SF, SF, SF, Small Forwards, Small Forwards

[Fusternino]

nah

I'd move whatever assets necessary to get Sekou. Easy decision.

[TimDunkem]

I am for any trade that gets Bryn Forbes off this team and end Pop's latest man-crush.

[SAGirl]

Now the team is working well and winning but until Gasol returns we won't know what will be the final rotation. Then we have to play some good teams in full strength and see what happens and then it will be clear what the roster exactly needs. I think all this will happen in the next weeks so PATFO will have in time the necessary info in order to work on potential trades.

Forbes is making his shots but Marco, Davis too and White is showing he deserves to play starter minutes. Brynn biggest contribution is scoring, just the area of the game best covered in this team. To me, it makes sense to take advantage of his market value and trade him for a physical and defensive player. I'd add Toronto's pick as Spurs still have his own 1st round and, what it's more important to me, they already have a handful of young players to develop in the mid/long term, being 3 of these players guards as well.

The Spurs could probably look for a physical forward, able to play good defense and important minutes at the SF-PF. This player would fill Cunningham's role, making him dispensable. So that could be a reasonable pack: Forbes, Cunningham and Toronto's pick. What can Bufford get for that?

Interesting.

[SAGirl]

wouldn't make sense since he's expiring. Forbes and a 2nd rounder maybe. But that would also mean that either Mills has to start or DeRozan moves back to SG. With Derrick White not being much of an offensive threat that could create problems. Especially when Johnson is also not a good shooter. I see them rather moving Gasol since he's been out and the team really doesn't need a 3rd big at this point.

This is also interesting. I also see the situation with Gasol in real flux. I don't think Pop should want to eliminate minutes for Jakob.

[sasaint]

wouldn't make sense since he's expiring. Forbes and a 2nd rounder maybe. But that would also mean that either Mills has to start or DeRozan moves back to SG. With Derrick White not being much of an offensive threat that could create problems. Especially when Johnson is also not a good shooter. I see them rather moving Gasol since he's been out and the team really doesn't need a 3rd big at this point.

Moving Gasol is a great idea, but Pop isn't trading his primo, wine-sipping Euro. Pau has real culture.

[SpaceCoast Spursfan]

Moving Gasol is a great idea, but Pop isn't trading his primo, wine-sipping Euro. Pau has real culture.

I tend to agree, my hope is Gasol will get spot minutes with LMA, maybe in SL for first 4-6 minutes or so of each half unless we are playing against one of the few big teams. My fear is Jakob is gonna end up sitting a lot and hurt the development of a younger asset for a guy that is clearly in the twilight of his career.

The other thing that I think PATFO should explore is trading LMA and rolling with Jakob/Pau. Obviously you wouldn't do this without getting a real asset in return (late lottery pick, combo of young player + pick, starting caliber SF that fits with future plan, etc.)

Will not happen but one can dream. Also not a LMA hater, I just don't see him adjusting his game as he ages like DRob or Duncan. I think he is going to want his touches and his last couple years could get pretty ugly as he launches fadeaways, declines athletically, and gives even less consistent effort. It's a shame because he has skill set to continue still be effective as he ages if he wanted just don't see him accepting a substantial reduced role with grace.

[sasaint]

I tend to agree, my hope is Gasol will get spot minutes with LMA, maybe in SL for first 4-6 minutes or so of each half unless we are playing against one of the few big teams. My fear is Jakob is gonna end up sitting a lot and hurt the development of a younger asset for a guy that is clearly in the twilight of his career.

The other thing that I think PATFO should explore is trading LMA and rolling with Jakob/Pau. Obviously you wouldn't do this without getting a real asset in return (late lottery pick, combo of young player + pick, starting caliber SF that fits with future plan, etc.)

Will not happen but one can dream. Also not a LMA hater, I just don't see him adjusting his game as he ages like DRob or Duncan. I think he is going to want his touches and his last couple years could get pretty ugly as he launches fadeaways, declines athletically, and gives even less consistent effort. It's a shame because he has skill set to continue still be effective as he ages if he wanted just don't see him accepting a substantial reduced role with grace.

I missed the game last night. Apparently LMA played one of his rare physical games in the low post...

I could not agree more. I have suggested numerous times offering LMA and DeMar for Beal and Porter. I do not like LMA, and I am rather ambivalent about DeMar. But Porter could resurrect his foundering career here and fill a huge hole for us, and I would rather have a 3-point threat than DeMar.

[TD 21]

The "might give him away" part of that article is encouraging.

Really think the obsession with Stan is out of control. Dude hasn't been a good player in the NBA. He's been mostly terrible offensively, and hasn't played D nearly good enough to make up for it. I could get wanting him if he got bought out, like with Corey Brewer back in the day. I could even see something like Beli and Pon for Bullock and Johnson. But giving up a first-rounder? Nah. At least give Ben Moore some games first to show he can't come in and do as much as Stan can. There will be good players available in the late-first. PATFO didn't get to make a trade for Johnson a couple of years ago, and they have Derrick White as a result. I'd rather them find a good player like maybe Wilkes and have four years and a solid developmental plan.

It's not an obsession; it's the reality of the situation. Most of the names discussed ad nauseam are lacking in at least one of these areas: physically in some capacity in terms of defending big wings; volume 3-point shooting; age.

Johnson is a rare player who checks all boxes (he's just a poor percentage 3-point shooter) and can probably be had for relatively little. That's a difficult combination to find.

You're ignoring the line this organization is trying to straddle, which is win now while re-building. He fits with that. A 28th-30th pick more than likely won't. If/when it's likely to be ready to contribute, Aldridge and Gay will probably be past their prime. That pick is also unlikely to have the upside Johnson does.

[marinoman]

I don’t really care for Stanley Johnson. Who else you guys eyeing

[Chinook]

The "might give him away" part of that article is encouraging.



It's not an obsession; it's the reality of the situation. Most of the names discussed ad nauseam are lacking in at least one of these areas: physically in some capacity in terms of defending big wings; volume 3-point shooting; age.

Johnson is a rare player who checks all boxes (he's just a poor percentage 3-point shooter) and can probably be had for relatively little. That's a difficult combination to find.

You're ignoring the line this organization is trying to straddle, which is win now while re-building. He fits with that. A 28th-30th pick more than likely won't. If/when it's likely to be ready to contribute, Aldridge and Gay will probably be past their prime. That pick is also unlikely to have the upside Johnson does.

Nah, Johnson's had four years to show he's not a severe net-negative. To put it into perspective, Cun was WAY better his first four years in the league. I'm not going to try to come up here and say PATFO will or won't do something, but that doesn't make giving up a first for Johnson anything but a terrible deal. I mean, I guess he could become unexpectantly great, but I don't see any reason to believe he'd be better than what they can draft, seeing as they picked White, Murray, Milutinov (who's better than Johnson even if he never comes over) and Anderson with their last four late-firsts. This draft class is shaping up to have a number of good forward prospects in the middle of the draft, in addition to the forward-heavy early lottery. There are definitely guys I think are more intriguing than Johnson projected to go around or a bit after 30.

[Boomersgold]

International with FIBA experience, 6-9, can stroke the three, former DPOY and plays all positions (point-forward that can spend limited minutes at 5). Athletic. Trade Cunningham for him.

[TD 21]

Alternate version: Johnson, Leuer, Ellenson for Gasol and a 2nd.

Pistons add $1M this season, but deduct $2.7M (difference between Leuer and Gasol's guarantee), plus whatever Johnson would cost if retained, for next season.

Spurs would waive Ellenson and Pondexter immediately. If Johnson were re-signed for $7M or less, they'd effectively spend MLE type money on him and Leuer for next season. But outside of re-signing Gay and the 2 1sts, they'd effectively be set.

Nah, Johnson's had four years to show he's not a severe net-negative. To put it into perspective, Cun was WAY better his first four years in the league. I'm not going to try to come up here and say PATFO will or won't do something, but that doesn't make giving up a first for Johnson anything but a terrible deal. I mean, I guess he could become unexpectantly great, but I don't see any reason to believe he'd be better than what they can draft, seeing as they picked White, Murray, Milutinov (who's better than Johnson even if he never comes over) and Anderson with their last four late-firsts. This draft class is shaping up to have a number of good forward prospects in the middle of the draft, in addition to the forward-heavy early lottery. There are definitely guys I think are more intriguing than Johnson projected to go around or a bit after 30.

I'm not arguing that he's been good; he irrefutably hasn't been overall and in an ideal world, I wouldn't make this trade. In the predicament they're in, considering what they're trying to do and the positivies about him I've mentioned, I would.

Also, he's just 22, is one of the rare players who can credibly guard the best big wings (Leonard couldn't do anything against him earlier this season and it wasn't "missing shots he normally makes"; it was not getting shots he normally takes) and context is everything for 99% of players. Suffice it to say, his has been far from ideal.

[BackHome]

International with FIBA experience, 6-9, can stroke the three, former DPOY and plays all positions (point-forward that can spend limited minutes at 5). Athletic. Trade Cunningham for him.

YES YES would probably require our second round pick though. Or I wonder if we could work out sennding Gasol to them?

[BackHome]

To bad we did not Bring over Hanga that would have made a big difference I think.

[DAF86]

Hanga. Can't. Shoot.

[DAF86]

Do you imagine a perimeter of Murray, DeRozan and Hanga?

Damn, that would be some ugly ass basketball.

[vander]

Alternate version: Johnson, Leuer, Ellenson for Gasol and a 2nd.

Pistons add $1M this season, but deduct $2.7M (difference between Leuer and Gasol's guarantee), plus whatever Johnson would cost if retained, for next season.

Spurs would waive Ellenson and Pondexter immediately. If Johnson were re-signed for $7M or less, they'd effectively spend MLE type money on him and Leuer for next season. But outside of re-signing Gay and the 2 1sts, they'd effectively be set.

I'm not arguing that he's been good; he irrefutably hasn't been overall and in an ideal world, I wouldn't make this trade. In the predicament they're in, considering what they're trying to do and the positivies about him I've mentioned, I would.

Also, he's just 22, is one of the rare players who can credibly guard the best big wings (Leonard couldn't do anything against him earlier this season and it wasn't "missing shots he normally makes"; it was not getting shots he normally takes) and context is everything for 99% of players. Suffice it to say, his has been far from ideal.

22 and can guard Leonard? Get him over here.

I really hope we trade Gasol, this or next year, for a SF. His partially guaranteed deal has value right? Need more minutes for Jakob and need to play Gay at PF most of the time.

[spin8]

If this Spurs team is so dead set on making the playoffs, I'd rather they just keep their draft picks.

There is no trade that will make them significantly better to make a deep run.

Let's not forget that fourteen out of the fifteen teams in the West all think they have a legit chance at making the playoffs, making them all buyers in trades. To make matters worse, they're all looking for the same final piece the Spurs are, 3-and-D wings. If we're looking to the East to grab that kind of difference maker, only four teams (Bulls, Cavs, Hawks, and Knicks) are willing to be sellers, and looking through their rosters, I just don't see a player that will move the needle significantly.

The other hurdle? The Spurs aren't willing to sacrifice their "cooperate knowledge" to go get that player.

It should be evident by now, through Pop's own comments and from what we've gathered from local media, that the team is going to ride and die with the DeRozan/LMA/Gay core and all the pieces that surround them. Use whatever scheme or game plan works to mask the team's current weaknesses and hold steady until the end. Perhaps the buy-out market will provide something, but I just don't know. It honestly shouldn't be counted on to provide anything of actual worth this season.

If that's the case, then the Spurs should at least see it through without being desperate and throw away young prospects considering this core's collective age. They sure as are not getting any younger.

DeRozan is going to be 30 next season. Both Aldridge and Gay (if he decides to resign here and not go ring chasing) will both be 34, with past injury profiles that should scare anyone. Aldridge has reportedly had both heart and knee problems. Gay will continue to deal with the lasting effects of his recent ACL injury so long as he plays. Who knows how long both have to perform at their current level. We've already seen signs of Aldridge's effort and game-to-game consistency start to go down.

Furthermore, I'd rather have an overabundance of youth on the team and not just be fine with what the Spurs have in their stable. Murray, Poeltl, Walker, and Metu are all solid prospects, but no front office with good sense turns down acquiring more young talent. Doing so denies yourself any chance for someone to suddenly breakout and become a star. Keeping those draft picks at least insures you have more chances.

You only give up those picks if there's another all-star quality player you can trade for.

Of course, building through the draft is not a one-hundred percent guarantee to improve the team's chances at staying relevant. The players picked could be busts (although if you have so much faith in the Spurs' front office, then why would you be so pessimistic thinking that both picks will be busts?), but it's a better path to a championship given the current cir stances, especially if the team will never give tanking a consideration.

[Fusternino]

If this Spurs team is so dead set on making the playoffs, I'd rather they just keep their draft picks.

There is no trade that will make them significantly better to make a deep run.

Let's not forget that fourteen out of the fifteen teams in the West all think they have a legit chance at making the playoffs, making them all buyers in trades. To make matters worse, they're all looking for the same final piece the Spurs are, 3-and-D wings. If we're looking to the East to grab that kind of difference maker, only four teams (Bulls, Cavs, Hawks, and Knicks) are willing to be sellers, and looking through their rosters, I just don't see a player that will move the needle significantly.

The other hurdle? The Spurs aren't willing to sacrifice their "cooperate knowledge" to go get that player.

It should be evident by now, through Pop's own comments and from what we've gathered from local media, that the team is going to ride and die with the DeRozan/LMA/Gay core and all the pieces that surround them. Use whatever scheme or game plan works to mask the team's current weaknesses and hold steady until the end. Perhaps the buy-out market will provide something, but I just don't know. It honestly shouldn't be counted on to provide anything of actual worth this season.

If that's the case, then the Spurs should at least see it through without being desperate and throw away young prospects considering this core's collective age. They sure as are not getting any younger.

DeRozan is going to be 30 next season. Both Aldridge and Gay (if he decides to resign here and not go ring chasing) will both be 34, with past injury profiles that should scare anyone. Aldridge has reportedly had both heart and knee problems. Gay will continue to deal with the lasting effects of his recent ACL injury so long as he plays. Who knows how long both have to perform at their current level. We've already seen signs of Aldridge's effort and game-to-game consistency start to go down.

Furthermore, I'd rather have an overabundance of youth on the team and not just be fine with what the Spurs have in their stable. Murray, Poeltl, Walker, and Metu are all solid prospects, but no front office with good sense turns down acquiring more young talent. Doing so denies yourself any chance for someone to suddenly breakout and become a star. Keeping those draft picks at least insures you have more chances.

You only give up those picks if there's another all-star quality player you can trade for.

Of course, building through the draft is not a one-hundred percent guarantee to improve the team's chances at staying relevant. The players picked could be busts (although if you have so much faith in the Spurs' front office, then why would you be so pessimistic thinking that both picks will be busts?), but it's a better path to a championship given the current cir stances, especially if the team will never give tanking a consideration.

I still think Aldridge should age well. BTW, he did put up a couple 3's recently and his stroke looked good. He just needs to shoot 2-4 a game just like Pau does.

I agree on not using picks to get a 3&D guy this season as OPJ isn't looking very available. Like I said I'd rather Spurs eat Gallinari's salary and try to get him to play defense and be the ones getting assets from the Clippers.

The draft has Sekou in the late lottery and De'Andre likely in the late lottery. Giving away Blossomgame was a really bad idea . . .

[BackHome]

Agree with everything except Blossom I think Ben Moore is a better player.

Whar is going to piss me off this summer is if they don’t move Gasol and Forbes and let Cunningham and Poindexter go. We have 3 draft picks and those 3 should bring more talent then what is going out. We desperately need a starting SF and would like another big to replace Gasol

[Fusternino]

Blossomgame looks to potentially be an average shooter from range. That was the main issue with him, previously.

[Fusternino]

BTW, Lou Williams just hit a total garbage shot. He 'bout to get delusional?

[cd021]

I still think Aldridge should age well. BTW, he did put up a couple 3's recently and his stroke looked good. He just needs to shoot 2-4 a game just like Pau does.

I agree on not using picks to get a 3&D guy this season as OPJ isn't looking very available. Like I said I'd rather Spurs eat Gallinari's salary and try to get him to play defense and be the ones getting assets from the Clippers.

The draft has Sekou in the late lottery and De'Andre likely in the late lottery. Giving away Blossomgame was a really bad idea . . .

I have given up on Aldridge ever becoming a 3pt shooter. Him being a permanent 5 helps to mitigate that because he is still an excellent midrange shooter and allows for another shooter to play alongside him.

I think the Spurs should be all in on getting a long-term wing to fit with their long-term pieces ( Murray, White, Walker IV, Poeltl) ideally a bigger wing that can toggle between the 3 & 4 allowing for all five to share the floor in lineups in a hypothetical lineup several years off.

It matters a ton where the Spurs finish; if the Spurs finish with the 19th pick and the 28th pick then I think it would be worth attempting to trade up several spots by dangling the 28th pick in addition to the 19th, to say the 13th or 14th pick. Forbes would also be a good trade chip in place of the 28th pick.

I still don't know what Blossomgame is; he has no range as a wing and plays more like a super undersized 4.

[Fusternino]

We'll been hitting well over 35% of his 3's on the season.

Glad we're on the same page on Forbes being a trade chip now.

[cd021]

]I tend to agree, my hope is Gasol will get spot minutes with LMA, maybe in SL for first 4-6 minutes or so of each half unless we are playing against one of the few big teams. My fear is Jakob is gonna end up sitting a lot and hurt the development of a younger asset for a guy that is clearly in the twilight of his career. [/B]

The other thing that I think PATFO should explore is trading LMA and rolling with Jakob/Pau. Obviously you wouldn't do this without getting a real asset in return (late lottery pick, combo of young player + pick, starting caliber SF that fits with future plan, etc.)

Will not happen but one can dream. Also not a LMA hater, I just don't see him adjusting his game as he ages like DRob or Duncan. I think he is going to want his touches and his last couple years could get pretty ugly as he launches fadeaways, declines athletically, and gives even less consistent effort. It's a shame because he has skill set to continue still be effective as he ages if he wanted just don't see him accepting a substantial reduced role with grace.

I think that might be something Pop tries; Forbes, DDR, Gay, Gasol, and LMA for the first 7 minutes of each half and maybe a 3 or 4-minute stint in the 2nd. That's 14-18 minutes per game and shouldn't affect Poeltl's minutes too much.