Originally Posted by
JasonEvans
Mason is a restricted free agent, so any offer can be matched by Denver. The Nuggets are said to be leaning toward a match and it is interesting that when they were clearing space to make room for the Milsap max deal signing, they did not give up Mason's free agent rights. They clearly value him. I suspect the fact that he is restricted has dried up the market for him a bit, though the truth is that there is not a huge market right now for guys who are poor outside shooters. I agree that playing for the $4.58 mil qualifying offer could be a decent idea for Mason as it would allow him to be a full free agent next year.
I think Mason's combination of rim protection and elite passing would be a really nice fit on the Spurs, who just lost Dedmon to the Hawks and have to think Pau Gasol is on his last legs (and he will only play very limited minutes if he even does decide to play another season). The Spurs have no cap room as they await decision from Gasol ($19.4 mil cap hold) and Manu ($21 mil cap hold). If both of those guys decide to retire, San Antonio will have some room, but if either come back, the Spurs are capped out and they just used their $8 mil exemption on Rudy Gay.
-Jason "Mason and Nerlens Noel are probably the two most promising big men still available as free agents right now" Evans