NBA Trade Rumors: San Antonio Spurs Still Shopping DeJuan Blair

Nov 5, 2012; San Antonio, TX, USA; San Antonio Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich gives instruction to forward DeJuan Blair (45) during the first half against the indiana Pacers at the AT /

The San Antonio Spurs have been shopping forward DeJuan Blair for quite some time and they have not been making a secret of it. Blair has seen his minutes and role reduced with the team thanks to the always improving Thiago Splitter and it has made the former Pittsburgh Panthers star expendable.

Now the latest reports coming out of San Antonio are that the Spurs are making another push to move Blair, while most of the NBA’s general managers are in Idaho for the D-League showcase.

Per HoopsWorld’s Alex Kennedy:

"It’s no surprise that DeJuan Blair may be moved prior to the trade deadline on February 21. The San Antonio Spurs have been shopping him for quite some time, and nearly traded him in June. In the days leading up to the 2012 NBA Draft, the Spurs spoke to a number of teams about the 23-year-old big man. They nearly sent Blair to the Miami Heat, but the deal fell apart.Now, San Antonio is once again shopping Blair and seeing what teams are willing to offer.Blair becomes an unrestricted free agent after this season and it’s unlikely that he re-signs with the Spurs since his role has decreased significantly."

There is no denying Blair’s tenacity on the boards. He is a a grinder in the paint and will be able to help a playoff contender who needs a big body to collect rebounds.

If Blair is going to be out after the season, the Spurs may as well get something for him while they can.

Could you think of a NBA playoff team that needs helps on the boards? One team immediately comes to mind — the Miami Heat. Whether or not they make a play for Blair remains to be seen, but he appears on the way out in San Antonio.