Spurs' reported free agent target list dwindles as another player signs elsewhere

Dean Wade just agreed to a four-year deal worth $39 million with the Philadelphia 76ers, according to Shams Charania. This comes a couple of hours after reports that Sandro Mamukelashvili is expected to sign with the Los Angeles Lakers. That's two of the five players that the Spurs were reportedly interested in to start free agency.

In a ranking published earlier, I listed Wade as my preferred forward for the team. He could start or come off the bench, and his versatility on both sides of the floor would have fit seamlessly into Mitch Johnson's system. He doesn't need the ball in his hands to be an asset on offense, and he can defend his tail off. If you don't believe me, let former Nets GM Bobby Marks tell you.

40% from three as a starter and good enough on defense to lock up someone like Brandon Ingram? Yeah, he would have been great in the rotation, so this one sucks a little more than losing out on Mamu. Now there are only three names left unless San Antonio pulls a new player out of a hat, and while last season was surreal, I don't think the Spurs perform stage magic.

An already weak power forward market is getting worse

This was never a strong group of athletes from the start, but if SA really wants someone who can contribute, they'd better act fast. Only John Collins, Rui Hachimura, and Tobias Harris are left.

If I had to guess what happened with Wade (if they spoke to him), I'd say he likely valued the longer-term security he got from Philly. San Antonio has valued their flexibility, even with their own guys. That's why Julian Champagnie only had two years added to his deal and Harrison Barnes only re-signed for one.

Planning for the eventual paydays for Victor Wembanyama, Stephon Castle, and Dylan Harper, with De'Aaron Fox's set to kick in next season, is nonnegotiable. If you look at San Antonio's books, the only player currently on the books past the 2028-29 season is Swipa.

Now, common sense tells us they'll fill their change as their stars become eligible for their extensions, but there are no guarantees for the other guys. The CBA is too punitive when teams overspend to just hand out long, fat contracts, so they're handing out shorter deals instead. It's smart business, and ultimately, it could cost them a free agent this summer. But I suspect they're okay with that.

Whether it be before or after the new terms of the Collective Bargaining Agreement, the Spurs have never been the kind of organization to allow themselves to be rushed. And fortunately, they don't need to. If they land nobody, they'll still enter the new season as the team to beat. A signing right now would just be gravy on an already succulent biscuit... but who doesn't love gravy?

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