3 Moves That The Spurs Can Make Before Trade Deadline

The San Antonio Spurs are 34-19 and are currently the seventh seed in an incredibly talented Western conference. The Spurs are six games up on the loss column on the eighth seeded Phoenix Suns.

Feb 14, 2015; New York, NY, USA; Western Conference forward

Tim Duncan

of the San Antonio Spurs (21) smiles during practice at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports

While it would certainly be a surprise if the Spurs don’t make the playoffs, there is no indicator as of now that they are a serious threat in beating a team like Golden State. The Spurs have had more injuries than most playoff bound teams, with players like Kawhi Leonard, Tony Parker, Tiago Splitter and Patty Mills missing significant time.

The trade deadline is Thursday, February 19. at 3 p.m. ET. Which moves can the Spurs make before the deadline to spark a team that is ready to defend their title.

Next: Sign Amar'e Stoudemire

Sign Amar’e Stoudemire

Amar’e Stoudemire who was in the final year of his five-year $99.7 million contract, was bought out by the Knicks this weekend. There are rumors swirling that the Dallas Mavericks, Phoenix Suns and Los Angeles Clippers all have interest in Stoudemire. It would be surprising if Stoudemire signs with

Feb 9, 2015; Miami, FL, USA; New York Knicks center Amar

a team that isn’t a contender. He is averaging 12 points and 6.8 rebounds in 24 minutes. What makes Stoudemire an intriguing option is his ability to knock down the mid-range jumper and his efficiency around the basket (54% fg). His ability to thrive in the pick & roll is also key. At this point Stoudemire isn’t the six-time all-star he once was, mainly with Phoenix, but he is a border line starter/terrific second unit guy. Signing the talented big that can play multiple spots down low isn’t much of a risk and the Spurs won’t need to trade someone.

Next: Trade With Denver Nuggets

Acquire Darrell Arthur & Randy Foye Via Trade

A trade with the Denver Nuggets can help the Spurs significantly. The Spurs can send Patty Mills and Jeff Ayres for Randy Foye and Darrell Arthur. The move will help the Spurs more as they will get an active power forward, something they are missing. The 6″9 power forward doesn’t have a true strength but he can defend multiple positions and he can make outside shots. Arthur is averaging 7.5 points and 3.2 rebounds in 17.9 minutes. If Foye is sent to San Antonio it is likely he won’t be used as much as Arthur, as the Spurs have Marco Belinelli and Danny Green at the shooting guard spot. Foye is a terrific outside shooter (38% threes career), but his size (6″4) and lack of athleticism will limit any opportunities he has on the Spurs. The Spurs can also choose to let go of Cory Joseph instead of Mills. I believe the Spurs will choose to stay with Joseph, because of his potential and size.

Next: Trade With Los Angeles Lakers

Acquire Ed Davis and Wesley Johnson Via Trade

A trade with the Lakers can certainly help both teams. Trading for Wesley Johnson and Ed Davis will improve the Spurs bench significantly. The Spurs would lose some future pieces in Kyle Anderson and Cory Joseph, but it can pay off. Johnson will back up Kawhi Leonard. He is a solid defender that can make the three-point shot (36%). He is having a decent season, averaging 9.3 points and 3.7 rebounds this season. Johnson will benefit from going to the Spurs as he would fit into their system as a defender that makes open corner threes. Davis on the other hand is a good fit for the Spurs because he is a young talent that is still developing. The 25-year old is 6″11 and can play both the power forward and center spots. He is averaging 8 points, 7.3 rebounds and 1.2 blocks in 24 minutes. Davis is extremely efficient around the basket, as he is shooting 58% from the field. Acquiring the pair will improve the Spurs defensively and make them much more athletic.

Next: San Antonio Spurs: Looking at the Final Stretch