Despite having limited budgets in most cases, the rich tend to get richer in the NBA offseason.

The explanation is simple: Many veteran players, anxious to get a ring before hanging up their sneakers, are willing to take less money to play for a good team.

It's how teams like the Celtics wind up with key guys like James Posey. And how the Spurs have landed the likes of Michael Finley, Robert Horry and Brent Barry at relatively bargain rates in the past.

So, why did Corey Maggette break from the mold and sign with playoff wannabe Golden State when San Antonio wanted him so badly?

The harsh reality is: Maybe the Spurs aren't rich anymore. Just upper-middle class.

The Spurs wooed the Clippers star with talk of him being a difference-maker on a club that's just 13 months removed from having won a title and were just three games away from another berth in the NBA Finals this past season.

But a $5.8 million offer (the most the Spurs could offer in a first-year deal by rule) couldn't compete with the Warriors' $10 million salary for 2008-09 and $50 million guarantee overall.

So the Spurs went to Plan B: Roger Mason Jr., a free agent who agreed to take $7.5 million over two years.

He's no Maggette, but there was a silver lining in the ex-Clipper's choice: At least he didn't choose one of the Spurs' rich competitors.

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