People always say "If it ain't broke, don't fix it" and while the Spurs season was going along nicely, not as impressive as last regular season obviously, there have been some trends that had the GM concerned.
Mike Conley has missed most of the season and while the team kept winning at a decent clip lately things we have seen multiple last quarter collapses and an un-Spurs like leaking of points. This team prided themselves on defense last season and it helped carry them to a championship, GM Leeroy has been known to prioritize defense over offense and the recent hiccups had to change.
Conley was reported to be close to returning then the man himself stated that he should play at some point this season, the team could not wait any longer. With a distinct lack of depth at the PG spot and players playing out of position a flurry of deals were made.
First up we saw Alan Williams head to Detroit in return for former Spur, PG Shelvin Mack. Williams was a key piece to the team last season and was projected to be again before injuring his knee and being out until March at the latest. Next up the team targeted defense and Marcus Smart was on the radar. After some discussions with the Warriors GM and a multitude of different offers both teams agreed that a package consisting of Jordan Bell, Ramon Sessions and a 2019 1st round pick would get the job done for the team to land Smart.
With Smart on board Patrick Beverley was the next out the door. GM Leeroy had rebuffed many offers for Bev last season (a lot of them from Jmac) His injury and uncertain contract status the team decided to move on a deal now accepting a paltry sum of a 2nd round pick and some cash considerations. The free roster spot and the fact that the hard cap is looming next season prompted the deal.
Finally a deal to bring in big man depth was struck with the 76ers. Lou Williams was sent out for Ed Davis, Marco Belinelli and a 2nd round pick. While the disparity of talent is obvious in the deal, getting 2 great role players that did not carry any salary guarantees beyond this season was key. Davis will step in and backup Joel Embiid and be the likely starter when Embiid sits. Bellinelli can shoot the 3 ball just as well as Lou and should prove to be a better catch and shoot option with he space the 2 big men provide.
