Isaiah Thomas: 5 potential landing spots in 2018 free agency
By Derek Hryn
5. San Antonio Spurs
The San Antonio Spurs are working to refuel their backcourt following the intriguing selection of Miami’s Lonnie Walker IV in the 2018 NBA Draft.
The Tony Parker era could finally be over in San Antonio, as he has dealt with ongoing injuries in the past three seasons. Parker has shown occasional flashes of his younger self, but his career is likely nearing its end.
Spurs guard Dejounte Murray has shown a great deal of promise in his two years in the NBA, giving Gregg Popovich a valid reason to keep him around and see what he can grow into. Murray’s definitely a project after going two picks before the second round of the 2016 NBA Draft. Although shooting isn’t his forte, he plays exceptionally well as a lengthy defender and ball-handler.
Thomas likely won’t be granted a max contract, but he could quickly fit into the Spurs’ offense as one of the primary shooters.
The Spurs are currently over the league’s salary cap for 2018-19, leaving them with just enough room to sign players at a league minimum or by using available exceptions, per Spotrac. The team would have to find a way to sneak in a free agency signing like Thomas, depending on his market value.