Zach Lowe "Durant to Spurs buzz is ascendant around the league"

Zach is a VERY CREDIBLE reporter.:wow

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I will say this: The Spurs buzz is ascendant in a way that is eerily similar to what happened last January at the D-League Showcase, when a half-dozen unconnected team executives warned me over the span of a few days that LaMarcus Aldridge would bolt from Portland for San Antonio. Who knows. At the very least, the Wizards will get a chance to make their pitch.

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http://espn.go.com/nba/story/_/id/15...d-scott-brooks

not happening tbh. i dont think the financials add up unless we were allowed to amnesty tony

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Originally Posted by spursistan

Zach is a VERY CREDIBLE reporter.:wow



http://espn.go.com/nba/story/_/id/15...d-scott-brooks

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Lowe is a very credible analyst -- probably the best on the major outlets. But he's not much of a reporter.

Perfect Backup for Kawhi,Imo.

Joking aside, its not going to happen. Theres a lot of bad tension between Kawhi and KD. It aint happenung

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Originally Posted by spurraider21

not happening tbh. i dont think the financials add up unless we were allowed to amnesty tony

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They could dump Green (I'm gonna throw up) and stretch Diaw to free up about $30 Million. Or they could just dump Tony.

that would be insane... in a good way of course.

He's not coming here :lol

Meh

:lol

Obligatory league=f:lolcked if this happens... Durant, Leonard, and Aldridge front court...

But yeah, it's not happening. He's either staying or going to Washington.

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Originally Posted by SpursFan86

He's not coming here :lol

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Originally Posted by Chinook

Lowe is a very credible analyst -- probably the best on the major outlets. But he's not much of a reporter.

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he has kind spread his wings among league executive circles and is getting more into reporting stuff inside the long format analysis ..and he is surely not a click-bait hack, or something..so there is something here that he heard...

Would never happen and KD is a faggot but fuckin hell, talk about a 3peat.

Come to the Dark Side, Kevin...

http://cdn.fansided.com/wp-content/b...12/SpursSW.jpg

ITS NOT HAPPENING!!!!

It's already happened, but would get even more legs with another deep run, but Kawhi is a huge draw for FA's. If you want to win and still get a lot of the credit, there is no player better to team up with than Kawhi.

Not to mention the ridiculous amount of respect players have for Pop. These guys who are older, but not old (LMA, Durant, etc..) are probably looking long and hard at balancing money and winning. They all just witnessed what happened to Kobe. They are looking for reasons to play under Pop and Pop being the HC of the UMNT is another big advantage.

If Spurs have the motivation and equal money, they will have a good shot at a lot of FA's in the next few years.

As an aside to that, I think stars coming from smaller markets already will be more open to playing in SA too (LMA, Durant). They know what the small markets are all about and have tasted success within them.

Zach lowe actually reported a week ago that Pop always asks and always consults his best player about specific moves. They did it with aldridge. Kawhi and the big 3.

Can you imagine Pop going to kawhi

Pop: We're trying to bring in you Rival. I know you dont like each other but we need to. We also have to get rid of your mate danny. I know hes been a perfect fit for you defensively but we need to

Kawhi: Wtf.

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Originally Posted by Darius Bieber

Obligatory league=f:lolcked if this happens... Durant, Leonard, and Aldridge front court...

But yeah, it's not happening. He's either staying or going to Washington.

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Actually, is gonna be a 3-Durant / 4-LMA / 5-Gasol frontcourt.

Kawhi will play SG making him the indubitably best SG on the League. If Pop traded his beloved Paul George for an unproven rookie, dropping Green for Durant is a no brainer.

If we need to move Green, then Bud on line 1 would be the answer....

I wonder what Boston would give for Verde... they do have a lot of picks...

no! we have porker

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Originally Posted by bluebellmaniac

If we need to move Green, then Bud on line 1 would be the answer....

I wonder what Boston would give for Verde... they do have a lot of picks...

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Rumor was Bud was going to give us Holford for Green. After that and Splitter, we know he'll do business.

We need number crunching to see what is possible under various scenarios. Only a few on here are really able to crunch the numbers correctly...

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Originally Posted by RD2191

Would never happen and KD is a faggot but fuckin hell, talk about a 3peat.

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yep..it is always good to have talented faggots on your team :lol..I hate his guts, but i will take a nigga who is averaging 30 PPG in career games vs the Dubs any day..

that Parker contract :bang..

If the $$ is close and it's doable for the Spurs I can easily see it getting done.

1)Durant hates the media. Spurs culture and non attacking media due to Pop eliminates that completely.

2) Kawhi. He's literally the only player in the league who can guard you. Why not play with him? And the potential of what can happen if they play together.

3) Pop. He's the main reason why anybody would want to play for the Spurs. He's by far the best coach with the most pedigree. You know you'll win playing for him and it would be the best chance for a ring. Period.

One wonders if there would be enough shots to go around even on an unselfish team like the Spurs.

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Originally Posted by bluebellmaniac

If we need to move Green, then Bud on line 1 would be the answer....

I wonder what Boston would give for Verde... they do have a lot of picks...

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After losing DCarroll coach Bud would receive Danny with arms wide open tbh. Make Baze your 6th man.

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Originally Posted by BillMc

One wonders if there would be enough shots to go around even on an unselfish team like the Spurs.

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Probably not but that's where the efficiency comes into play. You may not get as many looks but the ones you do get are quality looks. Durant would get soooooo many open 3's it wouldn't matter lol

Hopefully we go raw in the Thunder and Pop whispers him something in the post-series hand-shake..Dude could be desperate for a ring..i just don't want us to waste Kawhi peak years like Duncan 2000-2002..

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Originally Posted by Darius Bieber

Obligatory league=f:lolcked if this happens... Durant, Leonard, and Aldridge front court...

But yeah, it's not happening. He's either staying or going to Washington.

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:lol who are you kidding? you'll quit 3 games in after the first loss in November when Pop is resting everybody...

i he went to OKC he'd be playing in hickville and have to deal with and ever arrogant westy

DC would be an average team that probably gets abused by lebron.

The warriors would be competing with touches between a ball dominant PG and an arrogant C/PF. He'd wreck the culture and be blamed as the scapegoat.

The lakers are a mess.

The spurs would make him the main scorer while not having him be any big defender. It depends on personality but it appears he's a lot like LMA

Durant is going to Washington or Lakers

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Originally Posted by emanueldavidginobili

Durant is going to Washington or Lakers

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if he wants to lose

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Originally Posted by emanueldavidginobili

Durant is going to Washington or Lakers

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link?

Dude needs to eat a few sammiches first

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Originally Posted by emanueldavidginobili

Durant is going to Washington or Lakers

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Why would he waste the remainder of his prime in LA not winning and paying California taxes?

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Originally Posted by Chinook

Lowe is a very credible analyst -- probably the best on the major outlets. But he's not much of a reporter.

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As wrong as you've been about what the team can and cannot do with the cap and major free agents the last couple years, your gauge as to what is reasonable or not in that context is demonstrably poor. Your ability to project is similarly terrible.

Has anyone not heard, we are adding the latvian Durant (Davis Bertans) so Lowe got things confused... :lol
lol
In reality, how about letting Boris go? someone else?
I don't believe Durant for us is realistic bc he doesn't address our needs personally, but as long as we are speculating, I like to speculate as much as anyone.
What would it really take?
I am ignorant on cap issues though, so I could go video game on ideas, so I am timid on stuff like this.
Technically, LMA and Durant are both Texas grads...
I am unsure on Kawhi liking Durant specifically.

As others had said, Spurs are suddenly a more desirable location:

1. Young great star who does not seek or hog the limelight.
2. Pop
3. You know you'll win.
4. Texas cost of living, no state tax.

I mean it's possible in theory if the Spurs cut Diaw, salary dump Mills, if Tim, Manu, and DWest retire, if they don't pick up the team options on Slowmo and Simmons, and let Boban walk. But it would be chickenshit not to give West a new contract this summer after the huge paycut he took to come, so pretty much the only reasonable option would be finding a team to take Parker on a salary dump.

Leaving aside the highly nuanced and riveting "it ain't happenin'" analysis for a minute, how would the cap math work?

Spurs need the next star PG instead of a washed up KD tbch...

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Originally Posted by spursistan

that Parker contract :bang..

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that shit was bad from the start. I don't know anyone outside of parker fans who agreed with it. Get rid of parker, green, and bonner for Durant.

Yeah, if they screw over West, I'll be pissed.

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Originally Posted by Chinook

They could dump Green (I'm gonna throw up) and stretch Diaw to free up about $30 Million. Or they could just dump Tony.

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You don't even need to stretch Diaw. Worst case, could probably trade him away for filler to a team over the cap that is looking to add salary (or get no salary back in a three-way trade), as Diaw's deal can be traded out at $7 million but is only guaranteed for $3 million.

Still, if this in fact is the Spurs' master plan and with the shorter tampering window, GMs will try to extract value out of Diaw.

Rather have a high-quality PG

And we have a great player at that position already

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Originally Posted by SAGirl

Has anyone not heard, we are adding the latvian Durant (Davis Bertans) so Lowe got things confused... :lol
lol
In reality, how about letting Boris go? someone else?
I don't believe Durant for us is realistic bc he doesn't address our needs personally, but as long as we are speculating, I like to speculate as much as anyone.
What would it really take?
I am ignorant on cap issues though, so I could go video game on ideas, so I am timid on stuff like this.
Technically, LMA and Durant are both Texas grads...
I am unsure on Kawhi liking Durant specifically.

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Long story short, here's the financial picture for next year:


2016 free agency:

Here’s where the Spurs stand financially going into next summer: per Chinook

http://www.spurstalk.com/forums/show...62#post8496062

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Guaranteed (No Option):
LaMarcus Aldridge $20,575,005
Kawhi Leonard $17,638,063
Tony Parker $14,445,313
Danny Green $10,000,000
Patty Mills $3,578,948
Kyle Anderson $1,192,080
Boris Diaw $3,000,000

Total $70,429,409

Non-guaranteed (No option):
Boris Diaw $4,000,000
Jonathan Simmons $874,636

Total $4,874,636

Player Options:
Tim Duncan $5,643,750
Manu Ginobili $2,940,630
David West $1,551,659

Total $10,136,039

Qualifying Offers:
Boban Marjanovic $1,500,000

Total $1,500,000

Cap Holds:
Matt Bonner $980,431
Andre Miller $980,431
Kevin Martin $980,431
Rasual Butler $980,431 (Yes, Butler still counts.)

Total $3,921,724

Draft Picks and Stashed Guys:

29th pick $983,400
Nikola Milutinov $991,600
Livio Jean-Charles $893,500

Total $2,868,500

Projected 2016-2017 salary cap: $92 Million
Projected 2016-2017 luxury tax threshold: $110.8 Million

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Just doing the stuff within the Spurs control (meaning players leaving or contracts expiring or team options) Spurs can get almost to a max contract at the current projected cap of 92M. If they want the max losing Danny or TP seems to really be the main way to accomplish this.

Built not bought!

Oh, wait ...

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Originally Posted by Keepin' it real

Built not bought!

Oh, wait ...

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We're dumping the high school sweetheart for the latest hottie down by the pool, tbh. :lol

Players understand you need other big time players to win. LeBron has a cast of them with 4 Max contracts. Curry has arguably 4 Max contracts on his team, as well as the clippers and thunder and soon to be heat. Anyone wanting to win has to choose to play with other stars or they don't have a shot. Durant will go where he can get paid obviously, but also who can give him a shot at winning.

Spurs just need to rid themselves of Parker's to be in the talks of making something happen. There were talks of trading him at a draft not to long ago. I don't see it being that hard to do if they think they have a shot at teaming up lma Durant and Kawhi.

People are trying to win these days. The money isn't as hard to come by. You definitely get players willing to take the min to play with that team.

It could happen just like him to the Lakers could happen. There's enough reason for it to be logical. We will see how the playoffs play out and who comes up big.

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Originally Posted by DarrinS

Rather have a high-quality PG

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Originally Posted by DarrinS

And we have a great player at that position already

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I agree which is why I said he doesn't make sense for us....
players talk among themselves though, so who knows.

I agree with you. I think we need an elite guard to continue to contend legitly. We probably want a rim protector too. That Diaw/West combo is not going to continue to fly with both players another season older and I think D.West might retire TBH. He's really playing for love of the game at this point, he was already financially secure, thus he had no trouble leaving 12 mill or 11 bc he doesn't need it. From interviews I have seen of him, he has a variety of interests outside the game and will be ready to retire anytime now. Kind of the same for Boris TBH.
If Timmy goes we need a rim protector (be it whoever it is, but we need someone that will need to get paid).

Depending on how our backcourt performs in this offseason, who knows if Pop is ready to make a move to acquire a guard upgrade (whether that is a trade or just a FA signing).

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Originally Posted by BillMc

We're dumping the high school sweetheart for the latest hottie down by the pool, tbh. :lol

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You mean dumping the chick who got fat for the head cheerleader. :lol

If it's for the minimum, why not?

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Originally Posted by spurraider21

If it's for the minimum, why not?

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:lol

I think the Spurs should play it safe and just cut Tony tbh :lol

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Originally Posted by SAGirl

I agree which is why I said he doesn't make sense for us....
players talk among themselves though, so who knows.

I agree with you. I think we need an elite guard to continue to contend legitly. We probably want a rim protector too. That Diaw/West combo is not going to continue to fly with both players another season older and I think D.West might retire TBH. He's really playing for love of the game at this point, he was already financially secure, thus he had no trouble leaving 12 mill or 11 bc he doesn't need it. From interviews I have seen of him, he has a variety of interests outside the game and will be ready to retire anytime now. Kind of the same for Boris TBH.
If Timmy goes we need a rim protector (be it whoever it is, but we need someone that will need to get paid).

Depending on how our backcourt performs in this offseason, who knows if Pop is ready to make a move to acquire a guard upgrade (whether that is a trade or just a FA signing).

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I trust that RC and Pop will make the right moves. They usually do, with a few exceptions (D*** Jefferson).

I like Bobo and West, but they are definitely on the back nine of their careers.

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Originally Posted by baseline bum

You mean dumping the chick who got fat for the head cheerleader. :lol

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:lol

Gasol, LMAlpha, Kawhi, Durant, Parker would be murder to the league IMO.

Stern would come back from the dead to stop this from happening....

And Kevin has added a lot of bitchassness to his game, of late. :lol

Not Spur material

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Originally Posted by DarrinS

And Kevin has added a lot of bitchassness to his game, of late. :lol

Not Spur material

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Perfect cover tbh.

I don't think he's worth dumping Tony, tbh.. Imo

If Durant's looking to get to the Finals and doesn't go to the Spurs or the Warriors, he should go East. Look what playing in the East has done for LeBron's legacy.

We'll have to beat OKC next round for Durant to consider coming here. No way he vanquishes us then switches to SA.

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Originally Posted by TheGreatYacht

I don't think he's worth dumping Tony, tbh.. Imo

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Lulz

Fucking please. Prime Kawhi + prime Durant > than lebron and wade..... Would be the best wing combo since Jordan and PIppen .... Plus we'd still have LMAlpha.

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Originally Posted by TheGreatYacht

I don't think he's worth dumping Tony, tbh.. Imo

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Dump green on his ass

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Originally Posted by Spurs 4 The Win

Dump green on his ass

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This. Why aren't you bolded yet?

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Originally Posted by TheGreatYacht

This. Why aren't you bolded yet?

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Why aren't you? :lol

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Originally Posted by gambit1990

that would be insane... in a good way of course.

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Do Not want him. Go win a title with OKC Kevin. Stay with your team and keep at it. This guy has been a rival for many years at this point, with another playoff series about to kick off. I just don't want the guy here..

It's easily worth losing Tony or Danny basketball-wise to get Durant. That's not really the question IMO. I don't really see SA dumping TP, especially if the Spurs make a deep run this year. Spurs just don't do that to their players. If they leave in FA to pursue bigger deals, fine, but trading a big 3 member?

Danny, IMO, is the only one they would be "open" to trading, same with Boris. I can't see them trading TP.

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Originally Posted by spursistan

that Parker contract :bang..

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Yeah he's only the best PG in Spurs history.. Fuck him..

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Originally Posted by DPG21920

It's easily worth losing Tony or Danny basketball-wise to get Durant. That's not really the question IMO. I don't really see SA dumping TP, especially if the Spurs make a deep run this year. Spurs just don't do that to their players. If they leave in FA to pursue bigger deals, fine, but trading a big 3 member?

Danny, IMO, is the only one they would be "open" to trading, same with Boris. I can't see them trading TP.

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Yeah, I can't see them doing that either. Having said that, the PG position is the glaring weakness of the team.

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Originally Posted by DPG21920

It's easily worth losing Tony or Danny basketball-wise to get Durant. That's not really the question IMO. I don't really see SA dumping TP, especially if the Spurs make a deep run this year. Spurs just don't do that to their players. If they leave in FA to pursue bigger deals, fine, but trading a big 3 member?

Danny, IMO, is the only one they would be "open" to trading, same with Boris. I can't see them trading TP.

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This.

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Originally Posted by Old School 44

If Durant's looking to get to the Finals and doesn't go to the Spurs or the Warriors, he should go East. Look what playing in the East has done for LeBron's legacy.

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Great talent is still in OKC, he just needs to stick it out. All these guys bolting in FA during their prime harms their legacies to me. I always respected guys like Ewing, Miller, Malone so much for staying put and trying year after year to get that ring. Not just looking for an easier option.. What was Malone like 40 before he finally tried LA for one season?

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Originally Posted by BillMc

We'll have to beat OKC next round for Durant to consider coming here. No way he loses to us then switches to SA.

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Thats true...

Danny is who would have to go.

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Originally Posted by DPG21920

It's easily worth losing Tony or Danny basketball-wise to get Durant. That's not really the question IMO. I don't really see SA dumping TP, especially if the Spurs make a deep run this year. Spurs just don't do that to their players. If they leave in FA to pursue bigger deals, fine, but trading a big 3 member?

Danny, IMO, is the only one they would be "open" to trading, same with Boris. I can't see them trading TP.

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It's not only about getting rid of Tony salary but it's also about what your replacing him with? And how much? And it's not Patty.

You can move Danny and Diaw because you have replacements for them on cheap salary (Simmons, Anderson). I'm fine with getting rid of Tony but give me a legit candidate to replace him

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Originally Posted by SAGirl

I agree which is why I said he doesn't make sense for us....
players talk among themselves though, so who knows.

I agree with you. I think we need an elite guard to continue to contend legitly. We probably want a rim protector too. That Diaw/West combo is not going to continue to fly with both players another season older and I think D.West might retire TBH. He's really playing for love of the game at this point, he was already financially secure, thus he had no trouble leaving 12 mill or 11 bc he doesn't need it. From interviews I have seen of him, he has a variety of interests outside the game and will be ready to retire anytime now. Kind of the same for Boris TBH.
If Timmy goes we need a rim protector (be it whoever it is, but we need someone that will need to get paid).

Depending on how our backcourt performs in this offseason, who knows if Pop is ready to make a move to acquire a guard upgrade (whether that is a trade or just a FA signing).

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Durant makes sense for any team in the in NBA. He can play the 1-4. You're talking about a top 5 player for all of kawhis prime years next to him. He beats any elite guard out there the spurs could have a shot at. He's often guarded by guards because forwards arnt fast enough. He pretty much is a sg, just a really tall one.He also has the spurs no. 1 attribute in length. You can't teach that, and his 3pt shooting, driving, and passing would be an upgrade over any perimeter player the spurs have not to mention he has been playing good defense this year. It would be much better in a system like the spurs, especially next to Kawhi. He makes perfect sense for the spurs. You have to score to compete today. Spurs get plenty of stops, it's the other end they can't buy a shot half the time.

He's having a horrible series against Dallas tho.

Parker is the giant elephant in the room for the FO. A huge contract and almost a complete liability in the starting lineup. The league has a wealth of talented point guards and they can all easily destroy Parker as he ages. At least Duncan is still useful in the starting lineup and Manu already comes off the bench.

I'm not one of those Parker bashers but this is the reality. How many free agents and potential young starting point guards will the Spurs pass on to stay loyal to Parker?

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Originally Posted by coachmac87

It's not only about getting rid of Tony salary but it's also about what your replacing him with? And how much? And it's not Patty.

You can move Danny and Diaw because you have replacements for them on cheap salary (Simmons, Anderson). I'm fine with getting rid of Tony but give me a legit candidate to replace him

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The pg field will be slim pickings for sure. Lin would work great but don't know if he would take the min. Spurs. old possibly offer a little more with manu out. Lawson fell off so fast, if anyone can help him it's pop. Chalmers, and ish Smith are options. You wouldn't necessarily need a threat, with a Durant signing, just someone who could run through the system and set up the plays. Wouldn't have a great selection though in the free agent pool.

There's probably no chance of this actually happening, but eww, one of the most unlikable players in the NBA, tbh..it would be really tough to cheer for the Spurs if they sign this bitch-ass nigga..

Durant goes to Boston imo, solid foundation, solid roster, Boston has three first round draft picks, and potentially the #1 pick (nets pick), they have a good coach, and he gets to go to the East.

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Originally Posted by 024

Parker is the giant elephant in the room for the FO. A huge contract and almost a complete liability in the starting lineup. The league has a wealth of talented point guards and they can all easily destroy Parker as he ages. At least Duncan is still useful in the starting lineup and Manu already comes off the bench.

I'm not one of those Parker bashers but this is the reality. How many free agents and potential young starting point guards will the Spurs pass on to stay loyal to Parker?

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I could see SA trading for a higher draft pick and getting a PG they like. Then doing to that PG what they did to TP and handing them the keys if TP is struggling. TP I think would have to accept this like the PG's before him and like Manu.

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Originally Posted by HarlemHeat37

There's probably no chance of this actually happening, but eww, one of the most unlikable players in the NBA, tbh..it would be really tough to cheer for the Spurs if they sign this bitch-ass nigga..

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Quit lying :lol. Sure, you don't like him now, but like any time a FA is even mentioned with SA the excitement will overwhelm anything at that point.

Spurs fans (all fans) have always been giddy about trades and FA. Now that SA is actually landing dudes and big name FAs?

Durant can't play the one, what the hell? He's one of the best shooters in the league, so he can obviously fit with Kawhi. But he's not going to settle for that, so he'll be playing his game, which doesn't jive with Kawhi and LMA. I can't believe that the same people who are saying that doesn't matter are the ones lamenting the end of the beautiful game. That stuff goes away when you get stars. I mean, you obviously have to get Durant if he wants to be a Spur, but those two and Parker is like the best way to get an underachieving team.

You can't cut old players like Tony. Sends a bad sign to FAs. You need green for defense and spacing. Send Tony to coach Bud. I don't know if Bud takes another dud though. :lol

I can't imagine Durant leaving Westbrook, tbh..Russ takes all the heat away from him..

Dominos is in the perfect situation, he's a superstar player that doesn't get treated like one by the fans and media, despite being a perennial loser:lol..he constantly criticizes the media, usually for illogical reasons, yet they continue to give him a pass for his failures, unlike his peers(other than Chris Paul)..

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Originally Posted by DPG21920

Quit lying :lol. Sure, you don't like him now, but like any time a FA is even mentioned with SA the excitement will overwhelm anything at that point.

Spurs fans (all fans) have always been giddy about trades and FA. Now that SA is actually landing dudes and big name FAs?

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He's a top 4 player in the NBA, I just strongly dislike him..probably the player I dislike most in the NBA..

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Originally Posted by HarlemHeat37

He's a top 4 player in the NBA, I just strongly dislike him..probably the player I dislike most in the NBA..

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You need talent like him though. Hyper efficient as a beta to Kawhi.

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Originally Posted by Chinook

Durant can't play the one, what the hell? He's one of the best shooters in the league, so he can obviously fit with Kawhi. But he's not going to settle for that, so he'll be playing his game, which doesn't jive with Kawhi and LMA. I can't believe that the same people who are saying that doesn't matter are the ones lamenting the end of the beautiful game. That stuff goes away when you get stars. I mean, you obviously have to get Durant if he wants to be a Spur, but those two and Parker is like the best way to get an underachieving team.

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I think it would work well on offense (at least better than this offense). Imagine Durant taking Tim's spot in the offense which is what I would see happening. LMA would be a 5, Durant a 4 & Leonard a 3. LMA/Kawhi would lose some shots, but having Durant be able to space the floor better than Tim (like a stretch 4) and with his ability to create, I can see this offens working for sure.

Would just need a PG who is ok not taking shots (like a Beverly type).

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Originally Posted by HarlemHeat37

I can't imagine Durant leaving Westbrook, tbh..Russ takes all the heat away from him..

Dominos is in the perfect situation, he's a superstar player that doesn't get treated like one by the fans and media, despite being a perennial loser:lol..he constantly criticizes the media, usually for illogical reasons, yet they continue to give him a pass for his failures, unlike his peers(other than Chris Paul)..

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He would get the same thing here with LMA/Kawhi on the team. He would get a lot of credit, but not a lot of criticism especially with Pop at the helm being a master of dominating the media for a small market team.

This would seem to have more chance of happening if the Spurs don't win the title this year.

Durant comes to the rescue to get the Spurs back over the Warrior hump and everyone's legacy is good.


And with smallball sweeping the league, Durant and Kawhi don't really play the same spot in a smallball offense. LA is the 5, Durant is a bitch of a stretch 4, and KL is the 3. In more traditional moments, Durant and Leonard are just "wings" with LA and a compliment (Duncan or Gasol?) nearby. It makes a lot of sense basketball-wise.

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Originally Posted by DPG21920

He would get the same thing here with LMA/Kawhi on the team. He would get a lot of credit, but not a lot of criticism especially with Pop at the helm being a master of dominating the media for a small market team.

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Ya, Spurs would be fine for him in that regard, but I assume he cares about the perception of his "legacy" and about "leading his own team"..that's something you hear a lot from corny NBA people, as we saw when Lebron joined the Heat:lol

Maybe if they don't make the Finals, this year, he could be viewed as a savior-type..

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Originally Posted by Mnky

Durant makes sense for any team in the in NBA. He can play the 1-4. You're talking about a top 5 player for all of kawhis prime years next to him. He beats any elite guard out there the spurs could have a shot at. He's often guarded by guards because forwards arnt fast enough. He pretty much is a sg, just a really tall one.He also has the spurs no. 1 attribute in length. You can't teach that, and his 3pt shooting, driving, and passing would be an upgrade over any perimeter player the spurs have not to mention he has been playing good defense this year. It would be much better in a system like the spurs, especially next to Kawhi. He makes perfect sense for the spurs. You have to score to compete today. Spurs get plenty of stops, it's the other end they can't buy a shot half the time.

He's having a horrible series against Dallas tho.

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It'd be like having Gervin back, though based on Kawhi's improvement I'm not so sure I'd want to be taking the ball out of his hands for anyone. I guess it'd be a nice problem to have though.

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Originally Posted by DPG21920

I think it would work well on offense (at least better than this offense). Imagine Durant taking Tim's spot in the offense which is what I would see happening. LMA would be a 5, Durant a 4 & Leonard a 3. LMA/Kawhi would lose some shots, but having Durant be able to space the floor better than Tim (like a stretch 4) and with his ability to create, I can see this offens working for sure.

Would just need a PG who is ok not taking shots (like a Beverly type).

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No way is Durant playing the four full time. He won't survive a season doing that. The Spurs would be better off getting a min stiff to play the five and have KD be the two-guard. Ideally, West would stay on to provide spacing. But if Tony is on the team, it simply won't work. Parker absolutely depends on Lock-n-Lock to safeguard him. Replace Danny with a min guy, and it just goes out the window. Replace him with a motivated KD, it might work. But for the sake of the team, the Spurs need to move Tony if they get another offensive starter. I don't care one bit about loyalty.

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Originally Posted by baseline bum

It'd be like having Gervin back, though based on Kawhi's improvement I'm not so sure I'd want to be taking the ball out of his hands for anyone. I guess it'd be a nice problem to have though.

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Like you see this year, the offense while mostly efficient, still struggles to score. Replacing Duncan with Durant on offense 100% solves that problem and makes the Spurs margin for error so ridiculously big.

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Originally Posted by Chinook

Durant can't play the one, what the hell? He's one of the best shooters in the league, so he can obviously fit with Kawhi. But he's not going to settle for that, so he'll be playing his game, which doesn't jive with Kawhi and LMA. I can't believe that the same people who are saying that doesn't matter are the ones lamenting the end of the beautiful game. That stuff goes away when you get stars. I mean, you obviously have to get Durant if he wants to be a Spur, but those two and Parker is like the best way to get an underachieving team.

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He's played the 1-2 interchange with Westbrook their whole career. Hes brought it down as much as Westbrook this game and set the plays up much better. Got plenty of open looks for his teammates. Not sure what game you're talking about. He's great at getting teammates looks. He's a smart play maker.

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Originally Posted by Chinook

No way is Durant playing the four full time. He won't survive a season doing that. The Spurs would be better off getting a min stiff to play the five and have KD be the two-guard. Ideally, West would stay on to provide spacing. But if Tony is on the team, it simply won't work. Parker absolutely depends on Lock-n-Lock to safeguard him. Replace Danny with a min guy, and it just goes out the window. Replace him with a motivated KD, it might work. But for the sake of the team, the Spurs need to move Tony if they get another offensive starter. I don't care one bit about loyalty.

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I think he could survive it because most likely, Pop would be managing minutes and they would be beating up on teams. It wouldn't be a 'full" season in the normal context IMO.

But yeah, there are ways around him having to be that full time. It would still be the most often used lineup though.

I'm sorry but the Spurs can't waste Kawhi's prime years with Parker's contract taking up too much space. If Durant comes here, I hope the Spurs have some sense to dump Parker.