Everyone knew the San Antonio Spurs were trying to trade DeJuan Blair this season, but no one would part with anything with Blair being a free agent this summer.
The Spurs weren't going to give Blair away either as he's still a serviceable big man, so it shouldn't come as a surprise that Blair requested a buy out before Friday's waiver deadline. The team's reaction wasn't surprising either.
When San Antonio, after months of trying, couldn't find a workable DeJuan Blair deal before last week's trade deadline, sources close to the situation say that Blair had interest in negotiating a buyout before Friday's deadline for playoff eligibility, since it's clear that neither Blair nor the Spurs have any interest in continuing the relationship beyond next season. (Daily Dime, ESPN.com)
While the Spurs were trying to work with Blair on shipping him elsewhere, the team needed to get something back for him. The worst case scenario with the team is Blair signing with a contender and meeting the Spurs in the playoffs. Blair would've likely looked to contenders who needed big man help, most notably the Los Angeles Lakers and Miami Heat.
Even though this is a great business and basketball move by the Spurs, don't think the relationship has gotten better between the two sides. Blair is more than likely not going to be back in a San Antonio Spurs uniform at any price and the Spurs have sent indirect signals that they don't or want his services anymore.
It seems Blair and the Spurs rocky relationship continues.
