San Antonio Spurs (Photo : NBAE via Getty Images)
The San Antonio Spurs could be on the move to add one or two stars in this summer's free agency.
The Spurs could be looking at bringing one or two star players for next season following San Antonio's playoff loss against the Oklahoma City Thunder.
While the Spurs already have stars like LaMarcus Aldridge and Kawhi Leonard in their lineup, the team lacked depth and versatility in other positions, partly because of an aging trio (Tim Duncan, Manu Ginobili, Tony Parker) and an array of bench players missing in action.
Certainly, the Spurs could lure top free agents in the market just as they did last year when they pry out Aldridge from the Portland Trailblazers. In this summer's free agency, the Spurs could be in play for another star to complement the team's duo of Aldridge and Leonard.
According to Marc Stein of ESPN, the Spurs are planning to court Memphis Grizzlies guard Mike Conley, who is set to explore the market after finishing his five-year $40 million contract at the Bluff City.
Since last week's piece about the Spurs' free-agent interest in Kevin Durant more than one spy has whispered: They'll court Mike Conley, too
— Marc Stein (@ESPNSteinLine) May 13, 2016
In a league dominated by young talents, Conley would fit in the Spurs' line up as a replacement to the 33-year-old Parker, who has displayed flashes of his vintage form albeit on limited moments. Conley's ability to drive to the basket and distribute the ball would give the Spurs another type of player fit to carry the team's brand of basketball.
Conley's shooting average from beyond the arc (36.3 percent) in the past season may be a concern, but his overall contribution and athleticism should be enough for the Spurs' to consider if San Antonio really intends to pursue the 28-year-old point guard.
Another free agent linked to the Spurs is Pau Gasol, who has been adamant of joining a contender once he hits the market in July. Gasol is also expected to opt out of his deal with the Chicago Bulls following a season that saw the team miss the playoffs for the first time in seven years.
Marc Gasol on Pau Gasol's future: "If I had to guess -- not that I've talked to him about it -- would be San Antonio." — John Martin (@JohnMartin929) April 25, 2016
Despite an aging body, Gasol still proved he has plenty left in his tank, averaging 16.5 points and 11.0 rebounds per game in the past season. While Gasol may no longer possess athleticism, the Spaniard center displayed his skills in protecting the rim, averaging 2.0 blocks per contest for the Bulls.
Pairing Gasol with Aldridge would create a lethal frontcourt, although the Spurs may need to explore a defensive big man to complement the latter's game.
Meanwhile, Batum could also be under the Spurs' radar this summer. According to Carter Johnson of Hoops Habit, Batum would likely be a replacement for Manu Ginobili, who could join Tim Duncan in retiring from the game.
Johnson noted that Batum would benefit well in the Spurs' style of play, with the Frenchman able to be effective even without the ball in his hands. Batum could also create opportunities for his teammates, averaging 5.8 assists per game with the Hornets.
"Batum would be a solid match with a bench unit that thrives on crisp ball movement and working for the best shot," Johnson wrote.
"He could also step into the starting lineup and provide the tertiary scoring option and the outside shooting that made Ginobili a pertinent player in San Antonio for so long."
It is uncertain whether the Spurs could sign any of the aforementioned free agents, considering the small amount of cap space San Antonio has to pursue players this summer. But if Conley, Batum or Gasol are willing to take a pay-cut to play for a team that consistently contends for a title, it is not possible the Spurs could add another star in their lineup.
