Previewing free agency in the Southwest Division

[Marcus Bryant]

San Antonio Spurs—54-28 in 2008; Playoffs: lost to the Dallas Mavericks in the first round (4-1)

Restricted Free Agents: None

Unrestricted Free Agents: Ime Udoka, Michael Finley, Drew Gooden, Jacque Vaughn

The Spurs have made the biggest move of all the teams in the division so far this offseason by acquiring small forward Richard Jefferson from the Milwaukee Bucks. The Spurs sent aging role players Bruce Bowen, Fabrizio Oberto, and Kurt Thomas to Milwaukee in exchange for a player who can be a major contributor to San Antonio’s effort to join the Los Angeles Lakers as the only other team with four championships this decade.

This may turn out to be one of the most lop-sided trades we have seen in a long time.

As far as free agency goes, after trading for Jefferson, the Spurs salaries add up to about $72 million dollars since veteran guard Michael Finley picked up his option for next year after deciding against retirement. Since the acquisition of Jefferson, Finley will surely result see in a reduction of his minutes. But the chances for an NBA le also have increased.

The Spurs will have a little bit of wiggling room to add maybe one more player to their roster, but don’t expect any big names to join the Spurs unless they are willing to take a big pay cut.

But if there is one thing Tim Duncan, Gregg Poppovich and the rest of the Spurs have taught the basketball world it’s one thing: Never count the Spurs out.

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[EricB]

1. You don't spell his name Fabrizo.
2. they are offering the MLE, no pay cut.

[Blackjack]

1. You don't spell his name Fabrizo.
2. they are offering the MLE, no pay cut.

It seems everbody butchers his name locally and nationally, whether it be on the radio or television, this guy just seems to have found a way to do it in print.

[celldweller]

Man, I swear some so called journalists should research before throwing an article out there!

[Steve-O-Matic]

Nothing to see here that we didn't already know.

[Marcus Bryant]

Then click the red box in the upper right hand corner and be gone.