What does signing Miller and flirting with Martin mean for the Spurs?

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The Spurs signing of Andre Miller and their continued negotiations with Kevin Martin are indicative that the team isn't ready to cede the NBA title to Golden State - yet.

Consider that the time immediately after the trade deadline to be a kind of chess match. Teams can pick up scraps and use the new players with an eye to the playoffs.

San Antonio strengthened its rotation when it picked up Patty Mills and Boris Diaw after the trade deadline before the 2012 playoffs. While those additions didn't immediately bring a title, it was critical in bolstering the rotation that got the Spurs within a Ray Allen jumper of winning the 2013 title and then brought home the team's fifth championship the following year.

Golden State saw that the Spurs have improved inside with the addition of LaMarcus Aldridge. So the Warriors added Anderson Varejao as a way to improve inside in case of a potential playoff series with the Spurs.

Oklahoma City had been struggling getting much offensive production from the shooting guard position. The Thunder went out and traded for Randy Foye with an idea to getting additional scoring in the playoffs.

The Los Angeles Clippers added Jeff Green as an immediate insurance policy while Blake Griffin recuperates and also for additional pop inside once the playoffs start.

Denver Nuggets guard Andre Miller, left, drives past San Antonio Spurs guard Nando De Colo, of France, in the first quarter of an NBA basketball game in Denver, Wednesday, April 10, 2013. Denver Nuggets guard Andre Miller, left, drives past San Antonio Spurs guard Nando De Colo, of France, in the first quarter of an NBA basketball game in Denver, Wednesday, April 10, 2013. Photo: David Zalubowski, Associated Press Photo: David Zalubowski, Associated Press Image 1 of / 17 Caption Close What does signing Miller and flirting with Martin mean for the Spurs? 1 / 17 Back to Gallery

But the Spurs' moves might be the most interesting of all.

Miller, 39, is the oldest player in the league. Old-timers in San Antonio will remember he almost led Rick Majerus' Utah team to a national championship in the 1998 Final Four at the Alamodome.

He's had a good pro career but it looking for a ring. And he might find his chance with the Spurs, who have looked for a replacement for Cory Joseph's place in the rotation all season long. Miller can provide depth, defense and playmaking in stretches behind Tony Parker and Patty Mills. He's also another body the Spurs could throw against Steph Curry for a few possessions in a potential Western Conference Finals series with the Warriors.

Martin, if he arrives, would provide some immediate scoring pop. And he also provides a little piece of mind if Manu Ginobili is slow to recover from his testicular surgery, or if he struggles when he returns to the lineup. Ginobili is said to be about three weeks away from returning.

K-Mart turned 33 earlier this month and has played 11 playoff games in his career. He's averaging 10.6 points per game -- worst since his rookie season and is shooting a career-worst 37.7 percent from the field. But he's also only a year removed from averaging 20.0 points per game for the Timberwolves.

It a potential high-scoring series against Golden State, another big shooter would be a welcome addition into the Spurs' arsenal. Miller and Martin could help them get better, and those are the kind of bold moves that Gregg Popovich and R.C. Buford need to be making if they are really serious about a sixth NBA championship.

Particularly as the Warriors are playing at a pace that could lead them to a regular-season record in wins during a regular season.

Tgriffin@express-news.net

Twitter: @TimGriffinBig12