Age is just a number, right? Tim Duncan has certainly proved that statement to be true, but at 38 just how much longer can that be applied? Duncan remains one of the best big men in the league, but after 15 seasons how much longer can he realistically play? With the Spurs' Big 3 on the wrong end of the age scale, could San Antonio be prepping some major offseason moves to help the team be contenders after Duncan, Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili are gone?
Spurs fans do not want to hear it, but Duncan cannot play forever and while he is not dipping talent, he cannot remain in top form for another full season. With one year still remaining on his contract, adding another star to the aging core group of players is essential. San Antonio is preparing for players like Duncan to retire either this season or next and will try and avoid a rebuilding phase when they depart.
According to ESPN's Ethan Strauss, the Spurs could be the unlikely contenders for a trade involving Kevin Love. Where Love lands is anyone's guess. The forward prefers a trade now before he tests the free agent market in 2015 and plenty of teams are preparing to contend for the young star and convince the Minnesota Timberwolves to deal. Strauss reports that San Antonio has the pieces and space to sign Love to keep their championship roster together.
The Spurs never get involved in the free agent frenzy simply because they have never had to, but Father Time is creeping around the corner and what better replacement of Duncan than Love. The Spurs are a strong fit for the forward. They are championship contenders with a quality coach in place. The forward offers a quality outside shot while replacing the rebounding that Duncan offered.
The issue for the Spurs is putting together a package the Timberwolves might want. San Antonio does not have a high draft pick, something Minnesota is adamant about getting. Tiago Splitter could find himself getting dealt as could Boris Diaw. The main issue will be the draft picks and when the Timberwolves get them.
If a trade for Love is too much for the Spurs to think about, adding Pau Gasol could be the favored move. Gasol and the Spurs are a free agency perfect match. San Antonio is exactly the team Gasol wants. They are built to win now. They have a good core group of players. They have a strong head coach and franchise stability. Gasol would be a solid compliment to the Big 3 and a strong replacement for when Duncan opts to walk away. According to Bleacher Report, the Spurs were listed by Gasol as a team he was favoring after offering plenty of praise towards them. Depending on the contract demands, this could be a perfect move.
Other options for the Spurs could include Chris Bosh and Luol Deng depending on how much money they want. The Spurs need to add some bodies this offseason regardless of how healthy Duncan looks and what he opts to do in his future.
