National Basketball Association

San Antonio Spurs: 5 dream targets in 2017 NBA free agency

Updated Mar. 4, 2020 1:37 p.m. ET

Fansided, Gil Alcaraz IV/FanSided via Hoops Habit

San Antonio Spurs

Jaime Valdez-USA TODAY Sports

If money wasn't an issue, which of the top 2017 NBA free agents would the San Antonio Spurs be most interested in acquiring this offseason?

Let's imagine a situation in which the San Antonio Spurs weren't bound by any salary cap, instead being aiding by endless financial flexibility. In this hypothetical, which players would the team love to hone in on during 2017 NBA free agency?

We're here today to answer that question.

It's an interesting scenario to consider, especially when you see some of the big names who could hit the open market in 2017. Unfortunately, in the real world, the Spurs don't exactly have the cap space needed to make a huge splash. Although they've been mentioned as a potential landing spot for a couple of stars, it's looking less and less likely they add one of them this offseason.

Instead, their money will likely be spent on retaining their current assets while adding another role player or two. It may not be enough to get them to the top of the Western Conference, but it'll have to do considering the current space they have under the cap.

For now, though, let's forget about all of that. Instead, let's focus on the big names who would be terrific fits for this current San Antonio roster.

So, without further ado, here's my look at five dream targets for the Spurs during 2017 NBA free agency. Chances may be slim to none they actually acquire any of these guys, but that doesn't mean we can't use our imaginations to picture an NBA in which these guys join Gregg Popovich and co.

San Antonio Spurs

Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports

Paul Millsap, PF, Atlanta Hawks

Is power forward a need for the Spurs this offseason? Not necessarily. With LaMarcus Aldridge and Pau Gasol already on the roster, adding another highly paid big man isn't a top priority. And yet, I feel like Paul Millsap would be a superb get for San Antonio.

Millsap is one of those lunch-pail guys who has spent his entire NBA career overachieving. While most wouldn't go as far as calling him a superstar, his presence as a sensational two-way player would make just about any lineup better. That's why he's the first on this list as a dream free-agency target for the Spurs.

The best part about Millsap is that his game has evolved as his career has gone along. Once seen as primarily an in-the-paint player, his range has recently expanded to allow for him to be a threat from the outside as well. While his 31.1 percent from three-point range doesn't scream stretch-4, he keeps defenses on their toes.

More than anything, Millsap is a do-it-all player who's still got it even at 32 years of age. He's a terrific offensive threat, plays outstanding defense and knows how to clean the glass with the best of them. Especially if his asking price doesn't increase much this offseason, I could see the Spurs being interested.

Money doesn't matter in this situation anyway, so Millsap seems like a perfect candidate to make this a tough, deep San Antonio frontcourt.

San Antonio Spurs

Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports

Chris Paul, PG, Los Angeles Clippers

This may be a list of dream scenarios, but this one actually has some significant potential to come true. There have been rumors about a potential CP3-to-Spurs deal in the last couple of weeks, and I wouldn't be surprised if the whispers only got louder leading up to free agency.

According to ESPN's Marc Stein, Chris Paul is "intrigued by the idea" of joining Popovich and Kawhi Leonard in San Antonio. It makes a lot of sense, especially considering the recent string of deep playoff runs the Spurs have enjoyed.

At this point, Paul is eager to experience a legitimate Finals run. He has yet to do so through 12 NBA seasons, and it doesn't appear to be in the cards for the Los Angeles Clippers. So essentially, he could pack up and move to Texas in hopes of helping the Spurs make a serious run at dethroning the Golden State Warriors in 2017-18.

The reason this potential relationship makes so much sense is the declining skills of Tony Parker. The aging point guard has been a glorious part of the Spurs lineup for years, but is fading fast and coming off a ruptured quadriceps tendon. It may be time for Popovich and Co. to find his replacement.

Now obviously there would be some hurdles to clear, at least in the real world. Paul would be giving up a heaping pile of money by signing with the Spurs instead of the Clippers. San Antonio would also have to part with a number of pieces to even make enough cap space to support Paul.

Still, it's not out of the question. In the fantasy world were currently living in, it's easy without the financial restraints.

San Antonio Spurs

Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports

Kyle Lowry, PG, Toronto Raptors

If Paul isn't the answer, maybe they go for another wily veteran point guard.

Kyle Lowry also fits the bill as a potential Parker replacement with serious skills. Although not as dynamic of a playmaker, he's still a tremendous talent who can put a team on his back. Either way, Lowry would undoubtedly fill the gap the Spurs are trying to fill this offseason.

Unfortunately, the same financial issues would arise in a potential pursuit of Lowry. The Spurs don't have a ton of cap space, meaning they'd need to gut their roster to make enough room to sign the Toronto Raptors' point guard. In a way, that almost makes it not worth it because Leonard, Aldridge and Lowry wouldn't make a contender.

However, in a world where dreams come true, San Antonio could feasibly squeeze him onto the roster while avoiding the gutting process. That would allow Lowry to make a push for his first Finals appearance, something that is likely weighing on his mind this offseason.

It's unclear what Lowry's plan is after he declined his player option back in May. The Raptors are expected to make a big push to re-sign him, but others speculate he could join his hometown Philadelphia 76ers. If the Spurs were to somehow enter the mix, though, you would have to assume Lowry would listen to what they had to say.

San Antonio Spurs

Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports

Greg Monroe, C, Milwaukee Bucks

There's a very good chance the Spurs end up a little thin at center this offseason. Both Dewayne Dedmon and Joel Anthony are headed for free agency, and neither may be retained. If that's the case, San Antonio can't rely on only Pau Gasol to hold down the position.

That's where someone like Greg Monroe could fit into the equation.

Realistically, he's not the best answer at center. He quickly fell out of favor with the Milwaukee Bucks, spending the entire 2016-17 campaign serving in a reserve role. However, did well as a sixth man and as we've all seen in the past, he's more than capable of dominating as a starter.

The real reason I believe he'd be a fit in San Antonio, though, is the fact that he's a true center. While Gasol is more of a stretch-5, Monroe can be a paint protector and occasional offensive asset down low. Especially if Dedmon bails, the former No. 7 overall pick can essentially replace his production on the glass while bringing a bit more offense to the center spot.

Is Monroe a solve-all for the Spurs? Not in the least. However, at this point, he seems like one of the most talented centers set to be available this offseason. He shouldn't warrant a max contract, and still has plenty of tread left on the tires. The mix of Monroe, Aldridge and Gasol would make this frontcourt a formidable one.

San Antonio Spurs

Sergio Estrada-USA TODAY Sports

Stephen Curry, PG, Golden State Warriors

If the Spurs are really focused on finding a solution at point guard, why not go for the best one set to become a free agent? Yes, I'm talking about the one-time NBA MVP and reigning champion, Stephen Curry of the Golden State Warriors.

Bringing Curry to San Antonio would add a whole new dynamic to this offense. While he doesn't necessarily fit the mold of a defensive-minded player, he's relatively humble and seems like he'd be a good fit in the Spurs' locker room. And then there's the part about him being one of the best shooters the game has ever seen.

I find it hard to believe Popovich would pass on the opportunity to sign Curry. Especially if the Spurs are already considering dishing out a max deal for Paul, they could potentially lure Curry away from the Bay Area. He'd be playing for the West's other best team, and would arguably make them the favorite if he swapped jerseys.

Maybe Curry feels like he's already met his goals with the Warriors? Two championships and three Finals appearances in three years seems like a job well done. Could it be time for Curry to take his talents elsewhere and share the wealth?

It's unlikely, but it's a dream scenario and I don't care. Curry to the Spurs would make them top dogs in the West in an instant. If they could convince him to bid farewell to the Warriors, I'm sure they would find a way to make it work financially (even though it doesn't matter in this argument).