Spurs: 1 Free agent to consider from every West playoff team

Willie Cauley-Stein - C, Dallas Mavericks

A week ago, the coveted free agent I wanted the Spurs to target from Dallas was Tim Hardaway Jr. With his sharp shooting and quick release, he'd be a great fit in San Antonio. Unfortunately, a recent tweet from NY Times writer Marc Stein indicates the Mavericks are confident they'll be able to re-sign him.

Given that, another option the Mavericks have that makes sense in San Antonio is 7-footer Willie Cauley-Stein. While he doesn't serve as a big with a jump shot, which is what the Spurs desperately need, he gives them a consistent lob threat that crashes the boards and defends inside.

San Antonio couldn't defend the paint at all when Poeltl was sitting this season, which was demonstrated by their 26th-place finish in points in the paint allowed per game (50.1). Cauley-Stein could help that with his size and wingspan.

The Spurs shouldn't break the bank for Willie, who is owed $4.1 million if the Mavericks pick up their team option on him. He also shouldn't be looked at unless the Spurs fail to find a decent big through trades, other free agents, or the draft. If he wants a change of scenery and doesn't demand too much money, however, he's worth a look.