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San Antonio Spurs Rumors: R.C. Buford shopping first round picks

By Dylan Carter

SAN ANTONIO, TX JUNE 6: R.C. Buford, General Manager of the San Antonio Spurs addresses the media during media availability as part of the 2014 NBA Finals on June 6, 2014 at the Spurs Practice Facility in San Antonio, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2014 NBAE (Photo by Garrett Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images)
SAN ANTONIO, TX JUNE 6: R.C. Buford, General Manager of the San Antonio Spurs addresses the media during media availability as part of the 2014 NBA Finals on June 6, 2014 at the Spurs Practice Facility in San Antonio, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2014 NBAE (Photo by Garrett Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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A reputable source has insinuated that the San Antonio Spurs are shopping their three picks in the 2019 NBA Draft for an established veteran.

Ladies and gentlemen, strap into your seatbelts and hold on for dear life because the NBA offseason is not concerned with how much you can handle.

Journalist and NBA Insider Sam Amico, a reputable source within the pro basketball community, has reported that the San Antonio Spurs are shopping first-round picks for a stable veteran to compete with the rampaging Western Conference.

The San Antonio Spurs are exploring trading one or both of their first-round draft picks for an established veteran, league sources told Amico Hoops.

With three selections in the 2019 NBA Draft, general manager R.C. Buford seems to be gauging the trade market for one or more of his coveted assets heading into next season. The Spurs have a great track record of drafting and developing talent, but the recent three-year contract extension of Gregg Popovich warrants Buford’s decision to search for veteran talent.

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For as much as the Spurs want to instill Pop’s values in the young core, they also want to continue competing for a championship for as long as their fearless leader is in power. Trading a draft pick for immediate help isn’t such a bad idea, especially when considering the emerging landscape of the Western Conference.

Star power forward Anthony Davis is officially headed out of the Southwest Division to join LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers while projected top two picks Ja Morant and Zion Williamson are slated to fill his place. Free agency kicks off in a matter of weeks, but the Draft provides an excellent opportunity to fill out the team’s rotation.

Because of the team’s blatant need for depth on the wing, I discussed a few trade targets for the Spurs to consider at the small forward position. The players mentioned include Phoenix’s TJ Warren, who is currently being shopped, as well as Minnesota’s Three-and-D specialist Robert Covington. Not only could these two players provide scoring versatility and two-way effort, but they’d relieve some of the pressure on Buford, who is expected to re-sign unrestricted free agent Rudy Gay.

Next. Three trade targets to fill the need at small forward

Shedding cap space could prove helpful ahead of free agency, which begins in the evening of June 30. One way or another, it seems like the Spurs will have an improved roster heading into the 2019-20 campaign.