The San Antonio Spurs are preparing to make a playoff push, and one veteran buyout candidate would fit their roster perfectly.
After waiving Jeremy Sochan before the All-Star Break, the San Antonio Spurs signed Mason Plumlee to a ten-day contract. There is an expectation around the organization that Plumlee will be brought on for the rest of the season, although nothing is set in stone yet.
Behind Victor Wembanyama, Luke Kornet, Kelly Olynyk, and Bismack Biyombo, adding a fifth center doesn't make much sense. What the Spurs need are wings who can defend and shoot. San Antonio has already been linked to Klay Thompson, although another player stands out.
If the Dallas Mavericks decide to alter their roster and shed salary and veteran talent, one of Thompson's teammates stands out as a clear target.
Spurs Should Land Khris Middleton
The Mavericks, in an effort to build around Cooper Flagg, have embraced the tank. Kyrie Irving has been shut down for the season, Anthony Davis has been traded away, and now Khris Middleton has been presented with a choice.
Dallas, it seems, would have no qualms buying him out before March 1, allowing him to sign with a playoff contender, provided the veteran wants a change of scenery.
"Middleton, 34, is being offered the chance to negotiate a buyout with the Mavericks front office, a move that would give him the opportunity to join a contender for a playoff run," reported Roundtable's Mike Fisher.
Middleton is well past his All-Star days alongside Giannis Antetokounmpo, but he is still a solid wing defender. Over the last two seasons, he has been shooting 35.2% from deep, which isn't elite, but it would provide the Spurs with some added depth at a position that has been shaky at best.
Plus, add in Devin Vassell's injury history, and having a steady veteran presence behind him makes a lot of sense.
Middleton is 34 years old and has a lengthy injury history of his own, but he is a proven winner. The guard rotation in San Antonio is already cemented, with De'Aaron Fox, Stephon Castle, and Dylan Harper sharing reps. As for centers, there's no shortage there. The Spurs have reliable wings in Vassell, Keldon Johnson, and Julian Champagnie, but as Harrison Barnes remains cold, adding a fifth option seems like an easy call.
The Spurs can make a great sales pitch, too. "We're the second-best team in the West and steamrolled the Thunder and Pistons. Come win with us."
Who would turn down that offer?