NBA Rumors: Cleveland Cavaliers, San Antonio Spurs Chasing David West
The Cleveland Cavaliers and San Antonio Spurs are considered early favorites to win it all next season, but both teams are not done strengthening their roster as reports revealed they are chasing David West.
West, who averaged 11.7 points and 6.8 rebounds per game with the Indiana Pacers last season, is an unrestricted free agent after opting out of the final year of his contract, which could have given him $12.6 million next season.
While he is not expected to get the same amount of money in free agency this offseason, reports revealed West decided to become a free agent to play for a contender. And according to reports, the Cavaliers and Spurs are in a tug-of-war for the veteran power forward.
Candace Buckner of Indianapolis Star broke the news as she revealed the Cavaliers are very interested in acquiring West, who spent the past five seasons in Indiana.
The reports surprised most fans and analysts because the Cavaliers already have a loaded frontline. They recently signed All-Star power forward Kevin Love to a five-year deal worth $110 million after exercising team option to keep starting center Timofey Mozgov.
The defending Eastern Conference champions are also planning to give Tristan Thompson a max contract. They will also have Anderson Varejao back next season, which will create a logjam in their frontline rotation.
West reiterated, though, that winning is the most important thing for him. Signing with the Cavaliers will give him a chance to contend for the title next season.
Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo Sports revealed the Cavaliers have established themselves favorites to sign West. Aside from the chances of winning it all next season, Wojnarowski pointed out West has strong ties in Ohio after playing college basketball at Xavier.
However, the Spurs are still making a strong push to convince the 13-year veteran. Spurs coach Gregg Popovich wants to add another piece to their loaded lineup, and West is one of their top targets.
The Spurs just agreed to a four-year, $80 million deal with former Portland Trail Blazers forward LaMarcus Aldridge, who is the most coveted free agent this summer. They also kept their own free agents -- Kawhi Leonard and Danny Green this summer.
If he decides to sign with the Spurs, he could be featured as backup to the projected starters Tim Duncan and Aldridge. The Spurs and the Cavaliers do not have much to offer in terms of salary, which means it could boil down to the role offered by the teams.
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