3 Game-changing players the Spurs can trade Devin Vassell for this summer

San Antonio forward Devin Vassell has all the potential in the world, although it has never been met for many reasons. Whether it is injuries or inconsistencies on the court year after year, Vassell might not be the best for the Spurs going forward.

Vassell is the team's third-leading scorer, averaging 15.9 points per game over 37 of 52 games. There are nights when Vassell looks like he could be the league's best role player, thanks to his ability to create his streaky shots. However, he can also go through stretches where he contributes significantly for three games and then fails to score more than 10 points per game for two weeks.

Is this due to Mitch Johnson's questionable lineup combinations? It's possible, but any player should be able to shine despite any coaching missteps and find themselves in a position to be effective.

Vassell has not lived up to expectations, and his inconsistencies make his $29 million salary unjustifiable. Simply put, he has hit his ceiling with the Spurs, and it is hindering them as they transition from the "rebuilding" phase to pursuing a playoff push. Therefore, the best option for the Spurs is to trade Vassell to acquire a player who is better suited for the team's future.

Spurs steal a valuable asset from the Lakers

Los Angeles Lakers forward Rui Hachimura has been quite the role player for the Lakers since he was traded to LA in 2023. His 13.6 points per game are the most in his career since the 2020-2021 season when he averaged 15 for the Washington Wizards.

For a Lakers team seemingly always seeking a trade partner, Rui could be the ideal piece to move. His favorable contract, valued at $17 million, and his position in his physical prime make him an attractive asset.

Hachimura would bring significant versatility to the Spurs. His rebounding skills and physical play on both ends of the court, combined with his experience as both a small forward and power forward, would offer the Spurs many options. Additionally, his shooting has improved, with a three-point shooting percentage of 43.4% and a free-throw shooting percentage of 79% this season.

Vassell would provide the Lakers with another scoring threat alongside LeBron James, who is nearing the end of his career. As Luka Doncic emerges as the team’s future star, the Lakers could look to add another scorer this summer to support both Doncic and Austin Reaves, who seem to be part of the team's long-term plans.

Devin has experienced many successes in San Antonio but has yet to establish himself as the team's second or third scoring option. Therefore, trading him to the Lakers for a player like Hachimura, who could seamlessly fill a role on the team, could be the right move.

Spurs finally get the stretch four they've needed for years

Forward Lauri Markkanen has been connected to the Spurs for the past couple of seasons, dating back to his time in Chicago. His scoring ability is exceptional, as he can effectively create his own shot from all three levels. Additionally, his rebounding skills and strong tendencies for help defense would make him a great third option on this team.

To acquire Lauri Markkanen's substantial contract, the Spurs must include Harrison Barnes' $18 million contract and Julian Champagnie's more minor $3.2 million deal to match salaries. They say patience brings excellent rewards, and the Spurs acquiring Lauri now might not be as difficult as it seems.

Over the last three years, he has increased his production, demonstrating that he is a superstar-caliber player. When Lauri was first linked to the Spurs, he was still proving himself, and it was uncertain whether he could be that standout player. It is now safe to say that he is and would be a great addition to San Antonio. Plus, he's only 27.

Spurs kickstart a championship run era

Whether he likes to hear it or not, Kevin Durant was on the trade rumor mill earlier this season. The Phoenix Suns have a record of 26-28 and are in the middle of a play-in tournament race.

Unfortunately, Durant and the "play-in" tournament do not sound right, highlighting the need for the Suns to consider rebuilding, with Durant potentially being the first piece to go. The Spurs would be the ideal destination for him.

The Spurs already have a championship duo in Wemby and Swipa Fox. Both players have performed well together so far, and with another half of the season remaining, they will become increasingly familiar with each other's skill sets. To enhance their chances of contending for a championship, they could benefit from adding a player of Durant's caliber, regardless of his age, to form a strong trio.

After years of tormenting the Spurs during many playoff battles, Durant could redeem himself by uplifting San Antonio into NBA championship contention.

Durant, 36, is currently under contract until 2026, which means the window for a championship opportunity could be narrow. It seems unlikely that the Spurs would extend Durant's contract for the last couple of years he has left, especially considering that they will need to reward Victor Wembanyama with a significant deal shortly.

That contract will likely be record-breaking, making it challenging for the Spurs to accommodate two major contracts on the same team, as this does not align with the Spurs’ traditional approach. However, if Wembanyama, Durant, and Fox can play together for two seasons, they have the potential to make a strong championship run.

KD remains one of the league's best scorers, averaging 27.3 points per game. Additionally, he is not the defensive liability he was earlier in his career. Pairing him with Victor would deter opposing teams from attacking the paint.

Their combined defensive abilities could be just as impactful as their offensive prowess. Both are unorthodox offensive weapons, and together, Durant and Wembanyama could be seen as San Antonio's second coming of the "Twin Towers" that Tim Duncan and David Robinson once were decades ago.

Getting a package of Vassell, Champagnie, and a handful of draft picks could be just what the Suns need to begin their rebuild.