Report: Spurs might get a free agent meeting with LaMarcus Aldridge

Sorry if it has been posted somewhere else. Something to get us through the day, except bitching like a five year old girl about Parker & Leonard all day.

http://probasketballtalk.nbcsports.c...rcus-aldridge/

LaMarcus Aldridge is one of the more high-profile players who will hit the market as an unrestricted free agent this summer, and reports continue to emerge that he may be one of the few max guys who would actually consider bolting his current situation on order to play somewhere else.
One said Aldridge was more likely to leave than people realize, while another quoted an anonymous teammate in estimating the chances of him returning to Portland are 50-50, at best.
If Aldridge does look around to see where the grass might be greener, he’d be hard-pressed to find a more appealing option than the one which may be available to him in San Antonio with the Spurs.
From Zach Lowe of Grantland:

The Spurs accepted that risk because waiting to bump up Leonard’s salary gives them the chance to dangle max cap space in front of Marc Gasol and LaMarcus Aldridge this summer. Neither is a good bet to leave his current team, but sources around the league have been saying for weeks that the Spurs might get a hearing with Aldridge — and that was before the Oregonian reported that at least one Blazers player thinks there is only a 50-50 chance that Aldridge stays in Portland.
(And no, I wouldn’t take that as gospel, either. Aldridge said before the season that he wants to be the greatest Blazer ever.)

Marc Gasol has similarly been linked to the Spurs, but his connection to Memphis seems strong enough to where his leaving in free agency seems like a long shot.
With Aldridge, though, the rumblings are probably there for a reason. We won’t know exactly how serious things are until Portland’s season has come to a close, but you’d have to believe a first-round playoff exit at the hands of Gasol’s Grizzlies would have him ready to, at the very least, strongly consider his options.

Of those two, LA has to be the one most likely to leave especially if the Blazers get bounced early. Not a huge fan personally, but obviously he's good and would keep the team in contention until Tony starts to meaningfully slow down.

Gasol won't go, but I'm very interested to see what Lopez does this summer.

can you imagine the back to back NBA champs bringing back Kiwi, Verde and adding LA? Cancel Christmas (plus Timmy returning with a team friendly deal), getting him would make people forget about TSpense and missing out on Pau.

Just say no to LMA. Gasol is a much better option.

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Originally Posted by Beaverfuzz

Just say no to LMA. Gasol is a much better option.

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LMA is a better fit next to Splitter...he's an excellent mid-range shooter and has even shown signs of developing a 3-point shot this year. He's also a few years younger than Gasol IIRC.

I really don't see any way Gasol leaves Memphis. LMA is a somewhat realistic (albeit still a long shot) option, since apparently he wants to get back to Texas so he can be closer to family.

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Originally Posted by Beaverfuzz

Just say no to LMA. Gasol is a much better option.

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Gasol's not coming to SA though. Aldridge probably isn't either, but if you're playing the odds game, we'd have a much better chance at luring Aldridge.

:lol Aldridge
:lol soft jump shooting big
:lol Spurs if they offer him the max

I'd take LA over marc tbh. It's what the team needs.

:lol Aldridge
:lol soft jump shooting big
:lol Spurs if they offer him the max

spurs fans still thinking they'll land a big named free agent :lol

Aldridge is pretty overrated and soft, but it's San Antonio, if you can get a talent like that, you take him, tbh..

He's a good character guy and he plays team ball, too..he's also a competent defender, not great, but far from a liability..

It's not like he's a cancerous player that you're taking a chance on like a Monta Ellis..

I don't like aldridge..But maybe the perfect space provider alongside Kawhi..I don't know.

If it's rumored that he's coming then we can forget it

More importantly, he has discussed working on a 3-point shot for the past 2 seasons, and he's been taking them more frequently IIRC..on a podcast I heard during the off-season, he said that was his main priority going forward, expanding his shot to the 3-point line..

The Spurs have the best shooting coach in the league, perfect opportunity to open a new door for Aldridge, and potentially prolong his effectiveness..

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Originally Posted by BatManu20

Gasol's not coming to SA though. Aldridge probably isn't either, but if you're playing the odds game, we'd have a much better chance at luring Aldridge.

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Throw money at someone else, LMA isn't worth the coin.

100 pages incoming.

Waiting for Tspence to confirm SA's interest.

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Originally Posted by Malik Hairston

More importantly, he has discussed working on a 3-point shot for the past 2 seasons, and he's been taking them more frequently IIRC..on a podcast I heard during the off-season, he said that was his main priority going forward, expanding his shot to the 3-point line..

The Spurs have the best shooting coach in the league, perfect opportunity to open a new door for Aldridge, and potentially prolong his effectiveness..

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LMA will never be truly great until he develops an inside game. Going out further and further just exposes his weaknesses even more. But I guess if you get paid max money, it doesn't really matter what you do.

Allot here seem to think every NBA player outside of the Spurs are scrubs. The dude is an All-Star if you have a chance at getting him you go try to get him. I agree that Gasol would be nice but he isn't leaving Memphis, both he and the team seem to want to stay.

He would be good next to Splitter but I'm worried that Splitter's injuries aren't limited to just this season...

Chime the typical "Spurs never get any free agents", with people forgetting they never have cap space and have a pretty deep roster (read: not as many minutes to go around).

Lowe laid it out on Grantland today, but Spurs would have around $15 million including Green's QO. By renouncing CoJo, I get to $18 million which is still only 27.3% of the projected cap of $67.1mm. Both guys would be entitled to deals worth 30% of the cap, so would need to take a $3 million discount on year 1 salary. That's what makes this scenario unlikely.

While I'd love LMA or Gasol, I'm fine getting the next tier of guys on good deals if they avail themselves. The team would be pretty barren if using cap space to sign a big FA and would have to go with minimum salaries etc. to fill out the roster. If Duncan or Ginobili come back (I think Manu does as he'll go out post-Olympics), cap space is probably in the $8 million range assuming VERY team friendly deals, so not even much more than the MLE.

Player	2015/16	#	Notes
Parker	13,438	1
Splitter	8,500	2
Diaw	7,500	3
Mills	3,200	4
Leonard	4,269	5
Joseph	3,202	6
Anderson	1,143	7
Subtotal	41,251
First round pick	992	8
Renounce Joseph	(3,202)	7
Green cap hold	7,648	8	(190% of prior year)
Minimum salary holds	2,100	12	(4 players @ $525k - 13th player would be theoretical FA)
Subtotal	48,788
Projected Cap	67,100
Cap space	18,312
% of cap	27.3%

Adding to prior post, the team might be best served keeping the house in order next year and even with Kawhi under a max contract ($18mm in 2016-17) and Green at $8-$10mm per year, they would have $24-$26mm of cap space that season. Can really fill out a nice roster with that amount of money, plus may be able to bring some of the prospects over if they're ever healthy and materialize. The FO knows these different iterations much better than any of us.

Only player the Spurs should max, tbh..

I'd much rather have Duncan return for another year.

Would Tim be cool with playing Center?

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Originally Posted by baseline bum

I'd much rather have Duncan return for another year.

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Originally Posted by xtremesteven33

Would Tim be cool with playing Center?

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He was playing PF when Bonner started next to him? Duncan has been playing both positions his entire career... whatever he choses to call himself is irrelevant.

LMA would be the best choice

the only big name free agents i want the spurs to go after are restricted ones. Draymond Green! Tristan Thompson! get them, or drive that cost up!

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Originally Posted by Malik Hairston

Aldridge is pretty overrated and soft, but it's San Antonio, if you can get a talent like that, you take him, tbh..

He's a good character guy and he plays team ball, too..he's also a competent defender, not great, but far from a liability..

It's not like he's a cancerous player that you're taking a chance on like a Monta Ellis..

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Overrated? Sure, a few people in the past couple of years have claimed he's the best PF in the game, but that's never been the general consensus. He's widely regarded as a top 15 player and I don't see an argument for that not being the case.

Despite this fan bases' propensity for picking apart damn near every player, as you alluded to, there's no chance of doing any better than him. In fact, even getting someone a tier under him should be viewed as a win.

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Originally Posted by cjw

Chime the typical "Spurs never get any free agents", with people forgetting they never have cap space and have a pretty deep roster (read: not as many minutes to go around).

Lowe laid it out on Grantland today, but Spurs would have around $15 million including Green's QO. By renouncing CoJo, I get to $18 million which is still only 27.3% of the projected cap of $67.1mm. Both guys would be entitled to deals worth 30% of the cap, so would need to take a $3 million discount on year 1 salary. That's what makes this scenario unlikely.

While I'd love LMA or Gasol, I'm fine getting the next tier of guys on good deals if they avail themselves. The team would be pretty barren if using cap space to sign a big FA and would have to go with minimum salaries etc. to fill out the roster. If Duncan or Ginobili come back (I think Manu does as he'll go out post-Olympics), cap space is probably in the $8 million range assuming VERY team friendly deals, so not even much more than the MLE.

Player	2015/16	#	Notes
Parker	13,438	1
Splitter	8,500	2
Diaw	7,500	3
Mills	3,200	4
Leonard	4,269	5
Joseph	3,202	6
Anderson	1,143	7
Subtotal	41,251
First round pick	992	8
Renounce Joseph	(3,202)	7
Green cap hold	7,648	8	(190% of prior year)
Minimum salary holds	2,100	12	(4 players @ $525k - 13th player would be theoretical FA)
Subtotal	48,788
Projected Cap	67,100
Cap space	18,312
% of cap	27.3%

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He wouldn't take a cent below the max, nor would they need him to. We're talking about one of the 15 best players in the league, in his prime and he'd be as close as realistically possible to a perfect fit for this team. As much as I like Diaw and Mills, if one of them has to go to accommodate a player of this magnitude, so be it.

The key would be retaining Green. Clearly, the bench would have to be re-built, but a Parker-Green-Leonard-Aldridge-Splitter starting five would give them a puncher's chance at remaining in contention.

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Originally Posted by xtremesteven33

Would Tim be cool with playing Center?

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:lol He's been defending C's almost exclusively since '06-'07.

That Parker contract really puts a damper on my hope for the next few years, tbh..

Keep Duncan and drop splitter

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Originally Posted by Malik Hairston

That Parker contract really puts a damper on my hope for the next few years, tbh..

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Next year is the only year it will have a big impact. With the cap skyrocketing, Parker's money takes up a smaller percentage, which is what max contracts are based on. He'll still be overpaid but not by as much.

If the above calculations are correct, the Spurs are a Joseph salary-dump away from max space even with keeping Green's cap hold (and thus Bird rights). With enough sweeteners, a team with a little cap space looking to roll that cap space into 2016 should be willing to take a year of Joseph.

A max contract next summer starting around $20M could very well be a bargain in two years with a $108M cap. I would happily give LMA the 2015 max. Players of his caliber are hard to come by and the salary as a percentage of the cap will actually go down in the 2nd and 3rd years of his deal.

In fact, if the Spurs can get LMA on a 2015 max deal, max out Kawhi, and get Green to take around $55M over 5 years, the Spurs could have another max slot in 2017, assuming they don't give out any more big long-term deals before then.

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Originally Posted by Blake

If it's rumored that he's coming then we can forget it...... my wife will offer him a "welcoming party" which means we'll have to kick out Jamaal. A new buck, sweeeeettt! I hope we get frow tickets for each game.

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:lmao

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Originally Posted by TheGreatYacht

Only player the Spurs should max, tbh..

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Spurs will need a rim protector to replace Timmy especially if they plan on keeping Splitter. So wouldn't really be a fan of signing Aldridge.

keep duncan sign Greg Monroe or DeAndre Jordan

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Originally Posted by The Reckoning

spurs fans still thinking they'll land a big named free agent :lol

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This is true, those saying they don't like Aldridge or don't offer him the max need not worry because he is not going to sign in SA. This happens every year though, it's as if they don't get it already after years of not getting FA's to come to SA. Spurs build through the draft and get pieces, thats what they do.

Wait, so we might get a meeting with a soft jump-shooting big? Oh boy!

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Originally Posted by Seventyniner

In fact, if the Spurs can get LMA on a 2015 max deal, max out Kawhi, and get Green to take around $55M over 5 years, the Spurs could have another max slot in 2017, assuming they don't give out any more big long-term deals before then.

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Financialy I don't think that the Spurs would be able to sign LMA and keep Green.

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Originally Posted by Beaverfuzz

Just say no to LMA. Gasol is a much better option.

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I'd prefer Gasol but if Aldridge wanted to come here you'd have to be a lunatic to say no.

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Originally Posted by TXstbobcat

Financialy I don't think that the Spurs would be able to sign LMA and keep Green.

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If we dump Mills with Manu and Duncan retiring we can have $18.8m, close enough to a max slot to be in the conversation

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Originally Posted by TD 21

He wouldn't take a cent below the max, nor would they need him to. We're talking about one of the 15 best players in the league, in his prime and he'd be as close as realistically possible to a perfect fit for this team. As much as I like Diaw and Mills, if one of them has to go to accommodate a player of this magnitude, so be it.

The key would be retaining Green. Clearly, the bench would have to be re-built, but a Parker-Green-Leonard-Aldridge-Splitter starting five would give them a puncher's chance at remaining in contention.

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Yeah, agree and trying to point out that cap space isn't quite there. Incumbent team has a huge advantage. Issue is you would need to have a trade in the bag for Diaw / Mills in advance to get it done. 90% of the board would love to see Parker be that guy shipped out to create space, but I'm not going to stir the pot there.

If you lost Green, you'd be scrambling to fill the other holes with cap space. I don't think you pull the trigger on one deal unless all the dominoes are ready to fall. This strategy would also be highly dependent on the FO having their guys identified to bring in on cheap deals to replenish the bench. On the bright side, pressure of winning a title immediately wouldn't be there as that team would have more time to gel.

If Aldridge can't be had, I'd love to steal Matthews from Portland and have more cap space to play with. He's not going to be the same guy post-injury but would complement Kawhi and Danny well. No idea what he's going to cost because it will depend on how he's healed.

Ultimately, Gasol and LA will talk about how they respect San Antonio but if they wind up leaving their respective teams, they'll go to the flashy, big market team like they all do. And LeBron will probably try to lure both of them, too.

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Originally Posted by TheGreatYacht

Only player the Spurs should max, tbh..

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Originally Posted by Richie

If we dump Mills with Manu and Duncan retiring we can have $18.8m, close enough to a max slot to be in the conversation

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That would be enough to sign LMA but not enough money to also sign Green.

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Originally Posted by Malik Hairston

Aldridge is pretty overrated and soft

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You just described today's NBA

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Originally Posted by TXstbobcat

That would be enough to sign LMA but not enough money to also sign Green.

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$18.8m is taking in to account Greens $7.5m cap hold

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Originally Posted by Blake

If it's rumored that he's coming then we can forget it

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Unless the Spurs have the insight that the have a shot at Anthony Davis, then I say fuck it give Aldridge and Leonard the max. I've heard he is unhappy in Portland, and wants to come back to Texas and be near his family, and doesn't care about money anymore as he has enough of it.

http://mavericks.scout.com/forums/2144-mavericks-discussion/13811871-fish-mavs-could-add-aldridge-and-keep-1-of-tyson-monta-rondo?s=268&page=1

"But one Blazers player cautioned that Aldridge already has enough money. Happiness is what he is truly seeking, and that could be found in being closer to family in Texas.
Worth noting that while Aldridge is from Dallas, and I believe that's where most of his family resides, he does have a son (his only child) in SAN ANTONIO - but his son lives with his mother, whom Aldridge is no longer with"

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Originally Posted by Ditty

http://mavericks.scout.com/forums/2144-mavericks-discussion/13811871-fish-mavs-could-add-aldridge-and-keep-1-of-tyson-monta-rondo?s=268&page=1

"But one Blazers player cautioned that Aldridge already has enough money. Happiness is what he is truly seeking, and that could be found in being closer to family in Texas.
Worth noting that while Aldridge is from Dallas, and I believe that's where most of his family resides, he does have a son (his only child) in SAN ANTONIO - but his son lives with his mother, whom Aldridge is no longer with"

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Not coming to SA then. Unless they get somehow back together which is not happening. lol

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Originally Posted by dabom

Not coming to SA then. Unless they get somehow back together which is not happening. lol

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No one wants baby mama drama. Fuck that. LA is going to Dallas.

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Originally Posted by SpurPadre

Ultimately, Gasol and LA will talk about how they respect San Antonio but if they wind up leaving their respective teams, they'll go to the flashy, big market team like they all do. And LeBron will probably try to lure both of them, too.

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Damn man you hit it dead on the head there, 100% accurate.

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Originally Posted by robdiaz2191

No one wants baby mama drama. Fuck that. LA is going to Dallas.

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Yeah, Dallas is usually the FA picks choice when going to Texas (Houston next). I can see Cuban throwing alot at him and if he leaves Portland winding up in Dallas.

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Originally Posted by dabom

Not coming to SA then. Unless they get somehow back together which is not happening. lol

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I'm pretty sure he is able to see his son...:lol

Well is not like Pau was a ballsy player in Memphis and got dominant during his Laker years, he was soft as a fetus and it worked.

I heard Pau Gasol has shown interest in the Spurs tbh...

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Originally Posted by SpurPadre

Ultimately, Gasol and LA will talk about how they respect San Antonio but if they wind up leaving their respective teams, they'll go to the flashy, big market team like they all do. And LeBron will probably try to lure both of them, too.

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This. The only way San Antonio is getting an all star is by drafting one.

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Originally Posted by Budkin

I heard Pau Gasol has shown interest in the Spurs tbh...

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Please God no, but If we get LMA is not like getting Dickie Jeffers, there are layers of softness.

Never understood why Spurs fan always think that free agents always pass us up for flashy markets when we've never heard more than MLE in years past, especially one who is already from Texas :lol

Gasol passed us up for more money and playing time obviously to play for the bulls tbh...

The pecking order is:
Tim for 2 more years > Gasol > Aldridge > Lopez

If Tim stays for 2 more years that'll play into the succession narrative when Davis becomes a UFA. You have to throw your hat in the ring on a guy like that no matter the long shot. Two factors that may make Davis' situation interesting:

1) With the cap set to explode right as Davis becomes a UFA, I doubt he agrees to do his extension this summer.

2) don't underestimate the Monty suck factor, whose likely "safe" after making these playoffs. It's a question of when (not if) they replace him, so any uncertainty in the Pelis coaching situation is something to watch heading into Davis RFA year.

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Originally Posted by Richie

I'd prefer Gasol but if Aldridge wanted to come here you'd have to be a lunatic to say no.

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If you want someone to actually play PF, you would say no. Otherwise he's a small forward period.

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Originally Posted by SpursFan86

LMA is a better fit next to Splitter...he's an excellent mid-range shooter and has even shown signs of developing a 3-point shot this year. He's also a few years younger than Gasol IIRC.

I really don't see any way Gasol leaves Memphis. LMA is a somewhat realistic (albeit still a long shot) option, since apparently he wants to get back to Texas so he can be closer to family.

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Both are 30. L.A has more mileage on his body. He's been in the league 9 seasons Gasol hasn't played that much for someone his age.

Ew @ Monroe or Lopez, tbh..horrible..

Smh "SA can't get big free agents". Of fucking course, they didn't have cap space you dumbasses.

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Originally Posted by Malik Hairston

Ew @ Monroe or Lopez, tbh..horrible..

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Keeping Bonner would almost be better.

New max is no big deal particularly with the shortened contracts. It's a price ceiling and something to take advantage of. He very well could desire a one year deal. Of the veteran free agents, he is what he is in this market and easily a top 30 player.

He can play with Duncan, Splitter and Baynes. Boris can back him up. With Kawhi we would have one of the best starting frontcourts on paper. If they were actually good they would be legendary.

Need some guards that can play worth a shit though.

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Originally Posted by 100%duncan

Smh "SA can't get big free agents". Of fucking course, they didn't have cap space you dumbasses.

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We shall see, LMA may be soft but he is a good passer and mid range threat big man which would stop teams closely packing the paint. His scoring presence inside would open up the outside 3pt shooters like in Portland.

I doubt that he would come, but if he does and we can re-sign Green, Leonard and Mills ..... even if Duncan retires this team would be a contender for another few years.

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Originally Posted by cd021

Both are 30. L.A has more mileage on his body. He's been in the league 9 seasons Gasol hasn't played that much for someone his age.

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Just looked it up...Aldridge is only about half a year younger than Gasol, so I was wrong about that.

As for the mileage, LMA might have more NBA mileage, but you have to remember Gasol has played a good amount of international ball (both in European leagues and for the Spanish national team). I'm not so sure there's much of a difference in their mileage.

And regardless, like I said, I feel LMA is a better fit next to Splitter and would make more sense given our current roster.

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Originally Posted by benefactor

Keeping Bonner would almost be better.

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:lol, not really but damn.

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Originally Posted by 100%duncan

Smh "SA can't get big free agents". Of fucking course, they didn't have cap space you dumbasses.

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When was the last time they had alot of space 2003? They went after Kidd and Webber then. If you are talking Max FA's then yes you are right, the mid tier FA's when they had some space still passed up on the Spurs to go to the sexier pick in a bigger city. That is just the way it seems to be or has been. They draft players and get some key pieces here and there, thats the way they have moved.

i'd take brook lopez over monroe

If Duncan retires, there's no better fit next to Tiago and Kawhi than LMA and at 2015 max it'd be a great deal. Still highly unlikely. I think both Duncan and Manu return for 1+1 years whatever happens this season.

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Originally Posted by Sean Cagney

:lol, not really but damn.

When was the last time they had alot of space 2003? They went after Kidd and Webber then. If you are talking Max FA's then yes you are right, the mid tier FA's when they had some space still passed up on the Spurs to go to the sexier pick in a bigger city. That is just the way it seems to be or has been. They draft players and get some key pieces here and there, thats the way they have moved.

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Still doesn't change the fact that they were limited due to space. Those "mid tier" players were delusional and wanted more of course, who doesnt want them bling bling.

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Originally Posted by Sean Cagney

When was the last time they had alot of space 2003? They went after Kidd and Webber then. If you are talking Max FA's then yes you are right, the mid tier FA's when they had some space still passed up on the Spurs to go to the sexier pick in a bigger city. That is just the way it seems to be or has been. They draft players and get some key pieces here and there, thats the way they have moved.

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Perhaps I'm forgetting someone but which mid tier FA has signed for another team on similar money to what the Spurs had to offer?

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Originally Posted by 100%duncan

Still doesn't change the fact that they were limited due to space. Those "mid tier" players were delusional and wanted more of course, who doesnt want them bling bling.

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The city also factors in there as well tbh, SA is not a really a big FA spot for some reason. Spurs have not had a ton of space you are right but they offered some value like the other team did or near it (Gasol recently) and they repeatedly draw interest but always end up getting passed up. They get the rings though so something must be going right? I am fine with the role players they get in FA and the draft choices, that's the way they seem to move and it works.

When a FA comes to SA and they have the space then I will change my tune on that, as of now I don't expect it.

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Originally Posted by BG_Spurs_Fan

Perhaps I'm forgetting someone but which mid tier FA has signed for another team on similar money to what the Spurs had to offer?

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Gasol, Maggette in 08 and whoever else has been so called interested in the Spurs in the last 10 years and close to signing only to go somewhere else. There has been many more than just those two but that is an example. Spurs offer near the same as the other team but they seem to take the so called sexier pick.

Of course the big city vs no nightlife matters but that's beyond the point. Gasol was offered more money + a bigger role. He won't play behind Duncan Bobo and Tiago.

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Originally Posted by Sean Cagney

Gasol, Maggette in 08 and whoever else has been so called interested in the Spurs in the last 10 years and close to signing only to go somewhere else. There has been many more than just those two but that is an example. Spurs offer near the same as the other team but they seem to take the so called sexier pick.

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Disagree on Gasol, the Spurs only had the MLE, Chicago had more than that. The MLE last sumemr was $5.3 mil, he ended up signing at 7.5 per + 15% trade kicker. That's significant IMO.

Corey Maggette :lol you're way off there - again the Spurs had the MLE ~$ 5mil, he signed at 10 mil per. 5 years /50 mil.

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Originally Posted by 100%duncan

Of course the big city vs no nightlife matters but that's beyond the point.

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No, that is my point there as most seem to like that nowadays. I have not been to SA but I surely would like to live in a nice city if I were a FA and looking to move somewhere as a younger dude (Especially if single). I am sure SA is nice but do the have a night life there and is it attractive? A family atmosphere it appears to be and tight knit but probably not alot to do and that deters some from going there.

I agree on your other part though about him playing behind others and I had no clue he was offered that much more money? I thought it was close? Either or a FA has never really signed in SA besides Derek Anderson that one year and he bolted right after that for a little more money to Portland. We get the Jax, Horry's, Barry's, Diaws and so on, that I AM 100% fine with! Key role players around our big three, plus some witty draft picks by the FO! That is their lane.

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Originally Posted by BG_Spurs_Fan

Disagree on Gasol, the Spurs only had the MLE, Chicago had more than that. The MLE last sumemr was $5.3 mil, he ended up signing at 7.5 per + 15% trade kicker. That's significant IMO.

Corey Maggette :lol you're way off there - again the Spurs had the MLE ~$ 5mil, he signed at 10 mil per. 5 years /50 mil.

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Bottom line is they were all favoring or close to signing in SA and said it was about winning and not money (Some of them), then chose the money over winning and look where that ended them? They chose the sexy pick as usual and showed it was all about the money. Webber and Kidd passed up SA in 03 when they had a ton of money since we are talking money, they were all about signing them too at the time. Spurs whiff on most FA's and that is a fact, to say otherwise would be fooling yourself.


Get at me when they sign a FA then you will be right.

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Originally Posted by SpursFan86

Just looked it up...Aldridge is only about half a year younger than Gasol, so I was wrong about that.

As for the mileage, LMA might have more NBA mileage, but you have to remember Gasol has played a good amount of international ball (both in European leagues and for the Spanish national team). I'm not so sure there's much of a difference in their mileage.

And regardless, like I said, I feel LMA is a better fit next to Splitter and would make more sense given our current roster.

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Most of international leagues have much shorter seasons and play 40 minutes. I would think L.A definitely has more millage.


I think Gasol could play with Splitter, though our starting lineup has had spacing troubles over the past couple of seasons. Even though Gasol can hit an outside jumper that would still be my main concern with that pairing. Aldridge would probably be a better fit but Gasol is the closest to truly replacing Duncan.

If the Spurs could unload Mills for a pick, they could clear out near max cap space ($19,300,000) roughly). It would be crazy but technically possible that they renounce both Duncan and Ginobili and are able bring them back on vet min. deals as a part of sales pitch to L.A and or Gasol


Parker/Cojo (using Room Exception)
Green (Bird Rights)/Ginobili
Leonard/Anderson
Duncan/Diaw/LJC
Gasol/Splitter


or


Parker/Cojo (using Room Exception)
Green (Bird Rights)/Ginobili
Leonard/Anderson
Aldridge/Diaw/LJC
Duncan/Splitter

either route they would be able to bring over LJC and maybe another stash to fill out the roster.

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Originally Posted by BatManu20

Gasol's not coming to SA though. Aldridge probably isn't either, but if you're playing the odds game, we'd have a much better chance at luring Aldridge.

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Probably not, but the fact he is from Texas and his family still lives in Texas, I think he would at least hear the Spurs offer. Spurs could sign and trade Splitter and someone else, maybe Mills to get him. I hardly doubt this happens. But you never know. It looks like Portland is heading to another 1st round exit.

Seeing how competitive the West is now, maybe he feels like the Spurs and Pop give him the best shot to win in the near future. Having him in the post and Kawhi on the high post would be a nightmare for teams to defend.

Wow, a big 3 of Tony Parker, Kawhi Leonard and LaMarcus Aldrige Would be arguably better than any other big 3 in the League...... Make it happen!!

You don't trade Splitter or Green for Aldridge unless you get replacements for them. Mills, LJC and the pick are possible, though. As I said before, moving those assets for a premier stashed prospect sounds ideal, but I dunno if there's anyone who fits that mold besides Saric, whom Philly would only move for a top-10 pick, in my opinion.

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Originally Posted by Chinook

You don't trade Splitter or Green for Aldridge unless you get replacements for them. Mills, LJC and the pick are possible, though. As I said before, moving those assets for a premier stashed prospect sounds ideal, but I dunno if there's anyone who fits that mold besides Saric, whom Philly would only move for a top-10 pick, in my opinion.

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I would move Splitter because who is going to create offense in the post once Duncan is gone. Splitter is one of the top 3 defensive bigs in the league (yes I mean that and the numbers prove it), but you can always find defensive guys. Look at Perkins. He has made a career of just being a defensive bigman. These are more common than guys like LA.

LA is a good defender, but a great offensive player. I would rather have Marc Gasol, but more than likely he is not leaving Memphis. Spurs can look for defensive C via the NBA draft or FA. And Splitter will be FA after next year. Who is to say that we trade him and a year later resign him.

I don't think the Spurs should use Green as trade bait. There is nobody via FA or the draft that could replace him consider the Spurs salary cap situation.

But like I said, I doubt anything happens. Just giving my two cents worth.

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Originally Posted by Chinook

You don't trade Splitter or Green for Aldridge unless you get replacements for them. Mills, LJC and the pick are possible, though. As I said before, moving those assets for a premier stashed prospect sounds ideal, but I dunno if there's anyone who fits that mold besides Saric, whom Philly would only move for a top-10 pick, in my opinion.

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I think Justin Anderson looks like a great option in the draft if we decide to let Danny go. Ha the same physical profile (6'6", 6'11" wing, 220lbs) and he's shot better percentage at higher volume from 3 (45%, 4 att/game) than Danny did in college. The only worry is that he has just had a good year as his percentages weren't great in his freshman or sophmore years, although again neither was Dannys.

With Greens cap hold at $7.5m it really makes sense to try and keep him, and if we dump Mills it would mean Aldridge would likely be giving up less than $1m compared to his max.

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Originally Posted by Cowboys_Wear_Spurs

I would move Splitter because who is going to create offense in the post once Duncan is gone. Splitter is one of the top 3 defensive bigs in the league (yes I mean that and the numbers prove it), but you can always find defensive guys. Look at Perkins. He has made a career of just being a defensive bigman. These are more common than guys like LA.

LA is a good defender, but a great offensive player. I would rather have Marc Gasol, but more than likely he is not leaving Memphis. Spurs can look for defensive C via the NBA draft or FA. And Splitter will be FA after next year. Who is to say that we trade him and a year later resign him.

I don't think the Spurs should use Green as trade bait. There is nobody via FA or the draft that could replace him consider the Spurs salary cap situation.

But like I said, I doubt anything happens. Just giving my two cents worth.

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Perkins was never the defender Splitter is. Perkins is a hot head who can hold his own in the post, but he wasn't going to switch PnRs or protect the rim. He also wasn't going to check perimeter bigs. It wouldn't be easy at all to replace Splitter, especially not to the extent that the Spurs would remain contenders.

A Parker/Green/Leonard/Aldridge/Splitter SL would probably be the most balanced in the league. But the bench would be a work in progress with Joseph, Anderson, Diaw and Baynes teaming up with some new player (either a rookie second-rounder or some min guy). If you trade Splitter away, then the bench isn't any better, while the SL is no longer nearly as balanced.

Even as a guy who wants LA, I feel as though he'd be the missing piece, not a building block. If the Spurs can't get him without keeping the rest of their SL, then there's no point. They'd be just as good getting some cheaper PF and keeping their defensive foundation together.

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Originally Posted by Richie

I think Justin Anderson looks like a great option in the draft if we decide to let Danny go. Ha the same physical profile (6'6", 6'11" wing, 220lbs) and he's shot better percentage at higher volume from 3 (45%, 4 att/game) than Danny did in college. The only worry is that he has just had a good year as his percentages weren't great in his freshman or sophmore years, although again neither was Dannys.

With Greens cap hold at $7.5m it really makes sense to try and keep him, and if we dump Mills it would mean Aldridge would likely be giving up less than $1m compared to his max.

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They shouldn't consider anyone a Green replacement unless they can realistically expect him to give the same production that Kawhi did his first year. That's not because Green is THAT good, but it's because the team will be reloading and can't afford to lose that production from the two (especially if Manu also leaves).

Parker is only getting older/worse, and LA wouldn't be that far behind. So the team can't afford to wait three years for Anderson to become current Green. And they won't have anything else other than the room exception and min deals to get a starting two, and the room exception should really be going to a backup PG/C under this scenario

With Pop having attained legend status, and the lack of an income tax in Texas, I think we have a really good chance of finally landing a big fish FA.

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Originally Posted by 100%duncan

Smh "SA can't get big free agents". Of fucking course, they didn't have cap space you dumbasses.

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In '03 they had lots of cap space and were still rejected by Jermaine O'neal and Kidd who were both big FA's during that time period. Rasheed rejected the spurs in summer of '09 despite the spurs offering the full MLE and a bigger role but he still went to the Celtics.

Y'all have to pay MAX to retain KL longterm. Can y'all afford to pay both players MAX? Enrique, Shitter, Diaw and Patty are all still owed another ~$64 million over the next 2 years. Plus, how much to re-sign Tim?

Tell you what. Pay LMA MAX, and I'm sure MK will gladly take KL off your hands with a MAX deal (remember he's a Cali boy :toast). New young Laker core: KL, Randle, Clarkson, and Towns (or Okafor). I could roll with that. :hat

Go get LMA. Do it RC! :downspin:

I have no beef with LA. But KL must stay and I dont see both happening

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Originally Posted by LkrFan

Y'all have to pay MAX to retain KL longterm. Can y'all afford to pay both players MAX? Enrique, Shitter, Diaw and Patty are all still owed another ~$64 million over the next 2 years.

Tell you what. Pay LMA MAX, and I'm sure MK will gladly take KL off your hands with a MAX deal (remember he's a Cali boy :toast). New young Laker core: KL, Randle, Clarkson, and Towns (or Okafor). I could roll with that. :hat

Go get LMA. Do it RC! :downspin:

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:lmao enjoy Rondo, my nigga:lmao..

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Originally Posted by Malik Hairston

:lmao enjoy Rondo, my nigga:lmao..

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Fuck that shiiiiiiiiiiit! :lmao

Greens walking :stirpot:

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Originally Posted by spurspokesman

I have no beef with LA. But KL must stay and I dont see both happening

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Spurs can afford both. That was the whole point of Kawhi waiting on extending his contract. They can even afford Green as they have his bird right's and can resign him even despite being over the cap.

This is the same scenario Morey tried to pull of with Bosh last offseason but instead lost Parson, thinking no team was going to offer them the Max. But unlike Parsons, it appears that the Spurs have already told Kawhi he is going to get the max despite what happens. It's all about the timing of things at this point.

Lmao at this thread.

"no lets not get that soft bitch who would instantly become our best player. Lets just give the Max to a guy that can't post up Jamal Crawford"

:lmao

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Originally Posted by Chomag

Greens walking :stirpot:

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If he has another game like he did on Sunday, Pop will probably make him walk back to SA.

Also, seriously, we have a salary thread in the Think Tank that goes over this in detail. Why are people acting like we have to spit-ball these numbers? And yes, the Spurs would gladly pay the tax for one year if it meant having a post-Duncan contender. That is just too rare to pass up.

LOL