Possible FA targets?

[Nathan89]

^ Finally someone post something realistic. Were not getting any of the players mentioned in this thread.

I just hope we can pick some amnesty player up or make a little trade. I need more things to look forward to. Leonard,Neal,Tiago,Big 3, is what I can't wait to see. I'm dreading Blair,Bonner, and Rj. I just need a little more unknown to spark my interest.

[lurker23]

@KBergCBS Ken Berger
Six teams have expressed early interest in UFA Caron Butler: Nets, Clippers, Bulls, Heat, Spurs and Knicks, per sources. #NBA
https://twitter.com/#!/KBergCBS/stat...40306173104128

[lurker23]

@KBergCBS Ken Berger
Though two of those teams have room (Nets, Clips), both are chasing bigger prizes. So Butler probably looking at MLE or close to it.
https://twitter.com/#!/KBergCBS/stat...41215825379328

@KBergCBS Ken Berger
Line of communication also open between Mavs and Butler's reps as everyone feels out new rules and opening of team-agent dialogue.

https://twitter.com/#!/KBergCBS/stat...41431722979329

----

Hard for me to imagine the Spurs signing Butler without RJ being gone in one manner or another.

[TimmehC]

The fu...

[DPG21920]

Rather have him than RJ but don't see how that would happen realistically and not overly thrilled. Not going to have full MLE to offer and even if they did I don't see them using it. Can't see a sign and trade scenario w/ Dallas so don't see how this is realistic.

[mrose31]

Free agents Spurs should realistically go after. Not big difference makers but could really help the team.

T. Prince
C. Landry
Grant Hill
S. Battier

[Killakobe81]

Money would certainly be a problem but you can imagine a scenario were Spurs do other trade(s) that save some money.

For example, Clippers are looking to get a SF and they could be tempted to do a RJ for Gomes swap. Trading Bonner shouldn't be do complicate to do and could too allow Spurs to wave some money.

On a more global note, Spurs are in a tough situation. They have a flawed roster but they don't really great trade assets or cap space to improve it. Because of that I'm not really optimistic about Spurs' FO being able to do some great trades to improve the team. I expect more Spurs' decline to continue. In two or three years, the most exciting moment of the season for Spurs' fans would be the lottery draft day.

One of teh advantages the spurs have on the Lakers is I think the Spur fanbase (for the most part) will accept this and realize that the lottery though not the fastest but still the best way to get back to glory especially if a Dwight, duncan, Shaq, lebron type is the #1 pick and you get it. Spurs have already hit the jackpot twice ...now they just have to time it so they get on eof those guys and NOT a Olowokandi or Oden ...

[Bruno]

Hard for me to imagine the Spurs signing Butler without RJ being gone in one manner or another.

Agree, either in a trade or through the amnesty clause.

[Fireball]

Free agents Spurs should realistically go after. Not big difference makers but could really help the team.

T. Prince
C. Landry
Grant Hill
S. Battier

Grant Hill is my favorite out of these four ... we just need another G. Hill

[DesignatedT]

Move RJ for a serviceable big and sign Prince.

[Killakobe81]

But Grant Hill would be agreat fit on the spurs, Lakers I dont see why he would choose Celts or Heat his best talent facilitating mid-range would be wasted since Lebron and Rondo and Pierce already domiante the ball for those teams ...

[jesterbobman]

That, to me, suggests an RJ trade. Otherwise, I see no point in that interest.

[DPG21920]

Do not buy into those types of reports. People will say whatever they can for their own self interest and often infer things out of no where. People always use the Spurs name in speculation.

[Ditty]

Giving Caron Bulter the MLE coming off wouldn't be smart. Spurs are in a win now situation no way they don't spend there MLE even if there in the luxary tax. Yeah I don't think they will get Nene or Chandler in which I think they both want a payday. Another way I see us going after Butler, is if Spurs have plans on amnesty or trading RJ because I don't see Butler backing or starting in front of RJ, while Leonard is riding the bench all year like Anderson was. Anderson and Leonard are too talented to not be playing quality minutes this year, and rather both of them be playing over Butler.

[Ditty]

Grant Hill and Carl Landry, with trading RJ and Dice for a 7 footer somehow even if it means giving up this years 1st round pick would be a complete summer.

[Ditty]

or fall lol.

[Mel_13]

what is the most likely?

remember, Spurs currently have the 3rd expensive team in the league.
and with this expensive roster they go nowhere. (they will make the PO, but same story as last year is ahead).
does really anyone see the Spurs use the exceptions and skyrocket the payroll close to 80 million? (Leonards rookie contract cost another 2 million) and still go nowhere, b/c a MLE player won't take us anywhere.

I'm pretty sure we will see some cost saving moves in the first place.
(remember, amnesty used on RJ isn't cost saving, when Spurs are not in tax land. Holt still has to pay him) the reason why Holt wanted the amnesty option to be used whenever a team chooses during the new CBA is that they want have it available in 2012, when the real moves for the furture will be made.
however. first moves will try to bring Spurs under the threshold. (let's guess 70 million). that's why they will just waive Dice. (saves them 2.6M). and they will entertain some more cost saving trade scenarios (Bonner) what might cost them some assets (picks?).
then they will fill the roster with minimum veterans, maybe hope for a amnesty steal.
but we will not see a major or mid level FA signing.

we can hope that Tiago breaks out, Leonard is an immediate boost, Blair has lost 20lbs and learned some defense, Anderson is on track. then the Spurs will look good. (without being a contender).

I think you've nailed it.

There may be a trade, but it probably won't be big and it definitely won't bloat the payroll.

For the most part, last year's team without Dice and Hill. Increased minutes for Tiago, Neal, and Anderson will account for most of those losses. Leonard will need to be a very fast learner to get significant minutes.

[dylankerouac]

Lots of Twitter feeds about Spurs interested in Caron Buttler.

http://twitter.com/#!/search/caron%20butler%2C%20spurs

[dylankerouac]

Minus the extra T. Now he definitely is not coming.

[Fireball]

Don't know about Butler ... we already have a player with this name who tries to come back after a knee injury. But Carons wasn't as complicated, was it?

[Trill Clinton]

I'll give my source a call when I get off and see if he's heard anything.

[Mel_13]

"The Spurs wanted Fabricio Oberto to be the fifth center, but that was before the lockout. We will see if they still want him," said his agent Carlos Prunes.

http://hoopshype.com/rumors.htm

lol Nene and Al Jeff

[Obstructed_View]

Duncan's listed as a free agent on some sites, and one article talks about the teams he could contribute to. Any realistic chance he's not part of the team this season?

[FuzzyLumpkins]

that report about Butler came from his agent. its pretty obvious. oberto's agent is probably praying the spurs are interested and talking to anyone who will listen.

right now 90% of the unlisted sources are agents because they have a week to get their clients signed and working with a team. we are not going to see machinations like anthony to controlling his destination.

this is going to be a quick wham-bam thank you ma'am and surprises are assured.

[DesignatedT]

Spurs need to unload RJ and Blair/Bonner for a decent 4 and then sign a SF like Prince, Battier or Butler.