ESPN Forecast: Spurs Have 3% Chance of Signing Jimmy Butler or Klay Thompson

A third option for the Spurs is to stay the course over the next two years developing our young guys and selective cheaper free agents. Buying out and stretching Gasol does not help unless we have a replacement. Gasol still has gas in the tank, but he is limited. He is inconsistent because he is old. Finding a replacement center for cheap will not be an improvement. We need to go bold at Center/PF (LMA can play either position) or live with Gasol. We could go small to cover for him depending on matchups and nights where he doesn't have it. Inconsistency in the playoffs might be a problem for Gasol. Poeltl is an unknown, he might be better than we think and could provide consistent meaningful minutes especially if he improves during the season. We might switch them come playoff time.

Defense and 3 point shooting look to be weaknesses of the starting lineup. Gay will have to start as we don't have another SF. He is good enough but starting him will crowd the paint and weaken the bench. We could use Cunningham, Bellineli, and Ginobili at SF, but none of these should be starters. Gay and the rest of the starters will have to hold up through the season and could be tired come playoff time. Adding a 3 and D wing at some point would help if they are not too expensive.

Murray, White, and Forbes will all be improved and Walker IV might be a pleasant surprise. He has the potential to be really good. It will take some time however. We know what we get from Mills. He will add energy and make 3s off the bench. He is not and never should be a starter.

My concern with this strategy is that we do not have enough star power right now to be consistent enough to beat Houston and GS. We might not even be able to beat OKC, NO, or Utah. Staying the course might be jeopardizing the prime of Aldridge and DeRozen for the next two years without giving them a realistic chance of winning. With that said, barring key injuries at the right time, nobody is going to beat GS anyway.

Now we need B class players?
Most funny thing is they wont be paid as second tier crap.

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Originally Posted by cd021

-Mentioned this several times before, but Spurs should consider trading Gasol and a 2021 2nd for DeMarre Carrol around the deadline. It would save the Spurs having to pay Gasols' $6.7 million in guaranteed money for his last year, and give them a starting caliber 3 who is young enough (32) to be a stopgap starter for a couple of seasons. The Spurs would have bird rights to bring him back, without having to dip into the MLE. He ranked highly in DRPM and is a good 3pt shooter, on a high volume of attempts last season.

-I think next off season will be fairly quiet for PATFO, they'll stretch and waive Gasol and save $13.7 million. They'd have about 10 million in cap if they move on from Gay and use their pick on a domestic player, plus two roster charges. In that case, they'd probably be better off keeping Gay (meaning no cap space), not stretching Gasol and taking all $6.7 million of his cap hit instead of spreading it over the 19-20, 20-21, and 21-22 season. They could use the MLE to bring over Milutinov, sign Metu to a cheap 3 year deal, that might leave the Spurs around $4 million of the $9 million MLE, plus $3.5 million of the BAE.

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I've seen a bunch of variations of this, but the Nets project to have double max cap space and are thought to have a chance at Butler and Irving (also, Leonard was supposedly calling other stars who are upcoming free agents the night before the trade about teaming up, not just in L.A., but possibly their). Suffice it to say, they're not throwing away that possibility, however slim it might be, for a '21 2nd.

Even without that possibility, why eat more than double what teams typically pay when they trade for a 2nd and do so for one that wouldn't convey for 3 drafts? If they can't trade Carroll for something better, buying him out would be cheaper.

Yeah. All this recent change has probably shaken them to their core and they probably want to start building some continuity again. The only possible addition I could see impacting the rotation, is a 3 and D SF.

If we could get Brooklyn to take Gasol and a future 2nd for DeMare Carrol we shoud do it. I would even take Dudley for Mills and future 2nd. I don't think the Nets would do either deal. They want all the cap space they can get for 2019 free agency.

Sacramento might take Mills for Shumpert at the deadline. Kings will have so much cap space (over 70mm) that they might like Mills as a backup PG. Who knows.

Tbh Gasol is a better player than Carroll who played bad with DD and the Raptors, and only had a good year with a bad team last season. He obviously is a good lockeroom guy and not toxic. Gasol has had good seasons for like forever.

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Originally Posted by Warlock

Winslow is a terrific SF defender and 3 point specialist (a la Bruce Bowen). I actually think Winslow could start at SF and Gay would be 6th man of the year anchoring the second unit. We would miss Mills, but we have White and Forbes who are ready for more minutes at backup PG. Ginobili can also play PG if needed. Whiteside supposedly has an attitude problem, but he is mad because they benched him in favor of Bam Adabayo in the playoffs after he struggled with injuries last season. Ok, Miami likes Adabayo, that only makes Whiteside expendable. Good for us. Whiteside loves playing for Messina, he could be key to getting him to buy into the Spurs way. This deal would make the Spurs set for two years.

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Since when is Winslow a 3 point specialist and when did Whiteside play for Messina?

Winslow made 50 3 pointers last year and shot 38% from 3 as a backup SF. Whiteside played a few weeks ago in the Africa game for team world and was coached by Messina. After the game, he said that it was a pleasure to play for coach Messina. He had never played on a team where the ball moved so much. There were open people everywhere. This is just a one game deal, and an exhibition at that, but he never said anything close to that about Spolstra. Rudy Gay was the captain of team World. Whiteside played well and held his own against Joel Embid.

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Originally Posted by TD 21

I've seen a bunch of variations of this, but the Nets project to have double max cap space and are thought to have a chance at Butler and Irving (also, Leonard was supposedly calling other stars who are upcoming free agents the night before the trade about teaming up, not just in L.A., but possibly their). Suffice it to say, they're not throwing away that possibility, however slim it might be, for a '21 2nd.

Even without that possibility, why eat more than double what teams typically pay when they trade for a 2nd and do so for one that wouldn't convey for 3 drafts? If they can't trade Carroll for something better, buying him out would be cheaper.

Yeah. All this recent change has probably shaken them to their core and they probably want to start building some continuity again. The only possible addition I could see impacting the rotation, is a 3 and D SF.

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It would be cheaper for Brooklyn to buy him out than to do a Gasol for Carrol swap; though Gasol's guaranteed money next season can be stretched out over 3 years. Costing BK $2.3 million next year.


You're right in regards to Brooklyn's motivation, or lack thereof in doing a deal like this one. While that 2nd round pick may end up being a decent one, acquired for a player likely out the door, it is still three years away from conveying and not enough incentive.

The idea of trading for Carrol as opposed to trying to outdo Houston and sign him is still a good one; however, moving more sweetener to entice the Nets to deal him to us, such as one of our two firsts is too much, in my opinion.

Though Houston has the star power and the tax payer MLE to offer; for all I know, he and DeRozen may still be close and starting for a team that could be desperate for his skill set may be enough of a pitch but probably not likely.

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Originally Posted by tbdog

Tbh Gasol is a better player than Carroll who played bad with DD and the Raptors, and only had a good year with a bad team last season. He obviously is a good lockeroom guy and not toxic. Gasol has had good seasons for like forever.

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Gasol is a fine player, but not one we especially need. Aldridge at the 5, (with Poeltl playing 10-15 minutes behind him) while Carrol slides in at the starting 3 along with Murray, DDR, and Bertans. That is a better balanced unit, that can both space the floor and defend.

He is better able to guard opposing wings such as Butler, Durant, LeBron and can toggle between the 3 and the 4, plus is a high volume 3pt shooter who shot the ball last year- he would make much more sense on this roster than Gasol does.

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Originally Posted by Warlock

Spurs are one all-star caliber player and some injury luck from the Warriors away from competing for championship in the next two years. We need an upgrade at Center and backup SF. I thing a deal with Miami could solve this issue. We could trade Gasol, Mills, and Toronto 2019 1st to Miami for Hassan Whiteside and Justise Winslow. Salaries match. Whiteside adds rebounding, shot blocking, and inside scoring. He and Aldridge would be huge inside. Winslow is a terrific SF defender and 3 point specialist (a la Bruce Bowen). I actually think Winslow could start at SF and Gay would be 6th man of the year anchoring the second unit. We would miss Mills, but we have White and Forbes who are ready for more minutes at backup PG. Ginobili can also play PG if needed. Whiteside supposedly has an attitude problem, but he is mad because they benched him in favor of Bam Adabayo in the playoffs after he struggled with injuries last season. Ok, Miami likes Adabayo, that only makes Whiteside expendable. Good for us. Whiteside loves playing for Messina, he could be key to getting him to buy into the Spurs way. This deal would make the Spurs set for two years. We would move ahead of Houston and in range of GS. A key injury at the right time to GS and we are hoisting the trophy.

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LOL. More delusional dream. Whiteside and Winslow are still young.. Why would they trade them for a terrible first round pick and two old guys that are severe downgrades? They also gave up there 2022 pick.. I don't think they would risk any sort of rebuilding before then.. If White side and Winslow go it will be for a top 8 pick.

Were not getting either.

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Originally Posted by cd021

Gasol is a fine player, but not one we especially need. Aldridge at the 5, (with Poeltl playing 10-15 minutes behind him) while Carrol slides in at the starting 3 along with Murray, DDR, and Bertans. That is a better balanced unit, that can both space the floor and defend.

He is better able to guard opposing wings such as Butler, Durant, LeBron and can toggle between the 3 and the 4, plus is a high volume 3pt shooter who shot the ball last year- he would make much more sense on this roster than Gasol does.

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Gasol really is washed up. Poelt'l I believe was a player the Spurs targeted knowing they needed a second big man besides Gasol. Hopefully Poelt'l pans out.

Carrol is more of a 4 than a 3. He is a between player. We have three of them in Gay, Bertans, and Cunningham. Poeltl is a bit of a foul machine and cannot be trusted to play big minutes due to injuries or foul trouble. Trading one of our guards for Carrol makes far more sense than a solid center who can shoot, pass, rebound, and defend the post.

Yeah for real there's way too much Gasol hate on this forum. I have a feeling he's staying with us beyond this upcoming season.

I'm still on the Quincy Acy train. Had a friend tell me that's delusional because if he's signing for the minimum then it would be with Dubs/Rox, lol.

Is Scola available?

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Originally Posted by cd021

The idea of trading for Carrol as opposed to trying to outdo Houston and sign him is still a good one; however, moving more sweetener to entice the Nets to deal him to us, such as one of our two firsts is too much, in my opinion.

Though Houston has the star power and the tax payer MLE to offer; for all I know, he and DeRozen may still be close and starting for a team that could be desperate for his skill set may be enough of a pitch but probably not likely.

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Yeah, despite being able to potentially offer the biggest role, it'll be difficult for the Spurs to outdo better teams for Carroll or Ariza, if they get bought out.

It's probably more likely they don't fill this need until next off season. Aminu would make sense. Still youngish, he's become a decent volume 3-point shooter, while maintaining his plus defense/rebounding. If, as expected, Gasol isn't retained, a big rotation featuring Aldridge, Gay?, Poeltl, Bertans, will need all the help it can get on the defensive glass.

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Originally Posted by SpursDynasty85

LOL. More delusional dream. Whiteside and Winslow are still young.. Why would they trade them for a terrible first round pick and two old guys that are severe downgrades? They also gave up there 2022 pick.. I don't think they would risk any sort of rebuilding before then.. If White side and Winslow go it will be for a top 8 pick.

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Whiteside is 29 and they'd love to rid themselves of him. In addition, their bloated payroll might make them queasy about matching a potential offer sheet for Winslow, who's improving 3-point stroke is bound to make him in demand. They might be interested in getting out ahead of this and trading him beforehand. They're also short on picks, though they've never valued them much.

Spurs wouldn't touch Whiteside though, so it's moot.

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Originally Posted by TD 21

Yeah, despite being able to potentially offer the biggest role, it'll be difficult for the Spurs to outdo better teams for Carroll or Ariza, if they get bought out.

It's probably more likely they don't fill this need until next off season. Aminu would make sense. Still youngish, he's become a decent volume 3-point shooter, while maintaining his plus defense/rebounding. If, as expected, Gasol isn't retained, a big rotation featuring Aldridge, Gay?, Poeltl, Bertans, will need all the help it can get on the defensive glass.

Whiteside is 29 and they'd love to rid themselves of him. In addition, their bloated payroll might make them queasy about matching a potential offer sheet for Winslow, who's improving 3-point stroke is bound to make him in demand. They might be interested in getting out ahead of this and trading him beforehand. They're also short on picks, though they've never valued them much.

Spurs wouldn't touch Whiteside though, so it's moot.

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Idk. Whiteside seems like an asset still. Yes he is overpaid but if he is thought of as a missing piece to contend the next two years and expire him then I could see a team who needed a center wanting him. Spurs, probably wouldn't because of his personality more than his game. Spurs should be trying to maximize LMA's remaining game for next 2 years and then look to pick up a free agent anyway.

Whiteside is 29 and they'd love to rid themselves of him. In addition, their bloated payroll might make them queasy about matching a potential offer sheet for Winslow, who's improving 3-point stroke is bound to make him in demand. They might be interested in getting out ahead of this and trading him beforehand. They're also short on picks, though they've never valued them much.

Spurs wouldn't touch Whiteside though, so it's moot.




Idk. Whiteside seems like an asset still. Yes he is overpaid but if he is thought of as a missing piece to contend the next two years and expire him then I could see a team who needed a center wanting him. Spurs, probably wouldn't because of his personality more than his game. Spurs should be trying to maximize LMA's remaining game for next 2 years and then look to pick up a free agent anyway.

Whiteside would be a great asset for the Spurs. He averages a double double with shot blocking ability. He would start play alongside and complement LMA. Why wouldn't the Spurs want him? Heat want to get rid of Whiteside because they want to start and play Adebayo and Olynyk and Whiteside makes a boat load of money. Whiteside wants to start and play lots of minutes. He is expendable for the Heat. They consider Whiteside an overpaid backup. Gasol would be a less overpaid backup who can play both PF/C and wouldn't mind being a backup. Gasol can also help develop Adebayo, a player Miami sees as it's future star. Finally, Gasol is only guaranteed 7mm next year. If Heat want to get rid of him they can free up 9mm in cap space. This could be enough to get them below Luxury tax.

Winslow would help the Spurs more than Miami. He brings defense and 3 point shooting, which the Spurs will be lacking. He could be a starter for SA. Winslow is a backup for Miami. They have a bunch of similar players. Miami would like to keep Winslow, but their cap situation will make it difficult to offer him a decent extension to avoid free agency and he would be the price they have to pay to get rid of Whiteside. Mills would be required to make the potential trade work. Spurs can replace Mills with younger guys ready to play. Miami has lots of guards, but only one real point guard (Dragic). Mills would likely be more valuable to Miami as backup PG than San Antonio.

Combined salaries of Whiteside/Winslow and Gasol/Mills are nearly identical. Neither team has cap room for the next two years. Talent leans more to Whiteside/Winslow, therefore Miami would likely require draft picks as extra compensation. Spurs have two picks next year.

Jakob is already our Whiteside.

The planet is experiencing a mass extinction event and here we are talking about where Klay Thompson might go next year

http://78.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lx...o73ro1_500.gif

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Originally Posted by DAF86

Thompson is an underrated piece of GS, tbh. Having a guy that can give you 20+ with barely having the ball on his hands for more than a second per touch is huge.

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Agree. But Klay on other team won't have Currry, KD, Dray to create the good looks and space for him. I guess his contract will be so expensive for a 2nd option like him.

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Originally Posted by YGWHI

Agree. But Klay on other team won't have Currry, KD, Dray to create the good looks and space for him. I guess his contract will be so expensive for a 2nd option like him.

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His contract and Draymond's are going to be interesting to see the dollar amounts because I think Klay and Dray are done taking discount deals. If GS is able to sign Dray, Klay, and KD to extensions, screw the taxes, do the owners of the NBA's other franchises start talking hard salary cap next bargaining agreement?

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Originally Posted by LCM

His contract and Draymond's are going to be interesting to see the dollar amounts because I think Klay and Dray are done taking discount deals. If GS is able to sign Dray, Klay, and KD to extensions, screw the taxes, do the owners of the NBA's other franchises start talking hard salary cap next bargaining agreement?

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Lacob doesn't seem to care about the luxury tax. He just wants to win as much as he can and believes through winning that the value of the franchise will go up thus making up for him having to spend as much as he does on the contracts. It sucks for the rest of the league but I do see him maxing out all of those guys.

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Originally Posted by tbdog

Carrol is more of a 4 than a 3. He is a between player. We have three of them in Gay, Bertans, and Cunningham. Poeltl is a bit of a foul machine and cannot be trusted to play big minutes due to injuries or foul trouble. Trading one of our guards for Carrol makes far more sense than a solid center who can shoot, pass, rebound, and defend the post.

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It's not like Cunningham is actually going to play and Carrol is better than him, so that doesn't really matter to me whether we have 3 or 4, 3.5s. Carrol can still guard 3s like LeBron, Durant and PG-13 and is has developed into a good high volume 3pt shooter. He can play the 3 but is still an idea small ball 4. In the event that Gasol were to be moved for Carrol, Gay and Bertans can split the 4 minutes and while Poeltl does have a high foul rate, he can protect the rim, rebound, and finishes strong at the rim- that is fine for a backup center, especially considering his role would drop during the playoffs to around 12 mpg.

With the news of Manu possibly retiring, suddenly that guard stockpile is a bit more useful. Mils may end up starting with Murray, DDR, Gasol and Aldridge while White, Beli, Gay, Bertans and Poeltl are the bench rotation.