So Let's Talk Whole Offseason

[BacktoBasics]

I heard a podcast a week ago hosted by Spurs and Bulls fans. The Bulls fan thought it was 60/40 they re-sign Lavine with the Spurs being the next obvious suitors. Pop knows Lavine from the Olympics. Also, the Bulls guy suggested there are only a few times that can max him out with maybe Detroit as one, but a less likely suitor. Anyway. Made me think Lavine was slightly more realistic than I initially thought.

60/40 is kinda shocking. I’d say 90% chance he resigns. Chicago has a much better supporting cast than SA. I see no motivation for Lavine to want to walk. It would take a monumental up on Chicago’s part for him to not be back.

[ZeusWillJudge]

I heard a podcast a week ago hosted by Spurs and Bulls fans. The Bulls fan thought it was 60/40 they re-sign Lavine with the Spurs being the next obvious suitors. Pop knows Lavine from the Olympics. Also, the Bulls guy suggested there are only a few times that can max him out with maybe Detroit as one, but a less likely suitor. Anyway. Made me think Lavine was slightly more realistic than I initially thought.

I don't see how Chicago can keep their hopes alive without him. But I read an interview recently where he said that he needs to get paid what he deserves, and the implication was that it means a max deal.

The Bulls can give him 5/$210M. And that's if he doesn't make the All-NBA team - then he would be eligible for super-max which is close to 5/$250M currently.
The most other teams could offere would be around 4/$160M.

The only ways I can see the Spurs actually getting him would be if Chicago won't spring for a max deal, and he gets disgruntled and just wants to play for someone who he thinks values him. Or... if the Bulls can't/won't give him a max deal, so the Spurs arrange to give it to him through a sign and trade. I don't even want to think about all the salary matching considerations involved in that. Not to mention pick(s).

He would be a game-changer for the Spurs' future. He's a better defender than he used to be, and offensively he's just steady enough to build around. I honestly don't see how it can happen, but if anybody wants to convince me that there's even a snowball's chance, I'll work hard to believe it.

[scott]

Would do back flips if we somehow landed Lavine. Would assume the Seattle connection with DJM would help but will only go so far.

On another note, say we successfully trade Jak… then what? Could Thomas Bryant be a target?

[KingKev]

That would be a fantastic signing and if this team has confidence they could get it done it makes our lottery pick that much more flexible.

I haven’t looked into who would be takers for him outside of us.

I really hope he’s on our radar.

Exstatic has been on this one for awhile and I’m getting on the bandwagon. Small sample size but when given consistent minutes in both Phx and Indy this season he looked very intriguing. Looks more and more comfortable on the perimeter on both ends of the floor and could be a nice rim running target for DJ. 6’10 220ish. Very attainable. The great thing is the other teams with notable cap space are probably top 3 in the lottery and likely about to add a big in one of Banchero, Smith or Chet.

Teams with notable cap space that could offer him more than MLE:

- Detroit: he makes sense for them but they are likely adding one of the 3 mentioned above already
- Orlando: possibly adding one of the 3 mentioned above in the lottery and already have a huge logjam up front with Wendell Carter Jr, Returning Johnathan Issac, RFA Mo Bamba and Franz who could play some 4
- OKC: will have cap but at this point are they even looking to improve via free agency?
- Indy: will have cap space but can’t retain him for more than 4.5mm
- Memphis: should have adequate cap space so could be a potential suitor especially if Adams is moved

[KingKev]

60/40 is kinda shocking. I’d say 90% chance he resigns. Chicago has a much better supporting cast than SA. I see no motivation for Lavine to want to walk. It would take a monumental up on Chicago’s part for him to not be back.

after DDR chokes and they flame out he may be a tad more inclined to move. If Lavine makes an all-nba team Chicago can offer him the super-max. That’ll be an interesting development to watch in the Lavine sweepstakes.

Edit: just noticed our greek friend made this same point already.

[The Truth #6]

I don't see how Chicago can keep their hopes alive without him. But I read an interview recently where he said that he needs to get paid what he deserves, and the implication was that it means a max deal.

The Bulls can give him 5/$210M. And that's if he doesn't make the All-NBA team - then he would be eligible for super-max which is close to 5/$250M currently.
The most other teams could offere would be around 4/$160M.

The only ways I can see the Spurs actually getting him would be if Chicago won't spring for a max deal, and he gets disgruntled and just wants to play for someone who he thinks values him. Or... if the Bulls can't/won't give him a max deal, so the Spurs arrange to give it to him through a sign and trade. I don't even want to think about all the salary matching considerations involved in that. Not to mention pick(s).

He would be a game-changer for the Spurs' future. He's a better defender than he used to be, and offensively he's just steady enough to build around. I honestly don't see how it can happen, but if anybody wants to convince me that there's even a snowball's chance, I'll work hard to believe it.

I wasn't endorsing this 60/40 scenario I heard on the podcast, but it did make me think about it more. He's probably the best star we could hope for in the free market, being in San Antonio. If nothing else, perhaps it's reassuring to know that Bulls' fans are just as knee jerk and emotionally labile as Spurs fans.

[KingKev]

I wasn't endorsing this 60/40 scenario I heard on the podcast, but it did make me think about it more. He's probably the best star we could hope for in the free market, being in San Antonio. If nothing else, perhaps it's reassuring to know that Bulls' fans are just as knee jerk and emotionally labile as Spurs fans.

Most fan bases are. Especially ones with champion lineage.

Lavine is not taking a penny off the table to leave Chicago for SA. Chicago is an incredible city but man it would probably be a smart move on his part. A DJ/Lavine backcourt with the ability to add another few foundational pieces over the next few years would be exciting.

[DAF86]

I heard a podcast a week ago hosted by Spurs and Bulls fans. The Bulls fan thought it was 60/40 they re-sign Lavine with the Spurs being the next obvious suitors. Pop knows Lavine from the Olympics. Also, the Bulls guy suggested there are only a few times that can max him out with maybe Detroit as one, but a less likely suitor. Anyway. Made me think Lavine was slightly more realistic than I initially thought.

Why would we want DeRozan's second banana?

[The Truth #6]

Why would we want DeRozan's second banana?

Because he's the better player and that may be the best star we could hope for in San Antonio, historically speaking. I'm not saying it's a perfect idea. I'm still trying to figure out his game a bit. But if he wanted to come here, it should definitely be considered.

[KingKev]

Why would we want DeRozan's second banana?

He is an ice cold scorer; 40% on decent 3pt volume with a full offensive arsenal. He is Booker east. His defensive ability wil grow leaps and bounds if we can sort our 3 and 4 positions on that side of the ball.

[The Truth #6]

Most fan bases are. Especially ones with champion lineage.

Lavine is not taking a penny off the table to leave Chicago for SA. Chicago is an incredible city but man it would probably be a smart move on his part. A DJ/Lavine backcourt with the ability to add another few foundational pieces over the next few years would be exciting.

And if there is any smoke, as always, it's probably agents trying to negotiate and get the best contract for their player. But I never thought Bulls didn't want him. So who knows? Anyway, overall, probably a non-issue and just the fanbases exploring theoretical scenarios.

[KingKev]

And if there is any smoke, as always, it's probably agents trying to negotiate and get the best contract for their player. But I never thought Bulls didn't want him. So who knows? Anyway, overall, probably a non-issue and just the fanbases exploring theoretical scenarios.

The Bulls have made some bonehead errors over the years but even they are not stupid enough not to offer Lavine the max.

[exstatic]

Just took a gander at the 2022 free agents on Spotrac and saw that Robert Covington and Batum are both UFA this summer.

I think Covington would be a good stopgap solution for the Spurs at the 4 spot. Whether you draft a Sochan or not. 36% career 3 point shooter (45% with the Clips this season) so he can spread the floor. Still an effective defender averages 1.5 blocks and 1.5 steals a game. Good size at 6’7 with a 7’3 wingspan. Gets deflections. The negatives would be will he give the same effort on a average/young team like the Spurs would be. Seems like he mailed it in a bit when he was with the Blazers and Rockets last couple years. Average to below average rebounder, but better than Keldon and way better than McDermott on the board.

May be a moot point if he and the Clippers want to run it back next season with a healthy Kawhi.

Batum is also an out and out 4-man these days given he’s lost a couple steps but in today’s game his 6’8 height is enough to play the 4 spot.

In terms of big fish theres not much out there other than Ayton. I rekon the Suns would match a max contract offer tbh but would be worth a try. Spurs would have to overpay to get him tbh. Not sure id go after him for a max price tag.

Beal has a player option but can’t see him coming to the Spurs.

Too old X 2.

[KingKev]

Too old X 2.

If we land Lavine and pull a top 4 pick they might be worth a gander. Otherwise NO. Those guys are getting half to full MLE from playoff teams.

[ZeusWillJudge]

I wasn't endorsing this 60/40 scenario I heard on the podcast, but it did make me think about it more. He's probably the best star we could hope for in the free market, being in San Antonio. If nothing else, perhaps it's reassuring to know that Bulls' fans are just as knee jerk and emotionally labile as Spurs fans.

LOL. Fair enough.

I wasn't jamming you up about it. It's not out of the question that he could wind up feeling under-appreciated on that squad, and the Bulls mortgaged a lot to bring in DeRozan. That's got to limit their ability to add support pieces. But the amount of additional money he can get there would buy a whole lot of ego salve. The system is designed to keep players at home.

Would I like to see it? Yeah, most people would.

[exstatic]

Bobby Portis anyone? He's got a player option, is getting paid little so may be willing to cash in. He's 27, 6-10', can shoot, performs under pressure, not the greatest defender but willing to work and team oriented... we could do a lot worse than that.

Bobby Portis is a ing Psycho who punched and hospitalized a teammate in Chicago, and isn’t 6’10unless he’s standing on a phone book.

[Ariel]

Bobby Portis is a ing Psycho who punched and hospitalized a teammate in Chicago, and isn’t 6’10unless he’s standing on a phone book.

Relax. You're not having a good day it seems.
https://www.nba.com/stats/draft/comb...onYear=2015-16
He measured at 6'9.5" barefoot, so he's actually OVER 6'10" by NBA standards (with shoes).
, I'd say most NBA players are a good inch and a half shorter than their listings...

https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2019/03/25/bobby-portis-says-hes-always-been-seen-villain-even-before-he-broke-teammates-face/

In October 2017, Portis was with the Chicago Bulls when he got into a fight with then-teammate Nikola Mirotic during practice. According to guard Zach LaVine, who witnessed the incident, Portis “was not at fault” when he broke two bones in Mirotic’s face. He was required to serve an eight-game suspension.

If a 6'10" guy built like that punches you in the face, it's a direct trip to the hospital. But Lavine endorses him, and he's beloved by Milwaukee fans and teammates... he's not Sprewell that tried to strangle his coach... now THAT'S a psycho...

[KingKev]

Relax. You're not having a good day it seems.
https://www.nba.com/stats/draft/comb...onYear=2015-16
He measured at 6'9.5" barefoot, so he's actually OVER 6'10" by NBA standards (with shoes).
, I'd say most NBA players are a good inch and a half shorter than their listings...

https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2019/03/25/bobby-portis-says-hes-always-been-seen-villain-even-before-he-broke-teammates-face/

If a 6'10" guy built like that punches you in the face, it's a direct trip to the hospital. But Lavine endorses him, and he's beloved by Milwaukee fans and teammates... he's not Sprewell that tried to strangle his coach... now THAT'S a psycho...

Am I the only one who wants a guy who might punch a teammate in the face in the spirit of compe ion?? Imagine what he might do to an opponent? It’s not like he was sexting his wife.

Also. Spree coulda been our Rodman on the way to a couple of threepeats…
Popovich always had a hard-on for him. He probably likes getting choked. Those whino-lefties are into some freak sh!t!!

[Leetonidas]

Mirotic deserved it tbh. Sign me up for Portis. He ain't leaving Milwaukee though

[JPB]

Jordan punched a teammate too, tbh.

[scott]

I get that some of these guys are older and might not fit the long term time-line, but the steam still needs vets... we can't have a bunch of kids on the team, that isn't a recipe for success.

Dream off-season: land Top 4, get Banchero or Smith, sign Levine, trade TOR pick for a future 1st, take a flier with the BOS pick, sign a vet like Portis or Covington, go from play-in to play-offs in one season with some momentum to the future.

[KingKev]

I get that some of these guys are older and might not fit the long term time-line, but the steam still needs vets... we can't have a bunch of kids on the team, that isn't a recipe for success.

Dream off-season: land Top 4, get Banchero or Smith, sign Levine, trade TOR pick for a future 1st, take a flier with the BOS pick, sign a vet like Portis or Covington, go from play-in to play-offs in one season with some momentum to the future.

Those vets only make sense on a 1-2yr discounted contract or if the wetdream you outlined above (that most of us fantasize about) come true.

[objective]

If the Spurs can move up in the lottery and get one of those premium bigs, I could see that being enough to get Lavine to take a serious look at the Spurs if Chicago doesn't give the 5th year Max.

The Spurs would have a good case for a much brighter future than Chicago

Chicago doesn't have their own 23 or 25 first rounders, don't have any 2nds until 2026. They do have a lotto protected first from Portland in the future though. Still, they're on the short side of ammo to improve or get off bad salary

They're in a bad cap situation with no foreseeable cap room if they max Lavine and they have DeRozan and Vucevic over 30 and bound to decline.

Lonzo has a career of injury issues. My guy Patrick Williams hasn't broken out and also seems to often be hurt. Vucevic when his contract is up could be a nightmare.

Spurs would look pretty good in comparison.

[objective]

I get that some of these guys are older and might not fit the long term time-line, but the steam still needs vets... we can't have a bunch of kids on the team, that isn't a recipe for success.

Dream off-season: land Top 4, get Banchero or Smith, sign Levine, trade TOR pick for a future 1st, take a flier with the BOS pick, sign a vet like Portis or Covington, go from play-in to play-offs in one season with some momentum to the future.

Sounds good to me, but I think it Lavine is signed outright then they would just have the Room Exception to sign a vet and it might not be enough for either of those vets.

[KingKev]

Sounds good to me, but I think it Lavine is signed outright then they would just have the Room Exception to sign a vet and it might not be enough for either of those vets.

We have 40mm in cap and very movable contracts in JRich, Collins and McDougal. Jak is also an easy lever to pull when it comes down to it. There are many reasons this fantasy won’t come true but cap space won’t be it. Also the main salary exceptions are not available to teams UNDER the cap.