The Spurs are expected to extend a qualifying offer to forward Kyle Anderson, which would make him a restricted free agent, Jabari Young of the San Antonio Express-News reports. The qualifying offer is worth approximately $4.75MM.
San Antonio will probably have to pay significantly more to retain Anderson. As many as seven teams are expected to pursue Anderson’s services, according to Young, even though the Spurs can match any offer if they make the qualifying offer by the June 29th deadline.
The 6’9” Anderson saw a dramatic increase in his playing time during his fourth season, in part due to Kawhi Leonard‘s quad injury that kept him out for all but nine games. Anderson appeared in 74 regular-season games, including 67 starts, and averaged career highs in points (7.9), rebounds (5.4) and assists (2.7) in 26.7 MPG.
Anderson would be even more valuable to the Spurs if they can’t resolve their differences with Leonard. Spurs coach Gregg Popovich and Leonard are expected to meet as early as this week to determine Leonard’s future with the franchise, Young notes.
Keep him …
I like Kyle, but it might be mutually beneficial for each party to move on.
Disagree, he’s perfect for the current Spurs system. He’s not fast/athletic enough to be a lockdown defender, he doesn’t shoot well enough to be a 3-and-D guy, nor is he good enough to play a large portion of minutes as a point-forward (such as Ben Simmons). Another team would likely offer him a contract expecting him to fill one of those roles when he’s best suited for an off-the bench role in a slower offensive system.
He’s a great off the bench player. Consistently mediocre – not great, not bad. Plays very well in the Spurs system – a must sign for them.