That's why they need to load up a package for Smith. Splitter, Blair, Neal, Bonner, Joseph, Byars and a future 1st. And before some completely dismiss this, consider this: They've got six players signed for $60 million next season. This is a big enough issue that Assistant GM Dave Pendergraph said today, when asked about bringing former 2nd round pick Sergiy Gladyr to Summer League, "Well, there is some urgency in our summer league this year because of the roster spots. That being said, Sergei may be two or three years down the road and maybe next summer will be the best opportunity for him.” In other words, they desperately need inexpensive depth. The younger the better, considering how old their bench was this season.
Given that Johnson is more than likely staying put (if they Mavs fail to land Williams or pull off a move of that caliber, maybe they settle for Johnson; short of that, I can't see him not being back), their goal is probably to continue to tread water. So they may be inclined to take a package like that, as opposed to looking for that one big asset. And it's not like that package wouldn't fill some obvious needs. One being starting C, while simultaneously allowing Horford to move back to his natural PF; another being sixth man, as they never replaced Crawford. Neal could, at least more so than anyone they had this season.
If the Spurs can pull that off, they'll have not only filled their biggest need and added an in his prime All-Star caliber player, but they'll still be in a position to have a deep team. Here's how: Re-sign Duncan, Green and Diaw, sign De Colo and Turiaf. He does have a player option, but with him clearly not in the Heat's plans, I don't see why he wouldn't opt out. The Spurs could probably only offer the veteran's minimum, but the chance to be a guaranteed rotation player on a bonafide contender and join three fellow countrymen, I'd think would be very appealing to him. If that fails, there's Gray, Orton, Mohammed, Thabeet and Ajinca, as potential veteran's minimum options. And keep in mind, with a guy like Smith, who can eat up 35 mpg easily, the fourth big isn't as quite as important, especially come playoff time. Then they'd just need a fifth big and wing to fill out the roster.