but I don't think WAS could really use Devin. Devin is just a fully developed version of what their roster is full of: mid prospects who won't be first options on a winning team. Devin's best value is probably as a bench scoring punch for a playoff team... but not sure that anyone will want to pay his salary to be that. While that is Devin's best value, I do think his best role is as 1a or 1b tank commander... but teams who need a tank commander aren't going to pay positive value for a tank commander - they are in asset acquisition mode not the mode of spending assets.

[Manu&Duncan fan]

All of our trades are based on players, but since a few here think we will flip 14 and/or 38 for future draft capital, what kind of deals do you think are out there?

I'll start:

Denver 14 + 38

SAS 2030 swap + 2031 pick

Sign me in!

[mystargtr34]

All of our trades are based on players, but since a few here think we will flip 14 and/or 38 for future draft capital, what kind of deals do you think are out there?

I'll start:

Denver 14 + 38

SAS 2030 swap + 2031 pick

Agree Mo.

If the Spurs want to trade 14 then the market price should start at what the wolves paid last year for 8 in a weak draft which is 1 unprotected pick + 1 unprotected swap both out as far as possible.

Desperate teams like Denver will consider.

Maybe even Milwaukee if Giannis wants to stay the Bucks will have available to trade their 2031 unprotected and their 2032 swap will be available by the time the draft rolls around.

Even Golden State might be willing to do it to extend the Curry and Butler window.

[Seventyniner]

I heard an interesting trade idea somewhere. I forgot the details but the bones were something like this.

DAL gets Trae Young
ATL gets #2 and their 26 swap/27 first back from SA
SA gets #1

That's a lot for the Spurs to give up to move up just one spot, and there would have to be matching salaries involved, but there's something in it for everyone. DAL gets to pivot to win-now mode because AD's and Flagg's timelines don't line up at all, ATL gets to properly tank with their picks back in hand and build around Harper, and SA gets a better fit and player in Flagg compared to Harper.

[Mal]

I heard an interesting three-team trade idea out there. I forgot the details but the bones were something like this.

DAL gets Trae Young
ATL gets #2 and their 26 swap/27 first back from SA
SA gets #1


Spurs would need to get Garland in that deal

[scott]

I heard an interesting three-team trade idea out there. I forgot the details but the bones were something like this.

DAL gets Trae Young
ATL gets #2 and their 26 swap/27 first back from SA
SA gets #1

That's a lot for the Spurs to give up to move up just one spot, and there would have to be matching salaries involved, but there's something in it for everyone. DAL gets to pivot to win-now mode because AD's and Flagg's timelines don't line up at all, ATL gets to properly tank with their picks back in hand and build around Harper, and SA gets a better fit and player in Flagg compared to Harper.

I don’t think there is a single GM in the league who would trade Cooper Flagg for Trae Young, and especially not one who proclaims to care about defense like Nico does.

[Seventyniner]

I don’t think there is a single GM in the league who would trade Cooper Flagg for Trae Young, and especially not one who proclaims to care about defense like Nico does.

That was just the bones of a deal. ATL would have to give up a lot more than just Trae Young considering what they're getting back, and the bulk of that extra value would go to DAL.

It's a throw-some-shit-at-the-wall idea, but I did find it intriguing. Just something to pass the time on a Sunday afternoon.

[Mal]

That was just the bones of a deal. ATL would have to give up a lot more than just Trae Young considering what they're getting back, and the bulk of that extra value would go to DAL.

It's a throw-some-shit-at-the-wall idea, but I did find it intriguing. Just something to pass the time on a Sunday afternoon.

Dallas cant absorb 43 mil cap hit Young and more cap hit.

[TD 21]

I've probably mentioned an iteration of this in the past, but Porter Jr. and Saric for Vassell, Johnson, 14 or Porter Jr. and Nnaji for Vassell, Barnes, 14.

Obviously, the former would be better for the Spurs, the latter for the Nuggets.

Porter Jr. can be a space cadet, but he'd be an ideal fit. Of course, the Spurs would have to feel confident in his back holding up going forward as well as it has in recent seasons.

[LeBowen]

I've probably mentioned an iteration of this in the past, but Porter Jr. and Saric for Vassell, Johnson, 14 or Porter Jr. and Nnaji for Vassell, Barnes, 14.

Obviously, the former would be better for the Spurs, the latter for the Nuggets.

Porter Jr. can be a space cadet, but he'd be an ideal fit. Of course, the Spurs would have to feel confident in his back holding up going forward as well as it has in recent seasons.

Did you really just suggest we include Barnes and a lottery FRP in a trade for Porter?
Just when I forgot you're a retard who doesn't think coaching is a factor and that you put half the forum on ignore list.

[exstatic]

I've probably mentioned an iteration of this in the past, but Porter Jr. and Saric for Vassell, Johnson, 14 or Porter Jr. and Nnaji for Vassell, Barnes, 14.

Obviously, the former would be better for the Spurs, the latter for the Nuggets.

Porter Jr. can be a space cadet, but he'd be an ideal fit. Of course, the Spurs would have to feel confident in his back holding up going forward as well as it has in recent seasons.

He’s a terrible fit, due to both space cadetiness and the fact that if his shot isn’t falling, he has nothing else to offer. He has no other basketball skills. If you want that kind of player, just go get Cam Johnson. He has deep playoff (Finals) experience, and costs about $43M over the next two seasons, not $78M. He also hasn’t had multiple back surgeries.

[CGD]

All of our trades are based on players, but since a few here think we will flip 14 and/or 38 for future draft capital, what kind of deals do you think are out there?

I'll start:

Denver 14 + 38

SAS 2030 swap + 2031 pick

If there is a player they like in THIS draft in light of getting Harper, I’d push for it. For example, now that we have Harper im more bullish on Maluach than I was before when we were looking at 8.

[LeBowen]

If there is a player they like in THIS draft in light of getting Harper, I’d push for it. For example, now that we have Harper im more bullish on Maluach than I was before when we were looking at 8.

I don't really see potential trade partners in top10 if we're talking reasonable scenarios.
Top8 are all bad and need BPA. We don't have any players we'd like to trade and that would be interesting to bad teams in need of talent.
Raptors at #9 also probably won't trade their pick if there's a rim protector or playmaker they like. Maluach at #9 seems like a given, tbh.
Rockets pick isn't worth discussion because they'll probably trade it for immediate help and it's unlikely we can get into that deal.
Blazers will probably take a swing on a player with highest ceiling, they're well rounded, but need all-star potential.
Bulls and Hawks won't even pick up the phone when they see who's calling. :lol

[cd021]

Would you send the 2nd pick in round one for Williamson? Salaries to be figured out.


I've thought about that. The downside is obvious, but the upside would be crazy. Vassel, Wesley, 14th and Williamson might be the offer. Spurs would get worse as far as spacing, but Wembanyama would be the ideal player to play alongside Zion

[cd021]

All of our trades are based on players, but since a few here think we will flip 14 and/or 38 for future draft capital, what kind of deals do you think are out there?

I'll start:

Denver 14 + 38

SAS 2030 swap + 2031 pick

The Minnesota trade 2.0. Interesting. Denver has far more downside than Minny does with Jokic being 30, Murray's awful contract, and MPJ being overpaid and unreliable. I could see both teams doing that.

Denver needs young and cheap players with upside; the Spurs don't have as big of a need for the 14th pick after landing the second pick. The only hiccup is if the Nuggets believe they can get KD by using that swap and pick.

[mo7888]

The Minnesota trade 2.0. Interesting. Denver has far more downside than Minny does with Jokic being 30, Murray's awful contract, and MPJ being overpaid and unreliable. I could see both teams doing that.

Denver needs young and cheap players with upside; the Spurs don't have as big of a need for the 14th pick after landing the second pick. The only hiccup is if the Nuggets believe they can get KD by using that swap and pick.

I didn't even consider a KD trade for Denver. That's a good point...

[exstatic]

I've thought about that. The downside is obvious, but the upside would be crazy. Vassel, Wesley, 14th and Williamson might be the offer. Spurs would get worse as far as spacing, but Wembanyama would be the ideal player to play alongside Zion

I could be wrong, but I don’t think he’s talking about 14. He said THE second pick in the first round, not OUR second pick in the first round. I take that to mean #2 overall.

[CGD]

I don't really see potential trade partners in top10 if we're talking reasonable scenarios.
Top8 are all bad and need BPA. We don't have any players we'd like to trade and that would be interesting to bad teams in need of talent.
Raptors at #9 also probably won't trade their pick if there's a rim protector or playmaker they like. Maluach at #9 seems like a given, tbh.
Rockets pick isn't worth discussion because they'll probably trade it for immediate help and it's unlikely we can get into that deal.
Blazers will probably take a swing on a player with highest ceiling, they're well rounded, but need all-star potential.
Bulls and Hawks won't even pick up the phone when they see who's calling. :lol

You’re probably right. I just look at a team like WAS (or even BKN) and think how unlucky they got just being out of the Top 5. Are they really going to reach on Queen? That would be terrible.

Their best bet is for Utah to reach for Kon (bc Utah), and for Tre Johnson to slip to them. But failing that I bet a starved franchise would welcome someone like Devin.

[mo7888]

I could be wrong, but I don’t think he’s talking about 14. He said THE second pick in the first round, not OUR second pick in the first round. I take that to mean #2 overall.

It's understandable that this could be confusing. The idea that we'd trade #2 for Williamson is so far out there it literally cracks the brain.

[cd021]

I didn't even consider a KD trade for Denver. That's a good point...

I don't think Houston is interested, the Spurs seem to be unlikely to make a big move. They actually might be the best option.

[cd021]

I could be wrong, but I don’t think he’s talking about 14. He said THE second pick in the first round, not OUR second pick in the first round. I take that to mean #2 overall.

Oh, I misread that. In that case it's obviously a no.

[LeBowen]

I don't think Houston is interested, the Spurs seem to be unlikely to make a big move. They actually might be the best option.

Back before KD got traded to the Suns, Murray+MPJ for him looked like a no-brainer to me. Nuggets won that season and I looked like an idiot. :lol
But I still think it would've been as good of a move as it gets.

But there's no way Suns take Murray's contract.
Maybe MPJ, salary filler and a FRP.

It's kind of awful for the league that two best players in the league are in the middle of their primes and stuck on awful rosters.
Yeah, they won a ring each, but NBA fans deserve to watch them on teams that have a fair chance of competing.

[cd021]

Back before KD got traded to the Suns, Murray+MPJ for him looked like a no-brainer to me. Nuggets won that season and I looked like an idiot. :lol
But I still think it would've been as good of a move as it gets.

But there's no way Suns take Murray's contract.
Maybe MPJ, salary filler and a FRP.

It's kind of awful for the league that two best players in the league are in the middle of their primes and stuck on awful rosters.
Yeah, they won a ring each, but NBA fans deserve to watch them on teams that have a fair chance of competing.

I was thinking MPJ, Naji, Saric, and a 2031 first for KD. Nuggets essentially get rid of two dead weight contracts and swap out MPJ and a first for Durant. It seems like the best offer Phoenix might get at the moment.

[scott]

Bulls and Hawks won't even pick up the phone when they see who's calling. :lol

I'm not sure the Bulls would view themselves as having lost all their dealings with the Spurs. They haven't really worked out, but it's not like the Spurs abused them and ran the other way. The Demar experience ended up effectively costing them nothing in the long run, having gotten that pick back and using the Fox trade as a vehicle to dump Lavine (and those sickos might actually like Zollins).

I was just thinking of who the Spurs frequent trade partners have been as a clue to who might deal with us again. I wouldn't cross Chicago off that list.


Atlanta - definitely not taking our calls unless its to discuss giving their picks back
Boston - we obviously hooked them up fat with the Derrick trade, though it was viewed as a fair trade at the time. We helped them save some money taking Noah Vonleh, and then helped facilitate them dumping Grant Williams
Chicago - I think they're fine with us and we likely still have a good relationship. We facilitated them getting DDR when they wanted him for relatively cheap, and then got them that pick back to help get off
Indianapolis - we've actually done quite a bit of business with them over the last few years. We seem to just help each other out when we want something (S&T for Doug for a fake SRP, IND moving off Hield and getting Doug back, the Furphy trade)
Minnesota - we've been draft day BFFs the last few years. Obviously #8 last year, but also #33 the year before
Phoenix - we helped them dump Cam Payne's salary for a fake SRP
Sacramento - they probably shouldn't trade with us anymore, but they're also too stupid to realize we're taking advantage of them. We've done 3 deals in the last 12 months with them (Barnes, Jalen McDaniels dump, Fox)
Raptors - Our friends up north. We seem to love doing business



Teams we don't trade with or having traded with in a long time:

Clippers - have never traded with them
Pistons - no deals for a long time. They might have beef over that Sean Elliott/Bill Curly deal
Lakers - obvious reasons
Rockets - nothing since Scola. They owe us one but probably aren't answering the phone
Knicks - I've kind of liked the outcome every time we've dealt with them, but it's been awhile. Started with getting Strickland for Cheeks in 1990, then turning JR Reid into Charles Smith and Monte Williams, then Malik to Nazr.
Thunder - No moves since moving to OKC. Presti prob respects us but knows we are rivals and aren't interested in helping one another
Magic - one trade in our history, way back in 1990

[Chinook]

A trade-down scenario that might sound dumb is to trade 14 to Phoenix for the first-rounders it has in 2025, 2027 and 2029. It got those picks from Utah in exchange for the Suns' 2031 unprotected first. They are the worst of UTH/CLE/MIN for each of those years, with the Cavs' second-best record becoming the 29th pick in this draft. So on it's face it's a late-lotto pick for a late-first and two firsts that seem very unlikely to be good. But I do think there are a few reasons why the trade could be good.

1) The late-first is a good spot to find the backup center in this draft. I'd prefer the team get lucky at 14 and one of the top bigs slides to them. But if those guys are gone, most of the next crop are projected to go in the middle of the draft. Getting a late-first probably gives them their pick of that litter or at least close to it. 38 might be too late for it.

2) Late-firsts will continue to be valuable as the progresses. If the Spurs do become a perennial contender again, they'll have to learn to use those picks. Late-firsts are ways to get seasoned prospects for four cheap years. We've talked a lot about the financial constraints the team will be under in the event they trade for a star or if their recent lotto picks pan out. So they'll have to start relying on cheaper options to fill rotation spots. Even with the new second-round exceptions, getting a guy on a rookie-scale deal with RFA after four years rather than three, seems like the best option.

3) Extra guaranteed firsts opens up trade opportunities. The Suns traded for these picks in the first place to free up their even-year picks for trades rather than just swaps. The Spurs currently don't have any year encumbered by traded picks, but depending on how aggressive they want to be going for a star, the ability to bring any/all five of the 2026-2030 picks into trade discussions is valuable. Moreover, those picks will give the Spurs the small assets they might need to pull off trades for role-players for whom one of their current picks would be overkill.

4) The picks could still be decent. It doesn't feel entirely unlikely that by 2029, all three of the Jazz, Cavs and Wolves could be bad enough to where the Spurs get a lottery pick. Even if the picks are like 25th overall in 2027 and 20th overall in 2029, that's still a pretty decent haul. Either of those picks might be decent enough to be traded for their own future picks.

If this deal were offered, I'd be interested, even if I'd want something else wrapped into it. Like maybe Wesley, 14 and 38 for O'Neale, 29 and the two future picks. The Spurs get their wing and can still draft a center in the first round. The Suns save money, get a lotto pick and take a flier on a young PG who has shown a little. If they trade Durant and Booker, they won't miss the picks. If they keep them, then 14 is probably the best asset they could have to try to trade for another piece.

[scott]

You’re probably right. I just look at a team like WAS (or even BKN) and think how unlucky they got just being out of the Top 5. Are they really going to reach on Queen? That would be terrible.

Their best bet is for Utah to reach for Kon (bc Utah), and for Tre Johnson to slip to them. But failing that I bet a starved franchise would welcome someone like Devin.

I just can't see one of these teams paying to acquire Devin. Devin is a prototypical, Grade A tank commander... but you don't pay for Tank Commanders. It's not like Devin has star potential for these teams... what does he do for them?

I think BKN or WAS would be happy to pick up Devin for free by participating in a multi-team deal where someone needs to take him, but they definitely aren't giving up assets for him.

So who would give up positive value for Devin? It's got to be a playoff team looking for an additional scoring punch. The max value for us is going to come for someone who is in the position that ATL was in when they traded for DJM, viewing that player as a missing piece. Who fits that bill?

We can look team by team at those who are play-in teams or better:

CLE - Maybe... though I'm not sure he beats out Jerome or Hunter
BOS - Probably not, but Tatum is injured so they could use someone like him in the short run, but don't want his long term salary
NYK - I actually think this might be one of the better fits as far as team construction goes, but how would they fit his contract?
IND - Deep team with better guys already
MIL - Could definitely use Devin... maybe we could route him there in a big multi-team deal involving Giannis (not coming to us)
DET - This might be a good fit
ORL - Maybe one of the better fits I can think of
MIA - A decent fit here. I like the Dev for Wiggins idea
ATL - Could probably use him to play the role that Hunter did, but they're too cheap and are likely not dealing with us
CHI - Maybe?
OKC - Nope
HOU - Would be a decent fit but a crowded roster... maybe if they make a move for KD and clear out some of the roster and need some more depth?
LAL - Could probably use him, but fuck the Lakers
DEN - Absolutely could use him
LAC - Not sure about this one... we've never traded with them ever
MIN - Can't afford to take his deal
GSW - Hmmm, maybe...
MEM - Nope
SAC - Could probably use him but had their chance
DAL - Probably could use him
PHX - Could definitely use him

LeBowen (https://www.spurstalk.com/forums/member.php?u=54457)... I see a lot more potential destinations than you had previously thought of for Devin... what is your take on why some of these teams wouldn't want him?

[LeBowen]

LeBowen (https://www.spurstalk.com/forums/member.php?u=54457)... I see a lot more potential destinations than you had previously thought of for Devin... what is your take on why some of these teams wouldn't want him?

My first assumption is that most playoff teams have GMs with eyes and that they're not idiotic to give up positive value for a tank commander. :lol

CLE - Only if they get rid of Garland for a legit wing and then slide Devin to SG. Too many moving parts.
BOS - No chance.
NYK - They're not giving up any of their starters for Devin and can't match salaries otherwise.
IND - As you said, they have better players in his position.
MIL - If they move Giannis, they won't care about Devin. He'd be solid for them, but they have no assets to get him.
DET - Would be the best fit, but it depends on Ivey's comeback, he looked great before his injury.
ORL - Would have to include a third team, they don't have anything we'd want.
MIA - Decent fit, but I doubt they'd take his contract.
ATL - Won't trade with us for the foreseeable future.
CHI - They need good perimeter defenders, can't have him on the floor with Giddey and White. Other trades would have to happen.
OKC - No chance.
HOU - I don't think Udoka would want him.
LAL - They could use every shooter, but don't have anything we'd take.
DEN - Same as the Lakers.
LAC - Powell is a way better player.
MIN - Questionable fit and no cap space.
GSW - They're probably going to S&T Kuminga, maybe a three team deal.
MEM - No chance.
SAC - Won't call us ever again.
DAL - Would be a perfect fit for Devin himself and a horrible fit for Mavericks as a team.
PHX - Dumpster fire, they're done and have a better Devin.



Bobby Marks said Braun expects to receive $30M a year...excuse me?
Teams can't blame the CBA if they offer the most possible money to every solid role player.

[exstatic]

It's understandable that this could be confusing. The idea that we'd trade #2 for Williamson is so far out there it literally cracks the brain.

Lots of stuff here cracks the brain, like every day.

[RC_Drunkford]

I think Brian Wright will work some magic again and try to help teams get under the 2nd apron while snatching up a rotation player for virtually nothing. I assume that was also the reason why Wesley and Branham got extended to match smaller salary.

Boston has only 2 options: Trade Jaylen Brown or trade Porzingis, Holiday and Hauser for players who earn less. If we renounce all cap holds we'll be about 10 million under the cap, which would be enough to fit Sam Hauser's contract.

Another option would be trading Keldon or Barnes + Wesley or Branham for Porzingis.

Dean Wade from the Cavs would be another option for a salary dump.

I don't think we'd be interested in Porter, but he's like the only asset Denver can trade at this point.

Dallas will have to move Gafford and PJ Washington, which I'd love to have on the Spurs. This would have to be a 3-team deal though or we just trade with the team that got them later. Could also still target them in 2026 free agency.

[mo7888]

I think Brian Wright will work some magic again and try to help teams get under the 2nd apron while snatching up a rotation player for virtually nothing. I assume that was also the reason why Wesley and Branham got extended to match smaller salary.

Boston has only 2 options: Trade Jaylen Brown or trade Porzingis, Holiday and Hauser for players who earn less. If we renounce all cap holds we'll be about 10 million under the cap, which would be enough to fit Sam Hauser's contract.

Another option would be trading Keldon or Barnes + Wesley or Branham for Porzingis.

Dean Wade from the Cavs would be another option for a salary dump.

I don't think we'd be interested in Porter, but he's like the only asset Denver can trade at this point.

Dallas will have to move Gafford and PJ Washington, which I'd love to have on the Spurs. This would have to be a 3-team deal though or we just trade with the team that got them later. Could also still target them in 2026 free agency.

Honestly, outside of MPJ, I like everyone on that list in certain scenarios

[Seventyniner]

Boston has only 2 options: Trade Jaylen Brown or trade Porzingis, Holiday and Hauser for players who earn less. If we renounce all cap holds we'll be about 10 million under the cap, which would be enough to fit Sam Hauser's contract.

Someone correct me if I'm wrong, but I think teams can now absorb salaries into their MLE in a trade. That would mean the Celtics could dump Hauser into the Spurs' MLE and save a shit ton of tax money. He's a good enough player that the Spurs would likely have to send something in return, there are a lot of MLEs available out there.

[RC_Drunkford]

Someone correct me if I'm wrong, but I think teams can now absorb salaries into their MLE in a trade. That would mean the Celtics could dump Hauser into the Spurs' MLE and save a shit ton of tax money. He's a good enough player that the Spurs would likely have to send something in return, there are a lot of MLEs available out there.

that would give us even more options. MLE is 14.1 million.

[mo7888]

Someone correct me if I'm wrong, but I think teams can now absorb salaries into their MLE in a trade. That would mean the Celtics could dump Hauser into the Spurs' MLE and save a shit ton of tax money. He's a good enough player that the Spurs would likely have to send something in return, there are a lot of MLEs available out there.

That's correct.

[LeBowen]

Honestly, outside of MPJ, I like everyone on that list in certain scenarios

Apparently Nuggets have been desperate to trade MPJ all season long, but as soon as they send his medical records everyone just hangs up the phone.


Also, Givony mentioned Sixers could package #3 and PG for a star player. :lol

[mo7888]

Apparently Nuggets have been desperate to trade MPJ all season long, but as soon as they send his medical records everyone just hangs up the phone.


Also, Givony mentioned Sixers could package #3 and PG for a star player. :lol

By Star player, that'll be defined as PG + 3 for KD... and I'm here to laugh at it..

[Guru of Nothing]

Atlanta - definitely not taking our calls unless its to discuss giving their picks back


What about the idea of removing the '26 swap, and returning their '27 pick too in exchange for their unprotected 2029 and 2031 firsts? I can see the spurs core being a near finished product about a year from now, and punting the capital down the road a few years could be huge at a time when the Spurs need it most.

Guess it depends on what kind of long term commitment ATL wants to make to Trae Young ($46M this upcoming season and extension eligible, and a $49M player option the next).

[montgod]

I think BKN or WAS would be happy to pick up Devin for free by participating in a multi-team deal where someone needs to take him, but they definitely aren't giving up assets for him.


I think the focus would be those teams with available TPEs. I believe the one with the best fit for Devin would be BKN. BKN would benefit from SG/G depth and might be open to a deal to help w/their own possible roster concerns.

BKN might take him for a Cameron swap and maybe an addl pick. I would think their FO would be more willing than other teams since Kiwi came from the Spurs and know the FO wouldn't sign Devin to a long term deal if they didn't value him. Besides that, they are lacking guards w/Thomas being a free agent and I doubt they re-sign Russell. Other possibility would be Claxton who they might not believe in anymore. I'm not a huge fan but he is younger and his contract at least decreases over the years.

Overall, the domino that needs to fall before the draft/free agency will be Giannis and where he ends up. BKN was one of the teams he mentioned he would be interested in going so this could help or hurt this trade from happening possibly.

[Ice009]

When did Giannis say he was interested in Brooklyn? Was it before the draft lottery? If so, he might have been expecting them to get a higher pick and now that they didn't, maybe that would have changed his mind on that.

[exstatic]

When did Giannis say he was interested in Brooklyn? Was it before the draft lottery? If so, he might have been expecting them to get a higher pick and now that they didn't, maybe that would have changed his mind on that.

I watched a pod once where they were laughing at KD and Harden for picking Brooklyn. They said that the Nets were less relevant to NY than the Clippers were to LA.

[montgod]

When did Giannis say he was interested in Brooklyn? Was it before the draft lottery? If so, he might have been expecting them to get a higher pick and now that they didn't, maybe that would have changed his mind on that.

It's been reported in multiple places but definitely after the draft lottery - https://www.si.com/nba/nets/news/giannis-antetokounmpo-reportedly-prefers-eastern-conference-eyes-raptors-and-nets

[scott]

I think Brian Wright will work some magic again and try to help teams get under the 2nd apron while snatching up a rotation player for virtually nothing. I assume that was also the reason why Wesley and Branham got extended to match smaller salary.

Boston has only 2 options: Trade Jaylen Brown or trade Porzingis, Holiday and Hauser for players who earn less. If we renounce all cap holds we'll be about 10 million under the cap, which would be enough to fit Sam Hauser's contract.

Another option would be trading Keldon or Barnes + Wesley or Branham for Porzingis.

Dean Wade from the Cavs would be another option for a salary dump.

I don't think we'd be interested in Porter, but he's like the only asset Denver can trade at this point.

Dallas will have to move Gafford and PJ Washington, which I'd love to have on the Spurs. This would have to be a 3-team deal though or we just trade with the team that got them later. Could also still target them in 2026 free agency.

Dean Wade is my new secret under the radar guy to get. Glad to see more folks coming around.

[scott]

What about the idea of removing the '26 swap, and returning their '27 pick too in exchange for their unprotected 2029 and 2031 firsts? I can see the spurs core being a near finished product about a year from now, and punting the capital down the road a few years could be huge at a time when the Spurs need it most.

Guess it depends on what kind of long term commitment ATL wants to make to Trae Young ($46M this upcoming season and extension eligible, and a $49M player option the next).

I generally like the concept, though this would leave us without a pick in 2027, which I don't love...

[scott]

I think the focus would be those teams with available TPEs. I believe the one with the best fit for Devin would be BKN. BKN would benefit from SG/G depth and might be open to a deal to help w/their own possible roster concerns.

BKN might take him for a Cameron swap and maybe an addl pick. I would think their FO would be more willing than other teams since Kiwi came from the Spurs and know the FO wouldn't sign Devin to a long term deal if they didn't value him. Besides that, they are lacking guards w/Thomas being a free agent and I doubt they re-sign Russell. Other possibility would be Claxton who they might not believe in anymore. I'm not a huge fan but he is younger and his contract at least decreases over the years.

Overall, the domino that needs to fall before the draft/free agency will be Giannis and where he ends up. BKN was one of the teams he mentioned he would be interested in going so this could help or hurt this trade from happening possibly.

Just my opinion, but I think Devin makes a lot more sense for BKN if they get Giannis (but at the same time, keeping Cam Johnson does for them as well).

I think they'll definitely resign Cam Thomas, who is the same kind of no-D, ball dominant, hero ball chucking tank commander as Devin has shown to be... I think both would be good 6th men, but Devin's overpaid to be a 6 man... we'll see where Thomas's deal comes in.

I wouldn't personally give up any draft capital for Cam Johnson. He's an upgrade over Barnes, but not by enough to justify giving up draft capital for what amounts to a 4th or 5th option on the court for us. HB is honestly kind of perfect player for that role, I'd rather just extend him for a modest deal.

BKN would be interesting for Giannis though, would definitely shake up the east and immediately jolt BKN out of the tank cellar.

[mo7888]

Just my opinion, but I think Devin makes a lot more sense for BKN if they get Giannis (but at the same time, keeping Cam Johnson does for them as well).

I think they'll definitely resign Cam Thomas, who is the same kind of no-D, ball dominant, hero ball chucking tank commander as Devin has shown to be... I think both would be good 6th men, but Devin's overpaid to be a 6 man... we'll see where Thomas's deal comes in.

I wouldn't personally give up any draft capital for Cam Johnson. He's an upgrade over Barnes, but not by enough to justify giving up draft capital for what amounts to a 4th or 5th option on the court for us. HB is honestly kind of perfect player for that role, I'd rather just extend him for a modest deal.

BKN would be interesting for Giannis though, would definitely shake up the east and immediately jolt BKN out of the tank cellar.

I think Toronto makes sense and can put together a great package compared to most teams. Barnes + JaKobe + #9 + 3 more firsts and 2 swaps

[ginobilized]

Cam and Vassell as floor spacer with Giannis would be formidable in Brooklyn.
Not sure what we could get back in that scenario. Maybe picks and a 3rd or 4th team involved to net a solid contributor?

Trading Devin would be deleterious to the Power of Friendship.

[montgod]

Just my opinion, but I think Devin makes a lot more sense for BKN if they get Giannis (but at the same time, keeping Cam Johnson does for them as well).

I think they'll definitely resign Cam Thomas, who is the same kind of no-D, ball dominant, hero ball chucking tank commander as Devin has shown to be... I think both would be good 6th men, but Devin's overpaid to be a 6 man... we'll see where Thomas's deal comes in.

I wouldn't personally give up any draft capital for Cam Johnson. He's an upgrade over Barnes, but not by enough to justify giving up draft capital for what amounts to a 4th or 5th option on the court for us. HB is honestly kind of perfect player for that role, I'd rather just extend him for a modest deal.

BKN would be interesting for Giannis though, would definitely shake up the east and immediately jolt BKN out of the tank cellar.

Fully agree. I wouldn't want to give up any 1st rd picks for Cameron. BKN keeps overvaluing him so they may come off that if they need more room if they can indeed get Giannis and in that case, I'd see them wanting to unload Claxton vs Cameron. It's really hard to gauge at this juncture. Not to mention, I don't know if Spurs see Claxton as a player they'd want since he is a bit limited and definitely didn't play well at all last year. I personally don't think they will retain Thomas at the price he'll want. Just too one dimensional.

[scott]

I think Toronto makes sense and can put together a great package compared to most teams. Barnes + JaKobe + #9 + 3 more firsts and 2 swaps

Yeah, I did a mock offseason in 2K yesterday when I was bored and TOR ended up being my favorite Giannis destination. TOR just has so many middling 2nd/3rd option kind of guys, they need a consolidation trade. Kind of the same concept as Houston - they just don't have the same warchest of assets as Houston, but I do think they can make it work with FRPs and swaps. The Raptors love their Canadian players, but I think they'd also be embracing of a foreign superstar.