Sheridan: Spurs frontrunners to land Al Jefferson

[look_at_g_shred]

either the spurs lookin at the future with a move done now...

i think there are better options

Like who?

[dunkman]

The Spurs would give up too much in that trade. Splitter is the starting center, it took a lot of work to get to this point. The Spurs can't just replace him with AJ, and expect the defense and offense is gonna work fine, even when on paper AJ is somewhat better player.

In addition, the Spurs need Jack, because he allows some small ball line-ups, can guard some bigger and stronger SF's and hit big shots, which is always valuable in the playoffs.

Finally, Mills brings instant offense against some teams.

[TDMVPDPOY]

Like who?

i want that aldridge clown on this team...

[look_at_g_shred]

i want that aldridge clown on this team...

yeah! I've always loves his game no doubt!!

[timtonymanu]

It's all just a smokescreen, IMO. Remember when Danny Green was rumored to be traded for Josh Howard (another rumored trade with the Jazz - coincidence?) last season before it was really RJ for Jackson. If anything, the Spurs will make a move that will benefit the team for the playoffs.

[manufan10]

Splitter didn't play at all in that 2nd quarter, fwiw.

Forget it.

[dougp]

Only way I'd do this trade: http://espn.go.com/nba/tradeMachine?tradeId=bfujj49 and there's no way the Jazz would do that.

[Bruno]

Do you think Splitter could play together with Al Jefferson?

I think they would work well together. Big Al has really improved his offensive repertory since he entered the league with a midrange jumper and a better passing game.

[HI-FI]

big fan of Al, to me he's always seemed like a Spurs guy. but I hope we don't screw the pooch trading for him.

[Bruno]

You guys are so scared of the Spurs letting Splitter go, why don't you guys consider the fact that maybe Jazz doesn't even want Splitter? They already have Paul Millsap, Enes Kanter, AND Derrick Favors, who's just waiting to be a breakout player for them. The Jazz asking for Splitter just doesn't make sense if anything.

That's a very good point. The idea behind trading Al Jeff for Jazz would be that they won't re-sign him and Millsap to open playing time for Favors and Kanter. Getting Splitter don't really fit that plan.

To me, the biggest incentive for Utah to trade Al Jeff would be to get draft picks. They would love to get Kawhi but I highly doubt he would be available. They might want a guard like Mills, De Colo, Joseph, Neal or Green but he certainly wouldn't be the central piece of a trade. A good first round pick will be what Utah will seek. Spurs could offer a future lottery pick like Raptors did for Lowry and Memphis did to salary dump players.

[Ditty]

If they throw Ante Tomic in there I'm all for it

[superbigtime]

This must be BS. Doesn't make sense to give up Jack and Splitter.

[superbigtime]

Not only would this move weaken chemistry and give up too much, Jeff is just a boring player to watch. Splitter is fun to watch, he's got some interesting moves and he's just going to get better and better. He's getting better at the line too. Splitter has more upside, he's a better passer, he's in his third year in the system. Also acquiring Jeff would also muddle the offseason ... pretty doubtful Spurs would sign both. Otherwise Splitter seems more likely to stay with the Spurs. This would be such a bad bad move. If Jack gets moved, I would hope he wouldn't be paired with Splitter. I don't want Splitter going anywhere, period.

[TDMVPDPOY]

they have to t hrow in that ugly turd sop re center of theres also....

[EricB]

Curious timvp ?doesnt this move if it where to happen, not improve their rebounding? Jefferson is a fantastic rebounder. Could playing with Duncan not help or improve his d?

I personally wouldn't do it not only cause of fit, but because Leonard wouldn't have a viable backup.

[99 Problems]

Just a thought, perhaps Timmeth has decided hey guys I realise now this season is it for me. So unless you going to splash 20 a season for Dwight who not coming here anyway why not go after the best 12-14m guy. Probably off the mark but if the goss is true something has ignited it.

[TDMVPDPOY]

trade doesnt make sense when we have heroes on the team that doesnt like to force feed the low post player...

[ElNono]

Don't forget that the Jazz are not on the driver's seat here either. They're going to lose Al at the end of the season for nothing if they don't manage a deal. And if Al isn't willing to sign an extension with a prospective team, that reduces the options considerably too. Not sure how many teams would like to give up much talent for a few months rental. Al always had nice things to say about the Spurs and Duncan. I could see where he would have an interest.

The question is whether Utah would take less than Tiago. I'm with Bruno on this one, they're probably more interested in picks. The question is if any other team can trade for better ones than what the Spurs can give them.

[TDMVPDPOY]

they are asking alot for a player who be FA...

give them jax, bonner, blair, draft picks, draft rights to farm....thats about it, any more than that, ur fckn up the roster depth going into the playoffs

[szkorhetz]

Just a thought, perhaps Timmeth has decided hey guys I realise now this season is it for me. So unless you going to splash 20 a season for Dwight who not coming here anyway why not go after the best 12-14m guy. Probably off the mark but if the goss is true something has ignited it.

I am a bit afraid of this too...

[Spursfanfromafar]

To me, the biggest incentive for Utah to trade Al Jeff would be to get draft picks. They would love to get Kawhi but I highly doubt he would be available. They might want a guard like Mills, De Colo, Joseph, Neal or Green but he certainly wouldn't be the central piece of a trade. A good first round pick will be what Utah will seek. Spurs could offer a future lottery pick like Raptors did for Lowry and Memphis did to salary dump players.

Draft picks and decent young guards. The Jazz seem severely deficient in wing play.

Al Jefferson + DeMarre Carroll for Stephen Jackson, Gary Neal, Matt Bonner + Corey Joseph + pick will not be a bad haul for either side.

[ElNono]

tbh, the player I don't want to part ways with is Jack... I think he's a good backup to Kawhi, and I'd like him to retire a Spur (with another ring, if possible)

[Prime Time]

Not willing to give up Splitter for Jefferson. If you're team is about to acquire someone averaging 17ppg and 9rpg, Splitter may damn well be in the package.

Splitter and Jefferson are the same age, In case some of you forgot. Jefferson is one of the best free throw shooting bigs in the league, so no "Hack-An-Al"
Can Splitter even score without someone assisting him? Jefferson is amazing at creating his own shot.
In the playoffs, Once the defense cranks up TP won't be able to set up guys as easily. Tim Duncan is still near 40, he's not going to carry the Spurs past a series himself. Jefferson would be the perfect wild card to throw at opposing teams.

Also, can any other big on our roster shoot a midrange jumper? Baynes has popped a few in the D-League, that's it.

I like Tiago as much as the next Spurs fan, but let's face it.... In the playoffs once teams shut down TP, Tiago is going to be near useless (outside of his length/hustle). Jefferson can score in more effective ways outside of crazy inside shots/pick and roll layups.

Speaking of length and hustle... isn't that why we acquired Baynes in the first place? Duncan-Jefferson-Diaw-Baynes is an elite front court.

Tbh I'm more worried about losing Jackson than I am losing Tiago (In this scenario). Jack's playoff contribution is huge.

I must be missing something, Why is Jefferson not worth Tiago?

[jesterbobman]

A 3rd high level big would be good, but I'd think the best chance of getting Jefferson would be a 3 team deal. We'd look for a team with a good shooting 2/3 who Utah would want and send S-Jax and some assets to them(Some combo of Mills, Neal, Blair, a First), they send that guy to the Jazz to give a complement to Favors/Millsap/Kanter group of bigs, and we send some more assets to the Jazz(Blair as a 4th big would have some value).

e.g, With our 2013 1st going to the Magic

http://espn.go.com/nba/tradeMachine?tradeId=b4cwywf

We have to realise that our hoard of expirings is valuable, but only in getting other teams out of long term deals. Finding a team with different types of assets who want to save money and get out of long term money is probably the best option.

[Juggity]

I must be missing something, Why is Jefferson not worth Tiago?

Playoff value is based on two-way contribution?