3-on-3: Richard Jefferson everything
Topic of the moment: Richard Jefferson (Photo credit: Keith Allison)
With free agency set to start in a few days, the will they, won’t they dilemma the Spurs face regarding using the amnesty on Richard Jefferson is a popular topic for discussion. There’s also the possibility of the Spurs finding a trade partner for RJ. We’ll find out what’s what over the next few days, but before that, we decided to do a little 3-on-3 regarding Mr. Jefferson.
1. Fact or fiction: The Spurs will use the amnesty provision on Richard Jefferson?
Timothy Varner, 48 Minutes of Hell: Fiction. I still think the Spurs will not jettison RJ this season apart from a trade. But given the current state of the rumor mill, I’m starting to believe a trade is in the works.
Andrew McNeill, 48 Minutes of Hell: A little of column A, a little of column B. I don’t think the Spurs will use the amnesty on RJ before this season. I think they’re going to shop him on the trade market, try and use him this season and let him loose next summer, when Tim Duncan’s deal is off the books and Duncan’s wheels might be off.
Jesse Blanchard, 48 Minutes of Hell: Barring a trade our own Timothy Varner speculated on, the Spurs will cut ties with Richard Jefferson via the amnesty provision. Eventually. Right now Jefferson is overpaid, but remains a viable fifth starter and the Spurs pushed for delayed amnesty in this CBA for a reason.
2. Is it in the Spurs’ best interest to use the amnesty on RJ?
Timothy Varner, 48MoH: It depends on how you define “best interest.” Financially, it makes little sense to use the amnesty clause on RJ and then payout exception money to another small forward. From a basketball perspective, it’s difficult to see a retread 30-something doing much better than RJ, especially in light of the short training camp.
Andrew McNeill, 48MoH: Not now. I don’t think it makes financial sense to amnesty him now when the Spurs will have to pay the majority of his salary anyway, even if it doesn’t count against the cap, and have to pay someone to replace him. Also, I don’t think Kawhi Leonard and Da’Sean Butler is enough depth at the 3.
Jesse Blanchard, 48MoH: Yes, but not necessarily this season. Removing RJ’s salary from the books does not free up room under the cap this season. Best to keep a fifth starter with institutional knowledge and amnesty him next season, when the Spurs can look to upgrade in free agency.
3. Is there a small forward on the market who can improve the Spurs this season?
Timothy Varner, 48MoH: This season? You’re killing me with your qualifiers. The Spurs’ reported interest in Caron Butler and Vince Carter is curious, and they’re both serviceable stop gaps. Josh Howard’s game fits, but he’s played a disturbingly low number of games the past few seasons. I’d prefer the Spurs take a chance on long shot Earl Clark than pursing Mo Evans or Boki Nachbar. Or, that the Spurs take a chance on Kawhi Leonard and wait to see what happens with the late season waiver wire and homecoming of J.R. Smith and Wilson Chandler. My answer is going long, but if the Spurs are bent on moving forward without Jefferson, simply moving forward with Leonard/Anderson/Green is more attractive than wasting money on a washed-up locker room presence.
Andrew McNeill, 48MoH: Despite his knee injury last season and affinity for offense-stalling jab steps, Caron Butler is the type of player Gregg Popovich loves. He’s the opposite of the last-guy-to-the-pile traits Richard Jefferson was criticized for. Basically, Caron Butler is like Keith Bogans with basketball skills.
Jesse Blanchard, 48MoH: Right now the Spurs appear to be talking to Caron Butler and Josh Howard, both coming off major injuries. Neither of whom would be an upgrade over Richard Jefferson. If the Spurs are going to improve at that position, it will have been through the draft.
