Another NBA season in the books as the dynastic San Antonio Spurs swept the Boston Celtics in The Finals, Dillon Brooks became a restricted free agent for the Memphis Grizzlies as skepticism circled the dogged perimeter defender, an emerging star that was underpaid but unreliable from 3PT distance and streaky from the mid-range. Rather than commit to a lucrative new contract, Memphis accepted an offer for the services of marksman Buddy Hield by the Spurs, a much better perimeter shooter who'd shattered records in San Antonio during his two-year tenure but conversely struggled to be steadfast on defense. As per usual with the Spurs, this trade was the main piece of a bigger picture to its off-season plan. In Brooks, San Antonio is getting a fierce stalwart that readily jumps at the chance to guard the opposition's best player every night, taking immense pressure off Dejounte Murray, who will be freed up to operate primarily as a scorer. With former league MVP Murray running the offense, Brooks will be recipient of many open 3PT opportunities and he's also been a consistent double-digit scorer throughout his career, despite those efficiency concerns. By acquiring Buddy Hield, the Grizzlies gain another deadly shooter to pair with upcoming sniper, Desmond Bane, providing Ja Morant another hot hand on the perimeter, and bide time to examine the fit as Hield's contract expires next summer instead of this summer like Brooks. Joining San Antonio, Dillon Brooks gets his payday in the form of a 5 year, 100 million pact. The Spurs also briefly acquired John Konchar, traded elsewhere to Charlotte.
Losing Buddy Hield's marksmanship, San Antonio recuperated perimeter proficiency in its next deal by re-signing Josh Richardson and taking the misguided hefty contract of Evan Fournier off the Knicks' hands, with Kevin Love joining New York only to be waived and sign with the Miami Heat. San Antonio gets a reunion with the French slasher/shooter hybrid in Fournier, who two years ago was the main piece in the trade with the Sacramento Kings that got Buddy Hield to the Spurs.
A savvy veteran, Evan drew early comparison to the game of Spurs legend, Manu Ginobili, which was part of San Antonio's consideration in acquiring Fournier with the mid-level exception four years ago, playing well and showcasing his long-range ability to catch fire in the clutch. It was a risk that paid off in the long run, but losing Fournier was tough to swallow at the time; therefore, rekindling a pact with Fournier was important to the Spurs, especially after Evan's rough time in New York and his hunger to redeem himself. Where better than San Antonio, when he was at the top of his game? For his career, Fournier is just-under 38% from 3PT territory. In hindsight, Spurs brass reportedly lamented the 2% increase gained by acquiring Hield, eager to enjoy Fournier's return.
In Josh Richardson, unfortunately a journeyman in his career, the Spurs get a great teammate, a great community participant and past recipient of NBA Cares service awards, and a tenacious dual-end contributor. Richardson is athletic with a 6'10" wingspan, whose hustle is unreal, and he's shown potential as a secondary playmaker via his strong passing skills, along with flashy perimeter streaks. An expiring contract that came over from Boston, Josh was acquired in a sign-and-trade caveat, getting a sizable raise from his post-rookie pact with the Heat, enthusiastically donning the silver-and-black on a 4 year, 60 million agreement. Richardson also receives a no-trade clause, one of a handful of players to have one in the league today, a clear sign of the Spurs' confidence in his future development.
