3 Best candidates for the Spurs to target with their mid-level exception
By Tyler Watts
1. Gary Trent Jr.
Trent is the best wing available and appears destined to take a discount in free agency. The Raptors reportedly offered $15 million per year to keep him, but the 25-year-old thought he could get more in free agency. With the money virtually dried up, Trent Jr. will have to settle for the best offer he gets.
The 6’5 wing is a career 38.6 percent 3-point shooter coming off a season where he averaged 13.7 points, 2.6 rebounds, 1.7 assists, and 1.1 steals in 28.1 minutes per game. Trent Jr. can get buckets, and the Spurs finished 26th in offensive rating last season.
There are defensive and efficiency concerns, but the free agency pool is drying up. Trent Jr. can score, stretch the floor, and get buckets. He has size and athletic ability to hold his own defensively. There is plenty to like, and Trent Jr. will provide excess value if he signs for the room exception.
The San Antonio Spurs should try to land the best player available at this point. The transaction cycle is cooling down and most teams have their rosters set. Gary Trent Jr. is the best wing available and would certainly help. Can the Spurs make it happen? Stay tuned to find out.