The 5 Best Value Free Agents for San Antonio Spurs in 2015 NBA Offseason

The San Antonio Spurs have developed a history of successfully plucking from the bargain bin—see: Danny Green, Patty Mills, Boris Diaw—and the front office will certainly be browsing the discount aisle once again during 2015 free agency.

As it stands, the franchise has nine free agents (10 if it waives Reggie Williams), so the roster will be shaken up in some capacity. But the following list focuses on non-current Spurs.

These guys aren't flashy or household names, however. Rather, they're the type of players who fill out a team by carving out an important reserve role.

San Antonio will likely pursue high-profile free agents in Marc Gasol and LaMarcus Aldridge, and it may seek to retain some of their own key contributors, but the free-agent market offers a few above-average players at value prices.

C.J. Watson, Point Guard

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Among other shortcomings, injuries hampered San Antonio throughout the year, and the team fell short of a second straight championship. Tony Parker's drop in effectiveness was a glaring issue, especially since the Spurs lacked an efficient backup point guard.

Patty Mills, a shoot-first player, wasn't able to fill that void, and Cory Joseph, who may depart in free agency this summer, wasn't often utilized.

Veteran reserve C.J. Watson could change that, though he comes with a notable red flag: injuries. Watson managed 8.2 points, 2.6 assists and 1.0 steal per contest with the Indiana Pacers, but he suited up for 120 of 164 possible outings.

Larry Bird, the team's president of basketball operations, cited the injury problem as a preeminent reason Watson likely won't return to the team, per Pacers reporter Scott Agness.

San Antonio runs the risk of signing a player whose lack of longevity could limit his postseason value. If that worst-case scenario happens, management would have no one to blame but itself.

But Watson, an experienced pick-and-roll guard and superb long-distance threat (40.0 percent from deep last year), undeniably has value for the Spurs. Watson fits the system, is a solid reserve and a capable spot starter—if he stays healthy.

Shane Larkin, Point Guard

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The New York Knicks were a mess, but Shane Larkin made the most of a terrible situation. He led the Knicks in minutes played, assists and steals, while committing just 1.1 turnovers per game.

However, his time in the Big Apple has concluded. New York declined Larkin's third-year option, presumably in hopes of opening more cap space to pursue a high-profile free agent this offseason.

Larkin won't be confused with an All-Star—6.2 points, 3.0 assists, 2.3 rebounds, 1.2 steals per game last year—but he's a gritty little defender who can disrupt the backcourt.

The Spurs can cultivate his existing skill as a ball-handler in the pick-and-roll, but Larkin's defensive prowess is the main reason they'd contact him anyway.

With two undistinguished seasons under his belt, he is an inexpensive target to potentially replace Cory Joseph. Most importantly, Larkin will be just 23 years old at the beginning of the 2015-16 campaign.

He's not a home run signing, but San Antonio needs some singles and Gold Glovers, too.

K.J. McDaniels, Shooting Guard

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A second-round pick of the Philadelphia 76ers last year, K.J. McDaniels provided explosive athleticism on a decent defensive squad. But he was traded to the Houston Rockets at the deadline.

McDaniels rode the pine before an elbow injury officially ended his season, and he's now a restricted free agent with a qualifying offer of $1.2 million, per Grantland's Zach Lowe.

Houston, despite rarely utilizing McDaniels, could harmlessly pony up the small price simply to have the option of keeping the Clemson product. That doesn't mean the Rockets will re-sign McDaniels with the intention of playing him.

Considering McDaniels logged 25.4 minutes per outing in Philadelphia by tallying 9.2 points, 3.8 rebounds, 1.3 blocks and 0.8 steals, the swingman absolutely created a market for himself. The Spurs could use a versatile player like McDaniels to fill in behind Kawhi Leonard—or grab some of Danny Green's minutes, if the shooting guard leaves in free agency.

San Antonio probably won't engage in a bidding war for McDaniels, but Houston may have no interest in matching a raise and let him sign elsewhere.

Alan Anderson, Shooting Guard

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Whether or not Marco Belinelli returns, the Spurs need a different perimeter option. They could chase sharpshooter Wayne Ellington, but he wouldn't be any different than a defensively challenged Belinelli.

Alan Anderson, on the other hand, is a decent three-point weapon. While he knocked down 34.8 percent from downtown last season, Anderson buried 43.9 percent from the corner, per Vorped.

Unquestionably though, his biggest strength was on the other end of the floor. According to Basketball-Reference.com, Brooklyn Nets opponents were 6.7 points worse during the regular season with Anderson in the game and a staggering 15.2 in the playoffs.

Fred Kerber of the New York Post notes Anderson plans to decline his player option for next season and become a free agent. He recently underwent recent ankle surgery but "should resume basketball activities in July," per Kerber.

Anderson will be 33 years old, though, so he might desire a long(er)-term contract than San Antonio would be willing to offer. But at the right price for a year or two, Anderson would be a valuable addition and slight upgrade over Belinelli.

Ed Davis, Power Forward

Mark J. Terrill/Associated Press

According to Eric Pincus of the Los Angeles Times, Ed Davis wants to remain with the Lakers, but the power forward opted out of his current deal in hopes of a new larger contract.

Per Mark Medina of the Los Angeles Daily News, Davis said, "I'm not out here to chase money. I just want to be in a great situation."

Nevertheless, Davis is a quality big who averaged career-bests across the board last season. He contributed 8.3 points on 60.1 percent shooting, 7.6 rebounds and 1.2 blocks, sporting a 124 offensive rating.

Now, there is a danger of interest not being reciprocated should San Antonio inquire about him. The 6'10" Davis would receive more playing time in Los Angeles or with several other squads, but that doesn't change his free-agent value.

Davis likely won't be too much more expensive than Aron Baynes, a fringe starter in his absolute best-case progression scenario. Davis would provide much-needed rebounding prowess, since Diaw and Tiago Splitter's respective strengths are offense and on-ball defense.

As long as the Spurs have money to spare—which would come from missing out on Gasol and Aldridge—Davis is worth serious consideration.

Unless otherwise noted, stats are courtesy of Basketball-Reference.com and are accurate as of June 1.

Follow Bleacher Report NBA writer David Kenyon on Twitter: @Kenyon19_BR.