The Spurs have released 23-year old forward Malik Hairston at his own request. Hairston played in 47 games (0 starts) for the Spurs last season and he averaged 6.7 minutes, 2.1 points, 1.0 rebound and 0.3 assists per game. He played in 62 games (0 starts) in his two years with the Spurs and he averaged 7.6 minutes, 2.4 points, 1.2 rebounds and 0.5 assists per game. The Spurs essentially did Hairston a favor as he was buried on their depth chart heading into the 2010-11 NBA season.

The Spurs have re-signed 30-year old forward Matt Bonner to a new 4 year deal. Bonner played in 65 games (8 starts) for the Spurs last season and he averaged 17.9 minutes, 7.0 points, 3.3 rebounds and 1.0 assist per game. He has now played in 430 games (84 starts) in his 6 years in the NBA and he has averaged 18.3 minutes, 6.7 points, 3.5 rebounds and 0.7 assists per game. Bonner has shot 40.5% from three point range in his NBA career and his shooting is the best asset he brings off the bench for the Spurs. This was a good signing for the Spurs.

30-year old small forward Richard Jefferson has shockingly opted out of the last year of his contract with the Spurs which would have paid him $15 million bucks. The Spurs’ front office is likely doing cartwheels right now as Jefferson didn’t pan out for them last season. Jefferson played in 81 games (70 starts) last season for the Spurs and he averaged 31.1 minutes, 12.3 points, 4.4 rebounds and 2.0 assists per game. He has now played in 652 games (569 starts) in his nine years in the NBA and he is averaging 35.2 minutes, 17.0 points, 5.1 rebounds and 2.8 assists per game. Jefferson is the third best small forward available in free agency and I don’t think he enjoyed being the 4th option on offense.

UPDATE: (7/21/2010) - The Spurs have re-signed Richard Jefferson to a multi-year deal. The terms have not been released as of yet. Maybe he’ll be better this time around for the Spurs.

The Spurs are praying that Richard Jefferson will opt out of his contract but that just isn’t going to happen. The only free agent the Spurs would like to bring back is Matt Bonner but he might get an offer they wouldn’t want to match. Despite DeJaun Blair playing so well as a rookie I don’t think the Spurs are ready to start him alongside Tim Duncan quite yet. That means the Spurs will comb the second tier of free agents with Al Harrington, Drew Gooden, Udonis Haslem, Craig Smith, Amir Johnson, Anthony Tolliver and Alex Barron all getting consideration. Don’t expect the Spurs making any big trades unless they are willing to move Tony Parker.

The Spurs have selected 19-year old power forward Ryan Richards with the 49th overall pick of the NBA Draft. Richards played in 9 games (0 starts) in Spain last season and he averaged 12.3 points, 4.8 rebounds and 0.3 assists per game. He played in 12 games (0 starts) in his two years in Spain and he averaged 10.5 points, 3.8 rebounds and 0.3 assists per game. Richards looks like a developmental project but one with a nice upside.