Spurs fans better hope dream free agency strategy actually becomes reality

The San Antonio Spurs currently have their hands full with the Minnesota Timberwolves but will soon have several big decisions to make this summer. Decisions such as who to select with the 20th pick in this year's draft and which free agent makes the most sense for this roster.

However, as CBS Sports' Sam Quinn points out, part of their offseason should be cut and dry.

Quinn mentions that the Spurs should decline their team option on Julian Champagnie in the hopes of securing him on a long-term deal.

In addition to that move, he recommends bringing back Harrison Barnes, presumably by using bird rights, and using their full mid-level exception (MLE) to improve the team. Quinn likely wouldn't get any pushback from Spurs fans, with each of those suggestions being smart moves.

The Spurs must re-sign Julian Champagnie at all costs

Champagnie is under contract for next season and is set to make just $3 million. Still, the Spurs should decline his team option. Doing so would give him the opportunity to receive a big pay raise.

It could also serve as the basis of a new contract. If the Spurs can retain him for around 4 years and $60 million, then that would be terrific value.

That would be around what the mid-level exception is for next season and would seemingly be a good starting point for a potential new contract. Re-signing him might make it harder for the Spurs to retain Keldon Johnson after next season.

Nevertheless, getting Champagnie locked into an affordable new deal while they still can is worth it. Bringing him back on a new deal should be a priority for the Spurs, but what about Harrison Barnes?

The Spurs can bring back Harrison Barnes and still use their MLE

Barnes' role has steadily decreased as the season has progressed. That would seemingly suggest that he won't return. However, it's possible that the Spurs want him back as a depth piece and a veteran presence, even if they don't plan on having him play a major role.

Paying him eight figures to do so would be a bit much. Even so, with the Spurs and no risk of being a luxury tax team, I can see them offering him a one-year, $10 million deal to return. Lastly, there is the MLE. San Antonio would have full access to the MLE and could offer a player a deal worth around $15 million annually.

Or they could use it to absorb a player or players in a trade. San Antonio could always use more shooting and big-man depth and would have plenty of money to throw at a veteran or veterans who could help them in that regard.

Factor in that they will have the 20th pick in this year's draft and they could use that selection to shore up their lack of depth at power forward or center. Thus, San Antonio has all the tools they need to make an already great team even better this summer.

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