Report: Spurs being very aggressive in trade market to upgrade roster

We all know the San Antonio Spurs came within a Ray Allen three — or just a couple made free throws — of winning the NBA title last season (Spurs fans would like to stop reliving that, thank you very much). We also know that they are 28-8 this season, the best record in the West.

But are they really that good? Are the “aren’t they too old yet” Spurs really contenders again?

There are some troubling signs. The Spurs are 10-7 against teams .500 or better, just 1-5 against the top four in the West or the top 2 in the East. Both Tim Duncan and Tony Parker are playing well but have come down from their uber-efficient numbers last season. There are legitimate questions about if this year’s Spurs can compete with the league’s best.

In a sign the Spurs’ management isn’t sold they are being aggressive in talking trades, reports Ken Berger of CBSSports.com.

The Spurs have been unusually aggressive trying to upgrade their roster in the trade market, a signal to rival execs that Gregg Popovich and R.C. Buford realize this might be the final shot at a title with the triumvirate of Tim Duncan, Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili. Duncan, 37, has a $10.4 million player option for next season, and Parker’s future also has to be addressed; only $3.5 million of his $12.5 million for next season is guaranteed.

The conventional wisdom around the league is that the Spurs were going to go this season and next with that core, even if next season was more of a farewell tour.

But they don’t want to go around the league collecting rocking chairs and framed mementoes. No doubt this Spurs team is good, and depending on health could well be in title contention again. It sounds like management wants to ensure they are in that mix. They can worry about the rebuilding down the line.