Lakers' worst-case scenario opens door for Spurs to make big free agency move

With NBA free agency just days away, the San Antonio Spurs have a golden opportunity to improve upon a strong season. Not only that, but they have a chance to stick it to a former rival, the Los Angeles Lakers.

The Lakers have big free agency hopes with up to $50 million in cap space. That's all well and good, but as they pursue big names, they risk losing several key free agents.

In fact, they are expected to lose starting power forward Rui Hachimura in free agency, and he might make sense as an offseason target for the Spurs. The Spurs really need a true power forward with size, and he may fit the bill.

Beyond that, Hachimura may solve other problems for San Antonio. For one, he has proven he can be a reliable offensive player, after having averaged 11.3 points per game during the regular season and 17.5 points in the playoffs.

Better yet, he shot a career-high 44% on 3.9 3-point attempts per game.

The Spurs must consider signing Rui Hachimura

The only downside is that he is a mediocre defender, despite being 6-8 with a 7'2 wingspan. Then again, San Antonio is loaded with several talented defenders and can withstand one player being around average on the end.

Ironically, he could fit a roll similar to the one Harrison Barnes filled as more of an offensive-minded power forward. Thus, adding Hachimura with the mid-level exception makes sense.

Then again, his fit might not be as clear cut. Julian Champagnie was terrific last season. Especially as a starter, with his 3-point shooting, defense, and rebounding all being key to San Antonio's NBA Finals run.

How would Rui Hachimura fit on the Spurs?

It can be argued that Champagnie is better than Hachimura, who is a worse defender and rebounder and shoots threes at a lower volume. Then there is Carter Bryant, who will hopefully be ready to play around 20 minutes per game at power forward next season.

That doesn't necessarily leave a lot of room for Hachimura. Nevertheless, he could technically still carve out a role if the Spurs see Bryant as more of a big wing than an actual power forward.

The bigger question is about his contract. The Spurs probably aren't willing to offer a long-term deal given the looming contract extensions to Victor Wembanyama, Stephon Castle, and Dylan Harper.

If they can bring him in on a 3-year deal for around $45 million, with the third year being a player option, then that would be manageable.

In that scenario, it would give them and Hachimura a potential out after two years. All told, given the Spurs' need at power forward, adding Hachimura would give them added depth at a position of weakness. Stealing him away from the Lakers would be an added bonus.

Add us as a preferred source on Google

Follow