What does this free agent market mean to the Spurs? The Spurs have 14 players under contract already (13 if McDyess retires).

Do they use their MLE to get a big? My guess would be no, as they don't want to fall further into a more pricey tier of luxury tax.

What are realistic expectations for this season? Can they sniff the second round of the playoffs?

Will they exercise the amnesty clause on Jefferson? (I think they'll wait until the summer to do this after they've seen the development of Kawhi and progression of Anderson. Plus if Duncan does in fact retire and they do release Jefferson, that's $30 million off the books and puts the Spurs under the cap and gives them the ability to go after a 2012 free agent.)

Any other thoughts?

The only thing that gives me some hope with the Spurs is the shortened season.

I kind of think this is overhyped, especially with all of the back-to-backs and back-to-back to-backs. I think it might actually be harder on Timmy and Manu. I assume they will be resting a handful of games. Also different than '99, there is a lot of youth on this team compared to the Marios, Seans, Averys etc. Anderson (who missed the majority of last season), Leonard and Joseph (our only true back up point guard) will have to get acclimated quickly.

[This message has been edited by ItalAggie (edited 11/29/2011 3:49p).]

Spurs are showing interest in Caron Butler.

As long as they get rid of Jefferson
That guy hasn't done anything for that team
It makes me sick
We need another big to accommodate Timmy
And someone to replace hill

Spurs are accumulating overpaid volume shooters at an alarming rate

I agree that Jefferson needs to go, but this season might not be the time. He's our only small forward with experience in the system. And he did shoot over 44% from beyond the arc. Hill's 11 ppg will definitely be missed (But I also think he was an overrated defender). And I think our draft selections showed the direction RC and Pop want to go with this team, which back to a defensive minded ball club. Hopefully, we won't need to put as many points on the board as last year to be successful. And I also agree that we need another big, but it does't look like we'll be able to grab one this offseason. However, Utah loves Kanter and Favors and are expected to make Milsap and Jefferson available. Maybe a sign and trade would be a possibility.

I think they could get Caron at a discount due to his injury, Hotard. But I bet he goes to Chicago to fill in their 2/3 gap.

Don't really want Butler. Wouldn't mind keeping RJ, but it would have to be really cheap. Terrible defender, mediocre at everything but shooting threes on offense.

Snagging Jefferson from Utah would be huge, Milsap somewhat less so but still big.

[This message has been edited by Ulrich (edited 11/30/2011 3:44p).]

As a huge spurs fan, I have seen Jefferson do absolutely nothing to make me want to keep him
Him and matt bonner have done absolutely NOTHING in the playoffs
Both need to go

Spurs are also looking at Josh Howard.

From Memphis Commercial Appeal: Spurs host Grizzlies to start the season 12/26




[This message has been edited by Iowaggie (edited 12/7/2011 9:44p).]

Nice.

Butler and Howard are visiting SA tomorrow.

yayy, they'll get chris kamen. game changer

TJ Ford is leaning towards signing with the Spurs. He'd be a solid back up.

Butler told the Express News that the Spurs are the front runners. But I won't believe it until I see it. I still have a feeling he will go to Chicago.

when did he say that? I thought Tuesday he met with the Spurs, prior to that, he had said chicago and their MLE was the frontrunner.

spurs can offer, i think 7.5MM?

I think the Spurs can only offer the $5MM MLE.

Butler ended up meeting with the Spurs yesterday. Here's the article from today.

http://blog.mysanantonio.com/spursnation/2011/12/07/butler-liked-what-he-saw-in-san-antonio/

Welp. No Butler. He's signing with the Clips for $24MM over three years. Went where the money was I guess. Also, Prince is out after announcing he will re-sign with the Pistons. Let's hope we can snag howard.