Zach Lowe: League executives believe Spurs may offer max to LaMarcus Aldridge

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12. This could be random, but nearly a half-dozen executives from different teams mentioned the possibility of the Spurs luring LaMarcus Aldridge in free agency with a max contract.

Let me be clear, my beloved Portland maniacs: I do not see this happening. Repeat: I do not see this happening. Aldridge isn’t the type to say stuff lightly, so it meant a lot — to everyone — when he declared so emphatically in July that he would sign a new five-year contract this summer and hopefully go down as the “best Blazer ever.”

It’s always wise to take sunny public comments about free agency with a pile of salt, but Aldridge is a bit of a different cat in this regard. Still: I found it interesting that after having heard very little San Antonio/Aldridge talk of any kind, ever, a bunch of unconnected higher-ups suddenly started mentioning it over the last two weeks. Someone said something to start the rumor mill churning, and the Blazers have always considered one of Aldridge’s home-state Texas teams the biggest threat to snag him away.

San Antonio waited on a Kawhi Leonard extension precisely to hoard max cap space this summer in case both Tim Duncan and Manu Ginobili retire. Dallas could have max-level space, though it’d have to renounce several very good free agents to get it. Houston would need to cut some salary, but it also has the goods to put together a solid sign-and-trade offer if Aldridge makes it known he’d prefer to go there.

This is probably much ado about very little. Aldridge is in a wonderful spot as the co-centerpiece of a top team, with a superstar point guard, a smart coach/GM combo, and a nucleus of prime-age veterans — most of whom are also free agents the Blazers could re-sign this summer via Bird rights. Portland can offer him one more year and about $30 million more than any other suitor.

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http://grantland.com/the-triangle/13...ague-showcase/

nooooo

Good fit with Tiago

Doubt he comes here, Spurs will probably be throwing money at a couple of guys...

Aldridge made it known that he's prioritzing money. I doubt he leaves the Blazers now. However, maybe if they get smacked down in in the first round this spring, he'll be open to a move. Portland may have prime-aged veterans, but they also seem to have a hard cap on their potential. LA's not young, so a championship-tested core may appeal to him more than hoping Lillard goes supernova for 16 games in the playoffs and the Blazers can avoid the Spurs.

Still, it's incredibly important to note that THE SPURS DO NOT HAVE MAX CAP SPACE AVAILABLE THIS SUMMER UNLESS THEY UNLOAD SOME OF THEIR OWN PRIME-AGED CORE. If they could unload Diaw for nothing, then they'd have the space. But that totally negate the point of signing a win-now piece in the first place.

I don't see this happening.

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Originally Posted by Zach Lowe

This is probably much ado about very little.

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Originally Posted by Chinook

THE SPURS DO NOT HAVE MAX CAP SPACE AVAILABLE THIS SUMMER UNLESS THEY UNLOAD SOME OF THEIR OWN PRIME-AGED CORE.

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Originally Posted by Chinook

Aldridge made it known that he's prioritzing money. I doubt he leaves the Blazers now. However, maybe if they get smacked down in in the first round this spring, he'll be open to a move. Portland may have prime-aged veterans, but they also seem to have a hard cap on their potential. LA's not young, so a championship-tested core may appeal to him more than hoping Lillard goes supernova for 16 games in the playoffs and the Blazers can avoid the Spurs.

Still, it's incredibly important to note that THE SPURS DO NOT HAVE MAX CAP SPACE AVAILABLE THIS SUMMER UNLESS THEY UNLOAD SOME OF THEIR OWN PRIME-AGED CORE. If they could unload Diaw for nothing, then they'd have the space. But that totally negate the point of signing a win-now piece in the first place.

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Thanks for the bold caps.

I wondered what Lowe was saying when he said "max cap space" in case TD AND Manu retired.

There's Danny Green to be signed, not to mention working out Kawhi's max extension even if they sign him via Bird rights and over the cap.

I just wish TD atleast plays for a year more on a decentish contract. He could still be among the best bigs in the league next year as well.

Stopped reading at this could be random.

Spurs don't ever make plays for big free agents. #mostofspurstalkwhensomemarginalguysignswitharival

That would be the end of championships, tbh...

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Originally Posted by Chinook

Aldridge made it known that he's prioritzing money. I doubt he leaves the Blazers now. However, maybe if they get smacked down in in the first round this spring, he'll be open to a move. Portland may have prime-aged veterans, but they also seem to have a hard cap on their potential. LA's not young, so a championship-tested core may appeal to him more than hoping Lillard goes supernova for 16 games in the playoffs and the Blazers can avoid the Spurs.

Still, it's incredibly important to note that THE SPURS DO NOT HAVE MAX CAP SPACE AVAILABLE THIS SUMMER UNLESS THEY UNLOAD SOME OF THEIR OWN PRIME-AGED CORE. If they could unload Diaw for nothing, then they'd have the space. But that totally negate the point of signing a win-now piece in the first place.

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Thanks

Aldridge would be nice, actually I will be even happy, but we gotta give up a lot so no. Impossible.

Timmy won't retire this summer so...

The only draw for LMA is that he's from Texas. Otherwise Portland is a great situation for him -- fantastic point guard, good FO, exceptional fan base. The future of the Spurs looks good but less certain.

Regardless, I expect Duncan and probably even Ginobili to return for one more year.

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Originally Posted by ElNono

That would be the end of championships, tbh...

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Duncan retiring? of course it is. ppl actually think otherwise? :lol

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Originally Posted by Mr. Body

The only draw for LMA is that he's from Texas. Otherwise Portland is a great situation for him -- fantastic point guard, good FO, exceptional fan base. The future of the Spurs looks good but less certain.

Regardless, I expect Duncan and probably even Ginobili to return for one more year.

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I expect Duncan and Manu to return another season. Now that everyone is healthy (minus Beli), expect to see more wins while reduce minutes for Manu and Tim.

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Originally Posted by hater

Duncan retiring? of course it is. ppl actually think otherwise? :lol

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Yeah, plus LMA is soft as fuck...

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Originally Posted by ElNono

Yeah, plus LMA is soft as fuck...

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so is Dirk and he won a ship.

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Originally Posted by hater

so is Dirk and he won a ship.

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Dirk has always been at a different level though... he never shied away from contact, he just didn't have the body to be banging around. LMA on the other hand...

At this point, I've pretty much given up on the idea of Aldridge, M. Gasol, or Millsap landing in San Antonio as free agents. They all seem to love their teammates and cities, so getting max money and staying home makes sense.

:lol I hope not

Players always take the highest paycheck. If they don't like the team, they whine and cry their way out of town after the sign the contract or before their current contract ends. But they all take the payday.

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Originally Posted by cd98

Players always take the highest paycheck. If they don't like the team, they whine and cry their way out of town after the sign the contract or before their current contract ends. But they all take the payday.

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Melo is on this path

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Originally Posted by cd98

Players always take the highest paycheck. If they don't like the team, they whine and cry their way out of town after the sign the contract or before their current contract ends. But they all take the payday.

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Almost always. Howard and Gasol both had better offers from the Lakers, but they were both leaving a losing organization. Aldridge, M.Gasol, and Millsap have no reason to leave money on the table to get away from their current teams.

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Originally Posted by Chinook

Aldridge made it known that he's prioritzing money. I doubt he leaves the Blazers now. However, maybe if they get smacked down in in the first round this spring, he'll be open to a move. Portland may have prime-aged veterans, but they also seem to have a hard cap on their potential. LA's not young, so a championship-tested core may appeal to him more than hoping Lillard goes supernova for 16 games in the playoffs and the Blazers can avoid the Spurs.

Still, it's incredibly important to note that THE SPURS DO NOT HAVE MAX CAP SPACE AVAILABLE THIS SUMMER UNLESS THEY UNLOAD SOME OF THEIR OWN PRIME-AGED CORE. If they could unload Diaw for nothing, then they'd have the space. But that totally negate the point of signing a win-now piece in the first place.

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I think you exaggerate how far away we are. Dumping Mills for nothing would open up the space for Aldridges max, while allowing us to keep Green and Kawhi.

Parker, Diaw, Splitter, Anderson, Green (cap hold) and Kawhi (cap hold) comes to almost exactly $45m, throw in 6 roster cap holds around $3.3m and we'd have $19m in cap room assuming a $67m cap. That's close enough to an Aldridge/Gasol/Love potential max to effectively make no difference.

This obviously requires letting go of Joseph and Mills, stashing our first rounder and not bringing over LJC. We could still bring over Bertans if we wanted because his minimum would be the same as the roster cap holds, making the cap figure the same.

Baynes, Bonner, JaMychal Green and perhaps even Belinelli can probably be brought back on minimum deals if we wanted. Joseph might get an offer, but with the glut of point guards in the league we may even be able to bring him back for the Room exception.

I don't think Aldridge is leaving Portland now Lillard is there, but if he is willing to then we could find room for him quite easily. The beauty is that we are in a position to go hard for a free agent without sacrificing any of our pieces if we miss out, if Aldridge and Gasol resign with their teams then we would still be able to bring back everyone.

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Originally Posted by hater

Duncan retiring? of course it is. ppl actually think otherwise? :lol

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Tim Duncan sucks

:lol I'd do it only for the shitstorm that would rain down on tlong tbh

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Originally Posted by Richie

I think you exaggerate how far away we are. Dumping Mills for nothing would open up the space for Aldridges max, while allowing us to keep Green and Kawhi.

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Did you miss the "unless they unload some of hteir own prime-aged core" part? And even so, that would take away the team's chance to keep Cory as an RFA. They'd have only the MLE to address the backup point position, and this is with no Manu and a gimpy Parker.

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I don't think Aldridge is leaving Portland now Lillard is there, but if he is willing to then we could find room for him quite easily. The beauty is that we are in a position to go hard for a free agent without sacrificing any of our pieces if we miss out, if Aldridge and Gasol resign with their teams then we would still be able to bring back everyone.

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In no way shape or form is givng up three rotation players not sacrificing pieces. I agree that the Spurs could get a max contract slot if they really wanted to, but that would require them to weaken themselves, which in turn makes them less attractive for free agents. It's not an easy proposition at all.

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Originally Posted by Chinook

Did you miss the "unless they unload some of hteir own prime-aged core" part? And even so, that would take away the team's chance to keep Cory as an RFA. They'd have only the MLE to address the backup point position, and this is with no Manu and a gimpy Parker.



In no way shape or form is givng up three rotation players not sacrificing pieces. I agree that the Spurs could get a max contract slot if they really wanted to, but that would require them to weaken themselves, which in turn makes them less attractive for free agents. It's not an easy proposition at all.

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It would be giving up rotation pieces, but it's not like we're letting go of legit starters. Out of all the players we would lose, the only one who played significant minutes in the playoffs last year was Mills.

Lets assume we dumped Mills and wouldn't be able to bring back Joseph, Baynes or Belinelli after waiving their Bird rights/qualifying offer. We could look at it as a trade, Mills + Joseph + Baynes + Belinelli for Aldridge, that's a no brainer. Every GM in the league would do that in a heartbeat.

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Originally Posted by Richie

It would be giving up rotation pieces, but it's not like we're letting go of legit starters. Out of all the players we would lose, the only one who played significant minutes in the playoffs last year was Mills.

Lets assume we dumped Mills and wouldn't be able to bring back Joseph, Baynes or Belinelli after waiving their Bird rights/qualifying offer. We could look at it as a trade, Mills + Joseph + Baynes + Belinelli for Aldridge, that's a no brainer. Every GM in the league would do that in a heartbeat.

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Except Aldridge isn't leaving Portland and the Spurs aren't going to dump assets to engage in a quixotic pursuit. You can make the math work, but that's about it.

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Originally Posted by Richie

It would be giving up rotation pieces, but it's not like we're letting go of legit starters. Out of all the players we would lose, the only one who played significant minutes in the playoffs last year was Mills.

Lets assume we dumped Mills and wouldn't be able to bring back Joseph, Baynes or Belinelli after waiving their Bird rights/qualifying offer. We could look at it as a trade, Mills + Joseph + Baynes + Belinelli for Aldridge, that's a no brainer. Every GM in the league would do that in a heartbeat.

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Plus two first-rounders. I'm not sure I'd be as inclined to make that trade. Not because of talent, really. But I don't think that it make sense to give up that much if you're trying to win now. It would take the team another year or two to their talent level back up to where it is now. It'd be different if the Spurs actually made that trade, as well, seeing as they'd probably keep their MLE in that case.

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Originally Posted by Mel_13

Except Aldridge isn't leaving Portland and the Spurs aren't going to dump assets to engage in a quixotic pursuit. You can make the math work, but that's about it.

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I think you misunderstand my point, there's no reason we'd have to dump any assets until we actually signed Aldridge, Gasol or whoever. We will tender qualifying offers to Baynes and Joseph, if we miss out on a free agent then we just sign them to deals. It's a no lose-situation, we keep the ability to bring everyone back up until the moment before a free agent signs when we'd dump Mills and rescind the qualifying offers. If nobody wants to sign then we haven't lost anything.

I agree I think it's unlikely that Gasol or Aldridge leave their teams, but if they choose to then we are absolutely in the race.

I'm thinking that this is more about a Spurs' pursuit of Aldridge making perfect sense if Duncan retires as opposed to Aldridge actually wanting to leave.

If it wasn't Portland, Aldridge could potentially hold out for a sign-and-trade to San Antonio, allowing the Spurs to get him without losing a big chunk of the core of the team. But the Blazers seem to have something against the Spurs, and they are also a (supposed?) contender that would be loath to help a conference foe.

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Originally Posted by Richie

I think you misunderstand my point, there's no reason we'd have to dump any assets until we actually signed Aldridge, Gasol or whoever. We will tender qualifying offers to Baynes and Joseph, if we miss out on a free agent then we just sign them to deals. It's a no lose-situation, we keep the ability to bring everyone back up until the moment before a free agent signs when we'd dump Mills and rescind the qualifying offers. If nobody wants to sign then we haven't lost anything.

I agree I think it's unlikely that Gasol or Aldridge leave their teams, but if they choose to then we are absolutely in the race.

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I understood your point, I just don't see the Spurs pursuing that sort of plan.

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Originally Posted by Mel_13

I understood your point, I just don't see the Spurs pursuing that sort of plan.

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Not to mention because it relies on Leonard not signing an offer sheet and Green not signing anything. Then, whomever the team wants with the room exception has to hang out as well. So many things can go wrong when you're waiting on big fish to make up their minds. Just ask Houston.

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Originally Posted by Chinook

Not to mention because it relies on Leonard not signing an offer sheet and Green not signing anything. Then, whomever the team wants with the room exception has to hang out as well. So many things can go wrong when you're waiting on big fish to make up their minds. Just ask Houston.

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:lol

My first thought was that plan sounded like something that Morey would try to pull off. RC's not playing that game.

I really hope the spurs promote and look for a young bargain with real potential. I don't want Aldridge, Gasol, Millsap, or any of the big name unrestricted guys. these guys are going to be crazy expensive, wine dine and ditch for the bright lights types, who are on the wrong side of late 20's with lame playoff careers anyway. Draymond, Tristan Thompson, Reggie Jackson, Jimmy Butler, Faried, Kantor, Jeff Taylor, Telotovic are going to be afterthoughts so i'm sure they'd be loyal to anybody who makes them a priority, work hard. They're going to be less expensive than the big name unrestricted, discount. They're being restricted makes it so that if you lose out on signing them at least their team has to pay a little heavier for them, slyly defensive. They're younger, with more potential, coach-able. high reward low risk, if boom than you win and if bust than you can trade for at least a little something.

Renounce Duncan and manu in the offseason and you supposedly have the room.

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Originally Posted by Chinook

Plus two first-rounders. I'm not sure I'd be as inclined to make that trade. Not because of talent, really. But I don't think that it make sense to give up that much if you're trying to win now. It would take the team another year or two to their talent level back up to where it is now. It'd be different if the Spurs actually made that trade, as well, seeing as they'd probably keep their MLE in that case.

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We're not giving up first rounders, we're just delaying them another year which is very different. LJC isn't going to be demanding the MLE to come over if we wait another year like Splitter, dude is 11th in minutes for his mid table team in the Pro A.

This is all assuming Duncan and Manu retire obviously, at which point we cease to be a true contender without signing someone of Aldridges quality. We'd be a better team with Aldridge and less depth compared to the alternative, and that is still assuming we can't bring back Baynes and Belinelli for the minimum and Joseph for the Room exception. It's not out of the question for our rotation to be

Parker/Joseph
Green/Belinelli
Kawhi
Aldridge/Diaw
Splitter/Baynes

If we can get him for the minimum, why not?

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Originally Posted by Chinook

Not to mention because it relies on Leonard not signing an offer sheet and Green not signing anything. Then, whomever the team wants with the room exception has to hang out as well. So many things can go wrong when you're waiting on big fish to make up their minds. Just ask Houston.

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This is a complete non issue, if Green or Kawhi decide to sign an offer sheet then we put any free agent on a clock. If they don't commit then we bring back everyone and wait until the next time we have room.

Houston weren't wrong to do what they did, the mistake they made was to prioritise chasing Bosh over Parsons. In the same situation there's no way the Spurs let Parsons walk.

The Joseph Room exception would just be a cherry on the cake, there are plenty of options at point guard in the league every year if he left.

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Originally Posted by Richie

We're not giving up first rounders, we're just delaying them another year which is very different. LJC isn't going to be demanding the MLE to come over if we wait another year like Splitter, dude is 11th in minutes for his mid table team in the Pro A.

This is all assuming Duncan and Manu retire obviously, at which point we cease to be a true contender without signing someone of Aldridges quality. We'd be a better team with Aldridge and less depth compared to the alternative, and that is still assuming we can't bring back Baynes and Belinelli for the minimum and Joseph for the Room exception. It's not out of the question for our rotation to be

drunk edit

Parker/(Joseph trade for Lavine would keep rookie scale deal in place and free up some cash)
Green/Belinelli
Kawhi
Aldridge(Draymond, Tristan Thompson, Faried, Kantor are cheaper and maybe better. considering Bertans, LJC, K. Anderson, J. Green)/Diaw
Splitter/Baynes

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Duncan and Manu don't have to retire, if the spurs just get deeper. Kawhi is in full on spur superstar mode right now anyway. the only tweak necessary is stronger supporting cast, not more superstars.

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Originally Posted by DrunkTXLabrat

Duncan and Manu don't have to retire, if the spurs just get deeper. Kawhi is in full on spur superstar mode right now anyway. the only tweak necessary is stronger supporting cast, not more superstars.

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I completely agree, if Duncan and Manu want to come back then fantastic. I'm taking an extra year of Duncan over any free agent.

However, you're crazy if you think Minnesota are trading LaVine or any of those power forwards listed are better than Aldridge. Draymond Green will probably get a max offer and Tristan Thompson reportedly refused a $12m extension from the Cavs already, and neither are close to Aldridge. The dude scored 40+ in 2 straight playoff games last year.

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Originally Posted by Richie

I completely agree, if Duncan and Manu want to come back then fantastic. I'm taking an extra year of Duncan over any free agent.

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You just agreed that Spurs don't have to go after an Aldridge-level player even if Duncan and Manu both retire.

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Originally Posted by Mel_13

You just agreed that Spurs don't have to go after an Aldridge-level player even if Duncan and Manu both retire.

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What? Where? If we can bring back the same core with Duncan and Manu I'm doing it all day long. If they both retire then we need a star to keep contending.

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Originally Posted by Mel_13

You just agreed that Spurs don't have to go after an Aldridge-level player even if Duncan and Manu both retire.

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it's not exactly a deal with the devil. Kawhi, Parker, Green, Tiago, Diaw, Mills, Anderson, Baynes, LJC, Bertans is really only short Parker, Tiago, Baynes insurance, imo.

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Originally Posted by Richie

What? Where? If we can bring back the same core with Duncan and Manu I'm doing it all day long. If they both retire then we need a star to keep contending.

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My mistake. I thought you misread the drunk guy's post. Turns out that I misread it. Sorry about that.

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Originally Posted by Richie

We're not giving up first rounders, we're just delaying them another year which is very different. LJC isn't going to be demanding the MLE to come over if we wait another year like Splitter, dude is 11th in minutes for his mid table team in the Pro A.

This is all assuming Duncan and Manu retire obviously, at which point we cease to be a true contender without signing someone of Aldridges quality. We'd be a better team with Aldridge and less depth compared to the alternative, and that is still assuming we can't bring back Baynes and Belinelli for the minimum and Joseph for the Room exception. It's not out of the question for our rotation to be

Parker/Joseph
Green/Belinelli
Kawhi
Aldridge/Diaw
Splitter/Baynes

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Obviously, if the Spurs' core comes back for the minimum, then the roster would not be gutted. But that's not practical. Nor is it good GMing.

At best, it would be Parker, Green, Kawhi, Aldridge, Splitter as starters with Anderson, Bertans and Diaw as the bench. Probably the worst roster the Spurs have had since 2010. Any use of cap space must involve them also having players on cheap rookie deals.

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Originally Posted by Richie

This is a complete non issue, if Green or Kawhi decide to sign an offer sheet then we put any free agent on a clock. If they don't commit then we bring back everyone and wait until the next time we have room.

Houston weren't wrong to do what they did, the mistake they made was to prioritise chasing Bosh over Parsons. In the same situation there's no way the Spurs let Parsons walk.

The Joseph Room exception would just be a cherry on the cake, there are plenty of options at point guard in the league every year if he left.

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It's not about letting Leonard walk. It's about him signing an unideal contract (like the one Parsons signed). And losing Green for nothing would be a real possiblity. Also, committing and signing aren't the same thing. Korver committed to the Spurs until his wife told him no. When you're talking about stars leaving their draft teams, there's no such thing as committment until a signature is on the paper. And the trades/cuts have to be made before that happens.

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Originally Posted by DrunkTXLabrat

it's not exactly a deal with the devil. Kawhi, Parker, Green, Tiago, Diaw, Mills, Anderson, Baynes, LJC, Bertans is really only short Parker, Tiago, Baynes insurance, imo.

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throw in Reggie Jackson and Draymond and this team keeps winning championships.

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Originally Posted by jeebus

If we can get him for the minimum, why not?

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:lol

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Originally Posted by DrunkTXLabrat

I really hope the spurs promote and look for a young bargain with real potential. I don't want Aldridge, Gasol, Millsap, or any of the big name unrestricted guys. these guys are going to be crazy expensive, wine dine and ditch for the bright lights types, who are on the wrong side of late 20's with lame playoff careers anyway. Draymond, Tristan Thompson, Reggie Jackson, Jimmy Butler, Faried, Kantor, Jeff Taylor, Telotovic are going to be afterthoughts so i'm sure they'd be loyal to anybody who makes them a priority, work hard. They're going to be less expensive than the big name unrestricted, discount. They're being restricted makes it so that if you lose out on signing them at least their team has to pay a little heavier for them, slyly defensive. They're younger, with more potential, coach-able. high reward low risk, if boom than you win and if bust than you can trade for at least a little something.

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Draymond- will get the max or very close to it
Thompson- turned down a 4yr/52M extension
Jackson- will get in excess of 4/50
Butler- will get the max or very close to it
Faried- already signed an extension last summer
Teletovic- will turn 30 before next season begins
Taylor- guilty of domestic violence
Kantor- will be pricy as an RFA, but might actually be a possible target

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Originally Posted by Richie

I completely agree, if Duncan and Manu want to come back then fantastic. I'm taking an extra year of Duncan over any free agent.

However, you're crazy if you think Minnesota are trading LaVine or any of those power forwards listed are better than Aldridge. Draymond Green will probably get a max offer and Tristan Thompson reportedly refused a $12m extension from the Cavs already, and neither are close to Aldridge. The dude scored 40+ in 2 straight playoff games last year.

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if the spurs offer'd cojo and a 16 1st, minny would be insane to pass that up. of course spurs talk posters would cry a mississippi river while i danced in the dingy. and i'm not saying aldridge is worse than draymond and thompson, although i personally don't like him as much. but i am saying they have a better shot at actually signing here and being here, and we'd be better for it. reggie jackson too. imagine Parker, Jackson, Lavine!

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Originally Posted by jeebus

If we can get him for the minimum, why not?

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:lol

Of course the Spurs will make a max offer to him. But no way he leaves when he has a nice supporting cast and will make more money in Portland. And leaving a team with Lillard hitting his prime? Not seeing it. I think Gasol is a much better shot (though still very unlikely) since Z-Bo has been regressing pretty steadily since 2011.

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Originally Posted by Mel_13

Almost always. Howard and Gasol both had better offers from the Lakers, but they were both leaving a losing organization. Aldridge, M.Gasol, and Millsap have no reason to leave money on the table to get away from their current teams.

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True, amazingly, for the Lakers. In fairness, though, Howard did go according to plan on whining to get out of Orlando before his contract was up. He wanted to go to the Nets, but ended up getting traded to the Lakers, who didn't have a guarantee that he would re-sign but clearly assumed that because they were the Lakers and could pay him the most, that he would re-sign with them. Amazingly, he did not. But that just goes to show what playing with Kobe can do to you. What will be interesting is to see what happens with Kevin Love as he is in the same kind of situation as Howard.

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Originally Posted by Mel_13

Draymond- will get the max or very close to it fine, do it RC... hell, top it.
Thompson- turned down a 4yr/52M extension awesome, but i'm talking trade cojo anyway so not ideal
Jackson- will get in excess of 4/50 fine, do it RC... hell, top it RC
Butler- will get the max or very close to it don't really want him anyway, but i'm just throwing out more appealing free agents than the big names
Faried- already signed an extension last summer oops, straight up.
Teletovic- will turn 30 before next season begins oops, again. but he's still a bargain and bidding war is still defense
Taylor- guilty of domestic violence i don't care, but i see your point. bargain.
Kantor- will be pricy as an RFA, but might actually be a possible target hell yeah, if draymond attempt failed

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Originally Posted by cd98

True, amazingly, for the Lakers. In fairness, though, Howard did go according to plan on whining to get out of Orlando before his contract was up. He wanted to go to the Nets, but ended up getting traded to the Lakers, who didn't have a guarantee that he would re-sign but clearly assumed that because they were the Lakers and could pay him the most, that he would re-sign with them. Amazingly, he did not. But that just goes to show what playing with Kobe can do to you. What will be interesting is to see what happens with Kevin Love as he is in the same kind of situation as Howard.

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If things go badly and they make him a scapegoat, he could very well leave. The Cavs have a lot riding on the second half of the season and the playoffs.

Great fit with Tiago, almost unstoppable in the offense but soft, soon to be declining (29), average/weak defender. Not Worth big sacrifices tbh.

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Originally Posted by cd98

True, amazingly, for the Lakers. In fairness, though, Howard did go according to plan on whining to get out of Orlando before his contract was up. He wanted to go to the Nets, but ended up getting traded to the Lakers, who didn't have a guarantee that he would re-sign but clearly assumed that because they were the Lakers and could pay him the most, that he would re-sign with them. Amazingly, he did not. But that just goes to show what playing with Kobe can do to you. What will be interesting is to see what happens with Kevin Love as he is in the same kind of situation as Howard.

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He'll pull the reverse Howard and go to the Lakers

The Spurs have realistically two options next year tbh:

1) Convince Manu/Tim to come back for 7.

2) have a 6-8 seed ceiling with about 20 threads a day complaining TP is holding the team back from a Top 3 seed.

If the Spurs win the 2015 championship, and Duncan and Manu retire (which I consider likely in this event), do they have the cap space to sign a max contract free agent, give Kawhi his max and bring back the rest of band (Green and anyone else)?

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Originally Posted by Perry Mason

If the Spurs win the 2015 championship, and Duncan and Manu retire (which I consider likely in this event), do they have the cap space to sign a max contract free agent, give Kawhi his max and bring back the rest of band (Green and anyone else)?

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See the discussion earlier in this thread. The short answer is that they would have to offload some salary commitments in order to create a max salary slot, based upon current estimates for the 2015-16 salary cap.

If Manu and Tim retire, this team isn't good enough for a title. We would have to rebuild and trading assets for a franchise player is a good deal. Players like DG and Mills won't be the same because their roles would be totally different.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Perry Mason

If the Spurs win the 2015 championship, and Duncan and Manu retire (which I consider likely in this event), do they have the cap space to sign a max contract free agent, give Kawhi his max and bring back the rest of band (Green and anyone else)?

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Mills or Splitter would have to go and Danny and Kawhi would have to be patient

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Originally Posted by Cklbmk

Mills or Splitter would have to go and Danny and Kawhi would have to be patient

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Without Spitter and Mills, the Spurs will be worse than Grizzles or Portland.

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Originally Posted by PingPong

Without Spitter and Mills, the Spurs will be worse than Grizzles or Portland.

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This year. Not in the next couple years. Splitter is declining.

If the league decides to "smooth" the anticipated cap jump from 2015 to 2016, could the cap this summer be somewhat higher than we expect? This would affect the amount of Kawhi's max deal but also the amount of cap space the Spurs would have.

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Originally Posted by N0 LyF3 ScRuB

If Manu and Tim retire, this team isn't good enough for a title. We would have to rebuild and trading assets for a franchise player is a good deal. Players like DG and Mills won't be the same because their roles would be totally different.

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Bud just showing the world you don't need manu and tim to compete. Just wait till he gets to the finals for nonbelievers.
The spurs don't rebuild. They repair.

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Originally Posted by dabom

Bud just showing the world you don't need manu and tim to compete. Just wait till he gets to the finals for nonbelievers.
The spurs don't rebuild. They repair.

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Who exactly do you rely on to take their roles? Splitter for Duncan and 35 year old Diaw for Manu?

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Originally Posted by N0 LyF3 ScRuB

Who exactly do you rely on to take their roles? Splitter for Duncan and 35 year old Diaw for Manu?

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You understand when players retire we have cap space right?
And before you start asking which are this players that will join, that's up to the best FO in the league to decide.

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Originally Posted by Chinook

Obviously, if the Spurs' core comes back for the minimum, then the roster would not be gutted. But that's not practical. Nor is it good GMing.

At best, it would be Parker, Green, Kawhi, Aldridge, Splitter as starters with Anderson, Bertans and Diaw as the bench. Probably the worst roster the Spurs have had since 2010. Any use of cap space must involve them also having players on cheap rookie deals.

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At best? What you're suggesting is the worst case scenario. You are also completely misusing the term 'core'. Our 1-7 is the core, players like Baynes, Belinelli and Bonner are not our core, even Mills and Joseph are easily replaceable as they play the deepest position in basketball right now. Look at what Chicago has consistenly done with Nate Robinson, DJ Augustin, Aaron Brookes etc...

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Originally Posted by Chinook

It's not about letting Leonard walk. It's about him signing an unideal contract (like the one Parsons signed). And losing Green for nothing would be a real possiblity. Also, committing and signing aren't the same thing. Korver committed to the Spurs until his wife told him no. When you're talking about stars leaving their draft teams, there's no such thing as committment until a signature is on the paper. And the trades/cuts have to be made before that happens.

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The trade/cuts happen literally while he's in the room with a pen in his hand. Korver actually did sign for the Spurs, we could have forced him to come but we accepted his change of heart for family reasons.

Losing Green for nothing is not a possibility unless we choose to let him go. As long as the Front Office goes in to the summer with the mentality that we don't lose either Kawhi or Green (unless someone throws something silly at him) then we won't lose them. Houston chose to let Parsons go before Bosh had signed, they didn't have to do that.

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Originally Posted by testies

nooooo

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Unibrow yes.

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Originally Posted by Richie

At best? What you're suggesting is the worst case scenario. You are also completely misusing the term 'core'. Our 1-7 is the core, players like Baynes, Belinelli and Bonner are not our core, even Mills and Joseph are easily replaceable as they play the deepest position in basketball right now. Look at what Chicago has consistenly done with Nate Robinson, DJ Augustin, Aaron Brookes etc...



The trade/cuts happen literally while he's in the room with a pen in his hand. Korver actually did sign for the Spurs, we could have forced him to come but we accepted his change of heart for family reasons.

Losing Green for nothing is not a possibility unless we choose to let him go. As long as the Front Office goes in to the summer with the mentality that we don't lose either Kawhi or Green (unless someone throws something silly at him) then we won't lose them. Houston chose to let Parsons go before Bosh had signed, they didn't have to do that.

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That's not even close to the worst-case scenario. Despite your statements, Green is a UFA an can leave any time he wants. Leonard can sign a short offer sheet unless the Spurs give him a max QO, but then that destroys their cap space.

If you want the Spurs to be Chicago, that's fine. I'd rather them be better than a bunch of overworked try-hards who get overrated every season.

CHINOOK how would we be able to sign LA to a max deal when we have to sign Kawhi to a deal (probably max as well) also???

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Originally Posted by DarrinS

I don't see this happening.

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^^^^^ I agree with you.

doubt he would sign with the spurs.....

Not happening. Seriously doubt he'd come here anyways, even if we do offer.

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Originally Posted by Richie

It would be giving up rotation pieces, but it's not like we're letting go of legit starters. Out of all the players we would lose, the only one who played significant minutes in the playoffs last year was Mills.

Lets assume we dumped Mills and wouldn't be able to bring back Joseph, Baynes or Belinelli after waiving their Bird rights/qualifying offer. We could look at it as a trade, Mills + Joseph + Baynes + Belinelli for Aldridge, that's a no brainer. Every GM in the league would do that in a heartbeat.

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DESERVING.

And honestly, when was the last time the Spurs ever signed a big-name player that they were rumored to be interested in? Ever?

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Originally Posted by BatManu20

And honestly, when was the last time the Spurs ever signed a big-name player that they were rumored to be interested in? Ever?

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Tim Duncan?

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Originally Posted by BatManu20

And honestly, when was the last time the Spurs ever signed a big-name player that they were rumored to be interested in? Ever?

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This is overblown, we have only ever had cap room once in the Duncan era and Kidd was wanted to come but his wife didn't.

^Cuckhold joke?

Anyways as fun as speculating on the will they won't they scenario, has anyone considered this could be more about gamesmanship on the Spurs FO part if true. This coming summer Portland will need to play LA, Lopez, and Matthews with Lillard and Batum following the next summer. Although its pretty unlikely he wouldn't get a max offer elsewhere, at least the spurs could somewhat force Portland's hand and make sure they are tying as much salary in their starting lineup as possible. Or perhaps they are eyeing Matthews as a potential Green replacement should Danny get a bigger offer or leave.

Either way its purely speculation and probably by executives that, for the most part themselves are incompetent, so while the possibility remains that the Spurs could offer LA a max contract (or Gasol or anyone else) so does the possibility of a ST poster marrying a supermodel, pornstar, ect. Possible doesn't equate to probable.

Lol tlongII on suicide watch.

Would rather Spurs make a decent run at Dragic this off-season.

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Originally Posted by N0 LyF3 ScRuB

This year. Not in the next couple years. Splitter is declining.

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Splittah is coasting to avoid a Varejao season. I bet he will be better in this season's playoffs. More self-confident, less self pressure, more experienced.

Just rumors, wont happen!

Not that he fills any specific need, but if the Spurs are going to spend a lot of money this off season I'd rather them get Jimmy Butler. He's redundant, but at least he's a solid 2-way player and young. But I would prefer they not target anyone for the max this next year in the event Tim/Manu retire :cry

Tim has looked unusually young this season with bigger minutes. Whatever he did in the offseason has worked. Part of his decision has to be how his body feels. Now with KL back, there are going to be more chances for rest. We just gotta get Splitter playing tough every night.

Manu... No idea. He loves to compete. But I think he breaks before Tim physically. He can't slow down, it's not in his makeup. Since this thread is so out there, I'm thinking 3 peat. No im praying 3 peat. Perhaps downgrade that to magically wishing... Tooth fairy stuff.

Interesting convo.

If Tim and Manu retire everything is on the table. It goes without saying that those two are irreplaceable, but that doesn't mean the Spurs want to be a perpetual 6-9 seed for the foreseeable future after they leave. Really the options are to tank, or pay to get a third stud to go along with TP and Leonard.

Obviously opening up the needed space is the issue. For as much as I like Bobo I think the Spurs could try to move his deal, which iirc has only one fully guaranteed year after 2016, and pray for a second year bump from Anderson. Cojo has played himself to a rich contract this summer, so I have my doubts that the Spurs are going to match an offer sheet he is likely to get regardless of all this speculation. Frankly, this is a concern for Danny too. Roll with Mills as the back up PG, sign cotton as the 3rd stringer, and bring over Bertans to bolster the shooting off the bench.

Are there holes? Of course. But like it or not there will be a new normal once those two icons retire. I just hope it's not the post-Stockton & Malone Jazz.

Also, a player to watch might be Al Jefferson. Spurs seem to like him and he's the type of player that might take a little less money possibly if he's tired of losing. Hibbert may be another guy who might flirt with the Spurs and look at less money. I'd rather the Spurs hold off until 2016 and wait and see if players like Drummond develop. Plus, at least Durant is a FA and Anthony Davis (if he gets to FA).

Don't think Al or Hibbert are likely, but they may be some players frustrated with their current situation who seem to have ties to Tim/Spurs.

On a personal note, I would be pretty pissed if Danny left. He's just one of my favorite players to watch and a great story.

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Originally Posted by DPG21920

Not that he fills any specific need, but if the Spurs are going to spend a lot of money this off season I'd rather them get Jimmy Butler. He's redundant, but at least he's a solid 2-way player and young. But I would prefer they not target anyone for the max this next year in the event Tim/Manu retire :cry

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Butler is restricted, the Bulls will match anything. It's almost impossible to get a great player before they hit 27 with the way free agency is structured.

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Originally Posted by Richie

Butler is restricted, the Bulls will match anything. It's almost impossible to get a great player before they hit 27 with the way free agency is structured.

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Very true - wasn't really commenting on the reality of obtaining said player, just making a point that if they are chasing somewhat of a longshot, I'd rather go younger.

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Originally Posted by LakerHater

Just rumors, wont happen!

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It's not even a rumor. Its simply an idea thrown out there. This story is a non-whatever you call it. Let's just move along..

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Originally Posted by CGD

Are there holes? Of course. But like it or not there will be a new normal once those two icons retire. I just hope it's not the post-Stockton & Malone Jazz.

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Nobody can predict the future but its really hard to win in this league and not just a title. To consistently be an elite team year in and year out is hard. My home team the Hornets have been perpetually bad for years at times they make a little progress and end up as an 8th seed but nothing more then that. They have been unlucky at times in the draft by missing out on a hot prospect like Davis and having to settle for only a solid player in Kidd-Gilchrist. Whether the spurs will be terrible or great will depend on luck. I think you need luck to assemble a great team and you need to have a great FO to maintain it. The spurs have the great FO part down but it will now come down to luck.

All Portland has to do is match and then it doesn't matter. LMA is good but he's not that good.

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Originally Posted by Beaverfuzz

All Portland has to do is match and then it doesn't matter. LMA is good but he's not that good.

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Aldridge is unrestricted, if he chooses to leave there's nothing Portland can do.

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Originally Posted by Richie

Aldridge is unrestricted, if he chooses to leave there's nothing Portland can do.

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I could have sworn someone said that a team won't lose a valued FA unless they choose to let him go. Let me check. Here it is:

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Originally Posted by Richie

Losing Green for nothing is not a possibility unless we choose to let him go. As long as the Front Office goes in to the summer with the mentality that we don't lose either Kawhi or Green (unless someone throws something silly at him) then we won't lose them. Houston chose to let Parsons go before Bosh had signed, they didn't have to do that.

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So a determined Portland effort to keep Aldridge, which they most assuredly will make, won't guarantee that he'll stay, but the Spurs are in no danger of losing Green unless they choose to let him go? Ok.

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Originally Posted by Richie

Aldridge is unrestricted, if he chooses to leave there's nothing Portland can do.

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LMA receives the same offer from Portland vs another team, he stays...and probably stays for a little less to get that last piece for Portland to really get over the hump.