Well this is interesting.
Denver Nuggets center Nene has opted out of his contract, passing up nearly $12 million to become an unrestricted free agent.
Denver did try to sign him before today but Nene stuck to his guns and is free to sign with any NBA team. So with the San Antonio Spurs desperately needing a big man, could the Spurs target him?
The 6’11” Nene posted 14.5 points and 7.6 rebounds, shot 61.5% from the field, and 71.1% from the free-throw this past season and is exactly what the Spurs need. But with the Spurs and their salary cap issues, there is no way they can sign him out right.
The Spurs would have to do a sign and trade to bring the big man from Brazil to San Antonio but that would mean giving up either Tony Parker, packaging a deal some of the Spurs younger players, or convincing Denver to take Richard Jefferson and his ungodly contract. However, Denver does have Ty Lawson on board at point and Parker would be an upgrade which could prove attractive for Denver. But will Denver send a conference rival a high-caliber player like Nene?
Making issues a bit more tenuous for San Antonio is the fact Tim Duncan exercised his ETO for $21 million which severely hurts the Spurs’ financial flexibility to get a player like Nene who will be looking for a long-term deal and a pay day.
In the end, I’m sure the Spurs will do their due diligence and see if anything can be done to add Nene but it will be a bit tough.
What do you have to say Spurs fans?
