Spurs interested in David West?

The San Antonio Spurs have reportedly come to an agreement with point guard T.J. Ford and as far as we know are still the front runners for Caron Butler. That addresses needs at point guard and small forward (potentially, hopefully), but what about the need at the four or five position?

While the Spurs appear to be out of money and running thin on assets, that hasn’t stopped them from taking a look at free agent David West, according to CBS Sports’ Ken Berger.

“In addition to Pacers, who’ve spoken with David West’s reps, several non-room teams have inquired about FA forward: DAL, Spurs, MIA, ATL.”

A subsequent tweet from Berger said the Hornets would be open to a sign and trade involving West assuming it was to a contender and they could get a piece or two back in the deal. What Berger doesn’t specify is what the quality of those assets need to be. West is coming off what was an All-Star caliber year before he tore his ACL late in the season. He’s been cleared for full contact and by all accounts has recovered from the surgery to repair his knee.

I haven’t seen anything that says how interested the Spurs might be in West, but two questions remain. The first is do the Spurs want to expend assets and give a multi-year deal to a 31 year old power forward coming off knee surgery? The second is do the Spurs have the assets to make a legit run at West?

Certainly Antonio McDyess’ expiring, partially guaranteed contract would be involved (it’d have to be to make the dollars add up), but what after that? Matt Bonner? DeJuan Blair and Gary Neal? The rights to someone like Davis Bertans? Tiago Splitter is probably too much. I think James Anderson is as well.

Hornets General Manager Dell Demps is an alumni of the Spurs front office, so it’s possible that he could do the Spurs and West a solid by cutting them a deal, but that’s complete speculation. West wouldn’t be the ideal fit next to Duncan because he’s a little undersized, but with Duncan as the only low post option on offense for the Spurs, I think West would be a welcomed addition to the front line… assuming they’re not giving much up to get him.