According to ESPN's Chris Broussard, the San Antonio Spurs offered DeJuan Blair to the Detroit Pistons and Toronto Raptors but no deal was struck. Moreover, Boston, Portland and Miami are interested in the big man who has seen spot-minutes throughout this season.
Will SA finally part with DeJuan Blair? Word is he could be gone before 2/21. SA talked with Toronto wks ago but nothing brewing now.
— Chris Broussard (@Chris_Broussard) February 12, 2013
SA offered D Blair to Detroit but nothing. Hear Boston, Miami, Portland could have interest.
— Chris Broussard (@Chris_Broussard) February 12, 2013
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It is plain to see Blair is relegated deep in the bench as has seen his minutes on the court dwindle. He is averaging a career-low 13.9 minutes, 5.3 points and 3.9 rebounds in his fourth season with San Antonio.
Add the steady play from Boris Diaw, the emergence of Tiago Splitter, and newly added center Aron Baynes and it is clear to see, Blair is the odd big man out on the Spurs' roster.
In addition, Blair has let Twitter and his followers know he isn't content riding the bench so something has to give and that is a fresh start for him on another team.
Looking at Blair, he is undersized to contend with teams with size in the West, however, he can play at a high level for a team that needs a big man and can give him minutes. Something the Spurs cannot right now on a steady basis. Also, with his impending free agency, he is losing out on showcasing what he can bring to the table for another team either this season in a trade or after the season is over.
The teams mentioned will likely offer a second-round pick for DeJuan and the Spurs have a history of turning second-rounders into quality contributors. Also, Blair also has an attractive expiring contract ($1,054,000) after this season for teams looking to get under the cap so a team will be glad to bring him on. Plus, his Spurs pedigree makes him an excellent veteran player to add to any roster.
Should DeJuan be gone by this month, in all likelihood it will be for the best for both sides. He will be on a team that will give him the minutes to succeed and will clear the big man log jam for San Antonio. Moreover, with is free agency coming up, he will more than likely walk leaving the Spurs empty-handed so it will be in the best interest for the team to get something for him now. Besides, the Spurs have been shopping him for some time now, so it is clear they are ready to part with the big fellow.
What do you think Spurs fans? What should the team get in return for Blair? Do you think the Spurs should keep him on as "big man" insurance? Share your thoughts.