LeBron James talks comedy, playing himself in Trainwreck, and his legacy
July 6, 2015Jason Kipnis named to the 2015 MLB All-Star Game
July 6, 2015There were rumors that David West might sign with the Cavs just days ago. Alas, rather than come to Cleveland the veteran power forward has chosen to go, well, west, as he has signed a one-year contract with the San Antonio Spurs for the veteran’s minimum, worth about $1.4 million. West opted out of his contract with the Indiana Pacers, which would have paid him $12 million this year.
David Aldridge, not to be confused with West’s new teammate LaMarcus Aldridge, was first with the news.
Free agent forward David West has agreed to terms with the Spurs, per league sources.
— David Aldridge (@davidaldridgedc) July 6, 2015
The deal with West is for the league veteran minimum, per source.
— David Aldridge (@davidaldridgedc) July 6, 2015
David West walked from $12M for $1.4M and a chance at a ring. Everybody's not in this just for the money.
— David Aldridge (@davidaldridgedc) July 6, 2015
The West signing is the latest coup for a Spurs franchise that looks set on mounting another charge toward the NBA mountaintop. LaMarcus Aldridge agreed to a four-year deal to join the club Saturday, and Manu Ginobili confirmed today that he would play one more year. Ginobili and Tim Duncan are currently free agents, but both are expected to sign team-favorable deals to stick around for at least another season.
Meanwhile, the Cavs are sitting in something of a holding pattern. Contract talks with Tristan Thompson have slowed since it was reported that the two sides were closing in on a deal, and it is assumed that LeBron James won’t re-sign until Thompson is taken care of. The Cavs still have Brendan Haywood’s contract to play with, with Joe Johnson and now Jamal Crawford among the rumored targets.
West would have been a tremendous acquisition, but it hardly spells doom for the Cavs to miss out on him. They have — presumably, pending Tristan’s deal — three starting-caliber players to man the 4 and 5 spots, with LeBron James capable of playing the 4 as well.
It’s only July, but an NBA arms race is underway. David Griffin surely knows it. We’ll find out (hopefully) soon what the Cavs can add to their arsenal.
3 Comments
I’ve finally figured it out:
San Antonio is like the NBA’s little club. It’s like, “Hey, if you want to play for less money than you’re worth, come over here. We can find a lot of other really good players just like you. We also have the game’s best coach, which gives you a great opportunity to win.”
It’s amazing, really, that so many guys are willing to play for less – in some cases a LOT less – just to win that ring. It’s a decision that’s easier to make after 12 years in the league, of course. I am not so sure you’ll see a 25-year old free agent signing for the minimum to play with the Spurs.
Oh well, I’m jealous.
Bummer West took less money and chose San Antonio over Cleveland. He’ll probably get more playing time there however but still this reminds me of a lot of guys the Cavs have missed out on (reportedly) in the past.
And as I said in my post it sure seems like a lot of these veterans take less to play elsewhere not named Cleveland.