Tim Duncan decision coming [UPDATE: Opts in]

[TampaDude]

I get that Timmy has made a ton of money (I've argued this with others on here), but with him sticking in SA his entire career and forgoing several endorsement opportunities (due to market and his own personal decisions) what he's done the past few years has been huge. He didn't need the massive paycuts in order to win before, but they have been critical as of late to keep the team in contention.

St. Duncan IMVHO

Timmy is rich enough...he wants more rings, not more $$$.

[raybies]

They must have an idea of what it's gonna take to re-sign Patty and Boris and want to get low enough under the cap so that all the exception money can be used without going under the cap.

[Robz4000]

[MannyIsGod]

Or they've abandoned any intention of creating cap space this year or next year. Bring back the same group, augment with the MLE, and stay well below the tax line. That's what I meant earlier with my opinion that a lower 2014-15 salary for Duncan increases the probability that both Boris and Patty are retained.

This makes complete sense to me. Duncan wants that repeat and I think he realizes the importance of keeping Diaw and Mills here. I don't think they're going after a big FA and mixing things up at this point. That would make zero sense to me.

[jARS mEsH sEt]

sending a message to Mills and Boris?

This is ridiculous. Mills is literally middle class. He hasn't made anything yet. Duncan is worth over $100M.

[Mel_13]

I get that Timmy has made a ton of money (I've argued this with others on here), but with him sticking in SA his entire career and forgoing several endorsement opportunities (due to market and his own personal decisions) what he's done the past few years has been huge. He didn't need the massive paycuts in order to win before, but they have been critical as of late to keep the team in contention.

St. Duncan IMVHO

We're a ridiculously spoiled fan base.

[r0drig0lac]

goat gonna goat

[Chinook]

Or they've abandoned any intention of creating cap space this year or next year. Bring back the same group, augment with the MLE, and stay well below the tax line. That's what I meant earlier with my opinion that a lower 2014-15 salary for Duncan increases the probability that both Boris and Patty are retained.

Yes, I got that. But even if the Spurs aren't trying to create a lot of 2015 cap space anymore, it's still in their best interest to give Tim more money this year than next. It makes sense to allow for all the raises players are going to get, as well as two years of potential MLE deals.

[doobs]

I would be shocked if the Spurs make a splash in free agency or trades. I think they are working hard to keep this team together for another run, especially Mills and Diaw. Introducing new players introduces uncertainty, i.e., lack of corporate knowledge, which for a team like the Spurs undermines their entire model. Even star players like Kawhi and Parker had to be eased into the system, trained by the coaches and broken by Pop.

If Duncan takes less, it's because they've come to the realization that him taking less is necessary to keep the team together (including Bonner). Not because the Spurs are trying to get Melo or Lebron or whatever other ridiculous fantasy FA people are masturbating to.

[TampaDude]

I would be shocked if the Spurs make a splash in free agency or trades. I think they are working hard to keep this team together for another run, especially Mills and Diaw. Introducing new players introduces uncertainty, i.e., lack of corporate knowledge, which for a team like the Spurs undermines their entire model. Even star players like Kawhi and Parker had to be eased into the system, trained by the coaches and broken by Pop.

If Duncan takes less, it's because they've come to the realization that him taking less is necessary to keep the team together (including Bonner). Not because the Spurs are trying to get Melo or Lebron or whatever other ridiculous fantasy FA people are masturbating to.

^ truth bomb

[vander]

I would be shocked if the Spurs make a splash in free agency or trades. I think they are working hard to keep this team together for another run, especially Mills and Diaw. Introducing new players introduces uncertainty, i.e., lack of corporate knowledge, which for a team like the Spurs undermines their entire model. Even star players like Kawhi and Parker had to be eased into the system, trained by the coaches and broken by Pop.

If Duncan takes less, it's because they've come to the realization that him taking less is necessary to keep the team together (including Bonner). Not because the Spurs are trying to get Melo or Lebron or whatever other ridiculous fantasy FA people are masturbating to.

but they don't need Duncan to take a pay cut to keep the same team

[Emperor]

We're a ridiculously spoiled fan base.

That we certainly are.

[will_spurs]

I agree with Chinook. 2015 cap space seems a lot more important.

Of course it could mean something big for this offseason, as that $8.5m trade exception is HUGE. Could the Spurs actually go after a legit FA with this? (e.g. Love)

[Mel_13]

Yes, I got that. But even if the Spurs aren't trying to create a lot of 2015 cap space anymore, it's still in their best interest to give Tim more money this year than next. It makes sense to allow for all the raises players are going to get, as well as two years of potential MLE deals.

Unless they have an internal budget cap that is somewhere below the tax. I'm pretty sure that it's reached the point that Tim is briefed on the business as if he is a partner in the franchise.

There's also the possibility that his new deal has a decreasing salary structure. It's also possible that they already have agreed on the parameters of deals with Boris and/or Patty.

They tend to wrap up all this business very early in free agency window.

[Mel_13]

I agree with Chinook. 2015 cap space seems a lot more important.

Of course it could mean something big for this offseason, as that $8.5m trade exception is HUGE. Could the Spurs actually go after a legit FA with this? (e.g. Love)

What 8.5M TE?

[J_Paco]

I don't think Mills and Baynes matter one bit... But yeah that seems a little low for anything really major...

Maybe they salary dump Beli...

I'm pretty sure arguably the best back up point guard in the NBA, who saved our asses on more than a few occasions with all of Tony's ailments/healthy issues this past season, matters a lot to the front office and locker room. Patty worked his ass off and became a vital piece on championship team when just few seasons ago it looked like he'd be fringe NBA player or journeyman. I think they'll try their best to retain him and possibly Baynes too.

Belinelli can't be salary dumped without a suitable contingency plan in place for Manu. He'll likely stay and play a bigger role in the regular season, but have his minutes cut down come April, May and (hopefully) June. His three point shooting can't be undersold as well in particular with Bonner's future on the team up in the air.

The player I'd envision being salary dumped - to either create a roster spot or financial flexibility - is the terrible experiment that is/was Jeff Ayers. He brings nothing to the table but decent athleticisms (which he doesn't effectively use) and some rebounding. His offensive and defensive game are just putrid, IMO.

[101A]

The Spurs are going after Melo

Not a Spurs guy. Lebron on the other hand...

[BG_Spurs_Fan]

Spurs would be at 42-43 mil if Duncan opts out and they dump Daye. Depends on Duncan's new contract, but they could either be trying to create some cap space this year or they could simply look for resigning everyone and adding a MLE player without reaching the tax. Probably all on 2 year deals with more money annually. Then in 2016 they'll have all the capspace they want.

I have no doubt that Duncan plays 2 more years whether he opts in or out.

[xapatan2]

I would be shocked if the Spurs make a splash in free agency or trades. I think they are working hard to keep this team together for another run, especially Mills and Diaw. Introducing new players introduces uncertainty, i.e., lack of corporate knowledge, which for a team like the Spurs undermines their entire model. Even star players like Kawhi and Parker had to be eased into the system, trained by the coaches and broken by Pop.

If Duncan takes less, it's because they've come to the realization that him taking less is necessary to keep the team together (including Bonner). Not because the Spurs are trying to get Melo or Lebron or whatever other ridiculous fantasy FA people are masturbating to.

For me it is pretty clear watching this team and the way they inter-act each other that re-signing Diaw & Mills is a done deal.

I did not pay attention if this has been reported here in Spurstalk but 2 or 3 days after Game 5, there was a big interview of Boris and Tony in L'équipe, the french daily newspaper about sport. Tony, stated that effectively, NBA is primary a business but that he was ready to take a pay cut to help re-signing Boris.

They're the spurs and Tim is just a fantastic leader and a great individual.
Xap'

[Aztecfan03]

but they don't need Duncan to take a pay cut to keep the same team

Unless Patty and/or Boris are gonna get more than you expect.

[Andthentherewas21]

What are the chances Duncan let this leak just to troll ST?

But seriously, I think the most plausible idea is that opting out and then getting something like 14/2yr deflects the media attention on his potential retirement. I doubt he wants a farewell tour ala Derek Jeter, and if he doesn't extend or opt-out and re-sign that is going to be the story-line all year (probably attract more attention then the spurs will want too). I believe it was an article last year that said Tim and Tony both lobbied for Mills when the team was decided whether to pick up his option (could be mistaken though). If the spurs and Duncan are actually thinking about this in terms of financial purposes, I'm pretty sure its to look out for their own players rather than acquire free agents.

[vander]

lots of good teams will very likely be better next year: Chicago with a healthy Rose and Love would be scary, Houston adding anyone of value will be scary, Clippers and Thunder could both improve.

if the Spurs FO gives a , there is no way they are just going to keep this same team together and hope for the best. if TD is taking a pay cut it's because they are going after someone

[MaNu4Tres]

Although thinking of that second year as a reward is sort of concerning. That implied that the team is simply giving Tim some extra money for retirement rather than him possibly playing in 2015. I don't really mind that, obviously. Tim's earned more money than the Spurs can legally give him.

The question really is: Why would the Spurs WANT to lower his cap number? Even if they are just giving Tim send-off money, they could could/should make his 2014 cap number as big as possible to preserve 2015 cap space.

I can see the 2 year deal including a partial guarantee for the 2nd year ( in case he does decide on retiring after next year).

[Cry Havoc]

well I still think Spurs will keep Mills/Diaw for less than market price. at the very least Spurs can sign them to longer-than-deserved contracts at a lower rate. all that matters is 2015, till the wheels fall off, etc.

call me crazy, I've got my fingers crossed for Stephenson.

if Spurs could get him and get his mind right, there would be almost no rebuilding period IMO

You're crazy. You're a looney toon. Why would we want to screw with a championship team by signing a headcase for a massive amount of money? That would be one of the worst signings we could make. Stephenson is about 2 bad calls away from going Malice on someone, be it opposing player, coach, or teammate. Dude is a loose cannon... The last thing the Spurs would ever want. I wouldn't sign him for the minimum.

[Dex]

I can see the 2 year deal including a partial guarantee for the 2nd year ( in case he does decide on retiring after next year).

Definitely. If Tim does decide to extend another year, I'd be highly surprised if he didn't push out that player option.