Bye, Bye Barry

This time, they meant it.

After narrowly being dealt two years ago at the deadline for J.R. Smith, Brent Barry actually is getting the axe this time. Though, the circumstances are certainly different.

As is the case with nearly all deals in the NBA, the salary cap had the final say. Brent Barry’s scheduled to have 5.5 mil come off the books, Elson to have 3 mil off. Thus, let’s find a guy that costs 8. Survey says…Kurt Thomas. Ding, Ding Ding!!! Tell the Spurs what they’ve won…

Well, you’ve won the right not to have that piece of trash, loaf, Frankie Elson on your ball club anymore!

In all seriousness, despite losing a great clutch shooter like Barry, this is a great deal for the Spurs. Sure, they give up a draft pick, but it likely wasn’t any good anyway. Further, Barry is still hurt, nursing his second calf injury this season.

In Thomas, you get an expiring contract, the best Duncan-defender in the league, a guy that can flat out board, and a man that can hit a 15 foot jump shot. Is he going to explode athletically over the court? Obviously not. But, he’s just about as close to what they needed for what they could realistically obtain.

Finally, this strikes me as funny because it is such a typical Spurs deal. We’ll trade two guys for another extremely unexciting, unflattering, boring player that does happen to fill a direct need but in no way, shape, or form should get anyone excited about his coming to San Antonio.

That’s the Spurs though.