With 2002 second round pick Luis Scola unable to reach a buyout agreement with his spanish team, Tau Ceramica, the San Antonio Spurs could not wait any longer and have the signed the Argentina national team's starting center Fabricio Oberto to a three-year deal with $7.5 million.
Oberto, 30, averaged 14.2 points and 7.3 rebounds last season for Pamesa Valencia in Spain's top league. He stands 6-foot-10 and is a good passer and solid low-post scorer whose selflessness, toughness and basketball IQ have long attracted the Spurs.
"He's really wanted this for a long time," said Oberto's agent, Herb Rudoy, who also represents Emanuel
Ginobili. "When I told him we had reached agreement, he said, 'I can't talk, I can only tell you same thing Manu said: My body is too small for my heart. I'm so happy; that's how I feel.'"
On the other hand, Scola might not be able to reach the NBA until his contract expires in three years.
His buyout with Tau Ceramica is a whopping $14.5 million.
Because of this, it is also possible the Spurs will trade his rights but the buyout could scare teams away.