Spurs interested in Emeka Okafor

[Wild Cobra Kai]

The problem with Okafor is that while he has some attributes we need, as a 10/8 player and a career 12/10 player, he's as overpaid as Jefferson. I think the Spurs aren't interested, and I think N.O. isn't interested. He'd be a good "get" at $8-9M, but not at $12-14M.

[Russ]

The problem with Okafor is that while he has some attributes we need, as a 10/8 player and a career 12/10 player, he's as overpaid as Jefferson. I think the Spurs aren't interested, and I think N.O. isn't interested. He'd be a good "get" at $8-9M, but not at $12-14M.

So he's not perfect (other than as a player). Not ideal (due to, you know, salary stuff).

That's why there's . . . a chance. . .

[Sean Cagney]

Not gonna happen, wasting your time even entertaining it. Trade deadline will come and go.

[Wild Cobra Kai]

So he's not perfect (other than as a player). Not ideal (due to, you know, salary stuff).

That's why there's . . . a chance. . .

In your mind, maybe. I doubt the Spurs are even sniffing that . I can guarantee you that N.O. wants no part of Jefferson, the key contract to making the trade work.

He's not perfect as a player, either. This is a second team that is peddling his overpaid middling talent on the market. If he were perfect, he'd probably still be in Charlotte. If you're playing Moneyball, and the Spurs always do, you don't touch Okafor with a ten foot pole. He's a bad value for the buck.

[SpurNation]

meh.

This instead.

http://espn.go.com/nba/tradeMachine?tradeId=77xbteu

[biziofromdowntown]

LOL http://games.espn.go.com/nba/tradeMa...radeId=26nmnj8

[JP le Requin]

http://www.insidebasket.com/news.php...&1330713938119

it says that trevor is free to be trade...
okafor + ariza for bonner, jefferson, anderson, DP 2013 and blair...it could be great!!


but only on NBA 2K12

[Russ]

http://www.insidebasket.com/news.php...&1330713938119

it says that trevor is free to be trade...
okafor + ariza for bonner, jefferson, anderson, DP 2013 and blair...it could be great!!

I think the Spurs would need to sweeten the deal with Jackie Butler.

[armynick23]

Finally a Smart Spurs fan and business savy. Thanks

As unlikely as this rumor may seem, this trade, including the principals involved, make the most sense - by far for both teams.

Okafor's salary is for the next 3 seasons:
2011 - $12,541,812
2012 - $13,543,250
2013 - $14,544,687
Total: $40,629749

RJ's salary is also for the next 3 seasons:
2011 - $9,282,000
2012 - $10,164,000
2013 - $11,046,000
Total: $30,492,000

How this trade benefits the Spurs:
This trade benefits the Spurs because it will unload a young SG (Anderson), who desparately wants more playing time. With both Danny Green and Gary Neal continuing to flourish in their roles, the Spurs will not miss Anderson at all. The fact of the matter is it's very fair to say that THEY are the reason Anderson has become expendable. The trade also benefits the Spurs in that they would no longer be forced to continue relying the play of an undersized center (Blair), who is out of position. Of course getting rid of Jefferson, would allow to Spurs to get rid of his bad contract and prevent them from having to utilize the amnesty provision in order to do so. Furthermore, getting rid of RJ immediately opens the door for Leonard to assume a permanent starting role. And the most important benefit of all, the acquisition of Okafor gives the team the much-needed shotblocking, scoring and rebounding presence to pair along with Duncan. Okafor's presence will instantly improve the Spurs post defense and FG% defense. The Spurs will then have the necessary muscle needed to match up with the likes of Perkins and Ibaka (OKC); Gasol and Bynum (Fakers) and Nowitzki and Haywood (Mavs). Since, the Spurs are currently the #2 seed, this move could propel them over the top.

How this trade benefits the Hornets:
The trade benefits NO in that by exchanging RJ's contract for Okafor's, they will be saving probably roughly over $10 million over the next 3 years. RJ will give them an instant starter at the 3 spot, with Ariza backing him up off the bench. In Anderson, the Hornets get a young, developing and hungry SG, who has shooting ability and upside. In Blair, they get a young, undersized PF, who will improve their frontline depth, so long as there are no Whataburgers in the Crescent City. Also for Blair, he will no longer have to play the 5 spot and go up against bigger centers. He can then pair with Chris Kaman to solidify their frontline. Another benefit for the Hornets is, by trading Okakor, they are free to resign Kaman this offseason, if they so choose to do so. I doubt it, but the option for them is there. And with two first round picks, one perhaps even in the top 5, they will be able to literally rebuild their frontline, on the cheap.

The way I see it, is since the Hornets are currently owned by the league and are woefully cash-poor, they will be looking to build almost exclusively via the draft. Therefore, they almost have to unload Okafor on some team - especially since they have been unable to find any takers for Kaman, and his expiring contract.

With the relationship and mutual respect between the two front offices, I see a favorable deal here for both teams, that will hopefully get done.

[Duncan2177]

Finally a Smart Spurs fan and business savy. Thanks

[Hoops Czar]

I know you think RJ is tradeable, but I'm telling you he's NOT!!! RJ may be cheaper, but talent and skill wise, he sucks. Now do you really think a team owned by the NBA, who recently nullified a Chris Paul trade that would have netted far better pickings than a scrub wing player, a power forward with no ACL's and an overpaid 31 year old small forward, who plays like he's 41, is really going to accept that trade proposal? The other 29 teams in the league aren't here for the sole purpose of making the Spurs look good.


What you need to do now is pretend your posting for Hornetstalk and someone offered you up that deal, as a beloved Hornets fan, would you friggin make that trade? If you say yes, your a lyin sack of .

[TJastal]

The problem with Okafor is that while he has some attributes we need, as a 10/8 player and a career 12/10 player, he's as overpaid as Jefferson. I think the Spurs aren't interested, and I think N.O. isn't interested. He'd be a good "get" at $8-9M, but not at $12-14M.

He's not even worth half that tbh.

[100%duncan]

I doubt the Spurs will do anything this year before the trade deadline.

Next year's Spurs team has the potential to be A LOT better than this years.

-Amnesty RJ, sign Batum or let Kawhi start, re-sign Neal/Green, sign Kaman or any other solid big (there are quite a bit in FA), sign TD at a low price, draft a PF, resign Ford.

Getting rid of RJ alone will help the Spurs TREMENDOUSLY, his terrible play has cost the Spurs, offensively he's a black hole, defensively he's , even his passing is garbage.

Kawhi is already better than RJ, so is Green.


IMO, Kaman and Batum are two guys the Spurs could definitely get next year. Kaman seems like he wouldn't mind signing in a small market like the Spurs, and Batum has wanted to play for the Spurs, the Spurs even promised they would draft him, a defensive SF that has a lot of potential, he's also got some good offensive game.


Hopefully TD doesn't demand too much money leaving the Spurs a lot of flexibility.

why didnt they draft him?