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Spurs rumors: Is waiting for buyout market the smart move?

By Rob Wolkenbrod

LOS ANGELES, CA - DECEMBER 23: Andrew Bogut #66 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts to fouling out as Ed Davis #17 of the Portland Trail Blazers looks on during the second half of a game at Staples Center on December 23, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - DECEMBER 23: Andrew Bogut #66 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts to fouling out as Ed Davis #17 of the Portland Trail Blazers looks on during the second half of a game at Staples Center on December 23, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) /
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Thursday may be the NBA Trade Deadline, but the San Antonio Spurs can wait and see which players get bought out and become free agents.

Thursday’s NBA Trade Deadline has already featured a flurry of activity, with the San Antonio Spurs yet to do anything. However, when the clock strikes 3:00 p.m. ET, it technically will not end the movement. Teams can still buy out players and send them to the free-agent market before March 1.

The Spurs rarely make moves at the NBA Trade Deadline, which potentially means their odds of doing something on Thursday are slim. Does that mean they turn to the buyout market?

According to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, “several teams” apparently eased out of the trade market, with an eye on using the buyout market to fill roster needs. He did not specify which teams backed out.

Several teams tell ESPN that they're already easing out of the trade market today to focus on filling needs with what is expected to be a strong post-deadline pool of free agents in the buyout market.

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) February 8, 2018

If this includes the Spurs, it would make sense. They were in on Avery Bradley, but with the potential reluctance to include a first-round pick, it may mean deadline day stays quiet, unless things change in this discussion or for another player.

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Who can San Antonio target in the buyout market, though? Andrew Bogut was the first players to hit the market on Jan. 6, when the Los Angeles Lakers waived him. As of this writing, no one else has joined him.

There’s a pool of players available, even without considering the buyout market. Some have played in the G-League, which can appeal to the Spurs or another organization that wants to fill out its bench.

We will look at potential buyout options later, once the market develops, but it’s something to watch for the Silver and Black over the next few weeks. That may be to add center or power forward depth, along with an extra wing to support the injuries Rudy Gay and Kawhi Leonard have dealt with for most of the season.

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Do the Spurs need to target someone in the buyout market? Otherwise, would a trade make more sense before 3:00 p.m. ET?

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