Oh, To Feel Young Again: Spurs Trade For Jefferson

With the Spurs coming off a first round playoff exit to the Mavericks, following a quick five-game conference finals loss to the Lakers a year ago, fans are beginning to understand the team’s championship window is closing. Tim Duncan and his supporting cast are aging quickly, and if that window is to be kept open, the Spurs had to make a move. Fans’ prayers were answered as the team added some serious firepower, acquiring Richard Jefferson from the Bucks for veteran role players Bruce Bowen, Kurt Thomas, and Fabricio Oberto. The Bucks are a small market team facing the tough economy, with two of its key young players, Ramon Sessions and Charlie Villanueva, entering restricted free agency this summer. When all options were weighed, his larger contract made Jefferson the odd man out, ending his short tenure with the Bucks. The deal, which sends three expiring contracts to Milwaukee, clears up $15 million to be used on other contracts for next season and keeps the Bucks safe ... (link)