Howard still weighing his options
As the San Antonio Spurs began training camp yesterday, the team still hasn't officially waived veteran forward Richard Jefferson as they were 
reported to have been in pursuit of doing. The amnesty of Jefferson could still be possible, though he would need a replacement first.
The rumored preferred option of the Spurs was forward Caron Butler who decided to sign with the Los Angeles Clippers on Thursday. Their second option is free agent Josh Howard who has yet to sign with anyone, though he met with the Utah Jazz yesterday.
According to Michael Lee of the Washington Post, the Jazz have made an offer to Howard though his decision isn't expected until this coming week.
Howard is considering a “solid offer” from the Utah Jazz, according to a person with knowledge of the negotiations. Howard isn’t expected to make a decision until early next week. The Wizards, San Antonio, Chicago, New Jersey and Denver have also expressed interest in signing Howard and the person said Howard expects to receive more offers soon.
One other player the Spurs were reported be interested in was Phoenix Suns' Vince Carter. Since being waved by the Suns however, Carter has agreed to sign with the defending champion Dallas Mavericks and is expected to arrive in Dallas tomorrow.
The Spurs were also rumored to have free agents Bostjan Nachbar and Marice Evans on their radar. Nachbar worked out (H/T Hoops Hype) for the New York Knicks on Tuesday but nothing further progressed between the two sides. Nachbar did indicate that he'd like to play for a contender.
“I think it makes most sense to bring a player like me into a team that is playing for a goal and they know exactly what they get when they sign me. A team that is trying to win something.”
Evans last said he is "weighing his options" on Thursday according to Lee of the Washington Post. In his post today, Lee said Evans will met with an undisclosed team and will make a decision in the next 48 hours.
Evans met with an undisclosed team on Friday and plans to make a decision in the next day or two.
As the Los Angeles Lakers, Houston Rockets, and New Orleans Hornets have resubmitted their blockbuster trade to send Chris Paul to the Lakers, Pau Gasol to the Rockets, and Lamar Odom, Kevin Martin, and Luis Scola to the Hornets; there's a possibility that Odom could be put on the trade block if the Paul trade becomes official.
According to ESPN's Marc Stein's twitter handle, the Hornets might look into trading Odom if he's unhappy with the situation.
Even though Hornets know Odom doesn't want to leave LA. Their preference is keeping him but sense is they'll trade him on if they have to
Before David West agreed to sign with the Boston Celtics, the Spurs were one team rumored to be interested in him. One has to wonder (h/t Trevor Zickgraf) if they might open the communication line with the Hornets regarding the availability of Odom if the Paul trade indeed goes down?
You know speaking of FAs and our need for a big.. Tiago's stats from last year: 4.6 on .529, 3.4, 0.4, 0.5, 0.3 in 12.3 minutes really isn't all that bad, especially considering he was COMPLETELY lost whenever he was on the court. With a year under his belt, I wouldn't be surprised to see those numbers jump up significantly. Even RJ made the jump this past year so there's no reason why it won't happen for Tiago who has a MUCH better bbIQ. That's not to say that I wouldn't mind another formidable back up big but I think Tiago will surprise a lot of people this year.
As for the 3 spot, if we can't find a replacement for RJ, I really don't mind going with the options we have. Especially if that replacement means Josh Howard. Anderson was the Big 12 player of the year and was "flat out, the steal of the draft" (Vitale) ..and we all knew that our organization had done it again by his shooting and D that shined throughout his brief string of games before he went down in the beginning of last season. Although he didn't get much playing time after he recovered, I think he was with the team enough to learn and absorb our system conceptually.
If plugged into the right lineup, Kawhi's physique, D, hustle, and youth wil make him a remarkably effective piece. There's a reason why we gave George up.. This kid is going to be a star, it's just a matter of time.
The condensed season might be a blessing in disguise.. Pop will be forced to play all three players mentioned above more than he'd probably like, allowing them to develop at a faster pace. Come playoff time, I could see Leonard and Anderson contributing heavy minutes and us laughing at ourselves for even contemplating about bringing in Josh Howard ...Although if RJ eventually does fall to 3rd string SF, I just might take Howard over him, even with the two years of experience in our system...
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Just saw that GSW signed Jorand. The clips have 3 days to match. If they don't, they will not trade Kaman. Odom is on the Mavs and I doubt they are interested in bonner. If theWarriors do get Jordan, their are rumors that they may amnesty or waive Biedrens. We might be able to get him cheap. Prior to some injuries, he had a few good years. Might be the best "available" center if all that goes down at this point
@Coxcr20 Biedrens is the guy out of favor in Golden State. He will be a solid defensive presence on a right team, just don't know if the Spurs is the one. Also, his contract makes buyer away from him. Well of course, if he gets amnesty eventually we can chase him.
we cant bid on him since were not under the cap unless he goes unclaimed then we sign him as a free agent @shawnthefreak @Coxcr20
Tim Duncan is still one of the best big men in the league! look at how much Tyson candler is praised and he's barely a double double even though he's in his prime. We don't need to go after Kaman or any other center (I used to think that would have solved our problem!) I would rather have Odom/west at PF and move Tim to Center. Tiago can back up Tim and Blair/Bonner can back up PF.
As far as SF goes, if we were willing to apart with George Hill it means FO believes Leonard is the answer, let's see what this Dennis Rodman 2.0 can do!
@Spursforever69 Well duncan is good but we still need another rim protector thats the problem someone who can jump and block and that is long enough to guard 7 footers PF that is good works as well but it looks 2 slim for that leonard should bring good hustle and defense i believe 1 more big with defense we hAVE A SHOT
Trade Dyess and Bonner (2nd round draft pick) to get Odom. I would imagine Odom would want to be on a team where he not only has a shot at winning a title but also getting some revenge against his former team.
Odom is expensive and i do not believe he is what we need hes good but if we were to amnesty jefferson it will be for a "proven center who can makes us contend" if we can get josh howard cheap it will be a good addition but jefferson knows the system so... well see what happens!!
@Albert Escobar odom isnt all that expensive, 8.9 mil this season and an 8.2mil team option next season. THATS CHEAP for what he brings. thats less then RJ by nearly a half a mil this season and over a mil next if we kept his option. he can play 3 or 4 well, handle the ball and defend. bonner, mcdyess, and danny green for odom is a trade i would do all day long, throw in a pick to make NO more open to it. and amnesty RJ and still be able to pick up josh howard? thats a dream scenario!
you make sense but for it to happen maybe but we need a big but i would get him for the right scenerio. @JohnAbney
