Spurs/Grizzlies make a deal

Johnny Ludden of the San Antonio Express-News reports: The San Antonio Spurs made their second trade in three days Friday, sending the draft rights to Croatian guard Gordan Giricek to Memphis for a second-round pick in 2004 and cash considerations.

The Spurs had hoped to use Giricek, the 40th overall pick in 1999, to trade up in Wednesday night's draft to get 18-year-old Yugoslavian center Nenad Krstic. Phoenix (No. 22) and Detroit (No. 23) both had interest in trading their picks for Giricek and the Spurs' 26th selection, but balked at Giricek's contract demands.

Giricek averaged 22.9 points for CSKA Moscow in Euroleague play last season, but the Spurs did not have room for him because they plan on signing Argentine guard Emanuel Ginobili in the next three weeks. The Spurs opted to deal Giricek's rights before he signed a long-term contract in Europe that would have lowered his NBA trade value.

The Spurs also had trade conversations involving Antonio Daniels around the draft, but the team does not have any more impending deals after moving Giricek, one source said. Depending on what happens over the remainder of the summer, the Spurs could enter training camp with Ginobili, Daniels and Steve Smith, who also plays small forward, competing for minutes at shooting guard.

Bruce Bowen, who becomes a free agent on Monday, Charles Smith and Stephen Jackson, who is not expected to opt out of his contract, also can play both the small forward and shooting guard positions.

"There are a lot of different ways this team can go," Daniels said. "If it is log-jammed at one spot, it will just be a very competitive camp.

"This just means I'm going to have to bust my (butt) that much harder this summer to get ready. That's all. The great thing about this organization is they don't 'give' a position to anybody. You have to earn it."

Via San Antonio Express-News

San Antonio Spurs, Memphis Grizzlies, Contract Signing

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Claxton Warming Up to Being a Spur

"I just couldn't believe it," Claxton said. "I was like, 'What?' It took a while for it to sink in."

On Thursday, Claxton was beginning to warm to the deal that sent him to the Spurs in return for Mark Bryant and the draft rights to John Salmons and Randy Holcomb. After living in the Northeast his entire life, a move west couldn't be all bad, he said.

"I'm kind of looking forward to it now," Claxton said by phone from Philadelphia. "It gives me a new city to experience."

Claxton will meet his new team for the first time next week when the Spurs bring him in for a physical. Saying good-bye to Philadelphia won't be easy.

Via San Antonio Express-News

San Antonio Spurs, Philadelphia 76ers

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Spurs Trade Salmons, Holcomb, Bryant for Claxton

Johnny Ludden of the San Antonio Express News writes that the Spurs had hoped Yugoslavian center Nenad Krstic would fall to them at the 26th pick, but was taken two slots before by New Jersey. So, they pulled the trigger on a pre-arranged trade with Philadelphia to shore up the point guard position.

The Spurs traded the John Salmons (#26), Randy Holcomb (#57), and veteran Mark Bryant to Philadelphia for point guard Speedy Claxton. The Spurs hope Claxton can fill in the backup point guard spot for Terry Porter who may retire.

The Spurs also picked Luis Scola with the 56th pick in the draft. He is a friend of guard Emanuel Ginobili who will sign a contract with the Spurs this offseason to come to the States. Scola will likely remain in Europe for now.

Via San Antonio Express-News

San Antonio Spurs, Philadelphia 76ers, NBA Draft

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