10-days into free agency, where the Spurs stand
It's day 10 of the 2012 NBA free agency period, and so far, the San Antonio Spurs have come up with 
four signing agreements, their own shooting guard Danny Green, center Boris Diaw, forward Tim Duncan, and guard Patty Mills.
With the latest news coming out of Spain that Slovenian forward Erazem Lorbek will be re-signing with Regal Barcelona, the Spurs look like they could still have the same squad from last season with just a few minor tweaks.
Outside of James Anderson, San Antonio will have the same team report by training camp.
According to the reports regarding Lorbek before he decided to re-sign with Regal, the Spurs were looking to find a physical center.
As free agency began nine days ago, the Spurs have already been rumored to be interested in five prime free agents as far as frontcourt players go. Unfortunately, when reality sets in, San Antonio isn’t seen as an exciting destination due to their limited finances.
Here’s the names of free agents that the Spurs have reportedly been interested in thus far and where those player’s stand today.
- Marcus Camby – Camby has agreed to sign with the New York Knicks according to multiple reports in a sign-and-trade agreement with the Houston Rockets.
- Brandon Bass – Bass will re-sign with the Boston Celtics.
- Chris Kaman – Right now, the Indiana Pacers are in the lead to land Kaman after reportedly having very good talks with him in person. The Pacers however, have matched Roy Hibbert’s max offer from the Portland Trailblazers, so Kaman falling to them might be out of the picture. Other teams interested in Kaman aside from the Spurs are the Sacramento Kings, Utah Jazz, and Dallas Mavericks.
- Rashard Lewis – Lewis met with the Miami Heat over the weekend, and they seem like the favorite to land him. According to David Aldridge of NBA.com, the Knicks and Atlanta Hawks are also still in the mix for Lewis.
- Ersan Ilyasova – Ilyasova will be re-singing a five-year deal with the Milwaukee Bucks on Wednesday.
Essentially, Kaman and Lewis are still in the mix, but Lewis looks like a lock to end up in Miami or New York. However, I’d say Kaman is probably the only player the Spurs could possibly have a shot at since Indiana matched Hibbert’s deal. If he's seeking a championship, then the Spurs are the odd-on favorite between the Jazz, Kings, and Mavericks. The Jazz and Kings already have several young big men, while the Mavericks currently look lottery bound and Kaman's only connection is Dirk Nowitzki, as both have played for Germany's national team.
Kaman is just what the Spurs are looking for, according to the report from Lorbek, a physical traditional center. Kaman could easily take over Matt Bonner or DeJuan Blair's minutes and maybe start, but even if he doesn't mind coming off of the bench behind Boris Diaw, he and Tiago Splitter could still be an improvement as the frontline off of the bench. Plus, on nights when Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich elects rest Duncan, Kaman could start alongside Diaw. The Spurs could also look into using Blair as a sign-and-trade chip to New Orleans for Kaman.
On Sunday in Team USA’s practice against the US Select team that features Spurs forward Kawhi Leonard and Blair, Blair told the San Antonio Express News’ Mike Monroe that he expects to be traded before next season begins.
If you recall, Blair was reportedly being shopped around before the NBA draft, but no deal ever came into fruition. With Blair most likely to be traded by the start of training camp, or during the season, the Spurs would be left with the same frontline that was ousted by the Oklahoma City Thunder in six games presuming Duncan and Diaw re-sign.
Duncan, Diaw, Tiago Splitter, and Matt Bonner got the most minutes per game in the Spurs’ playoff run, so when you think about it, they still hold a frontcourt that was two games shy of making the NBA Finals.
After the Spurs were eliminated, I wrote a 2-part free agency column of players I thought the Spurs should target in free agency.
My list included these names: Darrell Arthur (re-signing with Memphis), Robin Lopez, Chris Kaman (see above), Spencer Hawes (re-signing with Philadelphia), and Antawn Jamison.
Let’s look at the latest on Lopez and Jamison.
- Robin Lopez – Lopez is a restricted free agent and the Suns have every intention of keeping the big man after first extending a qualifying offer to him, and meeting him face-to-face to begin contract negotiations according to reports.
- Antawn Jamison – Jamison has already had dinner with the Charlotte Bobcats’ brass, and he’s leaning toward signing with them according to multiple reports. The Golden State Warriors are also still in the mix for Jamison.
After I wrote my free agency piece, I asked our readers to give me their thoughts on players the Spurs should look at in free agency if they didn’t agree with my list. Here were a few of the names that came up.
- Anthony Randolph – This is probably the one name mentioned the most by our readers and even writers and fans from other Spurs sites as well. I’d hate to break it to all the Randolph fans, but he’s most likely signing with either the Hawks or Dallas Mavericks. According to Yahoo’s Marc Spears, Randolph has meetings scheduled with both teams who both have a lot of cap room right now. Plus, Dallas is where Randolph grew up according to Spears.
- Maurice Speights – Speights himself has already tweeted that he will be returning to the Grizzlies next season.
- Ryan Richards – I know he’s not a free agent in the NBA, but the Spurs do hold his rights and a lot of fans have been asking about him. As far as Richards is concerned, he’s been really quiet since declaring his nationality to Jamaica instead of Great Britain. From the numerous reports out of Europe that I’ve read about him, he left the British national team, who are set to play in the Olympics, because he wasn’t going to be given a prominent role with the team. Richards also quit one European team to sign with another during last season and the last I read on him, he was just training in Chicago, the reason? I’m just as clueless as you. I’m not sure if anyone’s noticed yet, but it seems that Richards has also deleted his twitter account. I’m not sure he’s got the maturity ready to play in the NBA, especially with one of the most disciplined teams in the league, the Spurs.
- Earl Clark – Clark will be staying with the Magic after deciding not to opt out of his player option.
- Terrence Williams – According to AllKYHoops.com, Williams is receiving interest from three teams: the Suns, Detroit Pistons, and Kings.
- Shawne Williams – After being bought out by the Portland Trailblazers, the Knicks are in the hunt for Williams according to Legion Sports. With former Spurs Steve Novak re-signing with the Knicks, Williams to the Spurs could still be a possibility, but there has been no word of such an idea.
- J.J. Hickson – Right now, several reports have the Warriors and Bobcats as the favorites to land Hickson, with Golden State most likely being the place he ends up according to Sam Amico of Fox Sports.
When you look over all the players I just went through from both my list and names the fans have mentioned, the Spurs don’t look to be in the lead for any of them.
Nando De Colo is also expected to sign with the team from what he’s been saying and the moves that have been made over the last two weeks; him coming to San Antonio for a physical, and Valencia releasing him to play in the NBA.
Here’s how I see the rest of the summer playing out. The Spurs will re-sign Duncan, Diaw, add De Colo, and Mills, and maybe one extra forward/center, not a spectacular player, but one who might play for the veteran’s minimum.
I wouldn’t be surprised if they show up with only De Colo as their only new addition when training camp begins. There’s three ways that the Spurs might be able to bolster their frontline, by signing Kaman, via a trade, or summer league. If the Spurs are going to sign-and-trade for a free agent, it’s going to most likely involve DeJuan Blair and Matt Bonner, though Bonner wouldn’t necessarily draw much interest. I expect both names to be on the trading block until next season’s February trade deadline, though there won’t be many suitors. To read some interesting sign-and-trade ideas the Spurs could look into, check out our own Trevor Zickgraf’s column from Monday.
As for Summer League, this is a long shot. It’s highly unlikely the Spurs will find a gem in Las Vegas like they did two years ago in Gary Neal, but it’s still a possibility.
When you think about it, this team was two wins away from facing the Miami Heat in the NBA Finals in a shortened season. With a full training camp, summer to develop the younger players, a full season to work on the ins and outs of the system for all players, this team could still make more progress next season even after finishing with the number one record in the Western Conference after two straight years.
I stood next to coach Popovich before almost every Spurs home game this past season and he always talked about how the team had to use almost a mini-version of their playbook and sets because there was rarely time to have individual practices in the hectic lockout season. Having more practices and film sessions will surely help next years squad.
Here’s what Spurs General Manager R.C. Buford said after the NBA Draft a few weeks ago, regarding the Spurs making any trades to move up in the draft that night.
“As we got into the draft, we really felt that we were better off with who we had and where we were than doing something that might create different opportunities and challenges.”
The Spurs are the Spurs. When was the last time they lured a marquee free agent to sign in San Antonio? They have a pattern of not making the entertaining moves but instead getting the most out of what they have.
This group with the possible addition of De Colo may have another run in them, but just because the Spurs are so quiet, don’t forget how they made headlines back in March on the trade deadline, when they sent Richard Jefferson to Golden State for Stephen Jackson.
The Spurs are quiet, but they can still pull off a move when you least expect it.
we are just 1 shot blocker away from being a championship team i just hope we get kaman or some other good shot blocker who can also score near the post
whatever, the spurs are still going to be competitive and have as good a shot as anyone to make back to the western conference finals and who knows, a basket here a call there and were in the finals, I'd say they're in a great position considering duncan is in the latter stage of his career.
What about Ian Mahinmi? He already knows the Spurs' system and is another Frenchman that can ply along Parker, Diaw, and DeColo
@StevenYouv good try Mahini's agent... Kidding aside, Mahini was just a big body and does not bring much more than Blair or Splitter, overall.
For all those who clamor for a Bonner trade, the guy is the Spurs cheap (as always) answer to a stretch four. I understand the agony of watching him forget how to play whenever he gets sight of the playoffs. I myself went through something of the five stages of grief regarding his decline during April and then into May and June. But when Bonner is hitting his three's, and I mean at the rate of 50% which he has proven he can, the Spurs are really tough to guard with Tony and Manu driving and Timmy joining the other shooters with his mid-range shot. Also, last I checked Bonner will make around 3.6 million next season while other, and admittedly more rounded, stretch fours like Ilyasova and Anderson getting paid around 9 million. The Spurs aim to be a complete team and not sink all their eggs into one basket. Keep Bonner and do a sign and trade of Peter Holt for Mikhail Prokhorov.
@Acts1631 Get rid of Bonner and pay Anthony Randolph the $4 million/yr he's looking for so that the Spurs have a chance in the playoffs.
Randolph is really injury prone right? His stats show that he's only played about half the regular season games and on limited minutes. The guy looks really good in his per-36 minute averages but I cannot see a reason to think that he would make more of a difference than Bonner in the playoffs since he has very little experience overall and none in the playoffs. The Spurs are probably looking for a much more reliable option than either Bonner or Randolph but Bonner doesn't get injured that often and Randolph does. Also, I still think the Spurs need a stretch four guy to open up the lane.
on brand if you pick him up off waivers, im not completely sure but i think you would have to pick up his contract which is $18M so unless youre willing to pay that (and since the mavs dont have anyone they probably dont mind paying) you wait for him to hit free agency and negotiate a new contract. I like that we're re signing some of our players but everyone has forgotten about gary neal!
@chrismelendez42 No the high bidder gets him at what ever they bid. Then that amount is deducted from his amnestied contract that the 76ers have to pay. So if mavs bid 5mil then philly pays 13 mavs pay 5. If he clears waivers, Philly pays all 18 and he makes what ever another team pays him on top of that, brand could make 24-25 mil this year.
@chrismelendez42 it will be up for bids, just like Billups with the Clips. Whoever bids the highest gets Brand, but only pays the bid price, while Philly would pay the difference in his contract and winning bid.
Depends who wants him the most, probably Dallas as a one year flier.
@chrismelendez42 Could be wrong, but I believe it works like a bidding system. Teams bid to pay a portion or all of his existing contract and the team who puts in the highest bid wins the player. If the bid does not cover the entire cost of the contract (say $10M is the winning bid) the team who that amnestied him has to cover the rest of the contract. If player clears waivers, the original team is responsible for entire contract and player can sign with any team for money on top of the original contract amount...I think...
NONE of the above players will sign with the Spurs. As I have said, money dictates decisions on where to play, NOT any other considerations. GM Buford and owner (?) Mr. Holt love their pennies. Doubt it? Wait!
@rtesoro440 I think this is the last chance for a decent run to a championship. I think Holt might losen the purse strings to be able to get one more. Im with you on Hold and FO being stingy, but Im thankful we are not signing Lin, Asik, et al overpaid players being signed...
@mjs2377 Denver traded nene for him, they are not letting him go unless it's for a huge sum next season.
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Isn't Elton Brand an FA now that he's been amnestied? I'd rather have him over Chris Kaman.
@jaceman49 Most rumors have the mavs or rockets snatching him off the waiver. That means he doesn't make free agency and has no choice to which team he goes. He is stuck with whom ever buys him.
Why can't the Spurs buy him, dude? Money? Small Market? If the mavs or rockets who are rumored to to snatch him can exercise the option, why can't the Spurs? Funny, if you ask me!
@rtesoro440 @JohnAbney @saITgeek @jaceman49 lol @ 440 calling those here that are actually informed STUPID..that speaks volumes quite frankly..oh to be 12 yrs old again.
You sound like your alter ego John Abney. He started the name calling, I didn't. And wise guy, you have no monopoly of knowledge.
@rtesoro440 @JohnAbney @saITgeek @jaceman49 lol again unsurprisingly you swing and miss at the point here 440..you yourself are saying Brand has obvious value from your OP...so do you really think a team under the cap WONT claim him therefore making it IMPOSSIBLE for Spurs to get him? I think DavidSalazar has you pegged..TROLL (and an obviously juvenile one at that)
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@rtesoro440 @saITgeek @jaceman49 LMAO! you have zero idea how this whole thing works. they can surely attempt to get him IF he makes it past the 3 day waiver grace period. the spur sare over the cap so they are not allowed to bid for him during the grace period. if any team UNDER the cap does bid on him, even ONE team with $500,000 they get him and nobody else can even talk to him. NOT THE SPURS, NOT ANYONE.
that said, you ARE uninformed, and ignorant. go look up the definitions of both those words. im not claling you stupid or an idiot, im saying your facts and ideas are wrong in the maters of the CBA and the NBA thus you are uninformed, and ignorant, as in you dont know what your talking about. an ignorant perosn can learn, a stupid person can not. thats the bottom line.
now back to your regularly scheduled flame job.
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@rtesoro440 I am convinced that you are a troll, not a human being. I can picture you in a cave somwhere , writing your comments. You ARE very ignorant about the business of basketball. Your name calling does not help you make your point in any way.
@JohnAbney @saITgeek @rtesoro440 @jaceman49
They can bid, after waivers what's wrong with that? All the teams want a cheaper price. And don't call me "ignorant uninformed" YOU NINCOMPOOP! You pretender, good for nothing IDIOT!
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@saITgeek @rtesoro440 @jaceman49 Exactly! Rtesoro, before you reply with some silly "spurs don't spend" reply, go read the collective bargaining agreement. All your ignorant uninformed post will be answered if you can grasp the concept. (I'm Guessing not)
@rtesoro440 @JohnAbney @jaceman49 rt440, clearly (and not surprisingly) you have no concept of how the process works re: E Brand...Firstly, teams UNDER the cap have 1st shot to bid for him with high bidder winning..ONLY if he isn't initially snapped up does he reach FA. So $, small market etc has NOTHING to do with Spurs ability to sign him..maybe instead of constantly concentrating on posting uber-negative troll-isms re: Spurs, your time would be better spent actually learning about how the NBA works?
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@rtesoro440 @JohnAbney @jaceman49 Spurs are over the cap. Only teams under the cap can get players before they clear waivers. For Spurs to pick him up, he has to clear waivers and become a free agent. Then he can decided where he wants to go and Spurs have to impress him enough to want to play in SA. Mavs and Rockets trade or let go of so many players, they are under cap and can pull him off waivers for some portion of his current contract. They get first pick.
