A number of rumors being floated about the @Spurs going after Darius Garland should he become available this offseason. The first one who mentioned and liked that possibility was Bill Simmons who has been riding the Spurs about getting #Wemby a star point guard. 
But let’s break down the strategic play for the San Antonio as they consider their offseason moves, particularly regarding Garland:
• Defensive Game Plan: At 6-foot-1, Garland’s stature might not fit the Spurs’ defensive blueprint going forward. This is one of the top reasons we keep hearing for the Spurs not to make a play for Trae Young who is considered a far superior player.
They’ve got a towering sentinel in Wembanyama, but the Spurs keep saying they would prefer ”position-less” players who can switch across multiple positions and hold their own defensively.
• Clutch Factor: Garland’s recent playoff stint left something to be desired. The Spurs are said to be in the market for players who can rise to the occasion when the spotlight’s brightest.
They will no doubt be weighing his postseason performance heavily before making any calls to Ohio.
• The Trade Playbook: Snagging Garland presents the Spurs with a complex set piece that could cost them key players like Keldon Johnson and Malaki Branham, plus substantial draft capital.
That’s a steep price, and the front office has to decide if he’s the franchise player worth that haul. In addition, there is the fact the Garland is a Klutch Sports agency client and the Spurs have been slowly ridding themselves of all Klutch clients.
Former players like Dejounte Murray, Lonnie Walker IV, Trey Lyles, and Cory Joseph were all represented by Klutch when they wore Spurs jerseys. Keldon Johnson is the only player still on the roster repped by the Rich Paul founded agency.
It’s worth pausing here to mention that • Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, who has been potentially linked to Spurs via free agency is also a Klutch Client.
• Cap Space Strategy: Garland’s contract is a hefty line item. Allocating that much cap space to him means less maneuverability for future free-agent signings or locking down their rising stars to long-term deals.
The Spurs front office has made it clear that they would like to hold on to some of that flexibility going forward.
Garland’s current contract with the Cleveland Cavaliers is a 5-year deal worth $197,230,450, which includes the same amount guaranteed. Going forward, the contract breaks down as follows:
• 2024-25: $36,725,670
• 2025-26: $39,446,090
• 2026-27: $42,166,510
• 2024-25: $36,725,670
• 2025-26: $39,446,090
• 2026-27: $42,166,510
• 2027-28: $44,886,930
His contract also includes a provision for a 30% cap if he makes an All-NBA team, which could increase the total value to $231 million.
His contract also includes a provision for a 30% cap if he makes an All-NBA team, which could increase the total value to $231 million.
The Spurs might opt to develop their young core or find a less expensive point guard like Tyus Jones- brother of current Spur Trae Jones to bring in via free agency. San Antonio was reportedly interested in Tyus as a trade acquisition this past season.
• The Long Game: The Spurs have a storied history of playing the long game, focusing on homegrown talent and shrewd scouting.
They’re not known for splashy acquisitions, and they might not start now, especially if it means deviating from a tried-and-true development strategy they keep pushing each time they speaks to the media.
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