Wizards interested in Blair, looking at a S&T.

[FireMicoHalili]

betting he gets traded for a draft pick instead. We have (1) roster spot left. That DeShaun Thomas guy looks like a keeper.

Unless we unload Bonner/Mills/De Colo of course.

[coyotes_geek]

I have a hard time seeing Washington valuing Blair enough to give up Ariza. Even with tossing in Bonner. Ariza is pretty much the perfect trade assest to use when trying to get involved in some blockbuster deal. He's a useful player with an expiring contract that has a salary big enough to allow the Wizards to take on a bunch more salary in return. Grunfeld's got bigger ideas in mind for Trevor Ariza than wasting him on Dejuan Blair and Matt Bonner. He's looking to use Ariza in trade packages to go after guys like Eric Gordon, or Luol Deng, or Amare Stoudamire.

I doubt Washington is offering the Spurs anything more than Vessley, Booker or Singleton.

[siraulo23]

ariza would be an awesome pickup, takes care of one of spurs glaring need

[cd021]

betting he gets traded for a draft pick instead. We have (1) roster spot left. That DeShaun Thomas guy looks like a keeper.

Unless we unload Bonner/Mills/De Colo of course.

Well it depends...

1. If Blair S&T's would we be able to move another player to Washington (Mills, specifically) and who we receive (Ariza) Of course that clears up an extra spot. However Neal may return (possibly on a one year deal, playing for the qualifying offer) which would basically put us in the same spot in terms of space. Personally, I'd like to see us get Vessley and move Blair and Mills. Resign T-Mac for the minimum. S&T Neal to the Bucks for a second rounder and that's a wrap on the off season, unless Oden signs with us.

2. Washington would probably be willing to part with a 2nd rounder. Since they are likely going to make the playoffs that pick would be no less than 44th (If im correct) we could have 3 second rounders next season (assuming the Clippers finish with an top 5 records in the NBA, not likely but still...) We'd also have to take back some salary, either way i believe. Maybe a player like Rice Jr. who is a 2nd rounder doesn't affect the futre cap while giving the Spurs a prospect at 2 guard.

[Dverde]

Ariza being overpaid has everything to do with his trade value below. I can't even believe you even tried to suggest it doesn't. He doesn't have a lot of value because he's not a worth his contract. If Ariza were making $2 Million a year, no one would care that he's been pretty bad since leaving the Lakers. But since he's making so much money, he's not as attractive to teams. That's simple trade economics.

Your comparison of Ariza's and Garnett's situations was just silly. Garnett was traded twice over the course of six years because he asked/allowed himself to be. Ariza was moved twice on the same contract (three times total) because he teams didn't want him anymore. Houston moved him because they knew he wasn't worth is deal and thought that Courtney Lee could do what Ariza did. Washington took his contract so they could get Okafor. The Hornets only got a second-rounder out of that deal, so you better believe they considered getting rid of Ariza an asset on the trade ledger. Neither time did Ariza's former team get back a quality player for him. I don't know why you believe Washington will.

You can polish him up as much as you want to make it seem like he's some great asset, but the fact remains that he's been pretty bad since leaving a well-structured offense. He would be a good fit for the Spurs, but he's not worth much to any team right now. It says a lot about a team's opinion of a player that they not only drafted his replacement but also handed out the full MLE for a player to back up his replacement. Even if the Wizards have as skewed of a view of Ariza's value as you're demonstrating, they just completely undercut his value this off-season. No way they get anything like you're suggesting they will. If they want Blair and think he can help them win games, there's no reason to keep holding out.

I agree with your statement. Good insight. I still think Ariza is solid player that is worth trading for. Considering it is a one year deal in which you give up a role player for another one (Bonner), I would take Ariza over Bonner for his defense. Hopefully Diaw can approve his 3 pt shooting and fill the void of Bonner.

[cd021]

I have a hard time seeing Washington valuing Blair enough to give up Ariza. Even with tossing in Bonner. Ariza is pretty much the perfect trade assest to use when trying to get involved in some blockbuster deal. He's a useful player with an expiring contract that has a salary big enough to allow the Wizards to take on a bunch more salary in return. Grunfeld's got bigger ideas in mind for Trevor Ariza than wasting him on Dejuan Blair and Matt Bonner. He's looking to use Ariza in trade packages to go after guys like Eric Gordon, or Luol Deng, or Amare Stoudamire.

I doubt Washington is offering the Spurs anything more than Vessley, Booker or Singleton.

They are at $69 milllion in cap space. He is close to the luxury tax. Moving Ariza for Blair would clear up $3,000,000 (If they are willing to pay Blair $4 million this season) off the books allowing them to use there mid level (not a ton out there but...).

[apalisoc_9]

I love the idea of Ariza in a Spurs uniform but i'm not sure if i actually would want to get rid of Bonner. As bad as he is defensively, he offers diversity in the offensive end something Ariza doesn't have. He's a great corner 3pt shooter, but he just doesn't have that same touch elsewhere. Playoff wise, I'd rather have Bonner. Diaw not being aggressive with his shots makes me want to keep Bonner too.

I'm positive the Spurs share the same opinion. In other words, we're not getting Ariza. I'm not sure what salaries would match in a S&T with Blair, but anything is better than just letting him go. Maybe a late first round or second round Pick?

[coyotes_geek]

They are at $69 milllion in cap space. He is close to the luxury tax. Moving Ariza for Blair would clear up $3,000,000 (If they are willing to pay Blair $4 million this season) off the books allowing them to use there mid level (not a ton out there but...).

Or they could just cross Blair off their list and start looking for another player who they wouldn't have to give up their best trade asset to obtain.

Washington already used their full MLE on Martell Webster BTW.

[fleggy2k2]

after having Bonner for 7 years, I'll believe the Spurs are willing to part with him if/when it happens.

[Duncan2177]

I love the idea of Ariza in a Spurs uniform but i'm not sure if i actually would want to get rid of Bonner. As bad as he is defensively, he offers diversity in the offensive end something Ariza doesn't have. He's a great corner 3pt shooter, but he just doesn't have that same touch elsewhere. Playoff wise, I'd rather have Bonner. Diaw not being aggressive with his shots makes me want to keep Bonner too.

I'm positive the Spurs share the same opinion. In other words, we're not getting Ariza. I'm not sure what salaries would match in a S&T with Blair, but anything is better than just letting him go. Maybe a late first round or second round Pick?

You would rather have Bonner instead of Ariza?

[Marcus Bryant]

Bonner does add value with his 45% or so shooting from 3 at the 4. He's paid below the league average salary. Yes, he generally hasn't shown up in the postseason, though he did have a couple good series in the last playoffs.

He helps spread the floor and clear room for TD to post up and for the backcourt to drive to the rim. That's why Pop likes him.

That being said, of course he's expendable given other team needs, but Spurs fans need to get a grip if they think his contract is some kind of albatross or that he hasn't added value. As with other Spurs, if they met Spurs fan expectations the Spurs couldn't afford them. Figure it out.

[apalisoc_9]

You would rather have Bonner instead of Ariza?

The way the system is constructed, regardless of past playoff performances, Yes, I'd really rather have Bonner.

I'm sure the spurs feel the same way. You're not any smarter than the spurs F.O that's for sure.

[T Park]

Bonner does add value with his 45% or so shooting from 3 at the 4. He's paid below the league average salary. Yes, he generally hasn't shown up in the postseason, though he did have a couple good series in the last playoffs.

He helps spread the floor and clear room for TD to post up and for the backcourt to drive to the rim. That's why Pop likes him.

That being said, of course he's expendable given other team needs, but Spurs fans need to get a grip if they think his contract is some kind of albatross or that he hasn't added value. As with other Spurs, if they met Spurs fan expectations the Spurs couldn't afford them. Figure it out.

Damn. Fantastic post. 100% dead on.

[angelbelow]

Bonner is basically a double edged sword. He's extremely valuable during the regular season and has clearly contributed to a large number of victories over the years. Unfortunately, he hurts us greatly in the playoffs in different ways as well. Bonner not performing up to his regular season standards is the first problem. The 2nd is our inability to replace his production/minutes with other players. So its almost like playing with a specific but accurate weapon in the regular season only to shelf it for the playoffs.

[playblair]

@ bonner spreading the floor in the playoffs...................................... blair will forever be a better big than bonner................ bonner/dyess = suns 2010 grizz 2011.........................

[ducks]

matt booner killed memphas with his d on zach
he also shot 40% from downtown this postseason
but to get a decent player you have to trade a good player

[xmas1997]

Not impressed with Ariza or anyone else on the Wizards, and from the sound of that report the Spurs feel the same.

[Marcus Bryant]

Ariza would allow Leonard to more easily play some 4 when match ups permit.

[CGD]

I stated this in an earlier post but I just don't think the spurs move bonner (nor should they in my opinion). Ariza for Blair (@4m) + Nando + Mills would work to acquire Ariza. Allows Spurs to resign Neal (or not) and keep that 15th roster spot open for either Oden or a training camp surprise like Thomas. It also has the happy benefits of clearing some of the SG log jam and addressing the backup SF slot. Makes too much sense not to happen.

[CGD]

Not impressed with Ariza or anyone else on the Wizards, and from the sound of that report the Spurs feel the same.

We're talking a out filling 15 minutes behind Leonard in the coming year, nothing less and nothing more. Ariza makes a lot of sense. Not looking for a quasi star, just a solid role player.

[CGD]

Bonner does add value with his 45% or so shooting from 3 at the 4. He's paid below the league average salary. Yes, he generally hasn't shown up in the postseason, though he did have a couple good series in the last playoffs.

He helps spread the floor and clear room for TD to post up and for the backcourt to drive to the rim. That's why Pop likes him.

That being said, of course he's expendable given other team needs, but Spurs fans need to get a grip if they think his contract is some kind of albatross or that he hasn't added value. As with other Spurs, if they met Spurs fan expectations the Spurs couldn't afford them. Figure it out.

[xmas1997]

I stated this in an earlier post but I just don't think the spurs move bonner (nor should they in my opinion). Ariza for Blair (@4m) + Nando + Mills would work to acquire Ariza. Allows Spurs to resign Neal (or not) and keep that 15th roster spot open for either Oden or a training camp surprise like Thomas. It also has the happy benefits of clearing some of the SG log jam and addressing the backup SF slot. Makes too much sense not to happen.

Maybe so, but I can't help thinking that if it were going to happen then it would have by now.

[Marcus Bryant]

1 Parker
2 Green

Bench
1 Joseph
2 Neal ?
2 Ginobili
2 De Colo
2 Belinelli

As it stands the Spurs have a traditional 5 guard rotation and then some, even before we see what happens with Neal.

[Spursfanfromafar]

And

2 Mills as well..

[freetiago]

Wittman: Wizards Need To Add Stretch Power Forward''
Randy Wittman thinks the Washington Wizards need to upgrade their frontcourt to include a power forward who can stretch opposing defenses.

“We do have to look probably at a bigger, from a bigger standpoint, maybe adding someone to the frontline of that nature. See if we can do that,” Wittman said. “We need to find a stretch-four. That’s always good to have the ability to go big, which we can obviously with Emeka (Okafor), Nene or Kevin (Seraphin). A situation where you can bang people, but you also want to have the ability where you can stretch the floor especially with the players we have now on the perimeter with John (Wall) and Bradley (Beal).”

The Wizards appear set in the backcourt and at the wing positions, but remain unsettled down low.

“We need to continue to see if we can add a piece to this team, whether that’s through picking up a free agent or a trade or making a move like that,” Wittman added. “I don’t think we’re going to relax now and we shouldn’t.”

Via Michael Lee/Washington Post


tbh..Bonner/Blair for Ariza
Bonner skillset will be missed in the reg season but Pop has gone to him less this year
Pendergraph signing actually makes sense then
Duncan/Splitter/Diaw/Pendergraph/Baynes
sign 1 more big to a vet min (Collins no )

Spurs have 3 bigs who can shoot a jumpshot then in Diaw/Pendergraph/Baynes
call it an offseason

another would be to get Ariza/Seraphin and Spurs sending back Blair/Bonner/guard (De Colo?)