Barring an unforeseen snag, Drew Gooden will be joining the San Antonio Spurs later this week, according to NBA front-office sources.
Sources told ESPN.com on Tuesday that Gooden -- waived Sunday by the Sacramento Kings before the midnight deadline to be eligibile to play in the playoffs with another team -- has made known his intent to sign with San Antonio after clearing waivers Wednesday.
Gooden was pursued by several playoff-bound teams this week, including San Antonio's divisional rivals in Dallas and New Orleans.
But the Spurs have nearly $1.5 million remaining from their mid-level salary-cap exception to offer Gooden for the rest of the season, as well as a shot at le contention.
The league-wide expectation since Sunday, when Gooden finalized a buyout with the Kings and Joe Smith secured his release from the Oklahoma City Thunder, has been Smith signing with the Cleveland Cavaliers this week and Gooden joining the Spurs.
The Arizona Republic reported on its Web site Tuesday that the Phoenix Suns are on the verge of signing Stromile Swift, who will also clear waivers Wednesday after completing a buyout with the New Jersey Nets.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=3949639