San Antonio Spurs: Decision day for Kyle Anderson’s offer sheet

By Rob Wolkenbrod | Jul 8, 2018

SACRAMENTO, CA - JANUARY 8: Kyle Anderson #1 of the San Antonio Spurs looks on during the game against the Sacramento Kings on January 8, 2018 at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, 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 Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Rocky Widner/NBAE via Getty Images) /

The San Antonio Spurs have until Sunday night to match the offer sheet for Kyle Anderson. Will they do it?

On Friday night, the Memphis Grizzlies made a four-year, $37.2 million offer sheet (with a 15 percent trade kicker) for Kyle Anderson, according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski. The San Antonio Spurs received 48 hours to match it, which means the deadline will arrive on Sunday.

Even with Anderson’s cap hold and before his new contract, as Early Bird Rights notes, the Spurs are already against the salary cap. Adding about $3 million more to this (Anderson has a $6.45 million cap hold) only pushes the organization towards the tax line and limits their future flexibility, especially as the roster goes through potentially historic changes.

Aside from that, Anderson’s value stems from the defensive side, where he held a 101 Defensive Rating on an elite defensive team in the 2017-18 season. His 6-foot-9 frame and mobility allow for versatility to guard multiple positions, something especially valuable in the ever-changing NBA landscape.

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Without Kawhi Leonard, Anderson’s game came to the forefront, as he became a valuable piece in the starting lineup next to LaMarcus Aldridge, Dejounte Murray and a rotating shooting-guard spot. It was Anderson’s first extended opportunity, after three years of a limited bench role and allowed him to become a more valuable commodity on the open market, which may not have been there without Leonard’s year-long quadriceps injury.

If the Spurs do not match Anderson’s contract, no one on the roster replaces his skill set as the aforementioned, versatile 6-foot-9 defender. Well, that’s if Leonard moves on via trade. Free agent options are limited at this point, so the Silver and Black might have to make due with what they already roster or pull off a Brandon Paul and scoop up someone from the Summer League.

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The Spurs have a decision to make, that can impact the franchise’s next four years, whether they match Anderson’s offer sheet from Memphis or not. If he goes, it will be the latest change in an unusual summer.

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