McDonald: Spurs weigh Mahinmi’s fate

[Ice009]

Bonner's contract can't be extended.

If this is true why is Manu4tres mentioning it numerous times and why is no one getting on him about where he heard it?

[MaNu4Tres]

Let's see:
- You compare Mahinmi to "James White".
- You think that Ian will never be at Bonner's level while Bonner is a very average player who does nothing when it mattered.
- You think that Splitter will be immediately above Mahinmi in the rotation.

It's hard to come with another conclusion that you think that Ian is a scrub. I have no problem with that but you should stop with the BS like "fits in the grand scheme of things" or "he is round peg trying to fit in a square hole". It's ridiculous.

Lol I understand your biased towards your homeland. That is fine. I don't think Ian is a scrub. As I've stated before and I'll state it again. I just believe the Spurs may believe 3-3.5 million is too much for a player in a sportscoat. And no that's not an insult towards Mahimni. He just happens to play on a team that has quality depth and will this year and the next year as well. Especially if Splitter comes over.

Ian very well could be better than Bonner in 4 years. He certainly has the potential to be. There has been progress in his development, but it has been rather methodical. And that's understandable with the year off he had last year.

I'm not comparing Mahimni to James White the player. You used the McDyess is old excuse to justify spending 3.0-3.5 million on a player who will be on the inactive list or at the end of the bench playing mop up duty at best. That is why I used Bruce being old excuse to justify spending 3.5 million on an athletic prospect like White. I never said Mahimni has the same skill level and potential as White. Stop putting words in my mouth.

And Splitter would be put in the rotation before Mahimni. Hate to break it to you.


To cool down your french fries, I hope Mahimni is here to stay for the next 5 years so we could see him develop into a starting caliber NBA big man. I just think the smart thing to do would be to not pick up his option, but have him understand he's still wanted for the future by the organization. And make it known that their willing to invest in him for the future. Just for not as much money. A deal like Blair's would be ideal.

[Bruno]

If this is true why is Manu4tres mentioning it numerous times and why is no one getting on him about where he heard it?

Someone close to Bonner has posted here that there were talks about an extension. The only problem is that Bonner isn't eligible to get an extension.

[Bruno]

To cool down your french fries

I don't talk with xenophobic people.

[Ice009]

Someone close to Bonner has posted here that there were talks about an extension. The only problem is that Bonner isn't eligible to get an extension.

So that person lied then if it's not possible to extend? Does anyone know if he is actually close to Bonner or did everyone have to take his word for it? btw do you happen to remember which thread it was in Bruno? No need to search for it though just asking in case you recall which thread it was in.

[MaNu4Tres]

Bonner's contract can't be extended.

Maybe not extended but they are in talks already about a new contract. Some of these things happen before they are allowed to especially if the player plays for the team in negotions with his agent. Of course it isn't a rush. But the Spurs have made it known that it is of their interest.

[Bruno]

So that person lied then if it's not possible to extend? Does anyone know if he is actually close to Bonner or did everyone have to take his word for it?

This person is legit and reliable. I guess there have been some misunderstood.

[Ice009]

Maybe not extended but they are in talks already about a new contract. Some of these things happen before they are allowed to especially if the player plays for the team in negotions with his agent. Of course it isn't a rush. But the Spurs have made it known that it is of their interest.

So what is the deal here then? The Spurs won't trade him??? They want to keep him?

[urunobili]

I think the smartest thing is to lock Mahimni another year.... Bruno question if they don´t, would he become a restricted free agent or not not?

[MaNu4Tres]

Where did you hear this?

You seem to be the only one on the message board saying this. I think I saw you mention this in the game thread the other day too. Did I miss the discussion on this?

I have a family member who is married to a person within the Spurs organization.

That's all I can say.

[Mel_13]

I have a family member who is married to a person within the Spurs organization.

That's all I can say.

Bonner can't be extended. Not allowed under the CBA.

[Bruno]

Bruno questionÑ if they don´t would he become a restricted free agent or not not?

He would be an unrestricted free agent .

[MaNu4Tres]

I don't talk with xenophobic people.

I'm actually dating a girl from Ecuador.

[Ice009]

I have a family member who is married to a person within the Spurs organization.

That's all I can say.

Alright, fair enough thanks for the info. I just thought he would be shopped around for a trade, but if they want to resign him then I wonder if they would be willing to trade him.

[MaNu4Tres]

Bonner can't be extended. Not allowed under the CBA.

Maybe not extended. But the way it was told to me is that it is of Spurs interest to have Bonner in silver and black for a few more years.

Reason why this was brought up was because I was trying to find out if Bonner was being shopped around. Unfortunatley I was told that they are more interested to bring him back in the saddle for more years whenever this year is over with.

They can't extend him during the year but they can sign him once its over.

[ElNono]

I think if it would be a 'No Brainer', as many people mention here, they would have picked up the option already, and there wouldn't be an article written about it (pretty much how the 2010-2011 George Hill extension is going to go).
The reality is that there's simply not going to be enough minutes for him, and sending him to the Toros is no longer an option, so I wouldn't be surprised if they ask him to go play overseas for a while. The 'trade chip' idea is neat and all, but if you can't showcase the guy, it can be a tough sell in this economy. I can see him being more of a 'trade filler' instead.

[Ice009]

Maybe not extended. But the way it was told to me is that it is of Spurs interest to have Bonner in silver and black for a few more years.

Reason why this was brought up was because I was trying to find out if Bonner was being shopped around. Unfortunatley I was told that they are more interested to bring him back in the saddle for more years whenever this year is over with.

They can't extend him during the year but they can sign him once its over.

Yeah, well if that is the case then him being included in a trade for Jackson or Nocioni is not looking too good. Is a 3 point shooting bigman that important? Who on the Spurs values Matt that highly and what has impressed them to want to resign him, or express interest this early to resign him? Is Pop pleased with the effort he gave last season or the work he has done during the off season and preseason?

[picnroll]

At no point has Mahinmi shown exceptional talent, only a play here and a play there. If it was Ibaka I'd do it. Mahinmi for two years more development on the bench, then going into a total rebuilding situations with a retired Duncan and an elderly Ginobili. In no way has Mahinmi shown he's worth it.

[Russ]

People seem to be missing the fact that the Spurs hold all the cards when it comes to Mahinmi.

They can decline his option and still resign him next year if he works out. They'll have much more information upon which to base that decision next year as opposed to now (e.g., is Splitter coming, what roles can Blair handle). The only possible downside is if M has such a breakout year that his option contract looks like a bargain. In that unlikely scenario, the one year option probably won't mean much anyway -- he'll only be a year away from pricing himself out of the Spurs' range in any event.

The test as to whether the Spurs should exercise M's option may be his value to other teams now. Does he have trade value now? Viewing his contract in that light can help place his contract option in context. If he does not have value now, the Spurs will likely still be first in line for M next season even if they don't renew.

[Ice009]

At no point has Mahinmi shown exceptional talent, only a play here and a play there. If it was Ibaka I'd do it. Mahinmi for two years more development on the bench, then going into a total rebuilding situations with a retired Duncan and an elderly Ginobili. In no way has Mahinmi shown he's worth it.

Well I would be OK with the Spurs telling him they would still like to keep him, but on a minimum contract. I don't know if Ian would go for that and then you could also have another team willing to give him minutes and more money so I guess the best option would be to pick up that option.

[MaNu4Tres]

Yeah, well if that is the case then him being included in a trade for Jackson or Nocioni is not looking too good. Is a 3 point shooting bigman that important? Who on the Spurs values Matt that highly and what has impressed them to want to resign him, or express interest this early to resign him? Is Pop pleased with the effort he gave last season or the work he has done during the off season and preseason?

Bonner may not be included. He might you never know with the sports business.

But Spurs can still get Jackson or Nocioni by sending out Mason/ Finley/ Mahimni or Williams. Salary wise.

[exstatic]

If they don't pick up his option, you can pretty much write him off as a Spur. There will be a ton of teams with cap room next year, and one of them will almost certainly make Ian an offer. , a team without cap room could steal him with a fractional MLE offer if the Spurs aren't willing to pay him a salary slot of $1.75M, a team like CHA and Larry Brown, who have been drooling over him.

I think Mahinmi's "development deal" was pretty much terminated when they signed Ratliff. When the team signs a veteran player who has the exact skillset they want you to develop, and that development has been slowed or hindered, it's never a good sign. Same thing with Bogans/Hairston. At this point, other than Hill/Blair, I don't think the Spurs GAF about anyone else's development. They're in a WIN NOW mode.

[ceperez]

100% guaranteed that the Spurs are going to pick up the $1.78m tab for Mahinmi.

That's a bargain basement deal, and I'm pretty sure if that it doesn't work out, that there are plenty of other teams out there willing to make a deal with the Spurs for this asset.

For the life of me, I can't see why there's even a discussion about this.

It's brain dead simple.

[Mel_13]

If they don't pick up his option, you can pretty much write him off as a Spur. There will be a ton of teams with cap room next year, and one of them will almost certainly make Ian an offer. , a team without cap room could steal him with a fractional MLE offer if the Spurs aren't willing to pay him a salary slot of $1.75M, a team like CHA and Larry Brown, who have been drooling over him.

I think Mahinmi's "development deal" was pretty much terminated when they signed Ratliff. When the team signs a veteran player who has the exact skillset they want you to develop, and that development has been slowed or hindered, it's never a good sign. Same thing with Bogans/Hairston. At this point, other than Hill/Blair, I don't think the Spurs GAF about anyone else's development. They're in a WIN NOW mode.

This is it. If the Spurs want Ian for next year and beyond, they'll pick up his option.

The notion that they'll decline his option and then sign him next summer is nonsense. If he plays poorly, there's no reason to keep him. If he plays well, they won't be able to keep him.

If they decline his option, Ian's day as a Spur are numbered and will not extend beyond the end of the season.

[picnroll]

100% guaranteed that the Spurs are going to pick up the $1.78m tab for Mahinmi.

That's a bargain basement deal, and I'm pretty sure if that it doesn't work out, that there are plenty of other teams out there willing to make a deal with the Spurs for this asset.

For the life of me, I can't see why there's even a discussion about this.

It's brain dead simple.

I'll never give up my Rasheed quote until Bonner is wearing another jersey, but this one, after Oct 31, would likely be pretty tempting.