Timing is preventing Spurs from adding perfect shooter to roster

Almost two weeks into free agency, there is a ton of talent still available and it's not just older players. There are plenty of young or 'young enough' players on the market who can contribute to a team, but teams are running out of roster spots and cap space. It's making it difficult for those guys to earn what they're worth. It's clear that many of them are holding out for an offer good enough to appease them, which is understandable considering the salary cap keeps rising.

Unfortunately, the penalties for going into the luxury tax are so stiff that teams are being more cautious with where to spend their resources. This is actually an advantage for the San Antonio Spurs because they weren't dealing with an expensive roster when the rules changed, so they were better prepared to adjust to them, but they still have to keep a close eye on their finances, and there isn't enough money left to add the shooter who would be perfect for the team: Luke Kennard.

Kennard would be perfect for the Spurs

Luke Kennard shot 45% from three last year and is a career 44% shooter from distance. That ranks third all-time in NBA history behind Steve Kerr and Hubert Davis. Kennard is only 28 years old, entering his 8th season in the NBA, making him a veteran but still young enough to spend a contract or two draining buckets for the right team.

Grayson Allen was one of the most impactful role players in the NBA last season before his injury because of his dynamic shooting. With Kevin Durant, Devin Booker and Bradley Beal on that roster, Allen got a ton of open looks and cashed them in at a 46% clip from three. Playing with Wembanyama and Chris Paul would allow Kennard to have a similar impact due to the space created by the Frenchman.

The problem is money. The Memphis Grizzlies had a team option for the former Duke Blue Devil, but they declined it to make space for other signings. They would like him back, but signing him would take their franchise over the first tax apron, where those pesky penalties start to take effect. His team option was for $14.8 million, so it's unlikely he would want to sign with San Antonio for the MLE, considering his age and value.

The bright side is that if free agency continues like this, he may be forced to take a cheap short-term deal, hoping to renegotiate when teams have more cap space. If that happens, the Spurs may become players, but until then, Kennard is probably off the table for San Antonio.