2014 NBA Draft: San Antonio Spurs Trade Targets

Mar 20, 2014; Spokane, WA, USA; Michigan State Spartans forward Adreian Payne (5) dribbles against Delaware Fightin Blue Hens forward Carl Baptiste (33) in the first half of a men

The San Antonio Spurs have never really been a team known for aggressive NBA draft moves, but if the opportunity is there, who could they pursue in a trade?

Kyle Anderson – PF – UCLA

It’s been very hard for NBA draft experts to pin a landing spot on Kyle Anderson.  The UCLA power forward has so much going for him.  He’s at his best on the perimeter, handles the ball extremely well, shows outstanding vision the court as emphasized by his passing and can shoot from three-point range.  There is also no fear in him to drop in low and go for the tough rebounds.  His limited athleticism might turn teams off, but in a team-based setting like San Antonio, he would thrive.

Adreian Payne – PF – Michigan State

Gregg Popovich has always valued versatility in his players since he took over the San Antonio Spurs.  A talent like Adreian Payne would check off every box in that department.  Not only is he big and long but he’s a great athlete, quick for his size and plays tough on defense and when rebounding.  His added ability to score makes him a two-way threat.  At Michigan State he played at both the four and five positions, something the Spurs have seen Tim Duncan do for years.  If Payne drops to within range, San Antonio might secure a major contributor with upside if they jump up to get him.

Jusuf Nurkic – C – Bosnia

Given that their current roster has already won a championship, the San Antonio Spurs know they don’t have to do anything drastic in the short-term.  This has caused some NBA draft experts to believe the team would love to collect a talented international prospect and stash him overseas for later.  If that is indeed the case, there is no reason to play it cautious, especially if Bosnian star Jusuf Nurkic comes within reach.  At 6’11”, 280 lbs he is huge, even for a big man.  The best part is he’s only 19-years old and already has a soft shooting touch on the offensive end.  He’s not a premier athlete but his potential as a dominator in the paint could override that concern.