Spurs free agency rumors are all over the internet. Gregg Popovich’s team is coming off another disappointing season, they didn’t make the playoffs and some believe it’ll take years before they’re a legit contender again, even asking for Pop to take a step aside and hand the keys to the team.
There were rumors and rumblings about them making a run at Quin Snyder. Snyder was a part of Pop’s coaching tree and the word around the league is that they feel like he’s the perfect guy to carry on the torch and his legacy. Nonetheless, it’s been weeks since he stepped down from the Utah Jazz and there have been no updates on that situation.
So, following the NBA Draft and taking a look at their cap situation, positional needs, and all the rumors around the league, it’s clear that the Spurs will make a move or two in the following weeks. With that in mind, let’s take a look at the guys they should look to sign in the offseason.
Spurs free agency rumors 2022
The Spurs have a solid foundation with Dejounte Murray and Devin Vassell in the backcourt. But multiple teams are reportedly interested in trading for Murray, an ascending star and one of the best perimeter defenders in the league. So, they need to add more depth to that spot.
They’re also all set with Jakob Poeltl and Keldon Johnson at the five and the four. But they could certainly improve their small forward position, with Doug McDermott and Josh Richardson taking the bulk of the minutes at that position.
So, let’s take a look at the top five players they should look to sign or trade for in the offseason.
Victor Oladipo
It seems like it was ages ago when Victor Oladipo was an All-Star and one of the best two-way players in the league. Multiple major injuries derailed his ascending career and he didn’t get enough playing time late in the season with the Miami Heat. So, he may look to sign a short-term deal where he can be a primary scorer.
He was good for the Heat when given the chance to play but he’s just not a good fit next to Jimmy Butler. Gregg Popovich is used to running his offense through players like him who make most of their damage in the paint. He’d create a defensive juggernaut in the backcourt next to Dejounte Murray, or they could even trade him mid-season.
Juan Toscano-Anderson
Gary Payton II’s surge doomed Juan Toscano-Anderson to the bottom of the Golden State Warriors’ bench. He was huge for them on defense last season and his hustle, sacrifice, determination put his body on the line, and relentless work ethic proved he deserved a steady spot in their rotation.
He may look to find a new home as Moses Moody and Jonathan Kuminga will get more minutes going forward. He’s the kind of hustler and 3-and-D specialist Gregg Popovich loves and he could turn them into a new, younger, cheaper version of Danny Green. He’s a team-first kind guy who could have a long and successful career in San Antonio.
Deandre Ayton
As we already mentioned, Jakob Poeltl was one of the few bright spots for the San Antonio Spurs last season. But when you have the chance to land a 23-year-old who was the first-overall pick just four seasons ago, you go for it. Especially if we’re talking about an old-school big man tailor-made for Popovich’s old-school system.
The Phoenix Suns won’t give Deandre Ayton a max contract. The Spurs have enough cap space to force them to match any offer and work out a sign-and-trade for the big man. He’s young, athletic, strong, and has made great strides on the defensive end of the floor. He may not be Tim Duncan or David Robinson, but Pop sure knows how to make the most of his talented big men.
Miles Bridges
Likewise, the Charlotte Hornets are reportedly wary about giving Miles Bridges a max contract. But he’s coming off a breakout season and was their leading scorer, second-best rebounder, and third-best in terms of assists per game. His game is coming up pretty nicely and he’s just 23 years old and his name has been mentioned in multiple Spurs free agency rumors.
The Spurs should address their glaring need for a small forward by trying to sign Miles Bridges. Yes, there are some character red flags, but if someone can put him in line, that’s definitely Gregg Popovich. He has all the physical tools to become one of the best two-way players in the league and should be at the top of the Spurs’ offseason targets.
John Collins
Most Spurs free agent news points toward John Collins. He was linked to multiple trades throughout the season and it seems like the Atlanta Hawks are still trying to move on from him. They want to get Dejounte Murray at all costs and sure have enough assets to make an appealing deal the Spurs may not be able to turn down.
John Collins is a versatile combo/forward who could instantly become their focal offensive point. He’s made steady improvements as a defender and could even play some small-ball five, yet he continues to be vastly underrated. If Murray also wants to leave, landing Collins and maybe Clint Capela would be a near-perfect San Antonio Spurs’ offseason plan.