5 Role Players The Spurs Can Go After In Free Agency

The San Antonio Spurs had a terrific season despite falling short of their title expectations. The Spurs went 55-27 and lost in the first round of the playoffs to the Los Angeles Clippers, who seem to be making a title run like the Spurs last season.

There are many questions the Spurs will face this offseason. Will Tim Duncan and Manu Ginobili return or retire? Will Gregg Popovich return?

With that said, below are a few free-agents that the Spurs can go after that won’t be too pricey.

Mar 25, 2015; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward Ed Davis (21) brings the ball up the court in the second quarter against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Target Center. Lakers defeated the Wolves 101-99 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Marilyn Indahl-USA TODAY Sports

Los Angeles Lakers power forward Ed Davis has a player option for next season. The Lakers had quite a bargain as Davis signed a two year $2 million contract last season. It’s hard to believe that Davis will remain a Laker player on a salary of about $1 million again, as there are reports stating that he will opt out. Davis averaged 8.3 points, 7.6 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks. The 25-year old will help the Spurs get younger and he will add solid defense down low. Davis is also interchangeable as he can play the center spot. Expect Davis to get around $4 million a year, which is a nice boost from past season.

Mar 22, 2015; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Phoenix Suns forward Brandan Wright against the Dallas Mavericks at US Airways Center. The Suns defeated the Mavericks 98-92. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

It feels as if Davis and Brandan Wright are the same player. Which means it makes sense if the Spurs only look to acquire one of them. The 27-year old is an unrestricted free agent. Wright averaged 7.3 points, 4.3 rebounds and 1.3 blocks in 19.3 minutes. Wright played in 75 games combined with the Mavericks, Suns and Celtics. Wright is an intriguing option for any team as he brings energy every night and is incredibly efficient (64% field goals). Like Davis, Wright is better suited off the bench where he competes with second units. Expect Wright to get in the neighborhood of $3 million a year.

Mar 20, 2015; Philadelphia, PA, USA; New York Knicks guard Alexey Shved (1) moves the ball up the court during the first quarter of the game against the Philadelphia 76ers at the Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: John Geliebter-USA TODAY Sports

Alexey Shved is without question the most intriguing player on this list. At 6″6 Shved can play up to three spots on the floor comfortably (point guard, shooting guard, small forward). His season numbers don’t jump out anyone, as he averaged 10.3 points and 2.5 assists. In his stint with the Knicks to close the season, before injuring his ribs, he was terrific. With the Knicks he averaged 14.8 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 3.6 assists. Shved might not get the money he may be worth as it was a small sample size and he is still inefficient (40% field goals). With Cory Joseph being a free agent, signing Shved will be a good choice. Shved will also take the scoring load off Tony Parker. Expect Shved to get in the neighborhood of $4 million a year.

Mar 30, 2015; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Wayne Ellington (2) dribbles the ball against the Philadelphia 76ers during the second quarter at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

The Los Angeles Lakers were terrible this season but Wayne Ellington benefited as he had his best season of his career. The 27-year old shooting guard averaged 10 points and 3.2 rebounds this season. At times he looked terrific with back-to-back performances of 28 points against Washington and 23 points against Chicago. Ellington shot 37% from three and 81% from the free-throw line. With Danny Green, Marco Belinelli, and Manu Ginobili as free agents, Ellington is certainly a good replacement for one. Expect Ellington to get about $2-3 million a year wherever he lands.

Next: Has Jamaal Charles Lost a Step?

Apr 11, 2015; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Clippers forward

(32) is fouled by Memphis Grizzlies center

(41) as he attempts to move the ball to the basket during the third quarter at Staples Center. The Los Angeles Clippers won 94-86. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports

Kostas Koufos is an unrestricted free-agent at the end of the season. The 26-year old center hasn’t had much of an opportunity in Memphis with Marc Gasol at center. If Koufos comes to the Spurs it will be if Tiago Splitter leaves the Spurs. Koufos averaged 5.2 points and 5.3 rebounds in 16.6 minutes this season. Koufos is a system guy that will fit in San Antonio. Expect Koufos to get around $4 million as there aren’t many quality backup centers in the league.

Next: What the Spurs Must Do If Manu Ginobili Retires?