Spurs: 3 Free agent targets that got away, 3 to still pursue for 2024

The San Antonio Spurs had a quiet opening night of free agency. They worked out new deals with Tre Jones and Julian Champagnie, but sit $13 million below the salary floor and with just two roster spots to fill. The Spurs would love to add a few more pieces around Victor Wembanyama, but they will be careful not to overpay.

San Antonio is in no rush. They would prefer to keep the expectations down as the 19-year-old prodigy gets acclimated to life in the NBA. The Spurs have the most-hyped prospect since LeBron James and Gregg Popovich on the bench, so expect them to have a chance.

San Antonio should be focused on adding in free agency, but who? They acquired Cedi Osman and Lamar Stevens in a sign-and-trade with the Heat and Cavaliers. A few of the team’s rumored targets already signed, but what players could they still go after to round out their roster?

San Antonio Spurs free agent target that got away: 3. George Niang

HoopsHype’s Michael Scoot linked the 6’7 forward to the Spurs, but he ended up signing a three-year $26 million deal with the wing-needy Cleveland Cavaliers. Niang is a career 40.3 percent 3-point shooter that would help any team stretch the floor in a reserve role.

The 30-year-old is an undersized four that would have forced Victor Wembanyama to play a bit more five than the Spurs desired. San Antonio had the money to outbid Cleveland, but the years and fit likely kept them away.

George Niang will be the Cleveland Cavaliers' backup big man behind Evan Mobley, and he could even see some minutes as a small ball five.

The San Antonio Spurs missed out on two marquee targets as well, including their former starting center.