If you thought the San Antonio Spurs may stand pat this season in respect to trades, get ready to be surprised. As reported by Chris Sheridan on his website, the Spurs may be front runners to land Utah's Al Jefferson:
The San Antonio Spurs are the front-runners to land Al Jefferson in a trade with the Utah Jazz – and they are frontrunners like Secretariat was in the 1973 Belmont Stakes.
Although it's just a rumor, it's a pretty interesting one. Sheridan goes on to say the Jazz may need a PG in return, which the Spurs have a surplus of. Anyone say Cory Joseph? They'd also ask for Tiago Splitter, who will be a free agent and most likely not retained by the Spurs since he's a restricted free agent and will have a team overpay him with his contributions this season.
It would be automatic that Stephen Jackson's $10 million contract comes into play here with whatever package. Jefferson is in his final contract year with Utah at $15 million and the Spurs are over the cap, so they'd have to match his salary.
With Dwight Howard not performing as he has been known to, the Spurs would instantly have the best frontcourt in the West if this deal goes through.
The Spurs have an abundance of swingman to make up for Jackson's loss, so don't be too surprised Jackson gets traded even if he comes up big in the playoffs. Although Jefferson will be a free agent next season, a trade like this seems more like the Spurs want to seal up a chance at the Finals this year over looking into a gamble this season and hoping for the same shot next season.
We'll keep you posted with more information as it comes in.
