Dalembert headed to Houston
The San Antonio Spurs knocked off the Rockets last night thanks to some Kawhi Leonard heroics and seemingly every Spurs big man that played had a nice night. But there is still concern that the Spurs need one more big to be contenders come playoff time.
Well, one guy that would've helped the Spurs a lot is now off the market and is going to the team the Spurs most recently beat. The Associated Press is reporting Samuel Dalembert has agreed to a two year deal with the Houston Rockets. Dalembert averaged eight points and eight boards last season and really it was kind of a shock to see him last this long on the market. He was always looking for a deal closer to $10 million than $5 million, but ultimately settled for Houston and a two year, $13.5 million deal.
Don't get too bummed Spurs fans, they could never afford "Slammin' Sammy," plus Frank Hassel and Gani Lawal looked liked they could be off the bench options for the Spurs. I thought Lawal's weak side defensive help was especially encouraging. Still, there are free agents like Kyrylo Fesenko and Chuck Hayes (who the Spurs are reportedly interested in) and... um... well that's about it. So the Spurs could still offer him a couple million to come in and be seven feet tall.
Don't know the Spurs plans... but if we wanted Sammy there was no reason we couldn't get him. Negotiations are how I make a living... the Spurs appear to be sending mixed signals, in addition to not negotiating in a logical/linear/creative/effective fashion. If you want Sammy, you figure out how to get it done. It appears you have attempted to make it clear you want to maximize Duncan's last contract year. If the Spurs were seriously considering using the Amnesty provision on RJ, then why not do a sign and trade with SAC for Sammy... you have as many pieces as you want. You can moving McDyess's contract, some other pieces, perhaps offering to pay half of RJ salary for one or two years up front if necessary (cash)? Basically create a half-amnesty while preserving the full Amnesty. You free up cap space to pay Sammy more than the mid-level (what he wanted) and partner Sammy with Duncan. The options are there, based on what they have and have said. Not a big fan of Cuban's but he knows how to negotiate and when to seize opportunity (Odom with the trade exception). I think the Mavs are weaker, but give Cuban some credit for saving face to some extent after the poor decision to let Tyson and Berea walk. C'mon Spurs... lets get creative and give Duncan the running partner he deserves. Figure it out.
