Sheridan: Spurs frontrunners to land Al Jefferson

[jermaine]

If any of you watched the spurs gm an dont realize we need someone that can handle a scoring load, you've gotta be kidding me.

[rascal]

if it really comes down to having to give up Tiago, I'd do it. Yes Tiago is a good defensive player, but on offense he's just a pick n' roll guy (OK, sometimes he uses his hook shot) while Al has a great offensive arsenal. Also he's a much better rebounder. I know some may not think so, but Tiago is pushed way to easily under the rim. With that said I like Splitter's game very much, but if it's him or Al, I pick Al.

This. Al is a much better overall player. As the 3rd option he would be a great fit on the Spurs, a difference maker, Splitter is not. It would open up much of the half court perimeter 3 point offense which the Spurs rely so much on with another post- mid range threat. Any defensive liabilities and that is over stated in here because Splitter is not any type of defensive force will be negated with his superior offense.

[Cane]

Yea Spurs need another weapon especially in the playoffs where the older Big 3 can't handle the scoring load like they used to, and the roleplayers are too limited/inconsistent. When Parker's on the bench or is being hounded by Sefolosha the Spurs could use Jefferson to manufacture a shot. Big Al could get accustomed with the Spurs in the home friendly half of the season.

[Bruno]

While I have, like a lot of others, doubts on how Al Jefferson will fit, could fit with Spurs, it's hard to deny the upside of a trade like that.

If Spurs can get him for Jackson, 2 first round picks and a combination of Bonner, Blair, De Colo, Mills, Joseph, Neal, it will give Spurs the best frontcourt in the NBA with Duncan/Jefferson/Splitter/Diaw. Add to that, some good perimeter players like Parker, Ginobili, Leonard and Green, and it's a scary team on the paper.

[therealtruth]

Yea Spurs need another weapon especially in the playoffs where the older Big 3 can't handle the scoring load like they used to, and the roleplayers are too limited/inconsistent. When Parker's on the bench or is being hounded by Sefolosha the Spurs could use Jefferson to manufacture a shot. Big Al could get accustomed with the Spurs in the home friendly half of the season.

We've got plenty of weapons in Kawhi, Tiago. Pop just needs to use them to initiate the offense at times. No need to sacrifice our defense to get one.

[superbigtime]

Spurs don't HAVE to get Jefferson. But I would give up Diaw and Jack to get him. Back up PG issues are pressing too.

[PingPong]

Most of posters are relying at the offense numbers from a guy who plays in a ty team. Those Jefferson's numbers will shrink a lot in a Spurs roster, with more offensive options than the U Jazz.

[JonNOKC]

Hard to see a trade for Al working if FO still committed to staying under luxury tax and both teams at 15 man rosters. Maybe something like:
http://espn.go.com/nba/tradeMachine?tradeId=adj2r7t

With Utah getting a 1st pick and rights to Lorbek and NO getting 1st rounder

You could do something similar with Sacramento and Jason Thompson and maybe a few other examples. If you could find the right third team Utah can get a nice piece and Spurs keep Tiago. This also helps as don't see Utah being able to take on 4 players for 1, and may allow Spurs to fill roster spots while staying just below luxury tax

Then the final questions are 1. Does this get us better shot of beating okc and Miami. 2. Is it worth it for 1/2 yr rental of Big Al

[BatManu20]

Hard to see a trade for Al working if FO still committed to staying under luxury tax and both teams at 15 man rosters. Maybe something like:
http://espn.go.com/nba/tradeMachine?tradeId=adj2r7t

With Utah getting a 1st pick and rights to Lorbek and NO getting 1st rounder

Lol the Jazz are trying to trade Jefferson or Millsap because they're already stacked with big men.. why would they trade for another one in Robin Lopez? And the Hornets would get 2 guys who have 3 months left on their contract wouldn't even be there next season..

[benefactor]

if it really comes down to having to give up Tiago, I'd do it. Yes Tiago is a good defensive player, but on offense he's just a pick n' roll guy (OK, sometimes he uses his hook shot) while Al has a great offensive arsenal. Also he's a much better rebounder. I know some may not think so, but Tiago is pushed way to easily under the rim. With that said I like Splitter's game very much, but if it's him or Al, I pick Al.

This. Al is a much better overall player. As the 3rd option he would be a great fit on the Spurs, a difference maker, Splitter is not. It would open up much of the half court perimeter 3 point offense which the Spurs rely so much on with another post- mid range threat. Any defensive liabilities and that is over stated in here because Splitter is not any type of defensive force will be negated with his superior offense.

It has already been pointed out that there is no reason for Utah to take another quality big back. One of the reasons they are dumping Al is to free up room in the rotation. Taking back a rotation level big makes no sense if you are getting rid of one for this reason.

The will want first round picks and expirings.

[JonNOKC]

Lol the Jazz are trying to trade Jefferson or Millsap because they're already stacked with big men.. why would they trade for another one in Robin Lopez? And the Hornets would get 2 guys who have 3 months left on their contract wouldn't even be there next season..

I don't see much truth in Sheridan's report so I agree, but base on his report the Jazz wanted a big man back to backup Kanter long term and Lopez gives them that. NO turns Lopez into 1st round pick (could add sweetner like 2nd round picks or euro prospect or DeColo/Joseph IF Spurs are committed to getting Al. Hornets also shed longer contract that certainly isn't bad but they seem committed to Ryan Anderson as stretch four, have Davis and the other big kid inside.

I think Sheridan's report is most likely complete fiction or this info was given to him by Utah so someone would offer alittle more. Again all my speculation is based on IF Sheridan's "sources" are real and right. If that is the case then finding the right third team to facilitate this trade would be in best interest of the Spurs

[JonNOKC]

It has already been pointed out that there is no reason for Utah to take another quality big back. One of the reasons they are dumping Al is to free up room in the rotation. Taking back a rotation level big makes no sense if you are getting rid of one for this reason.

The will want first round picks and expirings.

Again this whole thread is based on Shreidan's article - There is no other reason to even discuss Al Jefferson to the Spurs and I seriousdly doubt there is any truth to it - but as he is the only person to put this out there and is reporting the Jazz would want Splitter - was simply speculating about alternatives that would meet Sheridan's criteria while better serving the Spurs

[TDMVPDPOY]

Again this whole thread is based on Shreidan's article - There is no other reason to even discuss Al Jefferson to the Spurs and I seriousdly doubt there is any truth to it - but as he is the only person to put this out there and is reporting the Jazz would want Splitter - was simply speculating about alternatives that would meet Sheridan's criteria while better serving the Spurs

if they want splitter, they better give us a draft pick in return or kanter....

we have nothing to lose and no need to go out on a trade, when AL jeff can be picked up as a FA...6month rental no thanks

[Richie]

Again this whole thread is based on Shreidan's article - There is no other reason to even discuss Al Jefferson to the Spurs and I seriousdly doubt there is any truth to it - but as he is the only person to put this out there and is reporting the Jazz would want Splitter - was simply speculating about alternatives that would meet Sheridan's criteria while better serving the Spurs

Sheridan isn't saying the Jazz wants Splitter. He's saying the Spurs are interested in Al and then suggests Splitter in a trade that he makes up.

As I've been saying, Green + 2013 1st is good value for Jefferson as the Jazz don't want him back next year

[exstatic]

I don't see much truth in Sheridan's report so I agree, but base on his report the Jazz wanted a big man back to backup Kanter long term and Lopez gives them that. NO turns Lopez into 1st round pick (could add sweetner like 2nd round picks or euro prospect or DeColo/Joseph IF Spurs are committed to getting Al. Hornets also shed longer contract that certainly isn't bad but they seem committed to Ryan Anderson as stretch four, have Davis and the other big kid inside.

I think Sheridan's report is most likely complete fiction or this info was given to him by Utah so someone would offer alittle more. Again all my speculation is based on IF Sheridan's "sources" are real and right. If that is the case then finding the right third team to facilitate this trade would be in best interest of the Spurs

The only thing Sheridan said that his sources said was that the two teams were talking about a Jefferson trade. Any players/needs/wants are his projections and thoughts.

[slick'81]

agreed it makes no sense for utah to take back tiago not with milsap,kanter and favors in toll

[look_at_g_shred]

Better to get Al now or in the off season??

[Richie]

Better to get Al now or in the off season??

We won't have the cap space to get him in the off season

[BatManu20]

Better to get Al now or in the off season??

Can't afford him as a FA. He'd be a half season rental, just to make one last run at a ship. Because, believe it or not, this really is our last chance.

[spurraider21]

I'd rather take milsap than al.

Hes more of a high motor guy and a more active defender. Better fit for our offense than plodding big Al

[Seventyniner]

How much will Jefferson command in the FA market this summer? If it's close to Tiago numbers, like $8-9M, the Spurs migjt rather have Al because he is a better player. If Jefferson will get $11-12M, though, the Spurs might be better off keeping Tiago. A trade for Jefferson would have to be done with an eye on the future.

[spurraider21]

Could always try to sign and trade Al or Milsap in the offseason after their rental is up

[Richie]

Can't afford him as a FA. He'd be a half season rental, just to make one last run at a ship. Because, believe it or not, this really is our last chance.

Don't see why we wouldn't re sign him if we got him, we will be able to afford it. We just wont be able to get under the cap enough to sign him as a free agent.

If we traded Green + Jackson, we'd be around $35m under the luxury tax. Easily enough to re sign Jefferson, Splitter, Manu and Jackson (with the MLE)

[spurraider21]

Don't see why we wouldn't re sign him if we got him, we will be able to afford it. We just wont be able to get under the cap enough to sign him as a free agent.

If we traded Green + Jackson, we'd be around $35m under the luxury tax. Easily enough to re sign Jefferson, Splitter, Manu and Jackson (with the MLE)

Why would you resign Jackson in a scenario where you trade Jackson

[BatManu20]

Don't see why we wouldn't re sign him if we got him, we will be able to afford it. We just wont be able to get under the cap enough to sign him as a free agent.

If we traded Green + Jackson, we'd be around $35m under the luxury tax. Easily enough to re sign Jefferson, Splitter, Manu and Jackson (with the MLE)

I think some team will overpay for Jefferson and offer him $14-$15 million a year. In that case, the Spurs won't sign him.