Is San Antonio looking to trade Tiago Splitter?
There's a very good chance the San Antonio Spurs would've defeated the Los Angeles Clippers if Tiago Splitter was healthy throughout their first-round series. The 6'11" center instead played like a shell of himself, averaging 3.4 points in just 17.6 minutes per game.
Couple that with a potential transition period looming on the horizon, and Splitter's days in San Antonio may be numbered. Here's ESPN's Marc Stein with more:
"One scenario on the personnel grapevine gaining steam is the notion that the Spurs could elect to explore the possibility of dealing away Tiago Splitter to create more financial flexibility. Splitter has two years left on his contract valued at just under $17 million and is quietly regarded as a key contributor in San Antonio given how well he fits as a frontcourt sidekick next to Duncan. But if you're the Spurs -- and if the increasingly loud rumbles about Aldridge having San Antonio as the preferred destination atop his wish list prove true -- examining Splitter's trade market might suddenly become unavoidable."
Splitter is a very solid, very underrated big man who can play both ends, is effective in the post and can pass in tight spaces. He's on an affordable contract and, despite already being 30 years old, has real value on the trade market.
Don't be surprised if another team senses a real opportunity here, and pries Splitter away from San Antonio's grasp.
(h/t: ESPN)
Photo Credit: Soobum Im/USA TODAY Sports
