Fred VanVleet and 4 free agents the Spurs might regret not signing

The San Antonio Spurs drafted Victor Wembanyama, one of the best prospects in NBA history, with the number one pick. It was a franchise-altering move that completely changed the direction of the franchise. Everything now revolves around Wemby and maximizing his potential.

The Spurs had the second-most cap space in the NBA entering the offseason. They could have added a max player, but San Antonio decided to slow play it. The Spurs operated as the third-team in trades taking on unwanted contracts for additional draft capital. They are trying to keep the pressure off Wembanyama in year one and have the assets to acquire a star when the 7’3 big man is ready to breakout.

San Antonio does not expect to be in the playoffs in 2024. They are strictly focused on development, but the Spurs will have second thoughts about not being active in the free-agent market. There were multiple chances to upgrade their roster and further Wemby’s evolution that San Antonio passed on.

Free agents the San Antonio Spurs might regret not signing

5. Cory Joseph

The Spurs are light on ball-handling and playmaking heading into the season. They re-signed Tre Jones to be the starting point guard, but have Devonte Graham and Cameron Payne backing him up. San Antonio took on Graham’s contract with four second-round picks last season, and Payne was acquired with a second-round selection this summer. Neither is a pass-first point guard and both struggle with their efficiency.

The Spurs could use a distributor that gets everyone involved and is focused on making quality plays. Joseph signed a one-year $3.1 million deal with the Golden State Warriors this offseason, and the former Spurs first-round pick would have been a fantastic addition. The 12-year veteran knows how to organize an offense, make plays, space the floor, and create open looks. That is just what San Antonio needs around their 7’3 rookie big man.

Can Cameron Payne surprise in the Alamo? Does Devonte Graham improve his shot selection? If not, the San Antonio Spurs will regret not signing Cory Joseph this summer.

4. Coby White

The Spurs seemed like the perfect team to try to steal a restricted free agent away from their current situation. Getting a quality young talent with room to grow around Victor Wembanyama could have been a massive win that gives San Antonio another building block.

Fan thought they would target Austin Reaves, but even a maximum $98.7 million offer from another team may have been matched by the Lakers. Los Angeles did not want the 25-year-old to get away, and their desire kept other teams from making an offer.

Austin Reaves was not the only restricted free agent available. The Spurs needed backcourt help, and Coby White was likely available for the right price. Chicago re-signed him to a three-year $36 million contract, but his playing time has decreased two straight years and the Bulls are committed to other players. White is 23 years old and the best is still yet to come.

The Spurs could have signed a talented combo guard capable of averaging 17 points, five rebounds, and five assists per game in his prime. It would have taken a $15-plus million per season offer, but that will be the mid-level exception if the cap keeps rising. Letting Coby White stay with the Bulls was a missed opportunity for the San Antonio Spurs.

3. Mohamed Bamba

The Spurs wanted a center to pair with Victor Wembanyama (subscription required) early in his career. The French prodigy is 7’3, but his body is not ready to match up against the most physical big men in the NBA. San Antonio surveyed their options but decided to stick with Zach Collins and Khem Birch.

There were a few overpays and some massive contracts handed out in the center market this summer, but Bamba saw his salary go from $10.3 million to just $2.0 million on a one-year deal to backup Joel Embiid in Philadelphia. The 25-year-old struggled to get on the floor after being traded to the Lakers in February and injuries have been a problem in his first five NBA seasons.

Bamba signed a minimum contract with the 76ers. The Spurs could have gotten him on the cheap if they entered the bidding. The seven-footer has proven to be a strong shot-blocker and rebounder when given consistent minutes. He could have battled Zach Collins for playing time and added some depth around Wembanyama.

Victor Wembanyama will eventually be a center, but needs time to develop. The San Antonio Spurs could have signed Mohamed Bamba to eat some minutes and likely traded him for draft capital at the deadline if he was playing well. Instead, the franchise opted for picks and unwanted contracts to begin the 2023-24 season.

2. Jakob Poeltl

The Spurs could have completed one of the biggest fleeces in NBA history this summer. San Antonio traded Poeltl to Toronto in February for Khem Birch and three draft picks, including one first-rounder. The Raptors missed the playoffs, and Poeltl became an unrestricted free agent. The 7’1 big man had the chance to return to San Antonio or go to any team with cap space, but he re-signed with the Raptors on a four-year $78 million deal.

The Spurs could have outbid Toronto but decided against it. Poeltl made $9.4 million last year and will now earn $19.5 million per season. It was a massive pay increase, and the Spurs want to keep their options in building around Victor Wembanyama open.

San Antonio will regret not pushing harder if Jakob Poeltl takes another step forward or Wemby’s best position turns into the four. Poeltl turns 28 just before opening night and is right in the middle of his prime. He could get more minutes and take his playmaking to another level. Wembanyama has a slender frame that could be best suited as a weak side rim protector and rebounder next to a muscular starting center. Wemby could be more Tim Duncan than David Robinson.

Poeltl got a massive contract, but the San Antonio Spurs may regret not jumping into the bidding, especially if they have issues at the five this season and beyond.

1. Fred VanVleet

The Spurs' biggest hole is at point guard, and there were VanVleet rumors this offseason. Houston was the only team with more cap space than San Antonio. The Rockets were determined to improve their roster, so they splashed a three-year $128.5 million contract on FVV. The final season is a team option, so the 6’1 guard got a two-year max contract.

The Spurs could give him more. It is a hefty price to pay for a fringe All-Star, but VanVleet is an elite scorer and playmaker. He would have taken offensive pressure off Victor Wembanyama and ensured the 7’3 rookie got open looks. FVV may not be a superstar, but the 29-year-old is a massive upgrade over Tre Jones.

San Antonio will regret not getting in on the bidding for Fred VanVleet when their offense is struggling. The Spurs finished 29th in offensive rating last season and will see plenty of forced shots from their prized rookie. FVV could have solved those issues, but San Antonio was unwilling to put their cash on the table.

The San Antonio Spurs expect to be back in the lottery in 2024, but Victor Wembanyama will be eager to jump into contention quickly. How does the front office remake their roster? Stay tuned to find out.